Our Mission and Adoption Policy
Coastal German Shepherd Rescue of San Diego is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity dedicated to finding loving homes for abandoned German Shepherds. Your tax-deductible donations go directly toward supporting these very deserving animals.
We are committed to providing new beginnings for homeless German Shepherds who have been abandoned, neglected, abused, relinquished by their owners, or left at local shelters to face an uncertain future. Coastal is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization devoted to finding loving, permanent homes for the orphaned dogs in our care.
Our mission is to educate the public about German Shepherds, including their lifespan, personality, activity level, and the importance of responsible dog ownership. Additionally, we aim to raise awareness about animal overpopulation through education, training, and promoting spaying and neutering. We work diligently to match each dog with the right adoptive family.
Adoption Process
All prospective adoptive families must:
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Complete an online application.
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Participate in a telephone interview.
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Receive a home visit before a German Shepherd is placed in their forever home.
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If you have a German Shepherd that you can no longer care for, please see our Rehoming Information. For other inquiries, you can contact us by email at info@coastalk9gsr.org or by phone.
Adoption Policy
The minimum adoption donation ranges from $300 to $500, which partially covers veterinary care, boarding fees, and other miscellaneous expenses involved in the temporary care and adoption of our dogs. This amount is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Before placement, all dogs will:
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Be spayed or neutered.
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Receive current vaccinations.
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Be microchipped (or arrangements will be made on an individual basis).
Special consideration may be given to those willing to adopt older dogs or dogs with physical challenges. Each dog undergoes an initial exam, including vaccinations for Rabies, DHLPP-C, and Bordetella.
Our adoption fee does not cover all medical expenses beyond basic vaccinations. Additional costs include food, boarding, crates, bowls, leashes, collars, and tag fees. On average, each rescue dog costs between $495 and $850, and some vet bills exceed $1,000, especially for dogs with critical illnesses like pneumonia or fractured legs. As such, the adoption fee often covers only a portion of each dog’s expenses.
Out-of-Town Adoptions
Individuals living a few hours away by car are welcome to adopt but must provide their own transportation to visit and pick up the dog. In place of a required home visit, applicants must provide:
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At least one letter of recommendation from a pet professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal trainer, or local humane organization) on letterhead.
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Photos of their home and property, including the dog’s sleeping area, fencing, etc.
If you have other pets, proof of vaccinations and spay/neuter status is required before adoption. If you have children or other dogs, please bring the entire family to the adoption appointment.
We are organized as a 501(c)(3) certified non-profit charity. Our taxpayer ID is EIN 45-2899279.
Thank you for supporting our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome these incredible dogs!