Adoption Application

GaDaH LOCATION
187 Downs Road, Sebec, Maine, 04481
207-564-8838

Application and Adoption Process

We are UNABLE to process applications from Massachusetts and Rhode Island due to strictly enforced state quarantine requirements that we are not prepared to put any of our dogs through!

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Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue - Adoption Application

APPLICANTS MUST BE at LEAST 21 years of age!

GaDaH strongly suggests that Senior Citizens consider adopting one of our older dogs.
Certain exceptions for special needs dogs may be considered on a case by case basis only.
This decision was made in the best interest of our dogs and is not in any way to be misconstrued as discriminatory.

Please complete this form in FULL and then read over before hitting the SUBMIT button.
You will receive an automated email to confirm we have received it.
If you do not receive the email, the form has not gone through and you most likely have not completed one of the required fields - indicated by "*".

Since the dogs we save don't arrive in the shelter with AKC papers there is no way to guarantee a dog is a purebred or not. We leave it up to YOU to decide if you think the dog is a purebred, we just post the pictures and their information.
Completion of this application does not guarantee to adopt a dog from Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue (GaDaH).

The dogs we save are from KILL SHELTERS in Texas, we have no way of knowing what breed the dog is, other than it's appearance.
People have different opinions as to what some of the dogs breed maybe. You have to look at the pictures and video's and decide for yourself. Some of the adoption sites we post on have limited choices of dog-breeds so if a breed that we or the shelter think the dog is, is not listed, we have to choose something else. So please look at the dog, do your own research and determine the breed YOU think the dog and be happy with that before completing and submitting this application!

Name of Dog you are Applying to Adopt *

Name of 2nd dog, or 2nd choice back-up. It is common for us to get more than one application for our dogs. *

We have families traveling from all over the east coast and down from Canada, some traveling for over 9 hours one way to meet and adopt our dogs. Please ensure you are able to travel to the rescue in Sebec, ME before submitting your application. We do NOT hold dogs!

Once approved to adopt you will be invited to the rescue in Sebec, Maine to meet the dog/s of your choice, where if all goes well you will then all travel home together. No dog will leave the rescue without the adoption fee being paid in full. Adoption fee's are in $ US. Please print your name to confirm you understand. *

We do not hold dogs, so it is wise to plan to come to the rescue ASAP to meet and hopefully take home your new best friend. It takes just 2-4 days to process applications so it is advised to tentatively plan your travel around that time after your application has been received. If someone else is approved to adopt and can come to meet pick up before you, then we allow that to happen, unless it is the first weekend after an application is approved. When a dog leaves the rescue, we immediately work with the shelter to save another. How soon are you able to travel to Sebec, Maine? *

Please note: we perform background checks on every potential adopter, and will not adopt a pet to any person convicted of a violent crime or animal abuse.

Full LEGAL Name *

First

Last

Date *

Main Applicant Date of Birth (required for background check) *

State, Zip Code *

I hereby give my permission to Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue, to obtain information relating to my criminal history record. I understand that this information will be used, in part, to determine my eligibility for adopting a dog from this organization. *

First

Last

About Applicant

Name *

First

Last

Address *

Line 1

Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Country

Home Phone Number *

Cell Phone Number *

Work Phone Number *

Can we contact you at work? *

Best time to contact you? *

Email: Please CHECK this email address, if it is wrong we are UNABLE to contact you! *

EMPLOYMENT Information: Current Employer: Job Title: Supervisor Name: Supervisor Contact Information: Length of Employment: *

Are you currently working with other rescues/shelters to find you a new forever friend? *

Do you have other dogs from other places, that you are considering right now to adopt? *

About the dog you are interested in Adopting

Name of dog you are interested in adopting. *

Gender of Dog *

Presumed Breed - there is no way of knowing the TRUE breed of the dog, so it is what you think it looks like! *

Adoption Fee (All adoption fee's are in $ US) *

Colour of Dog? *

Intended method of payment *

Why this dog in particular? *

Have you ever owned a this breed of dog before? *

Are you familiar, or have researched breed characteristics, common medical conditions and other needs the dog will require? Please explain! *

What characteristics do you expect in your new dog? *

Do you intend on attending any kind of obedience, rally or agility classes with your dog and / or training it to be a working dog? * *

If yes to above - which company / trainer will be working with you? *

Please ensure you do your due-diligence before signing up with any trainer, or training organization - not all trainers are experienced or legitimate. GaDaH recommends that you find a trainer / organization that has EXPERIENCE with the German Shepherd Dog, or at least working breed dogs. This is extremely important if you have a disability and are looking for a companion, therapy, or service dog!

Do you intend training your dog to be a guard dog to your home or property? If yes please explain. *

How do you intend to provide the dog suitable exercise for its needs (age, breed, weight, energy level)? *

From your experience or research how long (average) does this breed of dog live? *

Although you maybe active and healthy now - do you envisage yourself to be as active and able to give the dog its physical needs when the dog reaches old age? Please elaborate! *

Do you understand that dogs need to have MENTAL stimulation as much as physical exercise? How do you intend on achieving this? *

Where will the dog mainly be living? *

Approximately how many hours each day do you anticipate your dog will be home alone? *

Where and how would you keep the dog when left alone? *

Where will the dog be sleeping at night? *

List all reasons that would make you want to return your adopted dog! *

If the dogs ears were semi-erect would you have them "taped" or a medical procedure to make them stand up? *

Would you consider any kind of cosmetic surgery on your dog, ears cropped, tails docked etc. If yes, what and the reason why? *

Although your dog is micro-chipped do you intend having "dog ID tags" made to be worn on it's collar. So in the event of escape or getting lost, people can quickly relocate them back to you? *

A link to some information on why ID tags and collars are so important for you pets.
Why should my dog wear a collar and ID tags?

Are you aware that most cities require you to register your pet *

Are you aware of your city / states "Leash Laws"? *

What brand / kind of food do you currently feed your dog? *

What brand / kind of food do you intend feeding your new dog? *

Why have you chosen that particular brand / type of food? *

Link to Dog Food Adviser Website

Are you aware that it can cause potential joint or orthopedic problems if you give plenty of exercise a puppy / young dog? *

Link to a German Shepherd Dog website stating the potential harm of giving a young dog (under 18-24 months) plenty of exercise, or having your young dog as a running companion.
German Shepherd Puppies and Exercise

In relation to where you live, what are your policies on heart-worm prevention? (year round, only in the summer, ect.) Reasons why you use this time-frame. *

Are you aware that heartworm disease can ONLY be transmitted by mosquito's. In relation to where you live, how many months of the year are there mosquito's? *

Link to American Heartworm Society - Heartworm Basics

Your dog will come with "current" rabies vaccination, this could however be due to expire within a month of you getting them. Please ensure you check with your county, the Rabies requirement. *

I understand that when a dog is rehomed, it can be a traumatic experience. Some dogs adapt straight away, other dogs take anything up to several weeks to adjust to once again being moved from where they felt safe and loved to start over again. I agree to give the dog time to adapt to its new surroundings and routine, to spend time ensuring it feels loved. I understand that energetic dogs in the rescue, could initially be quiet and reserved until they have adatpted and accepted our family and home as their own. *

First

Last

About Your Family

How did you hear about Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue? Which website, Adopt-a-Pet, RescueMe ect. *

If there is more than one person involved with your home situation, have you thoroughly discussed what this adoption will entail in the terms of TIME, ENERGY, FINANCIAL EXPENSES (e.g. routine / emergency medical care, food, supplies, boarding, e.t.c.) effort and affections? *

Do you understand the IMPORTANCE of ensuring that all adults and children understand the correct way to approach, behave and handle the dog and that at times, they too just may want to be left alone? Please elaborate! *

Are all people living in your home ready to accept the commitment of a new family member *

Are you financially capable to provide the best care for your dog should any injuries, illness, accidents or disabilities occur (hip dysplacia, arthiritis, cancer, degenerative myelopathy, broken bones ect.)? *

How do you see your new dog fitting into your current and future lifestyle? *

Are you willing to accept that although "most" dogs, like "most" people, there could be times when the dog does not like certain people? Should this happen what action would you take? *

If your financial circumstances change, would you be able to rely upon friends and family to help financially should an emergency occur that you are not able to cover? *

If your family / living arrangements change in the future, divorce, split up ect. what would you do about the dog? *

In the unfortunate event of your death, who would be left to take care of the dog, are they in agreement and is this, or will it be noted in your will? *

Are you now, or in 4-5 years going to be able to lift or assist the dog you are wanting to adopt? *

How many people live in your home and what are their relationships and ages? *

Does anyone in your household have any known allergies to animals? *

Is everyone committed to giving the dog a loving home for the rest of the dogs life? *

Have you and your family considered that a dog can live for up to 12-15 years, smaller dogs much longer? *

If the dog gets sick, injured or is diagnosed with a disease that means it will need assistance getting up, moving around, getting up and down stairs, how would you deal with the situation? *

About your Home Environment

Current Residence, do you; *

I agree that if I live in a rented property I MUST get a letter from my landlord, clearly stating that the breed of dog I am hoping to adopt will be allowed with any other pets I have to live within the home. The letter must be received before the adoption process can move forward. *

Please give a brief description of the property *

Will you be moving, relocating in the near future? If yes, what do you intend to do with your pet/s? *

If you do have to move, are you prepared to look for pet friendly property to ensure that your pets STAY with you no matter where you go? *

Do you have a back up plan of accomodation for your pet/s if you have to deploy or move at short notice? Please explain! *

Are there any distractions outside that could irritate your dog, or cause them to want to get out (neighbors dogs, loose dogs on the street, mischievous children, wild animals)? If yes please explain what, and how you would help your dog not bother with the distractions! *

Have you, or will you check your home and places you visit for dangerous articles, plants or anything that could cause potential harm to your dog? *

Information only -open and save to your browser for quick reference!

Pet Poisons Helpline

Common Household Dangers for Pets

Foods to avoid feeding your pets

What size and type of fencing do you have? Is it free from damage, holes, or weak areas? *

Information - dogs in general and especially German Shepherd Dogs can very easily get out of a fenced yard / area, should they want to. A 6ft privacy fence is nothing for an average GSD to get over, and chain link and other fencing is easy to climb, then of course digging can be fun. Please take your yard enclosure seriously, ensuring that it is as secure as can be. Do not leave your dog unsupervised outside, especially in the first few weeks, this is extremely important.

MEDICAL

We do not reimburse vet expenses after adoption which is why we strongly suggest adopters obtain insurance. We do check for and treat parasites like giardia, coccidia, tapeworms, hookworms, whip-worms and roundworms, but testing is only a snapshot in time and we cannot guarantee a parasite-free dog.

This is true for any dog - rescue, shelter, breeder or owner surrender - and treatment of parasites is part of every day dog ownership. Ear infections, skin issues and orthopedic issues are common problems with many of the dogs we rescue and you will need to be prepared to provide this care after adoption.

ALL dogs are de-wormed and are flea and tic free BEFORE they leave the rescue.

All adoptions come with a 30 day FREE insurance plan provided by PET FIRST. Information can be found by clicking the PET FIRST advertisement at the top of this page.

I understand - Name *

First

Last

Date: *

Previous and Current Pets

What other pets do you currently have living with you and where do they live? Please provide, species, sex, breed, name, if they are spayed/neutered, if not, then please explan why not. *

Are all pets that are required to be licenced with the city, licenced with the city? *

Are all pets up to date with their RABIES vaccine, within county requirements. *

What precautions do you take against Heart-worm Disease? *

What precautions do you take against Flea & Ticks *

Please provide any other information / experience that will help GaDaH process your application. *

Have you ever given away, had a pet euthanized or surrendered to a shelter, facility or anywhere else? If so please explain the circumstances why? *

Required References

The GaDaH policy is that we have contact with at LEAST two personal friends, who know about you and your past/present pets, and to speak to your veterinarian. Please ensure you tell them that we WILL call them and please give your permission for them to speak with a Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Representative. Please note, we do require that any former or previous pets have had the recommended preventatives, vaccines and treatments specific to your area, or reason that can satisfy us why not. We understand that vaccines and other treatments can be bought online or at low-cost vet clinics, we will need copies of these records to continue processing your application.

After receipt of the application, it generally takes 2-4 days to process, your references will be the ones holding up the process if we cannot contact them, or they do not return our phone calls. Please ensure your references know a GaDaH representative will be calling and in order to move forward with your application we MUST be able to speak to them.

Please provide the name of your first personal reference.

1st Reference Name - NO Family Members, or fiances, boyfriend/girlfriend or living in the same home as you (please ensure they are aware we will be calling)! This information IS REQUIRED to submit application! *

First

Last

How long have you known this person? *

What relationship are they to you? (friend, colleague, ect...) *

Home Phone Number *

Cell Phone Number *

Can we contact them at work? *

Work Phone Number *

Email *

Best time to contact. Earliest and latest times we are able to call. *

Please provide the name of your first personal reference.

2nd Reference Name - No Family Members, or fiances, boyfriend/girlfriend or living in the same home as you (please ensure they are aware we will be calling)! This information IS REQUIRED to submit application! *

First

Last

How long have you known this person? *

What relationship are they to you? (friend, colleague, ect...) *

Home Phone Number *

Cell Phone Number *

Can we contact them at work? *

Work Phone Number *

Email *

Best time to contact. Earliest and latest times we are able to call. *

Back-up Reference Name (to be used if we are having trouble contacting one of your listed references). You do NOT have to provide this reference! *

First

Last

What relationship are they to you and how long have you known them? *

Cell Phone Number *

Home Phone Number *

Work Phone Number *

Can we contact them at work? *

Best time to contact. Earliest and latest times we are able to call. *

Email *

Please provide your Veterinarian's Information.
Be sure to give them approval to talk to us and check that the Pets are listed in YOUR name!

Veterinary Reference - REQUIRED - please ensure your vets office are aware we will be calling and give them permission to talk to our GaDaH representative. *

First

Last

Veterinary Clinic / Hospital Name *

Phone Number *

Address *

Line 1

Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Country

Opening days & hours *

Name & Phone number on the account. *

How long have you used this veterinarian? *

Which pet/s have been treated at this veterinarian? *

MEDICAL INFORMATION - DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ

Every effort is made to make sure that any dog we place is thoroughly evaluated for its temperament, health, physical soundness and overall adopt-ability, before it is ever offered up for adoption. If we or our vet suspects hip, joint of bone problems we ALWAYS have radio graphs done and if surgery is needed then they have their surgery. However, not all disease or illness show symptoms and some dogs have very high pain thresholds.We care about our dogs and our adopters and we do our very best to make sure that the dog is right for the adopter and in good condition. However, Rescue cannot and does not guarantee the health or temperament of the dog, has no documentation on the actual breed unless otherwise provided or lineage of the rescued dog, and costs for medical care after placement are the responsibility of the adopting party(s).

We do our very best to send a healthy dog home with you and we want our adopters to understand that dogs are living creatures who can become suddenly ill just like humans do.

All dogs are

Spayed or Neutered
DHPP Vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo and Parainfluenza)
Rabies
Heart-worm and tick disease (4DX) tested, if old enough
De-wormed
Micro-chipped.

We do not reimburse vet expenses after adoption which is why we strongly suggest adopters obtain insurance. We do check for and treat parasites like giardia, coccidia, tapeworms, hookworms, whip-worms and roundworms, but testing is only a snapshot in time and we cannot guarantee a parasite-free dog. This is true for any dog - rescue, shelter, breeder or owner surrender - and treatment of parasites is part of every day dog ownership. Ear infections, skin issues and orthopedic issues are common problems with many of the dogs we rescue and you will need to be prepared to provide this care after adoption.

When you meet and greet with the dog, be sure to make sure YOU are happy with their appearance and should you see anything that causes concern, you MUST bring it to our attention at that time.

In an effort to help you be reassured that your new family member is as healthy as can be, GaDaH would like to give you the opportunity for the following tests, radio-graphs be conducted, before you finalize the adoption. An example would be - hip x-rays show signs of hip dysplacia

These tests can only be offered at YOUR OWN EXPENSE and should something be discovered that changes your mind on wanting to adopt, the cost is NON-REFUNDABLE.

If you would like any of these services, please contact the rescue, we would need to know which examination you would like performed and then we will tell you which veterinarian we use. You would then need to call the veterinarian and make payment. Once payment has been received they will call us and we will make an appointment.

GaDaH is prepared to take the dog to the vet for any of the procedures below, provided that the payment has been made directly to the veterinarian of our choice. This is a NON- REFUNDABLE expense should the adoption not be finalized for whatever reason. Please select ANY of the procedures you require. A GaDaH representative will contact you with further instructions. *

Bordetella - if dog going to an adoptive family outside of TEXAS, the dog will receive this vaccine at NO cost to adopter Veterinarian Health Certificate - if dog going to an adoptive family outside of TEXAS, the dog will receive this certification at NO cost to the adopter Complete Blood Count - CBC Hip Radiograph (x-rays) Elbow Radiograph (x-rays) Teeth Cleaning

Any other comments / information you would like to share to support your application? *

By typing my name in the box below, I state that ALL information is true and correct to the best of my ability *

Date *

Submit

This free book guides you through the first seven days of Adopting a Shelter Dog. With seven simple lessons, the book helps you ease the transition from shelter life to home life for you and your pup.

This is a very informative book, however, please remember although your dog/pup came from a shelter, they have been established living at the rescue, amongst other dogs, and so please read baring this in mind.

Adopting a Rescue Dog - pdg
File Size:	1979 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Dog and Cat Health Secrets
File Size:	2629 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

About Dr. Andrew Jones DVM

Dr. Andrew Jones was raised on a farm in rural British Columbia, Canada. He grew up reading James Herriot books, which were stories about the life of a mixed animal veterinarian in rural England. These humorous stories inspired the young Dr. Jones and painted a picture of a dedicated vet and a fulfilling life.

Since graduating with his DVM from the University of Saskatchewan in 1992, Dr. Jones has been practicing, until recently, as a small animal veterinarian and has treated thousands of animals. He has a special interest in a variety of alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets and has written numerous pet-health articles. He is the owner of the Nelson Animal Hospital, in Nelson BC.

Dr. Jones' pets, Lewis and Cleo, are a part of his family. This philosophy of animals being members of the family is applied to his practice as well; his client's pets are a part of their family and they deserve the best care possible.

For more detailed information about Dr. Jones and his practice, visit www.nelsonvet.com.

Dr. Jones has recently resigned from the College of Veterinarians of BC. For more information on his story, please go here:

Dr Jones resigns

GaDaH LOCATION187 Downs Road, Sebec, Maine, 04481207-564-8838

Application and Adoption Process

Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue - Adoption Application

About Applicant

About the dog you are interested in Adopting

About Your Family

About your Home Environment

MEDICAL

Previous and Current Pets﻿

﻿Required References﻿

MEDICAL INFORMATION - DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ

GaDaH LOCATION
187 Downs Road, Sebec, Maine, 04481
207-564-8838

Previous and Current Pets

Required References