The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

Hand Me Down Dog Rescue

Hand Me Down Dog Rescue was established in 2016, when a red shelter Australian Cattle Dog came into my life. I have always been enchanted by these working dogs, how smart they are, their high energy, and how loyal they become with their people. As a child I was always rescuing animals, and have been drawn to them. As we do mainly focus on working breeds, we do take in other breeds that need help. I spend a lot of time making sure I find these dog's the right fit for them. They normally need active lifestyles, and someone to challenge their smart brain. Working dogs are not for everyone, and you must provide exercise, and daily training. We pull a lot of the dogs from high kill shelters around California, and do take owner surrenders on special occasion. ​ Our rescue is very small, volunteer, and foster based. We have no facility too keep our dogs, so we are limited on how many we can take in. We do our best to help when we can. We can also provide a lot of resources with owners struggling with their dog, as training, daycare, boarding, vaccines, or even the best diets for them. We also only run on donations, we couldn't do this without the donations we get in too care for the dogs. If you'd like to help with the rescue dogs, your donation is very much appreciated and it goes a long way.

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Bakersfield SPCA

The vision of the Bakersfield SPCA, a non-profit organization, is that one day no healthy companion animal will be euthanized for lack of a home, lack of space or lack of compassion. Our Adoption Center at 3000 Gibson Street provides temporary housing for more than 400 dogs and cats at a time. The staff and volunteers provide shelter, food, medication, grooming and socialization for displaced pets so that they may be ready to return to the home environment. Since its incorporation in 1950, more than 125,000 animals have been placed in loving safe homes. The Bakersfield SPCA advocates the general welfare and humane treatment of animals through shelter, education, prevention of pet overpopulation and adoption. The services of the Bakersfield SPCA are only possible because of the generous donations of money and time by our many community volunteers.

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Foster Tales

Founded in 2023, Foster Tales (501c3) emerged from the heart of Bakersfield, California, a city at the epicenter of a severe dog overpopulation crisis. Our founder was moved by the dire situation of local shelter dogs, where the stark reality often contradicts the law's intent to prevent euthanasia for lack of space. Despite legal protections, many dogs—whether due to minor illnesses like kennel cough, timidity, or simply a lack of interest from adopters—are still tragically euthanized when shelters reach capacity. The diversity of dogs facing such fates in Bakersfield is astonishing, often leaving people in disbelief that such loving animals were on the brink of being lost forever. The city's acute shortage of adopters means many dogs never get the chance they deserve. At Foster Tales, our commitment runs deep. In 2023 alone, our dedicated volunteers saved 114 dogs through relentless tracking, fostering, and facilitating adoptions. We’ve grown that number to 200+ so far in 2024, saving more lives with the help of our incredible community of adopters—many of whom hail from Northern California. Every adoption not only transforms the life of a rescued dog but also opens a spot for another in need. Our journey is fueled by the belief that every dog deserves a chance, and each adoption is a victory in the fight against unnecessary euthanasia.

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Kern County Animal Services

Kern County Animal Services (KCAS) provides professional and compassionate animal services to the people and pets of Kern County. KCAS promotes and facilitates responsible pet ownership through in-house programs and resources, as well as supporting animal related community resources. KCAS seeks to prevent, disrupt, and end animal cruelty in Kern County. KCAS is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy shelter environment for lost, stray, abandoned, neglected, and abused animals in our community. KCAS also provides public protection from dangerous domesticated animals, and to protect the public from diseases such as rabies that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

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Lucky's Crew Animal Rescue

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Animal Compassion Team

Each year thousands of adoptable pets will die in overcrowded shelters in the Central San Joaquin Valley, located in California. Animal Compassion Team is dedicated to saving as many of those lives as possible. We help many rural shelters that have no adoption programs and depend on rescues to help save unclaimed pets. We also take in owner surrenders when there are truly no other options for pet owners. With so many homeless pets in our community we encourage pet owners to make every effort to find a great home for their own pets or find a way to keep them. We are not an open intake shelter, and space is limited. We DO NOT take in stray pets. It's important that a good effort is made to find the owner of stray pets. Our goal is to provide wonderful families with wonderful pets and build bonds that will last for a lifetime. You can help us save lives by adopting your next best friend from ACT. There is really no better feeling than adopting a homeless pet and changing its life forever. Our adoption process is geared to assist you in picking the very best fit for your family. It's important that all family members are happy with their new arrival, this includes existing pets. It's wonderful when all pets in the home get along well and enjoy each other's company. Here at the Sofia center we can assist you with the initial introductions to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

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Bambis Army – Rescue of K9’S (BARK)

One day seven people got together for lunch, They were City of Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran, City Councilman Trino Pimental, Michelle Lopez, Nick Prado, Brenda Prado, Joy Rothholz and Heather Rothholz. The seven of them began speaking about the overpopulation of cats and dogs in the community, the lack of low cost spay & neuter programs, how animals are treated poorly by those without resources. We discussed the need for a facility to help address these concerns, our idea of a no kill rescue would be one that could serve as a community resource, educating the youth and adults about the importance of proper care for animals and to spay & neuter their pets. We also discussed the needs of veterans, we need a program to assist active Military Veterans with the challenges they face when they get deployed. So, we came up with Bambi Army – Rescue of K9’S (BARK) a dream was developed, we decided it was time to make our dream come true. Eventually (BARK) received our 501 C3 non- profit status this has propelled us to work harder to make the dream a reality. (BARK) is a licensed non-profit no kill rescue, we aim to become a rescue where veterans will no longer have to give up their animals companions due to deployment. (BARK) will support our troops and will welcome their family pet into our boarding facility for the length of the veteran’s deployment. (BARK) aim to reduce the stray population and finding them homes, we also would like to keep our community pets safe by offering low cost vaccinations and micro-chipping services. To make our dream a reality we need community support and financial contributions to make our animal rescue in our area a long term reality. (BARK) meets a real need in our area that previously had no animal rescue or shelter of any type for abandoned animals and Military Vet Pets.

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Sunshine Rescue Ranch

Since 2017, our amazing staff (of 2) has worked tirelessly as the lead volunteers at the City of Sanger Animal Shelter to save nearly 1,400 dogs and more than 100 cats from euthanasia. In addition to housing 15 dogs and farm animals at the future Sunshine Rescue Ranch, our staff will continue to serve the essential 12 kennel City of Sanger shelter. Help us build Sunshine Rescue Ranch and save more animals in Sanger, CA: Between 2017 and 2021, Sunshine Rescue Ranch founders, Morgan Shafer and Kim Reed have dedicated their lives to save abandoned, abused, injured and neglected animals in the City of Sanger. Their partnership with the Sanger Police Department and the City of Sanger have resulted in nearly 1,400 dogs and more than 100 cats saved from euthanasia. Nearly every day, Morgan and Kim take time away from their lives to walk, feed, and take general care of all dogs in the City shelter and work to get them into foster homes. They also coordinate the vet care, including spaying and neutering. The Sanger Animal Shelter Facebook page is also run by Morgan and Kim where they work to educate the public, network and adopt animals out, or return them to their owners. Additional volunteer service by the founders of Sunshine Rescue Ranch, include, but are not limited to: -Networking and transporting dogs across California as far as Oregon to rescues and new homes. -Hosting adoption events at area businesses. -Partnering with local shelters to provide affordable vaccination clinics. -Educating schools and the general public about the importance of spaying and neutering. -Participating in the Sanger Police Department Open Houses and the Sanger Christmas Parade.

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Madera County Animal Shelter & Services

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Friends of Madera Animal Shelter

Friends of Madera Animal Shelter is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, run by dedicated volunteers working tirelessly to support the education of responsible pet ownership. Through donations, we spay and neuter pets in our community reducing the number of animals being euthanized. We are sworn to saving animals in crisis, working with our rescue partners, finding qualified and loving forever homes through our adoption events. FMAS is a 501(c)3 Charity, EIN: 77-0553194 – Donate with Confidence. FMAS consists of a dedicated team of volunteers. FMAS rescues, rehabilitates, provides spay/neuter and veterinary care, and re-homes pets in Madera California. Located in Madera County, we are funded through tax-deductible donations from adopters and individuals like you who care about the fate of these magnificent companions. Unlike larger organizations and humane societies, FMAS has 4 paid or compensated volunteers or employees, allowing your donation dollars to go further in providing care for needy animals. We do not maintain an expensive facility, but instead are foster-based. FMAS Specializes in helping homeless cats and dogs in Madera County Animal Shelter and placing them in caring, loving forever homes. Together, we can envision a day when companion animals will no longer face inhumane treatment, abandonment or perish in shelters.

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Doggie Protective Services (DPS)

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FurryTail Endings Animal Rescue

We save dogs from high kill shelters & off the streets to find each of them their perfect #FurryTailEnding.

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Linda Blair Worldheart

The Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation is built of a group of inspired, motivated humanitarians who work tirelessly to fight animal cruelty by educating the public, animal rescue, and finding loving families to give the helpless a second chance at a happy life. Founded by Oscar nominated and renown animal activist Linda Blair to bring the much needed attention to the growing problems related to animal welfare and the work required to stop animal abuse and neglect.

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Bubbles Dog Rescue

Bubbles Dog Rescue was founded by sisters Isabelle, Inna, and friend Sienna. These vegan women wanted to help take matters of the frightening, rapid dog euthanasia rates ‚ into their own hands. We pull dogs off the streets and off of euthanasia lists throughout California, provide full vetting and medical care, and a foster home. Bubbles Dog Rescue purposely selects fosters that supply a safe, warm and exemplary environment. We promote the dog on social media platforms and adoption websites, to find the dogs their purrfect home.

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Underdog Heroes Rescue

Underdog Heroes rescues dogs from high kill shelters that are red listed for euthanasia due to illness, overcrowding, abandonment and neglect. In numerous cases, we intervene to safely remove dogs from abusive inhumane living situations.

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Wags & Walks

Wags and Walks is focused on advocating for wrongfully stereotyped bully breeds, medical dogs, and mamas + puppies that are often overlooked and at-risk due to overcrowding. We do not select dogs based on their size, age, or breed. We select our dogs on a case-by-case basis, factoring in our ability to help and their likelihood of thriving when placed in the right home. We know that, like amazing dogs, loving families come in all shapes and sizes. Our goal is to find every pup an adopter whose home, family, and lifestyle are a perfect fit for a lifetime of love and happiness.

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LaBelle Foundation

A beacon of hope in the realm of animal welfare. Our foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through responsible pet ownership education, spaying, and neutering initiatives, vaccination advocacy, and comprehensive dog training. We confront the challenges within the rescue community head-on, driven by a resolute mission to put an end to dog homelessness. Aligned with our mission, we champion accessible veterinary care. Our support has extended to sponsoring spay and neuter clinics across California and Mexico, with ongoing plans to broaden our reach. Our unwavering commitment includes partnering with affordable specialty veterinary clinics and addressing the critical need for accessible and affordable care through advocacy and legislation. As we continue to evolve, our unwavering focus remains on the core tenets that define us. Our journey is built upon the principles of rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for dogs, particularly with neonatal orphans needing intensive care, medical/special needs animals, and nursing mother-and-babies. Our foundation stands upon pillars that encompass rescuing animals in need, educating the community on responsible pet care, facilitating forever homes, fostering a supportive community, and prioritizing the overall well-being of animals.

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Angel City Pit Bulls

Angel City Pit Bulls is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a better future for pit bulls by promoting their positive image as loving family companions through education, public advocacy, adoptions, and owner support.

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Paws For Life K9 Rescue

Paws For Life K9 Rescue saves and transforms the lives of animals and people through innovative canine-centered programs that provide purpose, support, and opportunity through the Prison/Re-Entry, People & Pet Innovation Center, First Responder and PTSD Support, Adoptions, Transports, and Vet Tech Program.

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German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing purebred German Shepherd Dogs that have no where else to turn.

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Casa de Love Animal Rescue

Lindy Turner began rescuing all types of animals from a very young age. Whatever stray or hurt animal she found, Lindy would always bring it home to love and care for it. ​In Lindy's lifetime, she has always been an advocate and rescuer for the underdog. Since 2006, she began saving one dog at a time from the shelters. After rescuing and rehabilitating the dog, she would find it a wonderful loving home. In the last 15 years, her mission became much more intense - concentrating on seniors, especially the medical need dogs. Her ability to rehabilitate these dogs became well know by shelters all over the state with many of them calling her for assistance in helping the ones that no one would adopt or rescue because of their old age or health conditions. ​Lindy decided she needed to do more and in 2017 and started her own 501(c)3 non profit rescue, Casa de Love Animal Rescue, in hopes of saving many more dogs in need that are slated to be euthanized in our shelters. Headquarters are in Redding, CA with a branch in Turlock CA.

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ASTRO Foundation

The Animal Shelter to Riverbank and Oakdale (ASTRO) Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization formed in 2012 dedicated to rescuing homeless dogs and cats from the areas of Oakdale and Riverbank.​ By working with a network of volunteers, foster caregivers, and local veterinarians, ASTRO Foundation is able to rescue hundreds of animals every year. The ASTRO Thrift & Gift Shop is located at 250 East E Street in Oakdale and all proceeds from the incredible shop directly benefit our rescue animals. A 2021 Capital Campaign allowed the purchase of 157 North Fifth Avenue in Oakdale, CA., which provides a lifesaving care, a place for animal lovers to volunteer, and a place for rescue pets to find loving, forever homes. The ASTRO Foundation is proudly supported by Petco Love and are so pleased to have cats and kittens available for adoption at Petco in Riverbank with weekend dog adoption events monthly! Our dream is to one day build a modern, no-kill shelter so that we can further serve our community and all of the animals in it.

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East of Eden Rescue

East of Eden Rescue is a nonprofit 501 c(3) companion animal rescue, incorporated in the State of California. East of Eden seeks to improve companion animal welfare through our homeless animal rescue and community outreach programs. Our service area encompasses western Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, and Stanislaus Counties. We are an animal rescue group run entirely by volunteers. We strive to find forever homes for our rescued dogs and cats. We provide foster homes for all our animals until they are adopted. We are a 501c(3) (EIN #33-1069899) non-profit organization run entirely on donations.

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Friends of Canines Animal Rescue

We are a canine rescue, located in Tracy, California and work with shelters in our area. Although we specialize in the Rottweiler breed, we are not breed specific and also rescue a lot of mixed breed dogs. We do have a special affinity for black and tan dogs and keep our eyes open for Rottweilers in the shelters. We try to save dogs that are in danger of euthanization at the shelters in our area and foster them in home environments until we find a family for them. We housetrain them and teach them to live in a home setting. We offer socialization to our rescue dogs by walking them, taking them with us as often as possible, and work with them to get along with other foster dogs in our home. Before adopting a dog out to a new family, we do a home check to ensure that the rescue dog is a good match for the new adopters. If the new adoption does not work out in your home, we will welcome the dog back at any time. In this way, we hope that both you and the dog will be happy with the adoption. Check our adoption process for more details. We also help dog owners, and people who have found a lost dog, try to find a new home for these pets. We assist them by listing the dog on our petfinder site as an owner assist listing. The owner or current caretaker of the pet continues to care for the pet and is the contact person for the pet, while the dog is listed on our webpage. Our adoption fees and policies for FCAR do not apply to these dogs. Their adoptions go strictly through their owners and caretakers and we try to help find them new families by providing exposure for them through our petfinder webpages.

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Animal Rescue of Tracy

Animal Rescue of Tracy is a non-profit group of passionate volunteers trying to make a difference in the lives of abandoned animals throughout our community of Tracy, California. We have so many sweet and affectionate animals in our care that need a new home with a loving family. As a 100% donation and volunteer-dependent organization, there are so many ways you can help. We welcome you to explore our site to learn more about us, our adoptable pets, and how you can help. Here’s to you, animal lover! Animal Rescue of Tracy was founded in 1994 to meet an increasing need for compassionate care for abandoned or mistreated pets. In 2002, Animal Rescue of Tracy became a full-fledged, independent, non-profit rescue. In our existence we have rescued, spayed/neutered, and found homes for almost 4000 cats and dogs. In 2019 we found homes for 402 cats and dogs, the most in one year in our history. We rescue animals from the local shelter and work with the public to rehome pets in jeopardy.

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Pack Lyfe Rescue

Dedicated to saving animals who are unwanted, abandoned, abused or on the euthanasia list and finding them the best suitable homes possible. All these amazing efforts are made through volunteers and foster homes! We are a non profit 501c3 animal rescue group. EIN 86-2134552

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Berkeley Humane

Berkeley Humane is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors that work on behalf of Berkeley Humane and the animals in our community. We have provided over 125 years of trusted service and dedication to Berkeley and the East Bay.

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Underdog Animal Rescue

Underdog Animal Rescue is a foster based rescue serving the Bay Area of Northern California. Since our start in 2014, we have built an outstanding team and have grown into a strong network of volunteers dedicated to saving the Underdogs in our shelters and community. We have dedicated our efforts to giving a second chance to the dogs that are most in need (medically or behaviorally) and the dogs that have been overlooked for too long.

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Humane Society Silicon Valley

We are committed to saving healthy and treatable animals in shelters in our community and across the nation. By leveraging our expertise and building partnerships with under resourced shelters, we are saving more lives together.

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Oakland Animal Services

Oakland Animal Services is Oakland's only ‚open admissions‚ shelter: We accept all of Oakland's homeless, injured, orphaned, unwanted, lost, abandoned and mistreated animals, regardless of age, breed, temperament or medical condition.

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Daisy Senior Dog Foundation aka DaisyLu Ranch

DaisyLu Ranch is a 501(3)c non-profit senior dog rescue and sanctuary located in beautiful Camarillo, CA. At DaisyLu Ranch, we are dedicated to providing a loving and safe home for senior dogs who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. Many of these dogs are terminally ill and require specialized care to ensure that their final days are filled with love and comfort. We believe that every dog deserves to be treated with compassion and dignity, no matter their age or health condition. However, caring for terminally ill dogs can be expensive, and we rely on the generosity of supporters like you to continue our mission. Your donation can make a difference in the lives of these dogs, allowing us to provide them with the medical care, food, and love they need in their final days. Please consider making a donation to Daisylu Ranch today, and help us continue to provide a loving home for these deserving animals.

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Lhasa Happy Homes Rescue

Founded in April 2001, Lhasa Happy Homes Rescue, Inc., is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) rescue and foster care organization created for the safe haven and permanent placement of homeless pups. We specialize in Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and Maltese, but also rescue other small mixed breeds under 20 lbs. All Lhasa Happy Homes pups are cared for in a home environment and/or daycare facility and treated as if they were part of the family. Each is temperament tested, and we evaluate their interaction with other dogs, kids and people to determine the best home for each. They receive responsible medical attention, rehabilitation when necessary, treats and toys when they are good, and a warm lap to lay on at the end of the day to let them know how much they are loved. We strive to give adopters our best assessment of a dog’s physical condition and behavior to assure that the selected dog is a good match for the intended family. These dogs have been through a lot, and they deserve to be loved unconditionally – the same way they’ll love you!

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Santa Barbara Humane - Santa Barbara

Founded in 1887, Santa Barbara Humane is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and one of the first animal welfare agencies in the country. With campuses in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, Santa Barbara Humane provides low-cost veterinary care, vaccines, and spay/neuter; affordable and humane dog training classes; pet adoption; and animal rehoming services. As a local community organization not funded by any national agency, Santa Barbara Humane relies on the generous support of our community to ensure cats and dogs receive the care they need.

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Boxer Rescue Los Angeles

Boxer Rescue Los Angeles, a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 1977, is funded by donations, driven by volunteers and committed to helping Boxers in need find loving homes and to help people looking to provide homes, find the Boxer that fits them best. Our mission for every adoption is a responsible lifetime match.

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Aussie Rescue So Cal

Aussie Rescue So Cal Inc. and this website are dedicated to promoting the adoption of homeless Australian Shepherds in the Southern California area (Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties). We network with various rescues to bring attention to homeless Aussies and Aussie mixes. Aussie Rescue SoCal Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity.

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Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS)

Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS) is a no-kill nonprofit dog and cat rescue based in Yucaipa, CA. Our mission is to strive to prevent the euthanasia of dogs and cats throughout the region by providing them a temporary safe haven until a permanent and loving home can be found.

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Foster Army Animal Rescue

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I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue

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Code Red K9 Crew

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All Paws K9 Rescue

We started rescuing on a small scale in 2003. We helped with trap and release of abandoned animals in our local desert area. In 2016 we became a 501(C)3 and rescuing those at risk of euthanasia in our California Shelter system. Since then we have been growing and growing. Now in 2023 we are recognized as a 501c3 in the State of Iowa. We are so excited to see what is in store for us this coming year. To date we have rescued over 200 dogs, some moms with pups and several medical dogs needing help. We would not have been able to do so without the support from many of our friends family fosters board member and the donors that have given anything from money to blankets towels and DOG FOOD. Our rescue is in constant need of fosters. We are always in need of fosters for our seniors that need a quiet place to stay comfy, also bottle feeders for the little ones that have had something happen to their momma, Large dogs are always in need of a place to stay especially those that get a bad wrap just because of their breed. All our fosters provide a safe and loving home for those awaiting their furever homes.

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ShepHeroes

Powered by volunteers and funded by donors, we rely on many heroes to help deserving abandoned German Shepherd Dogs; in return, these shepherds provide unconditional love to the families adopting them. The goal of ShepHeroes is lifelong placement; we take pride in finding the ideal lifelong match possible for dogs and humans alike by placing all of our dogs in foster homes to allow them to decompress and for us to learn their personalities, temperament, and needs. When committed foster homes are available for long-term care of medical dogs, we prioritize assisting those shepherds as they are the most at risk in shelters. Bean, Hayzel, Shania, Tori, and Stewie joined us in the past year for extensive surgeries and lengthy recoveries. Bean arrived with a chunk of her lip missing and will have surgery to repair her maxillofacial trauma when her muzzle reaches the adult stage at seven to eight months of age. In Shania's case, her fracture exam revealed a severe heart defect that, untreated, would have caused heart failure, which was repaired with heart surgery to give her a whole, healthy life. Shania was with us for seven months through three surgeries. Tori, in addition to her fracture repair, had an eye enucleation. Also, in 2023, Abbott and Costello were treated for parvo and survived thanks to prompt medical care. Multiple dogs have recovered in our care from surgeries for ingesting foreign objects like socks and balls before coming to our rescue. We have treated ear and severe skin infections, mange, influenza, and kennel cough, reduced many hernias, altered cryptoid male dogs, treated heartworm-positive shepherds, and ensured emaciated ones received care to reach optimum weight for their age. And have provided routine ongoing veterinary care of vaccinations, heartworm, flea/tick preventatives, spay and neuters, and deworming for over 340 shepherds since 2018. One of our special pups, Kenzo, came to us at the behest of his ER vet. Found on the street hit by a car, Kenzo was rushed by a good Samaritan to the local ER. He suffered from a brain injury, fractured leg, and bodily trauma, initially unable to walk, hold his head up, and possibly blind. With the guidance of his neurology vet, we gave him supportive care, trusting that puppy brains can heal. His brain healed with a residual head tilt, giving us a sweet, loving, active pup thriving in his adoptive home. We also assisted many shy and frightened shepherds who needed to learn to trust people, become at ease in new environments, and learn good pack manners thanks to resident dogs of our foster homes. Two of our dogs have become working dogs, completing service dog training and supporting their owners as hearing and seizure-alert dogs. A few of our dogs have completed therapy dog training and provide comfort through various venues. Since inception, we have assisted 24 municipal animal control shelters and partnered with seven rescues to bring shepherds to safety from the Sacramento Region south to Monterey County and north to Butte County. ShepHeroes was established in May 2018; our volunteer board and management team's experience saving shepherds encompasses over a decade of dedication to the breed.

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Sammie’s Friends

Sammie's Friends is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Tax ID #52-2439192. The mission of Sammie's Friends is to provide medical care for the animals at the Nevada County Animal Shelter, making them adoptable, and to support other disadvantaged animals in Nevada County that without help would continue to suffer or would be euthanized. Sammie's Friends also operates the Nevada County Animal Shelter at 14647 McCourtney Road.

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Front Street Animal Shelter

The Front Street Animal Shelter is located at 2127 Front Street (with a cross-street of Broadway) and is open 7 days a week from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcomed. No appointment needed. The Main Building is located next to the parking lot and provides services to those who wish to adopt a pet, search for their lost pet, and license their pet. The Reception Center is a short walk up the sidewalk and provides services to those who are bringing in a stray animal.

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Haven Dog Rescue

We are a volunteer organization that work with homeless and abandoned dogs. We operate in Roseville CA, and the Greater Sacramento area. We do not have a shelter. All our dogs are in foster care, so foster homes are always needed. Our dogs are fully vetted and we can usually tell you something about their behavior and their likes and dislikes. Our adoption fees are $250 - $350 and less for older dogs like seniors. Adoption fees and small donations are what fund this rescue. None of us are paid and we mostly all have day jobs, Feel free to contact us to make a donation to help sustain our dogs while in our care. We are currently trying to raise enough money to revamp the dogs play yard and possibly ad a meet and greet area. We always need volunteers to help us with yard care, walking the dogs and meet and greets. Interested Adopters should complete the application and follow up with a call the next day if you haven’t heard anything. Thank you for adopting :)

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Malamute Rescue and Rehabilitation of Northern California

To recover & place into foster homes Malamute Dogs from Animal Control Facilities, local animal rescue organizations, and individual people across Northern California, to rescue from harm and neglect, physically and behaviorally rehabilitate into an adoptable dog, and then rehome into a nurturing, permanent, homes. We will use private Veterinarians convenient to our foster homes. We will occasionally rescue other northern breed dogs, as foster space and finances, permit. Should we find ourselves void dogs, or in possession of surplus funds, we may allocate funds to other dog rescues in need.

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All Animal Rescue and Friends

We are a 501(c)3 non-profit all volunteer rescue organization focused on physically rescuing and reuniting lost/found animals within our community. We provide medical assistance and care to the injured, abused, neglected, abandoned and underaged animals. We also rescue at-risk animals from local shelters. For the animals that come into our rescue, they are placed in safe, nurturing foster homes to prepare them for adoption. We are dedicated to match each and every animal with the very best forever home.

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Our Neighborhood Pet Project

Our Neighborhood Pet Project was formed in January 2023 to provide service to the communities in South Monterey County, a rural area on the central coast of California. We believe that the best solution to reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats is to provide access to low-cost spay and neuter for all residents in need.

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Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Monterey County

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. We are not a chapter of any other SPCA or Humane Society and we do not have a parent organization or receive any funding from places like HSUS or the ASPCA. We are here for you.

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Pet Friends and Rescue

Pet Friends and Rescue is a No Kill Shelter. Our Mission is to eliminate cruelty and neglect of abandoned companion animals and to encourage a community atmosphere of education, care, and concern that will strengthen the human/animal bond. PET FRIENDS AND RESCUE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that benefits homeless companion animals of San Benito County.

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Tiny Paws Pug Rescue

TINY PAWS PUG RESCUE is a non-profit operated for charitable purposes of helping Pugs and Pug mixes in need of homes, medical care, and love.

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Bunny's Buddies

Bunny's Buddies works tirelessly to save dogs from slaughterhouses, the streets and kill shelters in Asia and the USA.

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The Animal Pad

The Animal Pad is a non-profit, all breed dog rescue that focuses on saving dogs from high kill shelters and the streets of Mexico. We get them vet care, place them in foster homes and then find them loving forever families. A few years ago, we turned our attention to the street dogs of Mexico as there is very little help for them. Since then, we have developed a large rescue network in Baja California and we have a sister shelter in Ensenada that we focus on taking dogs from whenever funds allow.

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A Way Home For Dogs

We are a free Pet Recovery Service assisting owners on a global scale. We also secure evasive street strays primarily in the San Diego are (occasionally Riverside). If the strays are not claimed at the local shelter systems and are in danger of being euthanized, we become their safety net pending kennel space. We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome when the dogs are ready and safe to do so.

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Amazing Strays Rescue

From day one, our goal has been to help all dogs who need it. Big, small, medical cases, senior or puppy; ASR stands by our commitment- Lisa, Our Founder

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The Liberty Dog Network

The Liberty Dog Network was established in 2022 and is a small, Southern California based dog rescue. We rely on fosters/people to open their home to care for the dogs we rescue. We provide all medical care and supplies to our fosters, they provide the home and supply the love.

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Muttville

dogs in good health with wonderful personalities are euthanized. Why? Because they're older, and not considered adoptable. A dog is brought in because he can't jog with his guardian anymore. Or he needs a little time to get up the stairs. Or he's simply not a puppy. In some cases, dogs are moved from loving homes to concrete cages because their guardians have died or simply can't care for them anymore. We reach out to senior dogs at risk, give them the care they need, and find them loving forever homes. If we had our way, no dog would spend their last days in a shelter. There is so much love and joy in these dogs!

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Rocket Dog Rescue

Rocket Dog Rescue saves dogs from abuse, neglect, and death at overcrowded shelters and places them in loving homes. We support pet owners in need in our community, and serve as first responders in emergency animal situations and natural disasters. Funded entirely by donations, we are a volunteer-run, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Learn about what we do or apply to adopt a dog in the San Francisco Bay Area

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Grateful Dogs Rescue

Grateful Dogs Rescue ‚ a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization ‚ was founded in 1990 by Michelle Parris, a former SF Animal Care & Control (SF ACC) volunteer. She made it her mission to rescue SF ACC shelter dogs not made available for adoption, and we continue that mission today. Rather than letting these dogs be euthanized, Grateful Dogs Rescue saves as many as possible by fostering them until loving homes are found. In recent years we have expanded our mission to include other Bay Area shelters. GDR is the oldest all breed rescue group in the San Francisco Bay area. The Grateful Dogs Rescue adoption procedure is designed to find a good match between the dog and adopter.

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Paddington Station

Paddington Station rescues at-risk animals from municipal shelters that are overseen by local Animal Control. These animals are surrendered to the shelter, are brought in as strays, or occasionally are confiscated from poor living situations. They are kept at the shelter for any mandatory periods ("holds"). Shelters vary widely in resources and in population of animals served, but virtually no shelter can care for and place every animal it takes in. Many U.S. shelters euthanize a horrifying number of animals, sometimes for health or behavioral problems, often for simple lack of space. Many shelters too are striving to earn the "no kill" designation. The shelter system coordinates with private, non-profit public charities such as ours, corporations devoted to animal rescue. We accept transfer of ownership for a limited number of animals, and those animals become our responsibility. We make an initial assessment and determine what medical care or behavioral assistance the animal requires. We then place the animal in an appropriate foster home. We do not have a kennel or other boarding facility - all our foster animals are cared for as family members until placement. We run a small, closely coordinated, all-volunteer rescue, with a limited number of foster homes. Throughout their foster period, we continue to evaluate our animals carefully, and rehabilitate them as needed. We post these animals as "available" when they are ready to leave their foster homes. At the human end, we work with potential adopters to ensure the best possible match of animal and new family. After placement, we keep in touch with and continue to support our adopters. Although we take in many different dogs and cats, we intend to focus on livestock guarding dogs, such as Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz, Maremmas, and Akbash. These gentle giants have been bred for centuries to work and think independently, rather than responding to cues from humans. They are bred to perform a critical job, guarding flocks of sheep, goats, and other livestock from predation by lions, bears, and so on. They must be fiercely protective of their flock, yet exquisitely gentle with, for example, baby lambs and goat kids. These exceptional dogs make wonderful family companions as well as life-protecting ranch guardians. All breeds have their own peculiarities and special skills; livestock guardians are perhaps more different than most others. Their people must have an understanding of the dogs' unique skills and instincts. Our careful placement process ensures that these dogs will be granted that understanding, as well as awed appreciation of their powerful graceful bodies, courageous temperaments, and loyal hearts.

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Stitch in Time Animal Rescue

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Furry Friends Rescue

Dedicated to the Rescue, Sanctuary (Volunteer Foster Homes) & Adoption of Companion Animals in Northern CA. We rescue dogs and cats of all ages and breed types. We have no office or shelter building. All dedicated volunteer foster homes that feed quality foods, home training and TLC. https://www.furryfriendsrescue.org/

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West Coast Cane Corso Rescue

We are responsible rescue dedicated to saving the Cane Corso and similar mastiff type breeds

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Redwood Coast German Shepherd Rescue, Inc.

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Four Paws to Love

Four Paws to Love was established in January of 2014 by close friends who had been part of several different animal welfare organizations over the years. These friends felt that there was a need for another rescue group that not only focuses on the importance of helping save animals' lives, but also focuses on how the love of a pet in our everyday lives affects each one of us. Since our establishment in 2014 we have been an adoption partner with PetSmart Charities and had held our adoption events at the local PetSmart store here in Santa Cruz. While we are still an approved rescue with PetSmart Charities, in 2017 we decided to part ways with our local PetSmart store and instead partner with General Feed & Seed to hold our weekly adoption events. General Feed & Seed is a locally owned family business that has been a staple in Santa Cruz for almost 50 years! We are proud to have been accepted into their family and we will call it home as long as they will have us.

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Silicon Valley Pet Project

Silicon Valley Pet Project was founded in November of 2014 and is a San Jose-based organization. Inspired by the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley, our goal was to create a professional, sustainable animal welfare organization that celebrates rescue pets. Our organization is structured into dedicated teams focused on rescue operations, foster parent support, marketing, and communications, volunteer management, development, administration, and more. We embrace teamwork, professionalism, and flexibility in our organization, all with the goal of helping more animals in our community. We are proud to be the first San Jose based network partner of Best Friends Animal Society. SVPP strives to make the experience of volunteering, fostering, adopting, and/or donating to our organization rewarding, educational, supportive, and community-focused. We are an animal welfare organization that is first and foremost a people organization. We could not do what we do without every person who volunteers, fosters, adopts, or donates to SVPP. Check out our Newsletters for more information about SVPP's work over the years.

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A Purposeful Rescue

A PURPOSEFUL RESCUE IS A 501c3 NON-PROFIT THAT SAVES DOGS FROM HIGH-KILL LOS ANGELES AREA SHELTERS. THERE ARE MANY AMAZING DOGS WHO GET OVERLOOKED, OR NEED A LITTLE EXTRA WORK AND CARE, AND WE AIM TO GIVE THOSE DOGS A SECOND CHANCE.

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Animals In Need Fund

January 2024, we will be folding into the C.A.R.E.4Paws umbrella of programs and services. A strategic transition to more efficiently care for our community and the animals who need us the most. The origins of AINF... The Animals In Need Fund was founded in 2008 with the commitment to help improve the health and well-being of cats and dogs in our community. It is our mission to reduce animal suffering by: Providing feline spaying & neutering services for just $20 or $40 Rescuing & advocating for homeless cats, kittens & dogs, many of whom need special veterinary care & treatment. Providing food, fostering & adoption services to family-less animals in our program as we search for the perfect home. Provide accessible, affordable veterinary care for families. When we began in 2008, our main mission was to intercept stray cats and dogs brought to us by Good Samaritans and San Luis Obispo County Animal Services. We still provide this service, but have become so much more. We are proud to offer LOW COST ($20-$40) "co-pay" feline spays and neuters to everyone regardless of financial standing. In 2023, AINF increased access to these critical weekly spay/neuter programs by also partnering with VCA South County Veterinary Hospital in Arroyo Grande. Since our inception, we have provided shelter, love and veterinary care to over 3900 homeless animals, many with special medical needs, lifting them up in times of worry and matching them with loving forever homes. We participate in the SLO County Animal Services' Trap/Neuter/Return program, which saves the lives of our unsocial community cats. They are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and then returned safely to the neighborhood they are familiar with while community members provide food and water. In year's past, prior to the TNR initiatives, these cats were euthanized immediately and it has been proven that this method is not successful when it comes to curbing the pet-overpopulation issue we face year in and year out. TNR improves the lives of cats, addresses community concerns, reduces complaints about cats, and stops the breeding cycle. TNR improves the co-existence between outdoor cats and humans in our shared environment.

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Atlas Animal Rescue

Atlas Animal Rescue is a Paso Robles, California based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Atlas was founded by Emily Everett-Nelson, who began her rescue journey by volunteering for various animal rescue groups in Southern California. She always wanted to start her own rescue one day and after volunteering for a rescue in China called Slaughterhouse Survivors, she solidified that decision after the life changing experience she had there. Her mission now is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abused and neglected dogs both locally in California, and internationally by partnering with Slaughterhouse Survivors in China, and finding them loving homes in the USA.

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Central Coast SPCA

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Saving Shibas Inc.

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Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary

Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary is a primarily volunteer run nonprofit organization based in Petaluma, CA. Our mission is to provide a safe and loving home for large breed senior dogs (50+ pounds, 7 years or older) who have been displaced from their homes and/or abandoned for any reason, until they are adopted or to remain at the sanctuary until they pass on.

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Compassion Without Borders

Compassion Without Borders was founded in 2001 by Christi and Moncho Camblor with the vision to provide a brighter future to animals in need on both sides of the border. CWOB works a multifaceted approach to reach animals in need via our four programs: Mexico Dog Rescue, US Dog Rescue, Veterinary Wellness Clinics & Spay/Neuter Services. We also actively participate with other rescue groups in the US and Mexico to provide outreach for humane rescue education & training via seminars.

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The Humane Society of Sonoma County

The Humane Society of Sonoma County is a donor-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to kindness. With the generosity of our supporters, we save lives and enhance the well-being of pets and their people through kindness, innovation, and leadership. Programs like our Community Action team, Community Vet Clinic, and Free Vaccine Clinic provide vital support to our community.

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Countryside Animal Rescue

Countryside Animal Rescue has rescued and rehomed approximately 4,000 homeless animals since it was founded in 2002. Countryside Animal Rescue is a small but dedicated organization with one full-time employee, four part-time staff members, and a wonderful group of volunteers. Each team member is deeply committed to the health and well-being of our animals, and their passion for rescuing dogs is truly inspiring. We primarily focus on our local community while also reaching out to neighboring counties. Our rescue accepts dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected, as well as owner surrenders. This includes pregnant mothers, nursing moms with their puppies, and orphaned puppies. The animals are housed on our property, which allows us to get to know each dog individually. This personal connection helps us find the perfect homes for them.

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Marin Humane

We're an independent nonprofit and not affiliated with The Humane Society of the United States or the ASPCA. Our tax ID (EIN) is 94-1156562. Our look may have changed a bit, but our mission, vision, and values remain focused on the animals.

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Better World Rescue

Better World Rescue is a proactive rescue focused on helping animals stay in loving homes as well as helping shelter animals to find loving homes. We focus primarily on community assistance and euthanasia-listed shelter animals. We offer spay/neuter assistance, training assistance, and medical bill assistance to at-risk animals in our community. We help save over 500 animals annually between our shelter and community programs.

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Friends of the Animal Community

Friends of the Animal Community (FOAC) is a non-profit, mostly volunteer organization dedicated to meeting the medical and social needs of adoptable pets, providing the path to a loving forever home. We rescue and adopt dogs, cats and other animals. We are a small organization dedicated to relieving over-crowding at Tuolumne County Animal Control (AC); promoting the health of abused and abandoned animals; reducing unnecessary euthanasia; and ultimately expediting movement of homeless dogs into permanent, loving homes. As its name denotes, FOAC also provides assistance in meeting the needs of pets belonging to people in our community. These needs include re-homing a pet whose owner must relinquish it, or who can no longer care for it, and, in extreme emergencies, we have helped with financial assistance for medical issues or boarding and feeding. We are the only dog rescue group in Tuolumne County that offers this free service. Essentially, we give animals another chance for a better life.

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Humane Society of Stanislaus County

We are a 501c3 non-profit organization in Stanislaus County focused on providing resources to people, their pets, and local rescues in the Central Valley.

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Golden State German Shepherd Rescue

Saving Dogs through Adoption and Education Our Mission is to provide education about the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) breed, find homes for abandoned GSDs and build a community of support for them. Our volunteers and rescued dogs are primarily located in the Central Valley of Northern California. Established in 2009, we are an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization with no paid staff or facility. We are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity and all of your donations are tax deductible.

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His Paws & Tails Rescue and Transport

His paws & tails Rescue and Transport is a foster-based animal rescue and adoption organization serving our local community in Central Valley, California. We rescue animals from shelters, owner surrenders and strays that are never claimed, and place them into loving homes. Aside from this, we help families keep the number of unwanted litters down by providing vouchers for affordable spaying and neutering. In addition, we help families create simple security measures, such as fixing loose boards and locks, that will keep their pets from escaping.

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Dogwood Animal Rescue

Dogwood Animal Rescue Project is a foster-based, volunteer led non-profit rescue organization focused on the rescue and placement of animals into safe, nurturing homes. Our goals include providing necessary medical care, ongoing spay/neuter clinics, hands-on nurturing, and placement of the homeless animals of Sonoma County and beyond. Dogwood is continually striving to successfully fulfill our vision to establish programs tailored to assist animals in need by ensuring they find safe, loving homes and receive the medical care necessary to live long and healthy lives.

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Humane Society of Imperial County

The Humane Society of the North Bay is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that was established in 1986 to offer shelter and adoption services for homeless animals. We were formerly known as the Benicia-Vallejo Humane Society. We are a no-kill shelter. For nearly four decades we have found permanent homes for thousands of homeless cats and dogs. HSNB has witnessed many joyous reunions. Although we have a contract with the City of Vallejo to shelter stray animals found in the community, we are not a city shelter, nor are we managed by, affiliated with, or financially supported by any local, county, state or national organizations. Our funding comes almost entirely from donations by generous individuals and local businesses. We welcome grant opportunities of all kinds, special event fundraisers, monthly donation commitments, and estate and memorial bequests.

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Rohnert Park Animal Services

The Rohnert Park Animal Shelter is run by the City of Rohnert Park under the direction of the Department of Public Safety. We currently contract with the City of Cotati to provide sheltering services for stray animals and will accept in owner surrenders from their residents as our space allows. Giving Animals A Second Chance As a municipal, open-admissions shelter we receive in animals that are found stray within our jurisdiction, animals that owners no longer can care for, as well as injured and abused animals. We also hold animals that are under bite quarantine for rabies control. Our annual intake averages about 1,200 animals – down from a high of 2,100 animals in 1999. Through our proactive monthly Fix-it Clinics we offer our residents Low-cost spays/neuters for dogs and cats to reduce the number of kittens and puppies that come through our door. Our declining number of intakes show that this approach is paying off! Our “No More Lost Pets” program, generously funded by the Animal Shelter League of Rohnert Park, offers our residents FREE ID tags and Microchips to assure that every lost pet has a way to be reunited with their worried parents. We work tirelessly to find good homes for every animal in our care and provide top-notch veterinary care for those in need. Through your generous support we are able to go above and beyond in our ability to help animals get the second chance they deserve.

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Ripple Effect Animal Project

Located in the beautiful Napa Valley, Ripple Effect Animal Project (REAP) was started by a group of dedicated, compassionate animal professionals. Our goal is to help animals in shelter settings, educating the public, and giving owners resources and tips needed to ensure a happy fur family setting. -Ripple Effect Animal Rescue: Because saving one animal will set off a chain reaction to helping thousands more-

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Napa County Animal Shelter

Our animal shelter is here to serve the community and its animals by providing programs and services to support our Napa County residents and their pets. To better serve our public, appointments are required for licensing, spay/neuter vouchers, cat trap rentals, Foster Program procedures, microchipping, and reclaims. We welcome walk ins for adoptions and meet and greets and information on our adoption procedure can be found here. The Shelter takes in an average of 2300 animals a year and the important work that we do could not be possible without the hard work of the staff, volunteers and our community. Staff work hard every day to make sure the needs of the animals are met while volunteers provide the necessary enrichment to help the staff keep our animals healthy. Our community plays a huge role in preventing animals from unnecessarily coming into the shelter by being responsible pet owners, seeking out spay/neuter resources, participating in our Community Cat Program, and providing generous donations of monetary and in-kind items to assist with operations.

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Pawsitive Connections

Pawsitive Connections was founded in the Spring of 2010. We are a no-kill, 501(c)3 nonprofit, dog rescue, located in Kingsburg, CA, but hold weekly adoption events in San Jose. Our dogs and puppies are rescued from California Central Valley shelters where many are at risk of euthanasia. Our Pawsitive Connections (PC) Pups are fully vetted, before they begin their search for a forever home. Our organization believes in the human to animal connection and we strive to cultivate that connection between our rescue pups and potential families. Our staff and volunteers are proud of our ability to match our pups with the right family based on energy level, temperament, and size.

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PAW Estate Rescue and Shelter, Inc

Founded and incorporated in 2020, PAW Estate Rescue & Shelter, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) foster-based, non-profit dog rescue located in the Central Valley of California. PAW is primarily focused on rescuing, rehabilitating and placing the dogs we save in their fur-ever home to live out their lives with loving families. With the help of the community and the foster families that volunteer, we strive to save and protect as many dogs as possible — strays, abandoned dogs, owner surrenders, special needs — from homelessness, abuse, and neglect. We are strongly committed to our mission. ​ Once rescued, PAW follows all local protocol and reporting requirements to ensure the health and safety of these dogs. ​ If you would like to contribute in any way, please visit the How to Help page in the navigation menu.

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Kings SPCA

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Avenal Animal Shelter

The Avenal Animal Shelter is primarily a no-kill facility with a temperature controlled environment. The shelter accommodates large and small animals.

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Gabby's Animal Rescue Inc

We are a privately run no-kill, 501c3 non-profit animal rescue. We are a foster based rescue, we do not have a centralized shelter or facility, all of our animals are in foster homes. Gabby's Animal Rescue, Inc. is a registered non-profit 501(c)3, no-kill animal rescue located in Visalia, CA. I consider myself a half way house for animals in need. The animals in the rescue live in foster homes until they are adopted. Our adoption fees are $150-400 for dogs/puppies, $100-$150 for cats/kittens. The animals are all spayed/neutered, microchipped, dewormed, vet checked, current on flea control & up to date on vaccines. 501(c)3 non-profit license number: 81-4624870

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