How to Place a Dog Through GSRSV

GSRSV Program Dog
The most common way to place your dog through GSRSV is to allow me to list your dog as one of the dogs in my program (thus the term "program dog"). Program dogs remain in the custody of their owners or caretakers, but I seek adopters for the dogs the same way that I do for dogs in my own care. This includes listing the dogs on the main adoption page of my Website ("Dogs Available for Adoption through GSRSV"), as well as on GSRSV's adoption pages on Petfinder.com and 1-800-Save-a-Pet.com. I screen prospective adopters for program dogs the same way that I do for dogs in my care, and I provide the same lifetime take-back policy for program dogs as I do for my own dogs. For this service, I charge the owner of the program dog $50. (I also charge the eventual adopter of the dog the same adoption fee that I charge for dogs that are adopted directly from me.)

There are four basic requirements for me to place a dog through my program:
1. The dog must be non-aggressive towards strangers (timid or aloof is OK) on neutral grounds.
2. The dog must be either spayed or neutered prior to its adoption.
3. The dog must have a recent negative test for heartworm.
4. The dog must have a current rabies vaccination.

Before GSRSV lists dogs for individuals, I ask that they bring their dog to my facility in Pleasant Grove for me to evaluate him or her. I do not do an extensive temperament test, but simply ensure that the dog is not aggressive towards me. At the time of the evaluation, I take a digital picture of the dog and take notes of it's personality for my Web listings.

There are several advantages to placing your dog through GSRSV as a program dog. First, the dog will receive maximum Internet exposure by being listed on the primary adoption page (as opposed to the "Owner Placement" page) of the GSRSV Website, as well as being listed on the other two Internet Websites. Second, I do the "legwork" in screening prospective adopters, including performing house checks. Third--and most important--if the adoption does not work out at any point (after two weeks with the adopter) during the dog's life, I will take the dog into my care, rather than referring the adopter to the former caretaker. If the adopter returns the dog within two weeks, I ask that the former caretaker take the dog back until I can find it a new home.

Owner Placement
The second way for you to place your dog through GSRSV is via the "Dogs Available for Adoption through Owner Placement" page of the GSRSV Website. This page serves as an "advertising" platform. To advertise your dog through GSRSV, I only ask that the dog not be seriously aggressive. It's OK if the dog is a mixed-breed, and it need not be spayed or neutered (though I prefer that it is). When you use the Owner Placement option, you assume all responsibility for the placement of your dog, and I provide no assistance other than listing the dog on myr Website (except perhaps for referring people to the dog if I feel the match is right).

If you choose to place a dog on your own, I encourage you to screen all potential adopters carefully. Try to ensure that a potential adopter is not only a responsible individual with a safe, secure home for your dog, but that he or she knows the basic characteristics of German Shepherd Dogs. Consider asking some questions framed around the information provided on the page "Is a German Shepherd the Right Breed for You?"

GSRSV charges $20 to list your dog (with a picture) on the "Dogs Available for Adoption through Owner Placement" page of my Website. I will keep your listing on the Website as long as is necessary to find your dog a home.

I will list your ad within a few days after I receive both the necessary information (see below) and your listing fee. Listing fees are not refundable once I have posted your ad.

To list your dog, perform the following steps:

1. Send or e-mail me a picture (if applicable) and description of your dog. Include the following information: the dog's name, age, sex, and size; its temperament and any health or behavioral problems; how long you've owned it and any training it's received; how it is with kids, cats and other dogs; what kind of home you think would be best for your dog; and the fee you want, if any. Be sure to provide your name, phone number, and your e-mail address (if you have one).

2. Send a check for $20, made payable to GSRSV. Send the check (and picture & description of your dog, if not sent via e-mail) to:

GSRSV
P.O. Box 652
Pleasant Grove, CA 95668

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