MAGSR.ORG - Providing Adoption And Rescue Services For German Shepherd Dogs In Maryland

Adoption FAQs

Adoption Application

Do Your Research...Be Sure A GSD is Right for You BEFORE Applying for Adoption!

To help understand the 'pack' mentality which will make your dog a better family member, and you a better dog owner, it is strongly suggested that you read, Nancy Baer and Steve Duno's,

'LEADER OF THE PACK'

Frequently Asked Questions about our adoption policies
Please read this before submitting your application!

What is your adoption fee?
- Our non-refundable adoption fee is $225. (Cash or check accepted only.) This fee replaces the funds that we have already spent on the dog you adopt. MAGSR dogs are fully vaccinated and spayed/neutered (unless they are too young). We pay for a fecal exam, a heartworm test (and treatment, if applicable), and we keep them on monthly heartworm preventative and flea/tick preventative, while in our care. We also pay for their boarding and supplies while they are with us. The adoption fee helps defray some of our expenses, so that we can save more dogs.

What exactly do you consider the mid-Atlantic area?
- MD, All of Maryland
- DE, most of DE
- PA, 717 area code.
- VA, within 30 minutes of DC
- WV, within 30 minutes of MD.

If we do not have a volunteer within a reasonable driving distance to you in these areas, we'll let you know that we are unable to process your application. If you aren't sure if you're in our area and do not want to fill out an application until you know, please send us an e-mail at email us here before submitting an application.

I live in Tennessee (or Colorado, Maine, etc) and can't find a good German Shepherd in my area - can I adopt from you?
- We sure wish we had the volunteer base and resources to drastically expand our adoption area, but we just don't. Part of our approval process is a home visit - so we need to have a volunteer within a reasonable distance from you (or one who has visited you) in order to complete that part of the process. There are plenty of wonderful, homeless dogs in rescues and humane societies across the country looking for loving homes though, so you shouldn't have to travel too far to adopt one.

If you are outside our adoption area, please visit our GSD Rescues USA page for rescues across the country. You can also visit PetFinder or 1-800-Save-A-Pet and find German Shepherds in your area who are living in your local shelters and humane societies.

How do I know if you got my application?
- You should here from us within 48 hours once we receive your application. If you have not heard from us by then please email us here to inquire about the status of your application.

What happens once I submit my application?
- Once we receive your application, we will review it, perform the reference checks and conduct a home visit. For the home visit, all members of the family must be present. Please explain to your references that we will need to speak with them before moving forward in the process, and to return our calls as soon as possible.

What if I am NOT approved for fostering and/or adopting?

MAGSR reserves the right to decline or not accept any application, based on the information we receive or are given during the approval process, and up to signing the adoption contract, with no explanation to the applicant. Information received during the approval process is considered confidential. The right to decline an adoption is at the sole discretion of MAGSR and/or MAGSR's representatives. MAGSR is here to serve the best interests of our dogs and our approval process is set up to do just that.

I just want a dog....why the rigorous approval process?
- When we accept a dog into our rescue, we make a commitment to him or her, to care for them, get them healthy again and find them a wonderful, loving home. We want to make sure that our applicants understand the lifetime commitment they are making and that they can provide our dogs a great new life.

How long will I have to wait to bring my new dog home?
- The average time it takes to process an application is about 1 - 2 weeks. It may take longer if your application is missing information or if we can't get in touch with your references. Please make sure you've answered all the questions on the application prior to submitting it.

My application was approved - can you just bring the dog to my house?
- Sorry, but we can't deliver the dogs to adopters. Once you're approved, we'll need you and your whole family (resident dogs included) to come and meet some dogs. We'll set up an appointment for you to come to the kennel or to meet dog in foster care. Please remember that you also don't have to adopt the first dog you meet. It's a good idea for you and your family to meet a couple of our great dogs and really let him or her choose you.

Where is your facility? What are your hours? Maybe I'll drop by.
- We don't have our own kennel - it is a private one so you can't just stop by. We only set up appointments to meet any of our dogs once you're approved. So please hold on to the e-mail address you were given for the contact person handling adoptions.

I HAVE to adopt that new dog you just posted! He's gorgeous! Where is he fostered so I can go meet him?
- Sorry....we only set up appointments to meet the dogs once you have been approved. We do not hold dogs for applicants. If you are interested in one particular dog, he or she may already be adopted by the time your application is approved. It's best to keep an open mind and meet several dogs. Many times the dog picks you.....not vice versa. It's also a reason to get approved with MAGSR even if you don't yet think we have your ideal dog up for adoption...we may have him and just not have him/her posted yet. We get dogs in every single week!

Can you please hold "that" dog until I am approved or until I make up my mind?

Our goal is to place each dog in a home where the dog and new family will complement each other. Dogs are placed with the home that best meets the dog's needs, NOT on a "first come, first served" basis. While we do our best to ensure a fair chance at your dog of choice, ultimately, we are looking out for the best interests of our dogs which necessitates that we do not hold dogs for any reason. This has cost dogs their chance at a home in the past therefore we will no longer do it. We promise however, to help you find the best dog for your home!

I've been approved and I have an appointment set up to meet some dogs, what should I bring?
- Your whole family (dogs included). Please also remember to bring a leash and collar (most full-grown GSDs fit in the 16-22" size). Puppies, of course, will need a smaller collar. You should also bring an old blanket to put on your seats for the ride home in case your new dog gets car-sick.

Why does MAGSR require training as part of the adoption contract?
We cannot stress enough how important training is with your new dog - any dog, but especially rescue dogs and especially working dogs like GSDs! Not only does it teach your dog life saving commands and important good manners, but it also allows your dog to better bond with you. Dogs who develop strong obedience with their owners, not just at home - but in outside situations (thus our insistence that you go to third-party training), develop a greater level of trust with their owners. Dogs who trust their owners to take care of them don't feel the need to take the leadership role on themselves. Dogs who don't feel the need to be in charge are far less likely to become aggressive or fearful. They have far fewer behavior problems in general. Rescue dogs long for stability and comfort; they need families who can give them that unconditionally. This sometimes means setting strict limits for your new dog. This should not be taken as punishment for adopting a rescue dog; it should be seen as the beginning of what will be the strongest bond you've ever had with a dog. Dogs who are the most obedient are also the happiest dogs as well. That is NO coincidence. GSDs in particular, maybe more than most other breeds, thrive on desire to please and need to learn a job. Obedience fulfills both of these needs for the GSD!
Training with your new dog will greatly increase the bonding process, builds confidence, and it is always best to be working with a qualified trainer when adopting from a shelter or rescue. Re-homed dogs go through many changes and adjustments, while you may feel you do not need a professional trainer to work with you in helping our dog to adjust it has been our experience that having a trainer on hand to assist with any problems that may arise, and guiding you through the adjustment period, will help ensure that our dog, your new family member, will become and remain a welcome part of the family.
Also many people want to handle training on their own in their homes, or have a trainer come to them. Training in this manner will not teach your dog to ignore the many distraction that come with being out and about, nor will it continue the socialization behaviors your new dog was learning while in our care. Learning to ignore distractions, and being kept social is a big part of having a safe and well adjusted dog.
PLEASE - take the obedience classes seriously and go to a reputable trainer - not just a cheap class that fulfills the contractual agreement with MAGSR. It's in the best interest of your family and your dog. Training is time consuming, can be expensive, and certainly takes dedication, but the payoff is well worth it...and your dog will love you all the more for it!

Please scroll down and fill out the application fields below or you can use the link below - however, it does take more time to process mailed in applications.
If you would prefer to mail in your application, please just print this page, fill out the fields as required and then mail back to us at: MAGSR P.O. Box 5 Laurel, MD 20725. Please keep in mind that doing it this way will severely lengthen the amount of time needed to process your application. It is MUCH faster and easier to apply online.

Adoption Application

MAGSR reserves the right to decline any application, based on the information we receive or are given during the approval process, with no explanation to the applicant. Information received during the approval process is considered confidential. Any Application not completed IN FULL will not be processed. *Denotes required fields
Due to the time involved in processing applications please advise us if you have adopted elsewhere, no longer interested in adopting, or would like to withdraw your application as soon as possible . This will allow us to spend our time working on open applications to find homes for our dogs.
Please do not consider adopting any of our dogs simple because they have a sad story behind them unless you are completely and totally committed to seeing them through their problems and adjustment. Moving from place to place will only add stress to their lives and can cause more problems. Dogs have feelings to, please think of theirs when making the decision to bring one into your home. Our goal is to have this be the last move in their lives, their FOREVER home.

Name:*

Spouse or significant other:

Are you over 18?* Yes No - If you checked "No", please stop here. We can not adopt to minors.

Street Address:*

Mailing Address (if different from Street address):*

City:*

State:*

County:* (county not country please!)

Zip Code:*

Daytime Phone - include area code:*

(Please indicate who to ask for at work number. Also one number must be a home number, cell numbers may also be listed as an additional contact number)

Evening Phone - include area code:*

Best time to call:

E-mail address:*

(If you have an email account it will be the primary means of our communication - please check it regularly. Not including an e-mail address will delay, and may cause your application to be declined.)

Employer:*

*Have you owned a German Shepherd before? If so, please give us a brief history

*How long have you been thinking about adopting a dog?

*Why have you decided to get a dog and why, specifically, a shepherd?

*Are you aware that German Shepherds are active, very intelligent dogs who shed and require a lot of exercise and interaction with their family?
Yes No

*Please list all other dogs you currently have. For each dog, include the name, sex, breed, and whether it is spayed or neutered. If it is not spayed or neutered, please explain why.

*Please list all other dogs you've had in the past ten years. For each dog, include the name, sex, breed, age of the dog when acquired, how long you had the dog, and why you no longer have the dog and/or where the dog is now ,and cause of death if applicable.

*Please list all other animals you own, or 'none' if no others:

*Who will be the primary caretaker of the dog?

*List all plans for this dog:
pet guard dog obedience search/rescue Other:

Would you prefer a: Male Female No Preference

Would you prefer a: Purebred GSD* GSD Mix No Preference
* Please note that the majority of our rescued dogs come from shelters and have "no papers" - we often determine a 'purebred' by appearance.

Do you have a color preference?

How old a dog are you looking for? (choose all that apply):
Under 1 year 1 to 2 years 2 to 4 years 4 or older No preference

What size dog are you looking for?:
Under 50 lbs Over 50 lbs No preference

If there is a specific dog or dogs you're interested in, please list the dogs' names: (Please remember we cannot guarantee or hold dogs. The dog you name may become adopted by the time your application is approved, or may already be scheduled to meet his/her new family. We would suggest continuing with the app process working toward approval so you'll be ready for the next one you see)

If listed dog is adopted, or about to be, do you wish to continue the application process working toward being approved for another dog, or one that may be joining MAGSR?            Yes Withdraw application (We would suggest continuing with the app process working toward approval so you'll be ready for the next one you see)

*When are you looking to adopt?
Right Away In a few weeks Over a month from now

*How long do you think your dog is going to take to adjust to his/her new home?

*How long are you willing to wait for the new dog to become adjusted and bond with you?
One Week One Month As long as it takes

*Under what circumstances would you consider returning your dog to MAGSR?

*How would you correct the dog if he/she has a housebreaking accident in your home?

*How would you correct the dog if he/she has a chewed something , like shoes or furniture?

*What type of home do you live in?
single home condo townhouse duplex apartment mobile home
Other:

*Do you: Own Rent*
*If you rent we must receive written approval from your landlord giving consent for a GERMAN SHEPHERD or MIX of, to be in/on the property, BEFORE the application process is started. You may fax it to 410-740-2010 Attn: MAGSR or mail it to MAGSR P.O. Box 5 Laurel, MD 20725.

*How long have you lived as this address?

If less than one year, please list your previous address:

*If you move, what would happen to the dog?

*What if you could not find housing that allowed you to have large dogs?

*If you are currently, or expecting to become pregnant, what would you do with the dog you adopted?

*If you have temporary financial or health problems, who will care for the dog?

*List the Phone Number of your dog's temporary guardian(s) include area codes:

*Do you have a fenced yard? Yes   No

If you have a fenced yard, what kind of fence and how tall is it at its lowest point?

*How will you handle exercise and toilet duties?

*How many hours a day will your dog normally be left alone?

*Where will your dog spend the day? Please be specific.

*Where will your dog spend the night?

*Have you and your family discussed the time, energy, and effort required to properly care for a dog?

*Are you prepared to assume the financial expenses of owning a dog (routine medical care, emergency medical care, food training/obedience lessons, supplies, grooming, etc.)?

*How much do you anticipate to spend on the dog each year for food, supplies, routine and emergency expenses?

*How many adults reside in the home?

*Their relationship to the applicant:

*How many children (0-18) reside in the home (please include children who are there part time)?
*How old are the children?

*Does any family member have allergies to animals?
Yes No Don't Know-this will be our first pet

*Do you have a regular veterinarian? Yes No

If yes, please list the names and phone numbers (include area codes) of your last two veterinarians:

PLEASE CALL YOUR VET AND HAVE CONSENT TO RELEASE MEDICAL INFORMATION POSTED ON YOUR FILE. WITHOUT THIS INFORMATION YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR PROCESSED.

*Do you keep your current dog (if applicable) on preventative heartworm medicine?

Yes No   If So What Kind:

*Have you ever taken a dog to obedience class? Yes   No

If so name of trainer/where?

*Will you take your new dog to obedience class? Yes   No

*Will you consult a trainer or behaviorist if your dog develops problems? Yes   No

*Have you ever been charged with or convicted of animal neglect, abuse, or cruelty of any kind?

Yes No   If So Please explain Below:

*Would you let a representative of MAGSR visit your home by appointment?

Yes No

Due to the time involved in processing applications please advise us if you have adopted elsewhere, no longer interested in adopting, or would like to withdraw your application as soon as possible . This will allow us to spend our time working on open applications to find homes for our dogs.

How did you hear about our rescue and/or who referred you to MAGSR?

*List (3) three references, including their relationship to you, home and work phone numbers (include area codes) at which we may reach them. Please let them know we will be calling. You may only list one immediate relative. Due to the time involved in processing applications please advise us if you have adopted elsewhere, no longer interested in adopting, or would like to withdraw your application as soon as possible . This will allow us to spend our time working on open applications to find homes for our dogs.
WITHOUT THIS INFORMATION YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR PROCESSED.

*Do you understand the information we receive during the approval process is confidential and we cannot give details to the applicants if they are denied? Yes No

*Do you understand that the adoption fee is non-refundable, because this fee is applied toward the medical and boarding expenses that we have already incurred for each dog? Yes No

If you have anything to add, please feel free to use the space below.

By submitting your application, you are declaring that the information provided in this application is true and complete to the best of your knowledge. MAGSR can and will deny any application if an applicant has falsified any information provided during the approval process. I understand that if this application is sent incomplete then I will not be considered for approval.

You should hear from us within 48 hours once we receive your application. If you have not heard from us by then please email us here to inquire about the status of your application.

Please Be Sure to check your "bulk mail folder" while waiting for us to reply as often times our responses mistakenly go into applicants' bulk folders and they delete without reading.

Please be patient while the form goes through, it may take a few seconds. You should see a thank you page once the information went through.

If you get an error message, please try to submit the form again.
If the problem persists, please e-mail us.

Thank You!