Are you a passionate German Shepherd fan looking for the best German Shepherd rescues in California? Then you’ve come to the right place!
As one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, there are countless cases of unprepared owners adopting German Shepherds without understanding the realities of ownership. This unfortunate fact leads to numerous pups landing in high-risk shelters, awaiting their fate.
Rescues step in to place many of these abandoned or surrendered dogs in temporary foster homes, where they receive medical care, training, and socialization to prepare them for placement with their forever family.
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Find a German Shepherd Rescue in California
Before contacting a breeder, we encourage you to check out German Shepherd rescues in California. You are giving your future canine companion a chance to find its forever family and opening a foster space for a new pup desperately needing help.
To help you narrow down your list of rescues to research, we’ve rounded up five of the best options for German Shepherd adoption in California:
1. Coastal German Shepherd Rescue
At Coastal German Shepherd Rescue (CGSR), a dedicated group of volunteers comes together to transform the lives of abandoned German Shepherds by finding them loving homes across Southern California, stretching from San Diego to Los Angeles and beyond.
However, CGSR’s work extends far beyond simply finding forever homes.
They are on a mission to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and the unique characteristics of the German Shepherd breed. Their efforts focus on raising awareness about animal overpopulation through comprehensive education, training, and promoting spaying and neutering.
Believing in second chances and new beginnings, CGSR seeks to provide a fresh start for German Shepherds who have been abandoned, neglected, abused, or relinquished by their owners.
CGSR’s thorough adoption process for those living in Southern California begins with an online application, followed by a phone screening and home visits.
For interested adopters living within a few hours of the rescue, CGSR accepts one letter of recommendation from a pet professional, along with photos of the home and property, instead of the traditional adoption process.
Regardless of the adopter’s location, they also require copies of vaccinations and proof of spay/neuter for other pets in the household.
They diligently work to match each dog with the perfect adoptive family, going so far as to offer post-adoption support to ensure a successful placement.
Coastal German Shepherd Rescue Contact Information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (714) 528-4730
- Website: Coastal German Shepherd Rescue
- Location: 23615 El Toro Rd Suite X #276, Lake Forest, CA 92630
- Social Media: Coastal German Shepherd Rescue on Facebook
2. Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue
The Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue goes beyond just being a team of volunteers; it is a collective of experienced dog lovers who have spent years working with German Shepherds and other working breeds, like Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, and Anatolians.
Though not the largest rescue, the Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue boasts an impressive record, having fostered and saved nearly two thousand dogs.
Their mission involves rescuing dogs from shelters or owners who can no longer care for them. Each dog welcomed into their program undergoes a meticulous evaluation and placement in a nurturing foster home, where the team can better understand the dog’s personality and needs. Once they comprehensively understand the dog, they find the perfect match between the dog and its future adoptive family.
This incredible organization relies on the generosity of its community to continue its life-changing work, particularly the foster families that play a vital role in helping the team learn more about each dog.
There are countless ways to support this incredible organization, whether by fostering, donating, or volunteering. Every little bit counts and significantly impacts the lives of these deserving animals.
Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue Contact Information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (855) 473-5683
- Website: Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue
- Location: Alameda, CA 94501
- Social Media: Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue on Facebook
3. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC) is a devoted, volunteer-driven organization that focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming purebred German Shepherd dogs. GSROC is entirely funded by private donations and operates without government assistance.
About half of the dogs GSROC rescues come directly from owners who can no longer care for them for various reasons, such as moving, lack of time, illness, or other life changes. The other half is saved from public animal shelters throughout Southern California when they are unclaimed or unwanted.
To adopt through GSROC, individuals must meet specific criteria, such as being at least 23 years old, living in certain areas, and not residing in apartments or mobile homes. Additionally, the organization does not place dogs in homes with cats or other small animals due to the breed’s high prey drive.
GSROC matches dogs with compassionate individuals and families with the help of an in-depth application process. Prospective adopters complete an application, which gives GSROC insight into your breed experience, lifestyle, and preferences.
Once the application receives the seal of approval, adopters are encouraged to meet various dogs until they find their ideal match. When you’ve made your pick, GSROC finishes the process by performing a routine home visit, during which they’ll ensure your home is a safe environment for a German Shepherd.
German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County Contact Information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (714) 974-7762
- Website: GSROC
- Location: 120 Tustin Avenue Suite C-1111, Newport Beach, CA 92663
- Social Media: GSROC on Facebook
4. German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California
German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California (GSRNC) is guided by a mission to save the breed from life-threatening situations and give them a chance at a new, loving life.
With a focus on rescuing German Shepherds from shelters and beyond, GSRNC works tirelessly to find permanent, loving homes for these dogs with qualified owners. Recognizing that life can take unexpected turns, GSRNC also lends a helping hand to German Shepherd owners who can no longer care for their companions by finding new, loving homes for them.
In an inspiring display of unity, GSRNC collaborates with animal shelters and rescue groups, promoting the goal of saving dogs’ lives and reducing pet overpopulation. To that end, the organization educates the public on the benefits of adopting dogs from shelters and rescue groups and emphasizes the importance of spaying and neutering.
To adopt from GSRNC, prospective owners must reside in Northern California and complete an Adoption Questionnaire, followed by a thorough interview with an adoption counselor and a home visit.
GSRNC’s adoption counselors guide applicants through the process, and attending one of their Adoption Events offers a fantastic opportunity to meet numerous German Shepherds and find the perfect new companion.
German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California Contact Information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (800) 728-3473
- Website: GSRNC
- Location: PO Box 1930, Cupertino, California 95015
- Social Media: GSRNC on Facebook
5. Golden State German Shepherd Rescue
Nestled in the Central Valley of Northern California, Golden State German Shepherd Rescue (GSGSR) shines as a beacon of hope for needy German Shepherd dogs. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, GSGSR relies on community support through donations, volunteers, and foster homes, to continue its worthwhile mission.
Fueling their team’s seemingly limitless passion for the cause is rescuing dogs from Central Valley animal shelters, where they are at risk for euthanasia. Rather than let these dogs die alone and unloved, they place them with foster families to determine their individual needs so as to find the right family for their new homes.
In addition to their efforts in rescuing pups from peril, they also advocate for owner education. Their website is home to countless resources covering everything from reputable boarding kennels in the area to obedience training book recommendations.
Like most rescues, GSGSR does not operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Instead, they decide on placements based on compatibility. To adopt a German Shepherd Dog from GSGSR, prospective adopters must:
- Reside in selected parts of Northern California that the organization covers, as they do not adopt out-of-state. GSGSR currently adopts to areas with volunteers for in-person home visits, including San Francisco Bay, Stockton, Lodi, and Sacramento.
- Have children over the age of 5, as GSGSR does not allow families with children under 5 to adopt their dogs.
- Complete an Adoption Questionnaire.
- If a renter, the landlord must complete the Landlord Letter.
- Be interviewed by a GSGSR adoption counselor.
- Allow a home visit conducted by a GSGSR volunteer.
- Sign the Adoption Agreement and Release Form (available from GSGSR volunteers) and pay the associated adoption fee.
Golden State German Shepherd Rescue Contact Information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (877) 447-4717
- Website: GSGS Rescue
- Location: P.O. Box 2956, Alameda, CA 94501
- Social Media: GSGS Rescue on Facebook
Conclusion for the “Best German Shepherd Rescues in California”
We hope you found a German Shepherd rescue in California to suit your needs!
As you continue hunting for the perfect pup, remember that new dogs come into the programs daily. Don’t give up on rescuing if you can’t find your dream breed at first; your new furry friend might be a click of the page refresh button away.