Frequently Asked Questions
German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC) is a non-profit 501c(3) charity organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing purebred German Shepherd Dogs that have no where else to turn.
Q: Do you place dogs out of the Southern California area?
A: Unfortunately, no. Our resources are extremely limited and the logistics for out-of-state placements are daunting. We encourage shepherd lovers to search the local animal shelters in their areas to save a German Shepherd in need.
Q: Where do you get your dogs?
A: Approximately 50% come directly from owners who can no longer keep them. The other 50% are rescued from animal shelters when their lives are in danger.
Q: Are the dogs trained?
A: Sometimes. The majority of dogs that come to us have had some very basic training, but most require a basic obedience class to brush up on their skills.
Q: I’ve heard that all rescued dogs are abused or sick. Is that true?
A: No. Although we will occasionally encounter dogs that were victims of cruelty or abuse, the majority of the dogs were simply unwanted by their owners due to lifestyle changes that the owners experienced. While some of the dogs that we have in our care show signs of being neglected, most are happy, healthy dogs that are eager to have a fresh start.
Q: Can I adopt an unaltered dog?
A: NO WAY. All dogs adopted through our organization are spayed or neutered to underscore our commitment to ending pet overpopulation. The only reason that there is a need for a rescue organization like ours is because there are already too many unwanted dogs in the world.
Q: Will you accept a lower donation for adopting a dog?
A: No. If the Adoption Donation is an obstacle, we believe that the adopting family should reconsider whether a German Shepherd Dog is the right choice. GSDs can be very expensive to own, so prospective adopters should evaluate whether or not they are in a financial position to adopt a large breed dog.
Q: Are German Shepherd Dogs “mean”?
A: No. German Shepherds are very loving and loyal companions. They can be protective by nature but with proper training and good leadership, they can learn what is expected of them and follow the rules of the family. Learn more about the breed here.
Q: How can I donate money, items, or services to German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County?
A: Donations are gratefully accepted, and are tax-deductible as we are a non-profit 501c3 organization. Donations and items can be dropped off or mailed to: German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, 120 Tustin Avenue Suite C-1111
Newport Beach, CA 92663. Mailing Address only. No dogs are housed at this location. Credit card donations can be made to our email address donate@gsroc.org by going to the PayPal website. If you can provide services that the rescue can use, please email us and we’ll get in touch with you. Click here for more information about donating to the rescue.
Q: How are the donations used?
A: All donations go directly toward the care and re-homing of all the dogs we take in. Everything donated to the rescue goes into buying food, paying medical expenses, rescuing dogs from shelters, and keeping the rescue running.
Q: How do I find out about volunteering?
A: If you are interested in volunteering, please send us an e-mail at volunteer@gsroc.org and we will tell you how to get started or you can fill out our Volunteer Application online. We have some information about our volunteering activities here.
Q: How can I contact the rescue?
A: The best way to contact us is by emailing us at info@gsroc.org. You can also call the rescue at (714) 97-GSROC (974-7762). Please remember that we are not a 24-hour service and we respond to messages as quickly as possible. Please leave a very clear message on the machine, repeat your phone number twice, and we will get back to you as soon as a volunteer is available to assist you. If you have an emergency, please try to call back again later.
Q: Are there rescue groups for other breeds?
A: Yes! For just about every breed of dog, there is a rescue group somewhere. Do a search on the internet for the breed you are looking for and you are sure to find a rescue group dedicated to that breed. Many of the popular breeds of dogs have several groups that are trying to save their particular breed. If you are looking to adopt, please consider adopting from a rescue or an animal shelter! Also, don’t overlook the many wonderful mixed-breed dogs that are anxiously looking for new homes. Often, the disposition of a mixed breed dog could be a better match for your lifestyle and personality.
Q: What is the pet limit for my city?
A. Cities in LA and Orange county differ with regards to the number of pets you can have. This link addresses many of the cities in Sourthern California. http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2010/10-0982_misc_8-11-10a.pdf