Adoption
Unlike a rescue or shelter, adoptions are not the primary focus at Shep’s Place. Our main concern is the happiness and well-being of the dogs in our care. As a Sanctuary, we are under no pressure to adopt them out, and they are free to remain forever. However, if a family comes along that can provide a good home to one of our dogs, we are certainly open to adoption. We still believe that most dogs are happier in their own house, with their own people, so if the opportunity arises, we will gladly assist.
To consider an adoption, we first need to know the dog well enough to understand its needs and personality. So, we’d like every dog to stay with us for at least four weeks before being made available for adoption. If a dog is available, we will list their status as Adoptable on the website, and post them on various adoption sites. Interested parties may then fill out an Adoption Application on our website. For qualified applicants, we will schedule a Meet & Greet with the dog, and if that goes well, an in-home visit before completing the adoption. This process, though time-consuming, is designed to protect the interests of both the dog and the adopter.
Because we ask for a Meet & Greet and a home visit, we only adopt dogs to people within 100 miles of our location.
To see which of our dogs are available for adoption, please visit our page at Petfinder.com
If you are interested in adopting one of our available dogs, please first read the Adoption Letter below, then fill out the following application. We hope it is the first step in a new friendship between you and one of our sweet pups!
Fostering
The purpose of Shep’s is to provide a place for old dogs to live freely. As such, our focus has always been bringing dogs to our facility, and making them comfortable there. Ideally, we would have no need for fosters, because all the dogs would live in our house. However, situations do sometimes arise where placing a dog with a foster is in the dog’s best interest. Not all dogs do well in group settings; some are introverts, who would rather be by themself. Little dogs are sometimes afraid of big dogs, even if they are friendly. Other times, dogs need an individual to monitor their health closely throughout the day. And sometimes we run out of space in the house, and we find a dog that desperately needs immediate placement. In those instances, we do rely on fosters to provide care.
Dogs in foster are still Shep’s dogs. We provide all the food, meds, and vet visits. We still try to find them permanent homes, when they are ready. As a foster, your role is to give the dog a safe, temporary home, with lots of love and attention.
To ensure the dog’s well being, we vet potential fosters the same way we vet potential adopters. We do a home check, to make sure they will be in a safe environment. And we require that the foster bring the dog back to Shep’s at least once a month for a wellness check. All vet visits will be with our vet, at our expense.
If you are interested in becoming a foster for one of Shep’s sweet, old pups, please fill out the application below. Thank you!