Adoption Programs
The CWDF's Adoption Program is designed to help us match you, the adopter, with the best possible companion animal. You've heard it said before, "adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment", and when placing working breed dogs even more care must be taken. Our motto has always been "Place them well, place them once".
Our mission is not to simply adopt out dogs, but to place in them in homes where they can thrive, where the abilities unique to their breed (drive, energy, and aptitude for work) are cherished and never stifled. For those of you who've already shared your home with a working dog, you know - the working dog does not adjust and conform to our lifestyle... we adjust and conform to theirs.
Prepare to get off the sofa, get out the door, and enjoy the world - life with a working breed dog means you're ready for anything and you can't wait! The reward? A bond that knows no comparison. People owned by German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutchies, and the like all say the same thing, "there is something different about the way these dogs look at you, the way they love you". We believe that is true, and it takes a different kind of person to share their life with one of these magnificent creatures.
Our highly skilled and experienced Adoption Coordinators work hard to ensure that the right match is made, providing our adopters with all the information and resources they need to have a happy, healthy, and successful relationship with their new best friend. If the word "Driven" stirs something within you... then welcome. You've come to the right place.
Our mission is not to simply adopt out dogs, but to place in them in homes where they can thrive, where the abilities unique to their breed (drive, energy, and aptitude for work) are cherished and never stifled. For those of you who've already shared your home with a working dog, you know - the working dog does not adjust and conform to our lifestyle... we adjust and conform to theirs.
Prepare to get off the sofa, get out the door, and enjoy the world - life with a working breed dog means you're ready for anything and you can't wait! The reward? A bond that knows no comparison. People owned by German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutchies, and the like all say the same thing, "there is something different about the way these dogs look at you, the way they love you". We believe that is true, and it takes a different kind of person to share their life with one of these magnificent creatures.
Our highly skilled and experienced Adoption Coordinators work hard to ensure that the right match is made, providing our adopters with all the information and resources they need to have a happy, healthy, and successful relationship with their new best friend. If the word "Driven" stirs something within you... then welcome. You've come to the right place.
How It Works
The CWDF operates no public adoption facility and is not pulling dogs from shelters at this time.
All of the animals we place are owner assisted surrenders & adoptions, or courtesy posts from shelters and rescues we partner with.
To meet one of our dogs, you must first complete an Adoption Application and have a brief 10-15 minute phone interview with an Adoption Coordinator. The AC will review your application and if approved, put you in touch with the owner or rescue to set up an introduction to the dog(s) you would like to meet. At the in-person Meet & Greet, all household members (including resident dogs) must be present, and you and the dog will be evaluated for compatibility. If the AC feels a match has been made, you would sign an adoption contract, pay the adoption donation, and schedule the home check and delivery of the animal (usually done that day).
Please note, that while we do not place dogs on a "first come first serve" basis, we do review applications in the order received, and complete adoptions with the first most qualified household.
All of the animals we place are owner assisted surrenders & adoptions, or courtesy posts from shelters and rescues we partner with.
To meet one of our dogs, you must first complete an Adoption Application and have a brief 10-15 minute phone interview with an Adoption Coordinator. The AC will review your application and if approved, put you in touch with the owner or rescue to set up an introduction to the dog(s) you would like to meet. At the in-person Meet & Greet, all household members (including resident dogs) must be present, and you and the dog will be evaluated for compatibility. If the AC feels a match has been made, you would sign an adoption contract, pay the adoption donation, and schedule the home check and delivery of the animal (usually done that day).
Please note, that while we do not place dogs on a "first come first serve" basis, we do review applications in the order received, and complete adoptions with the first most qualified household.
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Documents
Bringing Home A New Dog?
Download & Print this informative packet! 
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Note: The CWDF does not hold available animals. Animals will be shown to interested adopters until adopted.
If approved at your Meet & Greet, please be prepared to complete the adoption process at that time by signing the necessary documents, providing a copy of your lease showing pets are permitted (if applicable), and making your adoption donation.
If approved at your Meet & Greet, please be prepared to complete the adoption process at that time by signing the necessary documents, providing a copy of your lease showing pets are permitted (if applicable), and making your adoption donation.
About Your Meet & Greet
All household members, human and canine, must be present at your event.
Remember that a Meet & Greet is not a guarantee of adoption, but rather a chance for our Adoption Coordinators to evaluate how the available dog interacts with you and other household members, human and non-human. Your AC has most likely been fostering the dog you're meeting, or has been working very closely with the foster, so they know the dog incredibly well. During your adoption process, they are getting to know you too, and only proceed with each step if they feel confident in a potential doggy soul-mate connection! If all parties agree it's a match during your event, you will be invited at that time to complete the adoption process.
Be sure and have any requested documents (i.e. a copy of your pet-friendly lease or letter of approval from Landlord), and the ability to make your adoption donation, should you be selected and invited to adopt a dog at your event. Note: The CWDF unfortunately is unable to "hold" available animals, and all adoptable pets will be continued to be shown to potential adopters until adopted. If you would like to adopt a dog at your event, but need a few days to get ready for your new arrival, you will complete all paperwork, and then your AC can coordinate boarding for your new dog until an agreed upon date.
Please know that if you've been invited to an introduction it's because the AC has chosen you from a number of eager and loving hopefuls, and feels you're an excellent potential match! However, if for whatever reason another family is chosen, rest assured this is no reflection on you as a loving and capable pet parent.
Our AC's all have over a decade of experience making matches, and ultimately choose an adopter based on a number of criteria which help them choose the most suitable candidate for each dog. Our motto is "Place them well, place them once", and we hope you'll allow us to continue searching with you if for any reason you or the AC do not feel a match has been made at this time.
- Please notify your Adoption Coordinator as soon as possible if you are unable to attend your event.
- Please let your AC know if you would not be able to complete the adoption process on the day of your event.
- Your AC will have the adoptable dog(s), adoption contract, medical records, and a few supplies (small bag of food, leash/collar/ID tag).
- If you adopt a dog at your event, we ask that you purchase an ID Tag at that time with your information and secure it to your animal's collar.
- We also ask that you use a harness when walking your new companion outside, as this helps prevent accidental escapes, which are most likely to happen in the first few weeks as your new dog is getting to know and their new surroundings.
Remember that a Meet & Greet is not a guarantee of adoption, but rather a chance for our Adoption Coordinators to evaluate how the available dog interacts with you and other household members, human and non-human. Your AC has most likely been fostering the dog you're meeting, or has been working very closely with the foster, so they know the dog incredibly well. During your adoption process, they are getting to know you too, and only proceed with each step if they feel confident in a potential doggy soul-mate connection! If all parties agree it's a match during your event, you will be invited at that time to complete the adoption process.
Be sure and have any requested documents (i.e. a copy of your pet-friendly lease or letter of approval from Landlord), and the ability to make your adoption donation, should you be selected and invited to adopt a dog at your event. Note: The CWDF unfortunately is unable to "hold" available animals, and all adoptable pets will be continued to be shown to potential adopters until adopted. If you would like to adopt a dog at your event, but need a few days to get ready for your new arrival, you will complete all paperwork, and then your AC can coordinate boarding for your new dog until an agreed upon date.
Please know that if you've been invited to an introduction it's because the AC has chosen you from a number of eager and loving hopefuls, and feels you're an excellent potential match! However, if for whatever reason another family is chosen, rest assured this is no reflection on you as a loving and capable pet parent.
Our AC's all have over a decade of experience making matches, and ultimately choose an adopter based on a number of criteria which help them choose the most suitable candidate for each dog. Our motto is "Place them well, place them once", and we hope you'll allow us to continue searching with you if for any reason you or the AC do not feel a match has been made at this time.