Although less expensive then a breeder, BrightStar dogs are not free, the adoption fee is $325.00 for all dogs including puppies.

Please be aware the average annual cost of ownership for any German Shepherd Dog is $1,200-$1,500 a YEAR. The ASPCA estimates $1,580 annual cost for a German Shepherd Dog. The lifetime financial commitent is well over $10,000. So please if you are not able to make that financial committment.... please wait . Many of our dogs are in the program for reasons that the family or the breeder could not afford them.

To give you an idea of what it costs for BrightStar to care for our dogs, the chart below covers expenses to care for a foster dog.  All of our dogs are FULLY vetted including:

* Spaying/Neutering - Dogs younger than 6 months, who have not been previously
spayed/neutered by sending shelter, must be spayed/neutered at the adopter's expense.

Proof of spay/neuter must be provided to BrightStar per the adoption contact
(unless a medical reason is substantiated in writing by a veterinarian).

If not, BrightStar will remove the dog from the adopted home and place he/she
back in the program.

* Vaccinations

* Rabies Vaccination (Dogs over 3 months only)

* Worming

* Heartworm Test (HW)

* Flea Control

* Complete Health Veterinarian Exam

* Microchips for identification

* Discounted Obedience Classes

* Lifelong access to the BrightStar support network. (Free Behavior & Training Advice )

Many of our dogs have AKC papers or are eligible for Registration via AKC ILP. This permits your BrightStar dog to participate in AKC events (except Breed; due to the fact our dogs can no longer breed) . The chart below will show you some of the costs that our dogs incur will in foster care.

Food, Supplement (Nupro) and Treats		$35.00 a month
Accessories (collars, leashes & tag)		$10.00- $20.00
Vet Care Expenses
	Office visit, wellness exam & annual vaccinations (5 -Way & Rabies)	$75 -$85 average
	Spay/ Neuter	$285- $425 (higher in some geographic areas and mature females)
	Worming- eliminates hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, whip worms, coccidia, etc.	$20-$50 (depending on specific worm & number of times required)
	External parasite treatment (flea and ticks), skin condition (usually mites) and grooming	$15 - $35 from initial treatment/bath.   Flea/Tick prevention (i.e. usually Advantage Plus or Frontline Plus) $8-12 dollars per month.
	Heartworm (HW) preventative (as long as dog tested negative to this test)	Heartgard or Interceptor
	Heartworm treatment (if dog tested positive to this test)	$300- $600
	Other serious illness or hospitalization in isolation	$400- $1,000+
* Boarding		(off-peak) $5.00 - $10.00 per day (peak) $10.00 - $20.00 per day
Basic obedience classes or other behavioral modification sessions		$25 - $100 (optional for fosters, they will pay the cost themselves)