Look at some of the dogs in the program and print out an application. Applications can be downloaded directly or can be mailed/ emailed upon request. Client competes an application and mails it to the enclosed address. Applications
can not be sent electronically. All applications are dated when they are received just in case there are two homes that both express interest in the same dog. If the homes are an “equal” match for that particular German Shepherd, the dog is adopted to the client who sent in the application first. Don’t worry if there is not a dog readily available today, you can still submit an application and BrightStar will work with you to find a dog that fits your requirements. Please note our application process usually takes 2 - 4 weeks; even longer if we do not have a suitable dog. The length of time is driven by our volunteers time, your specific requirements and the ability to get to your home for the home visit.
The wait is well worth the wait for your next forever friend.
*For our Senior to Senior Program, please visit the Senior page for the application.
Third Step - Application Review
BrightStar reviews and checks the references on the application. If the home has or had a dog your Vet is always contacted. You may have to sign or "call" your Vet for to release your records. We also make sure the client checked the "willing to sign the adoption agreement box" on the last page of adoption application. During this time, we contact clients for additional information, if needed.
BrightStar looks for dogs within the program or at nearby Rescue groups that match the requirements, this may or may NOT be the dog a client is interested in. We will also look for dogs outside our program but at a nearby shelter or sister rescue group. All placements are discussed with the committee; including the current foster home.
Next, we bring the dog (or dogs) to meet with your family. We bring dog (or dogs) that match your requirements and have not had an adoption agreement signed. We do take dogs that have application submitted, since not all applications are approved. You will be informed if a dog has a pending application.
If we don’t have a dog readily available that we feel is a match for your family, we will still visit with a German Shepherd (to learn more about your family and assist in the search). We work with several local shelters and sister rescue groups in trying to locate the right dog for your family. Of course, a return visit would be necessary once a potential match is located to test that dogs interaction with your family,
The home visit is to test that particular’s dog (so) interaction with you family or to find out more about the family search requirements. All members of the family must be present. We want to meet children, other pets, everyone who will be a part of the dog's new life. We want to make sure that the dog fits into your family, into your lifestyle. We want to see that you and every volunteer of your family is comfortable with the dog, the dog is comfortable with you or at least there is a very small sparkle of connection, at least a potential for a future strong bond. We want to make sure that the match is there and once the dog gets adopted this will be without a doubt his forever family. During our visit, we are not looking at the size of your house, backyard, not even the size of your bank account. The most important thing to us is the size of your heart and its ability to connect with a particular dog.
Even if the home visit is with an available dog, we NEVER leave the dog on the first visit. We do not want anybody to feel pressured to make a quick decision. Again, we want to make absolutely sure that this is a good match. Often the family is a very good one and the dog is great ; but the chemistry is just not there. Sometimes we all need the second, sometimes the third visit. The process can be lengthy; but either attempt is made to assure success. Remember ....you are looking to add a permanent volunteer to your family.
