A. Dogs we select for rehabilitation and placement into homes have been evaluated by these guidelines:

1. Correct Doberman temperament.
2. Potential for being a healthy, normal dog once medical, nutritional, and emotional needs have been met.
3. A placeable dog - adaptable manner, likable personality, habits and appearance. (Keep in mind that all Dobermans are beautiful, some are even more beautiful than others!)
4. In urgent need of a home. (We help to place Dobes from shelters, private homes and pet professionals.)

B. Steps involved in adopting a Doberman Pinscher:

1. Complete and return [the rescue group's] Dog Adoption Application.
2. Get acquainted

a: identify what sort of Doberman you are interested in

Considerations include:

• Sex, color, age
• Whether obedience trained
• Activity level
• Ears cropped or natural
• Attitude toward other pets, particularly those already in your home
• Experience with children, . . . and so on!

b. Ask questions, express your concerns.
c. Receive written material about the breed, obedience training, housebreaking, dog crates, as requested.
d. Meet our Dobes, including some former rescue dogs, and probably one or more awaiting placement.

3. Meet Doberman Pinschers available for adoption, keeping in mind that another person or family may also be considering the same dog(s). At this point, it is important that you share with us how you feel about those you meet, which you prefer, and so on.

4. Decision making - Both you and we evaluate a prospective match, separately and together, in order to reach a final outcome. Our goal is to make a match that will work. Our success rate has been high, and we believe it is because we spend considerable time becoming acquainted with everyone involved, so that we can make placements where the needs of dog and person/family are compatible.

At this point, a sample of our adoption contract will be provided and fees for a dog you want to adopt will be discussed. The dog's medical history will be explained to you. [Rescue and Adoption Groups] request a standard adoption fee, which is subsidized by contributions and fund raising income.

[Many groups require a "home visit" to see how the dog will fit into your particular situation.]

In each case, we adopt a dog to an individual or family once it has been identified that each party is satisfied with the match. Parties include authorized DPR representative, adopting person, and the adoptive dog!

C. Receiving your new pet:

1. Placement - plan and execute receiving your Dobe into your household.

2. Follow up and ongoing communication - includes phone contacts shortly after placement and as needed, home visit(s), photograph annually.

Doberman Adoption information above provides general guidelines to a complex process. Please jot down questions and comments for discussion.

©1996, Doberman Pinscher Rescue of PA, Inc.

One Melvin Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460 (610) 983-0875

Note: this information has kindly been provided for use on Doberman Rescue, Adoptable Dogs by the Doberman Pinscher Rescue of PA, Inc. Please contact the original authors for reprint information. Version current at 3/7/98.