Adoption - German Shepherd Rescue South, Rescuing German Shepherds Since 2007 (2024)

Next Event: Join us for our first GSRS Social Walk of 2024! 🚶‍♂️🐾 This Easter Sunday at 10am, ( March 31st) gather with fellow dog lovers and furry friends for a delightful stroll in the spring sunshine (fingers crossed!). It’s the perfect opportunity to be social, stretch your legs and your dog’s too! 🌷 After the walk, treat yourself to some coffee, cakes, and exciting raffle prizes all raising funds for the dogs in our care. Don’t miss out on the fun – hopefully in the spring sun! 🙌💛 Please pop your name down if you are able to make it so we can cater for the right numbers – or tag your friend (s) to come along too! ( I have tagged a few) we can’t wait to see you all again! 💥 See you there! 🐕☀️ - 31st March at 10:00 am View All Events

Adoption

Please read our adoption criteria and if you meet this, live in the South of the UK, and feel able to adopt a dog you will need to complete our online application form. We do this in order to ensure we can find the most suitable home possible for our dogs.

Our adoption process is a simple way of learning about you, your environment and what your can offer one of our dogs. Once successfully completed our team will endeavour to match your requirements to the needs of our dogs and organise a time for you to meet the them.

We carry out regular checks on all our rehomed dogs and are always on hand to support you with our ‘GSRS Rescue Back Up for Life Guarantee.’

Adoption - German Shepherd Rescue South, Rescuing German Shepherds Since 2007 (1)

Having previously fostered a German Shepherd from GSRS, adopting one was always on the cards and we were lucky enough that a beautiful dog became available.

Life is so different now, enriched by this adorable guardian who gives so much unconditional love and joy, yet cares and protects in her own unique special German Shepherd way.

GSRS have been wonderful and have kept in touch to make sure the dog has settled in well.
To add to that we have also been invited to go along to the regular ‘Social Walks’ and GSRS events which has allowed us the opportunity to meet and chat to many other the rescue adoptees. It’s one big happy caring family! We can’t recommend GSRS highly enough.

Mr & Mrs A from Hampshire

Adoption Information

To Adopt one of our German Shepherd Dog’s:

Initially, if you live in the South of England and meet our adoption criteria, complete the Adoption Application Form.
To offer support and a full back up service German Shepherd Rescue South needs to be within a sensible and cost effective travelling distance of our adopted or fostered dogs.
Sadly we cannot do this if you live a long distance away from our base in Hampshire.
(We are not affiliated to any other rescue, however there are other national German Shepherd Dog Rescue Centres who deal with rehoming dogs throughout the UK.)

Once we have received your Adoption Application a volunteer will contact you to discuss details contained within it and arrange a Homecheck.
If you have previously owned a dog, we will also carry out a Vets check.
One of our Homecheck volunteers will then to arrange to visit you in your own home.
It is very important that ALL the family members should be present at this meeting.
Once the assessment has been carried out a member of the Administration team will then contact you to confirm if your application is successful or not.

What happens next?

If you pass the Homecheck a telephone call will be made to you to see if you still want to go ahead with the Adoption.
We take great care in trying to match a dog that we feel is most suitable for your family and the new home environment it will be residing.
Sometimes we are asked about a particular dog that has been seen available on our website, however, this does NOT always mean that this dog is suitable for your environment or lifestyle.

We do everything we can to get a perfect match and although we try to find out as much as we can about each individual dog when they first arrive at the rescue there are some that can have medical problems or social difficulties and these have to be sympathetically considered when rehoming.

If you have a resident dog(s), you will want them to meet your prospective new dog to judge whether they will get on. This can be arranged via our volunteers, but can sometimes take a little while to set up.
If you live in rented property for example, Council, Housing Association or Private Rented, you will need to provide written proof of permission from your landlord to keep a dog/s at that property. To save wasting time please can this be obtained prior to the Homecheck, and a copy forwarded to GSRS.

If you decide to adopt a dog, we will then proceed with finalising the Adoption paperwork and organise the transportation of your new dog.
You will then be given guidelines and advice as to the best way to help your rescue dog settle into your home.

We do not rehome to the following

Rehoming our dogs is our number one priority however there are certain situations and locations that we do NOT considered suitable for our dogs, these are:

  • Public Houses and Clubs.
  • Flats and Shared Garden accommodation.
  • For Breeding purposes. (We have no breeding policy)
  • Where they will be left outside in a kennel and not allowed indoors.
  • To be used for guarding purposes.
  • Families with children under 10 years of age. (unless they have previously lived with a German shepherd)
  • Gardens where the fence is not secure and does not stand to at least 6ft all around.
  • Where a dog will be left on its own for more than 3 to 4 hours at a time.
  • Persons under the age of 21.
  • Where an applicant would not be physically capable of exercising or taking the dog for regular walks.

If you feel due to a set of circ*mstances beyond your control that you are unfairly being put into one of the above categories but still should be allowed the opportunity to adopt a dog then please fill in the online Adoption form and include full details of these circ*mstances. We will then get in touch and discuss it with you.

Making contact

To help you during the initial adoption period we will keep in contact to see how the dog is settling in and how you are managing.
We will then arrange a follow up Homecheck approximately 6 weeks after the date of adoption. We will give you contact details of one of our volunteers in case you need guidance or support at anytime.

Telephone support is always available, so you will not be left alone to cope should you have any problems. We offer a ‘GSRS Rescue Back Up for Life Guarantee.’

Our Facebook page is an integral part of our GSRS social life and is a fantastic way to keep in touch with other German Shepherd Dog owners and to get help or pass on good advice when needed.

Donation

As part of the Adoption process GSRS will ask for an Adoption Donation to the charity. This is in the region of £175 – £400, depending on the age of the dog. This donation enables us to provide veterinary care and kennels for those dogs in need of our support.

If the adopted dog has a lifelong medical condition the fee will be negotiable.

Pure bred Geman Shepherds up to the age of 5 and German Shepherd Crosses up to the age of 7 do come with four weeks FREE Insurance.
(The insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions)

If after reading our conditions you still feel that you want to give a German Shepherd Dog a good home then please complete our online Application form.

By completing it, you will agree that your details will be held on file by GSRS.
In return we agree NOT to share your details with any other organisation or partner without your permission. Please read our GDPR safety policy.

Fostering

We are in desperate need of Foster homes, so if you feel that you could help us then please fill out the online Fostering Application Form or contact one of the Administration team.

GSRS will cover all the costs and in return, you will provide a safe and loving environment for one of our dogs until a permanent home is found.

Adopt Today

It’s easy to adopt, just fill in the application form online and we will be in touch.

Application Form

Adoption - German Shepherd Rescue South, Rescuing German Shepherds Since 2007 (2)

See all our Dogs looking for homes

Please view our latest list of lovely dogs looking for their new forever homes.

See the Dogs

Adoption - German Shepherd Rescue South, Rescuing German Shepherds Since 2007 (2024)

FAQs

Why do so many German Shepherds end up in shelters? ›

The majority of German Shepherds in shelters arrive there as strays. Owner turn-ins are due to a variety of reasons. Currently, 2 of the most common reasons are owners moving (rental housing is difficult to find if you live with a German Shepherd.

What is the best age to adopt a GSD? ›

Early Puppyhood (8-12 Weeks)

This age range is considered ideal for bringing a German Shepherd puppy into your home. During this stage, puppies are highly adaptable and eager to learn. They are more receptive to socialization, training, and forming bonds with their new family.

Do German Shepherds get calmer as they get older? ›

They will calm down somewhere between the age of 5-7 but may never be a full couch potato. Each dog is different and some may calm down earlier or later. Keep in mind that German Shepherds may never be as calm as another dog breed but they will get calmer over time.

What happens to German Shepherds when they get old? ›

As German shepherds age, they begin to slow down and some will suffer from degenerative diseases such as cruciate ligament injuries, spinal stenosis, hip dysplasia, and other orthopedic problems. While it is important for them to keep moving, it is also important to keep them from overdoing it and becoming injured.

What is the number one cause of death in German Shepherds? ›

Degenerative myelopathy

According to one UK study, musculoskeletal disorders (like DM) and an inability to stand are the most common causes of death for German Shepherds. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics can play a significant role—yet another reason to seek out a reputable GSD breeder!

What is the most surrendered dog breed? ›

#1 American Pit Bull Terrier

Likewise, when an owner passes away or a pit bull accidently gets pregnant, the result is often surrender – through not fault of the dog! Nevertheless, pit bulls are intelligent, and they are highly trainable. They can make lovely pets… given the chance.

At what age is a GSD considered a senior? ›

The lifespan of a German Shepherd is typically 10 to 14 years. Around 7 to 9 years old, they may be considered senior, and signs of aging, such as reduced activity and joint stiffness, may become more apparent.

At what age do German Shepherds grow the most? ›

I generally say that most female Shepherds will hit full weight between 1.5 to 2 years of age and males hit full weight at 2 – 3 years of age.

Should I adopt a male or female German Shepherd? ›

In summary; Males are more territorial (protective of their property) , Females more pack protective (protective of their family). Females are typically less stubborn and more vocal but both make wonderful family dogs.

Are male or female German Shepherds more calm? ›

Female German Shepherds tend to be gentler and doting than their male counterparts. Because they are softer, they often work very well in companion homes, living alongside children and adults of all ages. Females tend to have excellent judgment when assessing strangers.

Do male or female German Shepherds live longer? ›

Female German Shepherd Dogs lived on average 1.4 years longer than male German Shepherd Dogs (11.1 years versus 9.7 years). While there is no guarantee on the lifespan of any individual dog, this does suggest that a female German Shepherd Dog may be a better option for owners for whom a longer-lived pet is a priority.

What is the average age for a German Shepherd to live? ›

The German Shepherd dog (GSD) is one of the larger dog breeds with multiple excellent qualities. Its average lifespan is 9-13 years, which concurs with the timeline for most dogs. However, a range of factors may affect its livelihood, and it is essential to pay attention to these concerns to prolong their lives.

At what age do German Shepherds hips go bad? ›

The age at which German Shepherds can develop hip dysplasia can vary, but typically symptoms begin to show around 6 months to 1 year of age. However, the condition can also manifest later in life, often between 4 and 7 years of age.

When to put down a German Shepherd? ›

You know your dog better than anyone but often you can't tell the level of pain – look out for:
  1. Vomiting and retching.
  2. Loss of appetite and thirst.
  3. Crying when touched or moved.
  4. Hiding and excessive sleeping.
  5. Rapid breathing.
  6. Shaking and shivering even when it's warm.
  7. A rigid distended tummy.
  8. Excessive panting and drooling.

Why do most apartments not allow German Shepherds? ›

Well, these rules stem from such breeds being perceived as aggressive, noisy, dangerous, and uncontrollable. It's not just safety concerns, though. Some rental properties also have restrictions based on size, weight, age, and exercise requirements.

What is the end of life for German Shepherds? ›

German Shepherds often live around 9 to 13 years. Here's a list of some common behavioral changes that dogs may exhibit near the end of their life: Lethargy: Increased tiredness and decreased activity levels. Appetite Changes: Reduced interest in food or being pickier about their diet.

Why are German Shepherds mostly police dogs? ›

Today, German Shepherds remain the most popular breed of police canines in service around the world as they are most well known for their size, keen intelligence and work ethic.

References

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