Dog Ownership Application Form

Puppy Adoption Application
Please complete all the information on the following pages. Missing information may delay the adoption screening process. Completion of this application form does NOT guarantee that VSGS will place one of our puppies in your care.

Completion of this questionnaire authorizes VSGS to verify any information contained herein, including verification of home environment. Completion of this adoption application is an indication that you have read, understand and agree to abide by our Puppy Adoption Agreement and that the information contained within this application is accurate and not misleading in ANY way. All adoptions are at the sole discretion of VSGS. Von Schwarzwald German Shepherds maintains the right to refuse the sale/adoption of any puppy, at any time, and for any reason. (Specifically, if we feel your home is not safe or appropriate for this breed.)
Please give careful consideration to adopting a working dog. Working dogs are not toys or short-term commitments. Make sure your lifestyle allows the time, patience and finances that this animal will need over the years BEFORE adopting a puppy (whether through us or another breeder/shelter/rescue etc.).
All of our puppies will be sold with limited AKC registration and expected to be spayed/neutered by 2 years old unless otherwise agreed apon.

If we have spoken about a breeding contract, said dog(s) must get breed appropriate health testing, such as OFA certification on BOTH their hips/elbows at 2 years old & DM testing, PRIOR to breeding. There will be an additional fee for access to full breeding rights which will be due after health testing is complete.

All puppies will be expected to be vaccinated regularly, treated for parasites regularly and trained/socialized regularly to avoid unwanted health/behavioral issues.

Approved families are expected to travel to our home in Calhan, Colorado to meet us and the the dogs PRIOR to adoption contracts being signed. (Or a virtual call for those out of state.) This is vital for us as breeders, and you as potential adopters, to evaluate both your family and any potential puppy BEFORE committing to said adoption. Our puppies mean the world to us and we go through great lengths to provide them (and you) the best possible family members.

A $500 deposit is required apon the birth of puppies to reserve your future family member.

*All deposits are non-refundable.*

In those few cases in which WE don't feel there is a match for your home, or we refuse sale of one of our pups (at our discretion, for any reason whatsoever) after a deposit is placed, we will of course give a full refund, or if agreed apon, we will move your deposit to the top of next litter's waitlist.

If anything occurs on our end such as a puppy getting sick (fading puppy syndrome, etc ) and heaven forbid we loose a puppy for any reason, then you will be offered the first available spot on our next litter or potentially be eligible for a refund depending on what works best for your family.

Once we have met you and matched you to a specific puppy (done by 7 weeks old after the volhard puppy aptitude testing is complete) we will plan your puppy pickup at 8 weeks old, after vet checks and first vaccinations are completed.

At pick up, we will sign over ownership/AKC limited registration and accept the final payment for your puppy.

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us. 😊
Please answer the following questions honestly and thoroughly. (Any information gathered for our application purposes will be kept confidential.)
Name of the dog you want to adopt a puppy from (Deja'vu/Saga/Kiaora)*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Adopter's Phone Number*
Adopter's Name*
First & Last Name
Co-Adopter's Name
First & Last Name
Names and ages of all permanent residents of your home (adults/children)*
Vet reference*
Vet name, address & phone number
Current pets in your home*
Where are your current pets kept during the day and at night?*
Have you had other German Shepherds or working dogs in the past?*

YesNoOther
Are you planning to move in the near future?*

YesNo
When will you be ready to adopt a puppy?*

Not ready yet, just researchingWithin 6 monthsWithin 1 yearOther
Is anyone in your home allergic to animals?*

YesNoOther
I/We live in a*

Single Family HomeDuplex/TwinCondo/TownhomeTrailerApartmentOther
Do you rent or own this property?*

RentOwnOther
Do you have a yard?*

Yard, fenced with a vertical fenceYard, fenced with invisible fencingYard, no fenceNo yard (apartment/condo/townhome)
If fenced, fence height is:

2' high3' high4' high5' high6' highOther
What will you do if your dog chews furniture or shows other destructive behavior? *
Do you work outside the home?*

YesNoOne applicant is home/works from homeBoth applicants work outside the home
How many hours per day will this dog be alone? Explain*
Have you discussed this adoption with all members of your household?*

YesNoYes, adults have discussed. Kids don't know yet.
We will be speaking to all household residents to confirm everyone is aware of this application process and wants to have a dog added to the family. Please do not submit this application if you are "trying to talk someone into" adopting this dog or think "once they meet the dog, they will want one" or "I'm getting this dog as a birthday present for them." In those scenarios, you are welcome to email us to discuss the dog, but we would like all adults in the home to be involved in that email discussion.
Fantasy question: What would your dream dog be like?*
Are you willing to take the dog to regular training/socialization classes?*
How much do you feel you can reasonably afford and would be willing to spend on your dog per year (for things like veterinary care, licensing, microchip, food, toys, crate, other supplies, training, pet sitting, etc)? *
What activity level do you prefer?

Wild and crazy is coolLeash trained daily jogging partner would be excellentMedium energy, plays a bit then hangs out with youLow energy, walks slowly on leash, a total couch potatoOther
Please check all that apply. I want to adopt this puppy...*

As a family petTo train/use for huntingTo train/use for agilityTo train/use as a therapy dogTo use as a guard dogFor a jogging/hiking partnerTo interact with lots of friends/familyAs a gift for a friendAs a companion for my dog(s)As a companion for my cat(s)As a companion for my child/childrenTo breed with my other dogTo train as a therapy or service animalOther
Please check all that apply. My adopted puppy will...

Be kept outside most of the timeBe kept indoors most of the timeBe left outside during the work day while we are awayBe kept inside while we are awayBe crated when we are not homeHave free reign of the house when we are not homeBe kept on a lead line/cable in the yardBe interacting frequently with children under 8Will be walked more than one mile per day every dayWill be walked occasionallyTied out during the day while we are at work.Be attending group obedience classes with usBe trained by us without the advice of a trainerHave private sessions with a trainer as neededBe attending agility classesBe boarded when we go on vacationStay with family when we go on vacationBe given away to someone else if we feel it's not a good match for usBe turned in to a shelter if we can't keep itOutside free roaming while we are at work.Sleeping in bed with us.Sleeping in a crate at night.
Please take time to think, be honest with yourself and us when answering this question. What are you absolutely NOT willing to deal with at the time of adoption or at any time during the life of the dog?*

HousebreakingChewingJumpingFear of menFear of womenFear of childrenGrowlingBarkingHigh activity levelFood/toy aggression/not willing to share with other dogsFood/toy aggression with peopleSeparation AnxietyLong Term MedicationCan't climb stairs due to age/arthritis/health issuesFood allergies/special dietTrimming nailsHeartworm preventativeI will do whatever it takes to help this puppy adjust and work with a trainer to help resolve any training needs should they arise.I will provide this puppy with any needed veterinary/health care, from time of adoption into his/her golden years.Other
What would cause you to rehome a dog?*
How do you plan to integrate this dog into your family?*
Grooming (please check all that apply)*

We use a professional groomerWe trim dog nails ourselves at homeWe bathe our dogs at home once every few months or whenever their coat feels dirtyWe bathe our dog twice a yearWe don't bathe our dogPrefer a dog that doesn't shedDon't care about sheddingOther
How long have you been looking for a dog?*
Do you have any additional comments, questions or concerns? Anything else you would like us to know to help match you up to a puppy?*
Applicant's Signature*
Co-Applicant's Signature
Today's Date*

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Puppy Adoption Application