If you want to adopt a dog from one of the German Shepherd rescues in Tennessee, then you must know the basics about each option.
Many dog owners look to rescues rather than breeders because they know the importance of keeping dogs off the streets and out of kill shelters. However, there are key differences between organizations.
Before you decide on a rescue, evaluate the medical care they provide for dogs before adoption. Additionally, you must consider the location. While many aim to adopt German Shepherds out to local Tennessee families, some have location restrictions.
The following are the best German Shepherd rescues in Tennessee.
Some other articles you will also appreciate: 8 Best German Shepherd Breeders in Tennessee (TN)! and How to Discipline A German Shepherd Puppy
Contents
1. Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue
Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue has been saving German Shepherds since September 2012. The company has teamed up with animal control facilities to save dogs before they are euthanized. This rescue also accepts stray dogs and those surrendered by their owners.
Although this rescue prioritizes full-blooded German Shepherds, they also place similar working and herding breeds, including German Shepherd mixes.
How Does This Rescue Care for German Shepherds Before Their Adoption?
Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue is committed to the long-term health and happiness of its dogs. Staff provides medical care, rehabilitation, and training for the German Shepherds to prepare them for life in their forever home.
Moreover, dogs receive a temperament evaluation to ensure they are placed with a family that can meet their needs. These German Shepherds are placed with local Tennessee families as often as possible.
Before adoption, each dog will receive the following care:
- Spayed or neutered
- Current vaccinations
- Current heartworm and flea/tick preventative
- Microchipped
Contact Information
You can reach Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue using the following methods:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone number: N/A
- Website: Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue
- Location: P.O. Box 59016 Nashville, TN 37205
- Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
2. Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue
Since 2011, Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue has been saving dogs from inhumane and dangerous conditions. This German Shepherd rescue in Tennessee housed only three dogs in East Tennessee when it first opened. By 2016, a West Tennessee chapter opened to meet the needs of the Memphis area.
Today, Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue saves hundreds of dogs yearly. These dogs come from high-kill shelters, homelessness, neglectful situations, and owners who have surrendered them.
Like other German Shepherd rescues in Tennessee, this organization aims to find loving homes for all German Shepherds in its care.
How Does This Rescue Care for German Shepherds Before Adoption?
Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue understands the importance of placing German Shepherds in loving homes capable of caring for the dogs correctly. Staff evaluates each dog to measure compatibility with the prospective family.
This German Shepherd rescue in Tennessee also reinforces basic training, including socialization, and recommends obedience training to all adoptive families. While dogs wait for their forever homes, Imminent Danger German Shepherds Rescue sends them to foster homes as often as possible.
Each dog in the care of Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue receives:
- Spayed or neutered
- Current vaccinations
Contact Information
Learn more about Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue by contacting the company.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: N/A
- Website: Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue
- Location: P.O. Box 2994 Greeneville, TN 37744
- Social Media: Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube
3. Rescue Me! Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue
Jeff Gold, the founder of this rescue, took action against the needless euthanization of animals. He created Rescue Me! as a network for animals who need homes for any reason.
Individuals, families, shelters, and rescue groups can list purebred and mixed animals on this website. By connecting German Shepherds with families worldwide, these dogs spend less time in overcrowded shelters and homes unable to properly care for them.
How Does This Rescue Care for German Shepherds Before Adoption?
Although Rescue Me! Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue is mainly an online network, there is an Animal Rehabilitation Center for those who need it. At this center in Watkinsville, Georgia, staff provides medical care for countless animals.
Each dog is under the care of a different owner. The shelter, individual, or family can describe the German Shepherd’s medical care to you before adoption.
Contact Information
Reach out to Rescue Me! using their:
- Email: Varies by the dog (select a dog, then click the ‘Details/Contact’ button underneath)
- Phone Number: Varies by dog
- Website: Rescue Me! Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue
- Location: Varies by dog
- Social Media: Facebook
4. German Shepherd Rescue of East TN
German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee is a rescue run entirely by volunteers. These volunteers house the German Shepherds, process adoption paperwork, and complete home visits for prospective adoptive families.
After completing an application, families can expect a home visit and vet reference check. They will then pay the adoption fee, which is typically between $150 and $200.
This German Shepherd rescue in Tennessee usually only adopts German Shepherds out to families who live within two hours of Knoxville, Tennessee, because of mandatory home visits.
How Does This Rescue Care for German Shepherds Before Adoption?
German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee does not have a shelter, so a foster family cares for each dog. This system allows German Shepherds to socialize, learn house manners, and experience the comfort of a loving home.
The homeowners are all volunteers, committed to providing the best life for their foster dogs.
Before adoption, dogs receive the following care:
- Spayed or neutered
- Current vaccinations
- Checked for heartworms and intestinal worms
Contact Information
Find more information about German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee using:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: N/A
- Website: German Shepherd Rescue of East TN
- Location: Knoxville, TN 37909
- Social Media: Facebook
FAQs
Before you commit to German Shepherd adoption in Tennessee, learn the answers to these frequently asked questions.
What Is a 501(c)(3) Organization? IDGSR
501(c)(3) organizations can be public charities, private foundations, or private operating foundations.
Animal welfare agencies, such as German Shepherd rescues in Tennessee, are public charities and typically require funds from the general public or government to continue operating.
The IRS regulates these non-profit organizations.
Which of the Best German Shepherd Rescues in Tennessee Are 501(c)(3) Organizations?
The following German Shepherd rescues in Tennessee are 501(c)(3) organizations:
- Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue
- Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue
- Rescue Me! Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue
- German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee
What Should I Know Before I Adopt a German Shepherd?
Adopting a German Shepherd is a big responsibility. First, you must ensure you can care for your new dog.
German Shepherds are very active and will need plenty of space to run. They require quality time to play with humans and other dogs. People who cannot spend enough time with their dogs often find their German Shepherds become loud and destructive.
Also, large dog breeds, like German Shepherds, are more expensive to care for. They need large beds and crates, many strong chew toys, and large bags of food.
Why Are So Many German Shepherds in Shelters?
German Shepherds are one of the most common dog breeds to find in shelters. Owners often become frustrated with their dogs for acting out. Unfortunately, most German Shepherds who do not receive enough exercise and mental stimulation will bark incessantly and chew furniture.
Where Else Can I Adopt Dogs in Tennessee?
Most rescues in Tennessee are not breed-specific but may house German Shepherds. Some of the best in Tennessee include:
- Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue in Nashville: a no-kill organization fueled by volunteers, donations, and fundraisers.
- Email: [email protected]
- Gigi’s Rescue in Goodlettsville: an organization that teams up with other rescues and people who need to rehome dogs to provide each dog with love and rehabilitation when necessary.
- Email: [email protected]
- Safe Place for Animals in Gallatin: a shelter that homes unwanted, abused, and surrenders animals. It also offers low-cost vetting to help pet owners in the community.
- Phone Number: (615) 451-7342
Are Breed-Specific Rescues Better Than General Rescues?
Breed-specific rescues are ideal for those who want a purebred dog but do not want to approach a breeder. Adoptive families save these dogs from homelessness or life in a shelter.
Additionally, volunteers at breed-specific rescues are experts on the dog breed you wish to adopt. They can provide proper education on personality traits, health risks, and training.
Conclusing of “Best German Shepherd Rescues in Tennessee”
German Shepherd rescues in Tennessee are the perfect solution for many adoptive families. They match German Shepherds in need with families that are the best equipped to care for this specific breed.
Plus, German Shepherd adoption in Tennessee is simple with the four rescues listed above. While some promise up-to-date medical care, others provide access to countless German Shepherds in the area.
Regardless of the rescue you choose, research the needs of German Shepherds to ensure they will fit into your lifestyle. This breed is intelligent and gentle and will brighten your life if you care for them correctly.
By researching German Shepherd rescues in Tennessee, you have made the first step toward changing a helpless dog’s life. Reach out to the rescues above to connect with the perfect pet for you.