German Shepherd rescue in Austin centers are often non-profit organizations that work to rescue and rehome German Shepherds in need. They are usually run by volunteers and funded through donations.
Texas has a high number of homeless German Shepherd dogs compared to the rest of the U.S. So, German Shepherd Rescue in Austin centers have strict adoption policies to ensure the dogs get placed in loving and responsible homes.
They may require a thorough application process for potential adopters. So don’t be surprised if you need to submit to home checks, reference checks, and interviews.
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What Are The Needs of a German Shepherd?
German Shepherds require training and bonding to make the best companions. These dogs have strong wills, but they are also loyal and dependable.
German Shepherd rescue centers are an excellent option for pet adopters who want to avoid supporting puppy mills or pet stores selling dogs from questionable sources. In addition, adopting a rescued dog is a rewarding experience since you are giving your new fur friend a second chance.
Here are some of the top German Shepherd Rescue centers in Austin.
Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue
This local organization started after the inspiring story of a German Shepherd Dog puppy named Helmut. That’s “Mutt,” for short. Mutt was the sole survivor among his litter mates after their abandonment on a country road.
The loving bond between Mutt and his human led to her founding this non-profit rescue center that “rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes” German Shepherds throughout Texas.
AGSDR prioritizes the quality of home placement over the quantity of them. They want homes where strong animal-human bonds thrive and grow strong. So if, for any reason, a dog doesn’t get adopted, it then lives with a rescue member.
Some of the services AGSDR provides German Shepherds are
- Kill-shelter retrievals
- Veterinary care, including heartworm treatments
- Grooming
- Training
- Housing
They have a robust foster home system but always remain on the lookout for new foster parents. Their strict foster application is identical to their adoption, so AGSDR knows their dogs receive excellent, nurturing care.
Foster homes with AGSDR provide for German Shepherds beyond their basic food and water needs. Some of these dogs need housetraining or to learn manners. Foster parents teach skills like walking on a leash and obedience training.
By providing love and training for fosters dogs, Austin German Shepherd Rescue hopes to make them more marketable for finding their forever homes.
These volunteers teach German Shepherds how to put their best paws forward.
Contact Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (512) 413-0589
- Website: https://www.austingermanshepherdrescue.org/
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
German Shepherd Rescue of Texas
German Shepherd Rescue of Texas started with Kristin and Craig Hensley and their four canine co-founders, Molly, Milo, Moe, and Zozo. Now dozens of foster homes welcome German Shepherd rescue dogs.
The GSRTX team provides foster families with crates and necessary medical care so the dogs have all their needs met. They also customize individual training strategies to meet pups where they’re at.
One cool thing about GSRTX is that Molly accompanies Craig to shelters to help him evaluate dogs for rescue. Molly’s evaluations number in the hundreds now, and she lives her best life knowing she’s making a difference for other lucky dogs.
Kristin and Craig work full-time jobs in addition to rescuing German Shepherd dogs. They are so passionate about rescues becoming beloved family pets that they reject applications saying a dog will live outside.
Instead, GSRTX seeks to pair dogs and families based on the specific needs of both. So adopters don’t “automatically” get a dog by being the first responder. Instead, the lengthy adoption process aims to house dogs in their forever homes.
This Waxahachie German Shepherd Rescue is closer to Dallas than Austin. But their love and devotion to these dogs all over Texas are apparent. Their rescue area extends out from the Dallas metro area.
Contact Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.gsrtx.org/
- Location: Austin, Texas, Waxahachie TX
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas
GSRCT saves German Shepherd dogs and mixes throughout Central Texas. They rescue dogs from Austin, Waco, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston metro areas. A motto of GSRCT is that every dog that gets adopted means they can save another one.
Their stated goal is to save as many dogs as possible from abuse, neglect, or premature death. Volunteer foster homes provide the love and care many of these dogs have never received.
These German Shepherd Rescue Austin dogs end up in foster care for many reasons. Some owners can no longer care for their beloved pets. Other dogs get rescued after a family member’s death.
And unfortunately, some dogs are lost or abandoned. GSRCT selects dogs based on their temperament and adoptability levels. Volunteers learn about a dog’s background and test their temperaments to ensure it can successfully find a forever home placement.
Volunteers fill out a lengthy application requiring references before being accepted. This in-depth process ensures that dogs live in healthy and loving foster homes. Foster homes for dogs are within the Austin, Round Rock, Dripping Springs, and Cedar Park areas.
Prospective adoptive parents also receive a thorough screen. GSRCT aims to place dogs in the most suitable home for their needs and temperament. Therefore, dogs don’t get adopted merely on a first-come, first-served basis.
The application asks for general family information, including employer and home insurance information. Since some insurers won’t cover German Shepherd ownership, GSRCT asks for coverage verification.
They ask about your length of time in the home and whether or not your yard is fenced. A thorough family questionnaire helps prospective pet owners think through the decision to select a German Shepherd rescue.
Volunteers review the application and talk with your veterinarian and references. Then they’ll conduct a virtual home visit. Upon screening approval, adopters meet with the dog at the foster location.
Contact Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (512) 680-4742
- Website: https://www.gsdrescuectx.com/
- Location: Central Texas (servicing Austin)
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Blue Angel German Shepherd Rescue (BAGSR)
This German Shepherd rescue serves San Antonio and surrounding counties, including Austin, Texas. It started after the founders met Dante at a local vet. Dante was only eleven months old but already suffered neglect and Demodex mange.
Thankfully, Dante lived for seven years with his new owners. And their love for him led them to other German Shepherd rescue in Austin, San Antonio, and other nearby areas.
Blue Angel is part of RUFF’s 501(c)3 status. Rescuers United for Furry Friends helps owners care for their pets when finances get strained. In addition, they partner with rescue centers to help pets find a home where they can grow old feeling loved.
As with other German Shepherd rescues in Austin, BAGSR has a thorough adoption process to ensure dogs are well placed. Additionally, they limit the placement area to San Antonio and Austin due to their home visit requirement.
BAGSR dogs are unclaimed strays and rescues from kill shelters. Unfortunately, German Shepherds are often left outside and neglected. But they thrive in loving conditions with the proper feeding and attention they deserve.
Blue Angel seeks to place these rescued dogs in forever homes full of nurturing. Including German Shepherds in family life helps them acclimate to their new home.
While the founders have served in the U.S. military, they won’t adopt dogs to active military families who may have to surrender them upon transfer. However, they make exceptions for families who can prove they’ve kept dogs through transfers. And for military personnel at the end of their service term.
In addition, BAGSR requires prospective to own their forever homes with a fenced backyard. Therefore, the rescue center won’t accept apartment renters to provide the best possible home environment for the German Shepherd.
These strict guidelines include providing three non-family references, a phone interview, a meet and greet, and a home inspection. These steps (similar to the other German Shepherd rescue in Austin) ensure a good fit for the family and the dog.
Contact Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://bagsdr.org/
- Location: San Antonio, Texas (servicing Austin)
Adopting a German Shepherd Rescue Austin FAQs
Here are answers to your most frequently asked questions about German Shepherd Rescue in Austin.
Why are so many German Shepherds in shelters?
Larger dog breeds like German Shepherds wind up in shelters because their owners don’t understand their needs. These dogs need training, activity, and a family who wants to share time with their pet. They aren’t the best breed for seniors who may not be able to walk German Shepherds as much as needed.
Is it hard to keep a German Shepherd?
It is easy to keep a German Shepherd. They are herding dogs, who now commonly work for police departments and the military. They are active dogs who are intelligent and loyal. This combination makes them easy to train.
What is the first step in adopting a German Shepherd rescue in Austin?
Connect with one of the best Austin German Shepherd Rescue centers by filling out an application. Then you can learn more about the specific process and take any necessary steps to create a big dog environment. Things like purchasing a large crate and connecting with your veterinarian are significant first steps for adopting a German Shepherd.
These loyal dogs will improve your life even while you improve theirs.