At Dogwood Doberman Rescue (DDR), our aim is to find loving homes for Dobermans, and we see ourselves as your partners in this endeavor. Our policies are designed to welcome you into our community, not to exclude you. The following guidelines are crafted to safeguard both you and our cherished breed.

• You and all members of your family are enthusiastic about adopting, provided the right Doberman is available.

• You are at least 18 years old and can legally enter into binding contracts in North Carolina.

• All members of your household are 8 years of age or older. Due to insurance-related policies, DDR typically does not adopt adult Dobermans to families with children under the age of 8. Families with children of any age may apply to adopt a puppy under the age of six months.

• If you rent or have community restrictions, you can provide a letter on letterhead stationery from your landlord or Homeowners' Association (HOA) permitting you to keep a Doberman Pinscher at your residence.

• You can independently afford to care for your Doberman, estimating an annual cost of at least $1,000 for food, medical care, supplies, grooming, treats, toys, bedding, etc., excluding emergency care.

• If you have a yard, it is securely fenced (preferably 6' high), in good repair, and has gates that are always securely locked. Your fenced area does not contain plants deadly to dogs.

  Note: We do process applications from apartments/condos but want to set expectations that the wait may be longer. Approval for these living situations is not common due to factors such as barking and exercise needs. When approved, we look for active owners interested in dog sports. Young puppies are not adopted to apartments/condos due to the need for sterile potty and exercise areas before all shots are complete.

• Your current dogs are licensed and microchipped.

• You can afford an adoption fee ranging between $250 and $450, depending on the rescue's age, condition, appearance, and training.

• You keep your pets as indoor companions.

Other considerations:

• We prefer to place dogs within a day's drive of Charlotte. In-state adopters will be prioritized, but we do allow out-of-state adoptions in SC, TN, GA, VA and FL under certain conditions.

• If you're an exception, you must drive to North Carolina for the meet-and-greet with any dogs you're interested in. You would also be required to drive the dog back to North Carolina in the event of a return. Please email us to discuss before submitting an out-of-state application.

• We rarely place a male under 2 with another large-breed male dog under 2, or a female under 2 with another large-breed female dog under 2.

• We rarely place a Doberman in a home that uses public off-leash dog parks regularly.

• We reserve the right to refuse adoption if we believe it is in the Doberman's best interests.

• By contract, the adopted Doberman must be returned to DDR if you wish to relinquish him or her.

If you understand, accept, and meet these criteria, you qualify to begin the adoption process. Learn more about our process and apply today!

If you're a capable, conscientious, and responsible dog person with a suitable and safe home, we want you to succeed. Contact us with any questions.