8 Best German Shepherd Rescues in Arizona (AZ)

Written by Garrett Yamasaki in Rescues Last Updated May 27, 2023
Best German Shepherd Rescues in Arizona

German Shepherds are a special breed, which is why German Shepherd Rescues in Arizona dedicate themselves to saving them. These dogs are well-known for being loyal, intelligent, and hard-working dogs. They make excellent guard dogs well-suited for families or those living alone.

If you’re here, you already know all the great things about GSDs (German Shepherd dogs.) Adopting a German Shepherd, or any breed, is a rewarding experience that allows you the opportunity to save a dog’s life. Consider one of these German Shepherd rescues in Arizona to give a needy dog a chance at a normal life.

Some other articles you may appreciate: How to Discipline A German Shepherd Puppy and How to Stop a Dog from Pooping In the House at Night?

Contents

Southwestern German Shepherd Rescue

Southwestern German Shepherd Rescue

The Southwest German Shepherd Rescue in Arizona is a great place to start if you’re specifically searching for a German Shepherd. This rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Phoenix, Arizona. They rely on volunteers and donations to rescue, care for, and find loving homes for German Shepherds in Arizona.

Southwestern German Shepherd Rescue has a partner organization in Arizona, the White German Shepherd Rescue. However, they’re separate entities with specific requirements, so keep this in mind before contacting either.

Remember, you can only adopt from the Southwestern German Shepherd rescue if you’re an Arizona resident. If interested in adopting, you must complete an application, have a phone interview, and have a home visit before seeing any of the dogs.

Then, you’ll get a two-week trial period to ensure the GSD is a good fit for your home. Thankfully, the rescue does its best to learn the dog’s temperament and attitude before showing, so you should have a relatively good idea before you reach the trial stage.

Adoption costs may vary between $75 and $450 depending on factors like the dog’s age. Some senior dogs may only require a small donation rather than an adoption fee.

Rescue and Adoption Details:

White German Shepherd Rescue

White German Shepherd Rescue

White German Shepherd Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit partnered with the Southwestern German Shepherd Rescue. They are a small group of volunteers committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming white German Shepherds.

As with many other GSD rescues on the list, White German Shepherd Rescue in Arizona has some requirements you’ll need to meet before adoption. However, unlike their partner rescue, you can adopt a dog even if you’re outside of Arizona.

You must travel to meet the staff and dogs if you’re not a resident. They’ll do a home visit via a local rescue or video chat. You can expect an adoption fee ranging from $150-$450, depending on the dog’s age, training, medical conditions, or other factors.

Every dog at the rescue is spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on shots. The adoption fee helps the rescue to ensure each dog is adoption ready and cared for in the meantime.

Rescue and Adoption Details:

Saving Paws Rescue Arizona

Saving Paws Rescue Arizona

Saving Paws Rescue Arizona is another volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit for German Shepherd adoption in Arizona. The volunteers dedicate themselves to taking in needy dogs, providing veterinary care, and searching for forever homes for German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois dogs.

It’s a non-euthanasia rescue, meaning the dogs within their care will not be put down due to lack of space. Many dogs in this rescue come from kill shelters and pounds, are owner surrenders, or were taken from negligent or abusive situations.

Saving Paws Rescue began as a small group of volunteers and has now grown into a more significant rescue that saves hundreds of dogs annually. If you’re interested in adopting from Saving Paws Rescue Arizona, you must complete an application to begin the adoption process.

Once your application is approved, you can schedule a meet and greet. It may take up to five days for your application to finish processing, so don’t feel discouraged if you don’t receive an immediate response.

Rescue and Adoption Details:

Stealing Hearts Rescue

Stealing Hearts Rescue

This large breed shelter was founded in 2015 with the goal of making a difference in large dog breeds’ lives. Stealing Hearts Rescue focuses on large and strong dog breeds that many misjudge. Although they take other breeds aside from German Shepherds, there’s a chance you could find your ideal dog at the rescue.

This no-kill rescue mission is to save the lives of the overlooked strong dog breeds by taking in dogs from other shelters. In some cases, the dogs are sick, pregnant, nursing, or in line to be euthanized. The volunteers believe these gentle giants deserve a chance at a happy life in their forever home.

If you’d like to adopt a German Shepherd or another dog breed at Stealing Hearts Rescue, you’ll begin by completing an adoption application. You may also apply to be a foster. Once the team reviews your application, they’ll schedule an interview.

Stealing Hearts Rescue has saved 139 dogs from euthanasia and adopted out 170 dogs in 2022.

Rescue and Adoption Details:

Almost There Rescue

Almost There Rescue

Almost There Rescue is another 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization without tax or government funding. The organization receives funds to care for the dogs through adoption fees, donations, and the help of volunteers. 

Almost There Rescue aims to save mother dogs and puppies, provide adequate care, and find loving homes. Additionally, these dogs get plenty of experience with socialization through specialized programs while in their care.

Every puppy goes through a curriculum, “Puppy Culture,” developed by a team of experts like trainers and behavioral veterinarians. Each puppy has the best chance at proper development through training, enrichment activities, and socialization. They also have behavioral veterinarians who work with mother dogs.

Each dog at the rescue is spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccines before adoption. Use the pet finder tool on their website to search for available German Shepherds. To adopt a puppy or adult dog, schedule an appointment through the link on their website.

Rescue and Adoption Details:

Halo Animal Rescue

Halo Animal Rescue is a larger rescue that cares for dogs and cats of all ages, sizes, and breeds. Like many others, Halo Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They’re also a no-kill rescue, meaning they’ll never euthanize an animal due to lack of room, minor illness, or being frightened.

The name for the organization “HALO” stands for “Helping Animals Live On.” Every volunteer works hard to ensure they provide a safe place to help rehabilitate animals and give them a chance to find a healthy, happy, forever home.

Not only do they house homeless animals, but work to create a better welfare system for animals of all types within the community. They maintain relationships with other rescues and welfare agencies to maximize the available resources for all involved.

All pets at the rescue are sterilized, microchipped, and up-to-date on all of their shots. To adopt, you can head to the rescue to meet the dogs. You may also call or email them to learn more about any German Shepherd dogs they have available. Fees range from $0-$605 for the majority of their dogs.

Rescue and Adoption Details:

Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue

Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue

Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and no-kill rescue that specializes in American Pitbulls and American Staffordshire Terriers, though they accept all breeds. This family-run organization works with volunteers to rescue ill, injured, abandoned, and unwanted dogs.

They take in several dogs from animal shelters in the area or animals given up by citizens in the area. Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue aims to rescue abandoned, abused, and injured dogs and rehabilitate, vaccinate, sterilize them, and help them find their forever home.

Because they accept all dog breeds, you may find a German Shepherd at the rescue looking for its forever home. If you’re interested in adopting, you’ll need to fill out an in-depth application and sign an adoption contract.

Then, you’ll submit to a home check for a period of a year. As with other nonprofit organization rescues, you’ll need to pay an adoption fee that ranges in price. Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue has additional requirements for adopters looking to adopt a bully breed.

Rescue and Adoption Details:

Arizona Humane Society

Arizona Humane Society

Lastly, we have the Arizona Humane Society, a private nonprofit organization founded in 1957. Not only do they have dogs of all breeds, but house other animals like cats, rabbits, and more. The Arizona Humane Society offers a large array of services including veterinary care, pet training, and educational events.

Additionally, the Arizona Humane Society has an ethical, no-kill philosophy, ensuring no animal is euthanized no matter how long they’re at the shelter or how much space is available.

The Arizona Humane Society makes it easy and convenient to find a pet. You can schedule an appointment, stop by the rescue, or arrange a curbside appointment. However, curbside appointments are not available for dog adoptions.

All German Shepherds and other dogs will be either spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on all vaccinations. Some dogs come with additional supplies to get you started, like a bag of dog food.

Rescue and Adoption Details:

Conclusion For “Best German Shepherd Rescues in Arizona”

All rescues listed are excellent options for finding a dog, though we suggest starting with Southwestern German Shepherd Rescue. Although their adoption process is somewhat lengthy, it goes to show how dedicated they are to finding a reputable home for their German Shepherds.

Additionally, if you’re sure you want a GSD, there are several to choose from at the shelter. Since they focus solely on German Shepherds, you won’t have to guess if they have the breed you’re looking for. Their partner, White German Shepherd Rescue, is also an ideal option if you’re specifically looking for a white GSD.

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