How Do I Surrender My German Shepherd?

Those asking, “how do I surrender my German Shepherd,” have likely made the decision that they can no longer keep their pet. While you could surrender your dog to a local shelter, this leaves them in a situation in which you have no say and no control. The procedure for surrendering your dog varies by location, but it’s a good idea to consider other options before making a final decision.

General surrender procedures 

As mentioned above, each shelter will have its own process, but it typically looks something like this:

• You bring your dog to the shelter and speak with an intake specialist.

• In some cases, they will take your dog right away, or you may be put on a wait list.

• You pay a surrender fee and sign over all rights to your German Shepherd.  

Will my German Shepherd find a new home?

Maybe. Once you leave your dog, what happens next is out of your hands. While shelters work hard to find homes for all the dogs in their care, sometimes it’s just not possible. It’s also important to note that some shelters are forced to put down more animals than others, so you should do a little research about the shelter to which you’re thinking about surrendering your dog.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some dogs become fearful and anxious in a shelter. This could manifest as aggression, which can greatly reduce your German Shepherd’s chances of being adopted.

Your Dog’s Best Chance at a Happy Future 

Instead of surrendering your German Shepherd, consider finding them a home yourself. More and more pet owners are realizing the benefits of going the extra mile to rehome their dog—the most important of which is that it keeps your dog out of the shelter and ensures they goes to a home that you choose.

It may take a while to find the perfect home, but you can find advice and helpful tools online on the Rehome by Adopt a Pet website. On Rehome you can build your German Shepherd a profile, communicate with potential adopters, and once you find a great home, complete the adoption paperwork. 

Give your dog the future they deserve and give yourself the gift of peace of mind knowing that your German Shepherd is living with a loving family.