Our Adoption Policies
(Updated 1-10-06)

1. Our German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) are placed into family situations within 300 miles of Rochester, NY. If you are not in this area and are looking to adopt, please visit our Map of Other GSD Rescue Organizations, to locate a rescue in your area.

2. An adoption fee of $325 is required when you receive your German Shepherd Dog, and a legally binding Adoption Agreement is required when the dog is placed. (The price increased by $25 due to the dogs all having a pre-registered Microchip for identification purposes). The adoption fee may vary per dog and is based on the dogs' actual cost to BrightStar. A $20 non-refundable fee is required to process your application. All potential homes must complete our adoption process as outlined and must agree to abide by the terms of the adoption agreement.

3. All dogs accepted into the program are purebred or nearly purebred German Shepherd Dogs. Most of our dogs are registered (have AKC or SV papers) or qualify for Indefinite Listing Privilege Program AKC's ILP . This program allows you to register the dog and compete in AKC events. These dogs need homes for several reasons. Most common reasons are due to their family moving, divorce, breeder returns, breeder dumps or owner’s lack of time. We generally know or learn quite a bit about the dog’s history before adoption. For more details see our "Where BrightStar Dogs Come From " page.

4. All dogs are temperament tested by expert canine behaviorists on the BrightStar team before they are accepted into the program. We will not knowingly accept or place dogs that we deem aggressive. We do not accept dogs with a documented bite history. We do not place dogs for the sole purpose of guarding, fighting or breeding. We typically do not place dogs of the same sex in the same household. If you rent, a letter from landlord giving permission to keep a German Shepherd Dog will be required and the primary adopter must be at least 21 years old or have parental consent.
   

5. We are solely committed to the dogs accepted into the program. Yes, we want to find them loving, permanent homes; but our dogs that remain of sound temperament are in no danger of any harm. We go to great lengths to place the right dog into the right family. We reserve the right to decline an adoption based on the best interest of the dog.

6. Upon adoption, copies of all available records; including AKC registration or eligibility for registration, will be provided to the family. All animals are spayed or neutered before adoption or must be spayed or neutered 60 days after placement. Dogs are current on vaccinations, tested for heartworm, and may be on a heartworm preventative medication. A second heartworm test must be performed following adoption.

7. As outlined in our adoption process, all family members are required to meet the German Shepherd to be adopted. A home visit by a BrightStar volunteer is mandated. We do not ship or deliver dogs- and there is NO exemption to this rule. We do not place rescue dogs with families where children are under 7 years of age unless we have a known "proven" history on the dog with younger children OR the dog has fostered in a home with younger children for an extended period of time. The adoption process for a dog that is proven to be young children safe is usually longer than our standand adoption process.

8. Many of BrightStars dogs have completed or are going through basic obedience training and socialization. Upon adoption, we discuss what degree of training you should take or complete with your dog. We can help you locate training classes in the vicinity. In addition, BrightStar provides life long support for all our dogs.

9. We do our best to accurately assess each of our dogs; however BrightStar carries no warranty of any kind, express or implied.