Adoption Policies and FeesInterested in adopting with MOGS? Complete an Adoption Application Now!
Fees:
Adoption fees range from $150 to $350.
Purebred adults are $300.
Purebred puppies are $350.
Mixed breeds and seniors range from $150 to $200.
Each dog's adoption fee is on its web page.
We understand that some people may think these fees are high. We'll gladly show you copies of our credit card bills for tens of thousands of dollars in vet fees and boarding bills. We encourage you to call a few vets to inquire as to the costs of basic vetting such as spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and exam fees. You will find that our fee is quite reasonable as all our dogs are fully vetted at the time of adoption.
In our few short years in operation, we've spent over $30,000 saving other peoples' dogs -- dogs that were thrown away, abused, dumped, and (occasionally) much loved. We spend more than we ever get from fees and have to continually do fundraising. Most rescue groups don't take dogs with medical conditions like heartworm disease or critical care cases involving severe injuries. MOGS DOES - as often as we can. Please don't ask us to negotiate the fee down. We can't afford it. If you don't wish to pay our fee, PLEASE go to a pound or shelter and save a life!!!
What's Covered By Your Adoption Fee:
All MOGS dogs are spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations (including rabies, distemper/parvo and bordatella), heartworm tested, dewormed if needed and microchipped.
Heartworm positive dogs are treated for heartworm.
We also spend LOTS of money to transport, feed, board and buy heartworm and flea prevention for our foster dogs.
Unaltered Animals:
We do NOT adopt out unaltered dogs.
We do not adopt to homes that currently have unaltered animals.
The only exception is for medical reasons.
We simply cannot contribute to or condone the horror of pet overpopulation and irresponsible breeding.
Dogs As Gifts:
We do NOT adopt dogs out as "gifts" - especially surprise gifts.
It's a really bad idea to give a cute dog to someone else. We've saved too many dogs who have been thrown away by people who got them as gifts!!! A dog is a commitment and is not a "returnable" item. Lots of receivers decide the dog is too much, can't keep it, or don't want it.
No one should EVER adopt a dog or cat until they've given it careful thought and made a lifetime commitment. Dogs and cats are not toys or sweaters or paper plates. They are not playthings or fads, or something to be enjoyed for a while and tossed aside - disposed of. Many "gift" recipients do not want a long-term commitment. They just like the initial warm, fuzzy feeling.
If you want to adopt a dog to coincide with a special event, we will be happy to work with you. However, ALL adult household members must be in agreement, be present for the home visit, and sign the adoption contract.
Fences:
We prefer homes with a secure, fenced area for containment and exercise.
We do NOT automatically reject homes without fences.
We consider ALL the circumstances, such as family activity level, physical environment, access to open space, the personality and activity needs of the dog, and how committed the adopters will be to DAILY exercise.
Fenceless adopters must be committed to walking their dog daily on leash, to exercising EVERY day come rain or snow, and to spending plenty of play time in the house.
We do NOT adopt to people who let their dog run loose. We spend too much love, time and money repairing dogs hit by cars becaue their owners felt it was cruel to keep them confined.
Hmmmmm ... if you think that's cruel, we'd love to have you come see the x-rays of shattered bones, the surgeries, the amputations, and the pain in the eyes of dogs like Polo (left to suffer with a dangling leg) or Kojak (almost died because he was hit by a car and treatment cost too much). We'd love to have you come see the dogs we've seen who were attacked by wild animals or run over. We'd love to have you talk to the heartbroken children and try to explain to them why they'll never see their beloved pet again.
We've also seen beloved dogs simply disappear. Dog theft is a HUGE industry in this country (sold for things like dog fighting, school experimentation or medical research, which like family pets because they're friendly and docile).
Invisible Fencing:
We don't generally recommend it for German Shepherds, though we've seen it work in a few exceptional cases and may approve it in rare instances. It only takes one time for most GSDs to learn that they can breach the e-fence with minimal pain. They discover they can have a grand time in return for a mere moment's shock visiting or chase a squirrel.
The Application Process:
Our application process is simple and straightforward.
Click on "FORMS" and fill out the Adoption Application.
A MOGS Crew Member will review your application and call with any questions. Then we'll arrange a home visit. The purpose is simply to meet you and understand as much as possible about your lifestyle, energy / activity levels, schedule, etc., in order to make the very best match between you and a dog. Our goal is LIFETIME ADOPTIONS. We work hard to make perfect matches that will last.
Incomplete Applications:
We won't consider them. Fill everything out.
Denial:
We reserve the right to deny any application for any reason.
Deposits:
We reserve the right to require a deposit fee in certain cases.
Meeting a MOGS Dog:
We do NOT have a physical facility or shelter. Program dogs stay in foster homes or boarding kennels until adoption. For the safety of our dogs and volunteers, we arrange meetings AFTER you have been approved. Once you're approved, we'll arrange the meet-and-greet. This can and does take place at a kennel in Kansas City, Missouri. This will give you an opportunity to pet, walk and get to know the dog.
Adoption Requirements:
You must sign a legally binding adoption contract.
Outside Dogs:
We do NOT adopt dogs to be outside pets.
MOGS dogs MUST be inside pets.
We understand many people believe it's okay to keep a dog outdoors 24/7. We don't.
We spend vast amounts of time and money to save these dogs because we consider them integral parts of a family.
Heartworm Prevention & Shots:
You MUST keep your adopted dog on heartworm prevention and up-to-date on all vaccinations.
Guard/ Attack Dogs:
We do NOT adopt out dogs to people who intend/wish to train them as guard or attack dogs.
Our goal is balanced, well-behaved family pets, and we work hard to eliminate the stereotype that the German Shepherd Dog is a scary or dangerous breed.
Clarification:
Most people who say they want a guard dog really mean they want a good family pet who will also bark at intruders to scare them off. This is not a "guard" dog. This is a good family pet! Guard dogs are dogs who are specifically trained to guard people or premises, and WILL attack anyone attempting to come near.
Submit an Adoption Application Now! When you Adopt a German Shepherd, you get a dog that:
* is highly intelligent
* MUST have significant daily exercise
* is a joy and a delight
* bonds strongly with their person or family
* costs over $800 a year to take care of
* MUST be trained - with a firm but respectful, loving hand
* is / will be a big dog (average 60-80 pounds)
* will not stay a cute puppy, but will rapidly grown into 70 pounds of intelligent, highly active muscle and fur
* is double-coated and sheds year round, but requires only a moderate amount of bathing and grooming (weekly brushing with a high quality brush such as the Furminator)
* is loyal, courageous, loyal, affectionate, loyal, loving (did we mention loyal?)
