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Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue

Po Box 764
Stephens City, VA 22655

Our Mission

Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue (SSR) was founded in January 2017 and is a 501c3 Animal Welfare rescue focused primarily on the rescue of German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) & GSD mixes. Based out of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, we expand our reach & work to save German Shepherd Dogs in heavily populated, high kill areas in south Texas.

SSR pulls the dogs that most other rescues can’t or won’t take. Most have medical issues, aren’t vaccinated, are heartworm positive, pregnant, needing costly surgery, etc. Once they are vetted in Texas and healthy enough for transport, they are brought to Virginia to meet their foster.

SSR is not a brick and mortar facility. Rather, we are foster-based, meaning that every dog that comes into our care goes into a home environment, where they can be readied for their forever home.

Adoption Policy

We're so excited you're considering adopting your new best friend! So let's talk about our Adoption Process.

Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue adopts all over the continental United States. It is our goal to adopt our dogs into homes which match their individual needs best. This means that while you may apply for a certain dog, there is no guarantee your preferred dog will be a good match for your home. Our Adoption Application is designed to ensure both you & your new best friend are a perfect match!

Below is a step-by-step overview of what you can expect as you move through our Adoption Process.

Step 1: Submit an Application

The Adoption Application will let us know a little bit about you, your home, your lifestyle, and what you are looking for in a canine companion. The application will ask for several kinds of references. Please let your veterinarian and/or landlord know that we will be calling and they have your permission to speak with us.

Step 2: Initial Screening

Once you have submitted your application, an SSR representative will review your application and, based on provided information, may reach out to you to gather additional information for clarity. Additionally, if you don't own your residence, your landlord will be contacted during this step to clarify any restrictions they may have regarding dogs, weight, etc.

Step 3: Vet Check

The next step in the process is the vet check. As part of this step, we need to perform a vet check on those pets that you have had within the previous three (3) years (alive, deceased or re-homed/returned). Vet checks will also need to be performed on any pets living in your home that are not owned by you (roommates pets, family pets, etc.). If you have not had any pets in the past three years, this step will be skipped.

Step 4: Home Visit

Following your initial screening and vet check, an SSR volunteer will perform a home visit, either in-person or virtually. During this visit, the volunteer will need to meet all members of your household and walk through your home and yard. We will discuss the adoption process with you, answer any questions you may have, and discuss the dog in which you are interested.

Step 5: Adopt Your New Best Friend!

Once you have been approved as an adopter, we assign a caseworker to you to assist throughout the remainder of the adoption process.

IMPORTANT! Foster parents reserve the right to choose a family best suited for their foster dogs.

Additional Information:

- We will not discuss adoption details regarding SSR dogs unless you have applied to adopt.

- All dogs (6mo and older) will be spayed/neutered.

- All dogs will be microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations prior to finalizing adoption.

- Our Adoption Fees are $400 for dogs 8 Weeks - 1 Year, $350 for dogs aged 1 Year - 6 Years, and $250 for dogs 7 Years +

- If you adopt a puppy that is younger than 6 months old, you will be responsible for spay/neuter once your puppy reaches 6 months of age.

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