If you are looking to adopt, finding the right German Shepherd Rescue in Northern California can be tricky. There are many great Rescues and shelters, but only a few cater to this unique and amazing breed.
The following is a rundown of the five best places to visit if you want a German Shepherd Rescue in Northern California.
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Contents
Greater California German Shepherd Rescue
The Greater California German Shepherd Rescue, located in Modesto, is run by volunteers and provides a safe, caring, and friendly environment for German Shepherd dogs Rescued from unacceptable and at-risk homes. Once a new arrival has been processed, the organization starts the journey to finding their dogs their permanent home.
Most German Shepherd dogs at this Rescue are California, “residents.” The organization does not usually adopt out-of-state animals. They work with an extensive foster-home network in Northern California, as the Greater California German Shepherd Rescue does not have physical facilities.
The organization does not provide services to stray dogs but coordinates with local shelters that euthanize animals. The dog to be adopted is often on a schedule for pending euthanization. If you own a German Shepherd you want to give up, they do take in surrender animals, but only on a case-by-case basis.
There are several requirements to adopt a German Shepherd from the Greater California German Shepherd Rescue:
- Payment of a fee ranging from $100 to $350 depending on the dog in question
- Completion of a home visit
- References
The Rescue holds adoption days to let prospective caretakers meet the dogs, or you can visit their website (listed below.)
Contact Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: (877) 268-0255
- Website: Greater California German Shepherd Rescue
- Address: PO Box 577683, Modesto, CA, 95357
- Social Media: Facebook
German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California
Located in Cupertino, the German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California coordinates with local animal shelters to take in dogs slated for euthanization. They also work with other Rescue groups and will take surrender animals. The organization has existed for almost 20 years, placing over 4,500 German Shepherds.
While there is no requirement that adoptive caretakers be local, the organization does try to place dogs with individuals living in the area. There is a fee that ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the dog. They charge no fee to individuals that will take in German Shepherds over ten years old. The fee covers the following:
- Veterinary and medical care
- Shelter fees
- Spaying and neutering
- Boarding and sheltering the animals
Contact Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 1-800-728-3473 (Hotline)
- Website: German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California
- Location: P.O. Box 1930, Cupertino, CA 95015-1930
- Social Media: Facebook
Golden State German Shepherd Rescue
The Golden State German Shepherd Rescue is in Alameda. It has three goals:
- Rescue German Shepherd dogs in need.
- Educate the public about responsible dog ownership.
- Place dogs in loving permanent homes.
Most animals that pass through the Rescue were found in animal shelters, although the organization will take in surrendered animals.
German Shepherds they work with have run out of time in shelters. The Rescue takes them in and assesses their needs while actively looking to place them in the perfect adoption setting. This Rescue was started in 2009 and is a volunteer, nonprofit organization. It is a 501(c)(3) organization registered with the IRS.
To adopt from the Golden State German Shepherd Rescue, you must follow meet the following criteria:
- Live in the area serviced by the Rescue (San Francisco Bay, Stockton, Lodi, and Sacramento)
- Have no children five years old or under
- Complete an Adoption Questionnaire
- Complete an interview with an adoption counselor
- Complete a home visit by an assessment volunteer
- Sign an adoption agreement
- Pay a fee ranging from $250 to $350, depending on the circumstances of the dog
Contact Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 877-447-4717
- Website: Golden State German Shepherd Rescue
- Location: PO Box 2956, Alameda, CA 94501
- Social Media: Facebook
Bay Area German Shepherd Dog Rescue
As an all-volunteer nonprofit, the Bay Area German Shepherd Dog Rescue aims to place all unwanted, abandoned, and soon-to-be euthanized German Shepards in loving, caring homes. Started by a German Shepherd owner and lover of the breed, this Rescue utilizes the skills of its volunteers to provide pick-up to placement care to the dogs that end up there.
Most of their dogs come from shelters, but they do take animal surrenders. Once accepted, each animal gets an inspection and behavioral examination, is given medical care, is trained, and is socialized as part of their rehabilitation and placement program. The Bay Area German Shepherd Dog Rescue has saved over 200 dogs.
The organization does utilize a foster system but actively works to place every animal in a permanent home. To adopt, you must fill out an application, be reviewed by the organization and approved, and pay a $400 application fee. As part of the process, you must provide photos of your house, yard, fencing, gates, and where your dog will spend most of its time.
If you are looking to adopt a puppy, the Bay Area German Shepherd Dog Rescue will require that you develop a plan for raising it to be healthy and well-adjusted. The organization is particular about who it lets adopt its puppies. It helps if you have prior experience doing so.
Upon approval, if the animal has not been spayed or neutered, you must pay a $200 deposit that is returned to you when you provide proof of sterilization.
Contact Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 855-473-5683
- Website: bayareagsr.org
- Location: Bay Area, Northern California
- Social Media: Facebook
Napa Valley German Shepherd Rescue
Concluding our list of the best German Shepherd rescue in Northern California, a foster-based charity, the Napa Valley German Shepherd Rescue works with full-bred German Shepherds and takes in mixed-breed German Shepherds. The Rescue focuses on unwanted and abused German Shepherds surrendered by their owners or in shelters. Throughout the Rescue’s existence, it has helped place hundreds of German Shepherds.
Animals taken in by the Rescue are given medical treatment, behavioral assessments, and training. The Rescue also spends a lot of time running educational programs for the public to help the public learn about this incredible breed of dog. Dogs that are up for adoption are listed on the Napa Valley German Shepherd Rescue website.
When you see a dog you want to adopt, you fill out an extensive application that is reviewed and approved by staff. Adoption is limited to a 60-mile radius of Napa. You must have an interview with a Rescue representative and a home visit.
Contact Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: N/A
- Website: napavalleygsr.org
- Location: Napa Valley, Northern California
- Social Media: Facebook
Why Adopt a German Shepherd?
There are many dogs out there in need of a good home. Why should you consider a German Shepherd adoption in Northern California? Here are a few reasons.
German Shepherds Are No Different
The reality is that any responsible owner must commit the same time and energy to any dog they raise. It is true that a German Shepherd costs a little more because they are larger dogs, but all things considered, the difference is negligible when compared to similar-sized dogs and not really that much different than all dogs, except very small dogs.
The Loyalty and Protection Is Unparalleled
There is a reason German Shepherds are used as guard, police, and service animals. There are very few animals as loyal as a German Shepherd or as fearless. Additionally, they are great around kids and super protective of their caretaker’s family. Plus, their size is intimidating to just about any intruder.
Intelligent
While there are smarter dogs, there are not many. German Shepherds are highly intelligent, pick up new concepts and routines quickly, and can be trained to follow a huge variety of commands and tasks. When you combine their intelligence with their loyalty, German Shepherds are perfect watchkeepers over young children and great companions for everyone else.
Fun
German Shepherd dogs have a lot of energy that needs regular outlets such as walking, running, and playing. That said, because they are intelligent, they are a lot of fun to play with and can make walking them an adventure. If you like outdoor activities such as hiking or running, they are perfect trail mates.
Family-Safe
You can trust your German Shepherd with anyone in your family, including younger kids. German Shepherds are also very affectionate animals and love to spend time with their caretakers. Best of all, if you have young children, you have an animal that will treat your kids like they are their own.
It Is Rewarding
When you complete a German Shepherd adoption in Northern California, you are saving an animal. In many cases, you are saving their lives. Additionally, adoption helps get one more German Shepherd into a good home and reduces the number of dogs in shelters. Best of all, you get a companion that will love you no matter what.
Conclusion For “Best German Shepherd Rescues in Northern California”
German Shepherds are great pets, and a surplus of them need forever homes. If you are looking for a rewarding experience and a lifelong friend, check out a German Shepherd Rescue in Northern California today. You will not regret doing so.