Whether you are trying to surrender your German Shepherd because of life circumstances, or looking to adopt one, finding German Shepherd rescues in NH can be challenging.
More specifically, while there are several animal rescues in the state, few have the capabilities to meet the unique needs of German Shepherds.
Here is a summary of the options available for German Shepherd adoption in NH as well as where you can find a German Shepherd rescue in NH or the surrounding states to surrender your animal if that is necessary.
It is important to note that NH has many animal rescues, but none are dedicated solely to the German Shepherd breed. Because of that reality, one German Shepherd rescue located in Massachusetts, within 50 miles of the southern NH border, is included at the end of the list.
Some other articles you may like: Why Does My German Shepherd Circle Me? and Why Does My German Shepherd Circle Me?
Contents
We Are Animal Guardians
We Are Animal Guardians, located in Weare, takes in and provides a haven for abandoned, abused, and unwanted animals. The organization also strives to place them in new homes. Additionally, it has an ambitious program to raise public awareness of pet ownership responsibilities.
WAG, as the organization prefers, does not have a physical location. It runs a comprehensive foster program while a new home is sought for the animal in its care. All animals taken in by WAG are examined by a vet, administered vaccinations, dewormed, and provided medical treatment for injuries or illnesses. WAG charges are also spayed or neutered.
The adoption process is rigorous, and WAG staff state on their website that they check references. Once a potential adoptive caretaker fills out the required application, they will get interviewed by a placement counselor. If all goes well in the interview, a meeting with the animal the applicant is interested in will be set up.
WAG states on its website that it will take back any animals it places. To adopt a German Shepherd, the cost is $150.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (603) 529-5443
- Website: www.wearewag.org
- Location: 15 Flanders Memorial Road, Weare, NH
- Social Media: Facebook
Salem Animal Rescue League
The Salem Animal Rescue League (SARL) is a cooperative effort, merging the activities of police, local government, and volunteers to accomplish the following:
- Provide a refuge for abandoned and neglected, unwanted and injured animals
- Reduce the population of stray animals
- Provide permanent homes for animals in its care
- Promote awareness of humane care and treatment of animals
- Manage clinics to promote the spaying or neutering of animals
Since 1992, SARL has provided refuge for stray and unwanted animals. SARL is a no-kill shelter and takes in surrendered pets. Like WAG, SARL does not limit the type of animals it takes in and, on average, rescues and arranges for adoption for over 800 animals each year.
To adopt an animal from SARL, you must complete an extensive application, including information on your home, plans to care for the animal, and the veterinarian you use if you currently have other pets. After you submit your application, internal SARL staff will process it and set up a meeting with you.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (603) 893-3210
- Website: https://www.sarlnh.org/
- Location: 4 SARL Drive, Salem, NH
- Social Media: Facebook
Pet Tails Rescue
Concluding our list of the best German Shepherd Rescues in NH, Pet Tails Rescue is a volunteer organization registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The organization maintains a quarantine, training, and adoption center in Northwood, NH. Additionally, Pet Tails Rescue is a certified Rescue with the NH Department of Agriculture and registered with the NH Charitable Trust.
Opening in 2012, Pet Tails Rescue has rescued and rehomed over 4,000 animals, primarily from high-kill shelters. It utilizes a foster system to help acclimate animals; it provides refuge to have them ready for adoption when the time comes. This rescue has an extensive review process to be a foster caretaker or to adopt an animal.
The adoption process starts with an application, followed by a phone interview. Upon checking references and if you have current animals with your veterinarian, the organization will set up a meet and greet at their Northwood facility. There is a fee for adopting a canine that ranges from $225 for an older animal to over $500 for a puppy.
Included in the fee are the following:
- Heartworm test and treatment
- Spaying or neutering
- Age appropriate vaccinations
- Flea and tick treatment
- Examination by a licensed NH veterinarian
- Microchip installation
In addition, a transportation fee is included with the adoption fee, which ranges from $75 to $125, depending on the animal.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (603) 942-8905
- Website: www.pettailsrescue.com
- Location: 1172 1st New Hampshire Turnpike, Northwood, NH
- Social Media: Facebook
Note
The rescues above take in multiple types of animals. If you are looking to surrender a German Shepherd, any of those organizations will take your animal. If, however, you are looking to adopt a German Shepherd, your ability to do so depends on whether the rescue is currently caring for any German Shepherds.
For a more narrowly focused organization with German Shepherds to adopt, here is a rescue in Massachusetts, within 50 miles of the NH border.
German Shepherd Rescue of New England
Since 1996, the German Shepherd Rescue of New England (GSRNE) has provided “veterinary care, evaluation, and adoption services” for German Shepherds they find in shelters, are being surrendered by their current owner, or are victims of abuse or neglect. The organization is a safe harbor for animals that would otherwise be euthanized.
GSRNE also provides support and rescue services on a case-by-case basis for animals in acute need of refuge or placement due to changing family situations. Those include:
- Family illness
- Allergies
- Economic hardship
- Divorce
- Relocation to a “No Dogs Allowed” environment
Every animal accepted into the general placement or adoption programs undergoes the following:
- Evaluation for temperament and behavior
- Spaying or neutering
- Vaccination updates
- Acute medical care for injury or illness
- Foster home placement in an approved GSRNE home
- Ongoing efforts to place the animal in a permanent home
GSRNE strives to make the adoptive home the last home the German Shepherd will need or experience. The organization has an extensive application process and only places animals in ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, and RI. The fees to adopt break down as follows:
- $550 for puppies under six months
- $250 for dogs eight years old and older
Other Criteria that help determine if a potential caretaker can adopt from GSRNE:
- No children under the age of 7
- A fenced-in area for the dog to roam or play at least 1K square feet
- The applicant must not rent their home
- Initial interview
- Home visit
- Meet and greet
GSRNE strongly encourages applicants to be patient during the process. The organization is entirely volunteer-managed, so processing applications during high-volume periods can take some time.
- Email: There is a contact portal on their website.
- Phone Number: (978) 443-2202
- Website: https://gsrne.org/
- Location: Wayland, MA
- Social Media: Facebook
Before You Adopt
Owning any pet is a chore that requires patience, commitment, and resources. Owning a German Shepherd is all of that, but intensified. Before you commit to adopting a German Shepherd, please give the following consideration.
The Dog Type You Want
Getting a German Shepherd puppy is not a good idea if you want a staid, calm, and quiet companion. Likewise, if you want a dog to play, exercise and otherwise be active with, adopting an elder German Shepherd will likely not meet your needs. By figuring out what you want in a dog, you can ensure you get exactly what you want and need.
Consider Your Family (other pets too)
As important as it is for you to know what you want in a German Shepherd, it is equally important to make sure that your family is on board with your plans. You might be able to get away with bringing home a surprise kitten or smaller dog, but raising a German Shepherd requires commitment and enthusiasm from the get-go.
Another thing to consider is any other pets you have. Most rescues will state if a dog is not compatible with other pets but with younger pets, having a natural dislike of, say, cats may not have manifested itself with the German Shepherd in question. Additionally, larger animals can intimidate and traumatize smaller animals, so keep that in mind when deciding to adopt.
German Shepherds Are Lots of Work
There are no two ways about it, German Shepherds are amazing pets that require an equally amazing amount of work. Exercising them each day requires at least an hour. Feeding them is a chore, both logistically and financially. Acclimating them to a new environment, especially if they were rescue dogs, can be a full-time job for a while in and of itself.
You need to be sure you are up to the task before you bring home your furry bundle of energy.
Conclusion For “Best German Shepherd Rescues in NH”
The rescues covered here for German Shepherd adoption in NH are renowned for their expert care and superlative adoption and management processes. If you opt for any on this list, you are guaranteed to get a German Shepherd that lives up to your expectations.