Here’s what you need to know if you’re searching for German Shepherd rescues in Indiana.
In a recent Best Friends Animal Society study, the state’s shelters reported more than 6,500 dog and cat euthanizations in 2021. That number could have been much higher if not for the vigilant efforts of the passionate animal rescues that take in high-risk pets and work tirelessly to place them in new homes.
Adopting, donating to, or volunteering for these organizations gives them the resources they need to continue saving German Shepherds from dangerous situations.
Some other articles you might like: 8 Best German Shepherd Breeders in Indiana and When Do German Shepherds Stop Teething?
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Find a German Shepherd Rescue in Indiana
Are you interested in German Shepherd adoption in Indiana? Or, perhaps, you’re looking for opportunities to give back to a worthy cause in your community.
In that case, we encourage you to read on to learn about three of these heroic organizations. These rescues prioritize pets over profit and generally spend far more money providing medical intervention, daily necessities, and training than they make back from adoption fees. However, their passion for saving the beloved breed outweighs the enormous cost.
German Shepherd Dog Rescue Indy
German Shepherd Dog Rescue Indy (GSDRI) doesn’t look like other rescues. Rather than bustling with visitors interested in bringing home a well-trained pup, it’s a private haven where dogs labeled “rescue only” get their last chance at a fulfilling life.
In California, dogs categorized as “rescue only” are not considered eligible for public adoption. Many have significant but controlled medical issues that would be outside the expertise of most owners, while others have a history of behavioral concerns. GSDRI exclusively rescues these high-risk canines, functioning more as a sanctuary than an adoption service.
Their group provides guidance, affection, and medical care to more than 40 dogs at any given time, most of which will spend the rest of their lives thriving under the tender care of GSDRI.
Adoption Requirements
Because GSDRI functions primarily as a sanctuary for dogs in need of medical or behavioral rehabilitation, the organization has requirements beyond the typical German Shepherd rescue in Indiana:
- Adopters without other pets or small children get the highest priority
- The home must have a fenced yard, but it cannot be an underground electric fence
- You must have experience with German Shepherds
- You must live within 100 miles of downtown Indianapolis
Giving Back
Due to the nature of the dogs that GSDRI cares for, they don’t offer volunteer opportunities or events like many other German Shepherd rescues in Indiana. That said, they are always grateful for donations, which go toward the 90 pounds of dry dog food, 12 cans of wet food, and two pounds of treats they go through daily.
They also have an Amazon wishlist, where you can purchase necessities like laundry soap, toys, and treats delivered directly to GSDRI’s door.
Contact Information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (317) 874-6140
- Website: German Shepherd Dog Rescue Indy
- Location: 1831 Prospect St. Indianapolis, IN 46203 USA
- Social Media: German Shepherd Dog Rescue Indy on Facebook
Redemption German Shepherd Rescue
Despite calling Indiana home, Redemption German Shepherd Rescue’s (RGSR) reach extends nationwide. Their primary focus is giving homeless adult and senior dogs a safe space to heal from the trauma of being abandoned.
During each German Shepherd’s stay, they receive the best medical care, rehabilitation, and training to prepare them for integrating into their forever family.
Even if you’re not interested in German Shepherd adoption in Indiana, you should still visit the site to check out Einstein’s Eats page. It’s jam-packed with dog-safe, homemade treats “posted by” the founder’s culinary canine.
Adoption Requirements
RGSR’s adoption process is typical of that of most other dog rescues. You’ll need to begin by filling out their application. This extensive questionnaire starts with standard personal information.
Still, you’ll need to be prepared to explain much more, including your home layout, the number of hours you’ll be away from home daily, and every animal you’ve owned since you were 18.
While it might seem excessive, each question helps the rescue decide how well-suited your current living situation is to take on a German Shepherd.
Once your application is complete, they’ll reach out to schedule a home visit during which all family members must be present. You’ll find out whether you’ve been approved or denied within 7-10 days, at which point they will allow you to meet and greet with your potential pet.
You should also be aware that they require new owners to enroll their pups in an obedience course within two weeks of bringing your new fur-ever friend home.
Giving Back
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, RGSR relies solely on the kindness of donors and volunteers to care for their rescues. Every dollar directly benefits the dogs, paying for medical treatment, food, toys, treats, and more. Alternatively, you can choose items from their Amazon wishlist.
They also have opportunities for hands-on helpers, including:
- Fostering
- Transporting dogs
- Working events
- Counseling adopters
- Posting social media outreach
- Updating the website
- Fundraising
- Marketing and publicity
Contact Information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (219) 331-4269
- Website: Redemption German Shepherd Rescue
- Location: P.O. Box 158, Kouts, IN 46347
- Social Media: Redemption German Shepherd Rescue on Facebook
Indiana GSD & Siberian Husky Rescue
Concluding this list of the best German Shepherd rescues in Indiana, despite their name, the Indiana GSD & Siberian Husky Rescue (IGSDSH) strives to save many breeds from high-kill shelters. They aim to bring them into a safe, secure environment while preparing the pups to join a new family.
While they accepted owner surrenders in the past, they’ve since transitioned into a shelter-only rescue due to the high volume of dogs in desperate need of care.
The team is extraordinarily dedicated to their animals and will only place one of their canines with homes that meet their exacting specifications.
Adoption Requirements
Adoptions through IGSDSH start with filling out their online application, which covers some basic information about yourself, your family, and the living environment.
It doesn’t specify whether there’s a required home visit or how long the process takes once you’ve submitted your application. However, the organization outlines some additional requirements to be aware of.
To bring one of their rescues home, you must agree to the following:
- Allowing IGSDSH to conduct unannounced home visits after adoption.
- Enrolling in a basic training and socialization class within six weeks of adoption.
- Integrating the dog as part of the family rather than an outside-only dog.
- Owning a fence if within city limits.
- Never take adopted pets to a shelter; notify rescue if unable to keep the pet.
- Obtaining approval before rehoming an adopted pet.
- Prioritizing the pet’s best interest over adopter preferences.
- Paying a rehoming fee for each pet.
If you’re approved, they’ll contact you to schedule a time to visit their rescues to see if it’s a good match.
Giving Back
IGSDSH has two ways for folks to support their cause: an on-site donation button and an Amazon wishlist. You can rest easy knowing that your contributions make a direct, positive impact on the canines under their care.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (765) 712-0421
- Website: IGSDSH
- Location: Quincy, IN 47456
- Social Media: IGSDSH on Facebook
How to Choose the Right German Shepherd Rescue in Indiana
When you’re ready to take the plunge into German Shepherd ownership, the first step is finding the rescue you want to work with. There are many reputable organizations to choose from, but each offers a unique approach to adoption that might appeal more to your needs.
For example, many organizations specialize in a particular age group or focus exclusively on pups with medical needs. Others provide extensive obedience training, have a robust post-adoption support network, or offer vast online resources about keeping your German Shepherd active.
Decide on what you need to ensure the success of your adoption, then start digging into rescues that tick all the boxes.
As you research, keep these tips in mind:
- Always read online reviews and testimonials. You’ll better understand the organization’s reputation and gain invaluable insights into the adoption experience. You can also check the local newspapers and social media to learn more about their work.
- Be selective by working exclusively with non-profits. You can verify a rescue’s status by checking the official IRS Tax Exempt Organization database.
- Ask questions about the process. A reputable rescue will be frank about their expectations and support your journey into dog ownership.
- Review their health and behavior assessment data, including temperament testing. The more thoroughly the rescue evaluates its dogs, the more likely they’ll pair you with a suitable match. Otherwise, you risk bringing home a dog only to discover it’s incompatible with your lifestyle.
- If it’s possible, visit the rescue in person to see what conditions the dogs live in. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible, as many rescues use a network of foster homes rather than a central location.
- Choose a rescue that offers ongoing support after the adoption. While it would be nice if every transition went perfectly every time, that’s rarely the case. A worthwhile rescue will leave the door open to help with any questions you might have about local pet resources, training tips, and easing the often tumultuous transition into a new forever home.
Taking the time to research and select the right rescue will ultimately help ensure a successful and rewarding adoption experience for both you and your new canine companion.
Conclusion For “Best German Shepherd Rescues in Indiana”
We hope you gained some worthwhile insights about the three best German Shepherd rescues in Indiana and how you can support them through adoptions, donations, and volunteer work.
Shelters do the invaluable work of rehabilitating and rehoming innocent animals who meet unfortunate circumstances. Without them serving our communities, far more animals would spend their final days alone in overcrowded shelters, never knowing the love of a stable, safe home.