The Best Sacramento, CA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

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.

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.

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.

Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club

The Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club (SPGPC) is an affiliated member of the Great Pyrenees Club of America and we are an independently licensed club member of the American Kennel Club. SPGPC is located in the Greater Sacramento area. The club was born out of enthusiasm for the Great Pyrenees breed and has been sustained by a dedicated group of dog owners since October 1996. There is something for everyone in the Club. Our Members include obedience and conformation exhibitors, pet owners, people, and their dogs who do therapy-dog volunteer work, people who enjoy the social activities the Club has to offer, and volunteers who support the efforts of our club with dogs that come into our rescue program.

Foothill Dog Rescue of the Sierras

Foothill Dog Rescue is a non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to re-homing dogs from high-kill shelters and dogs from owners who can no longer care for them. Foothill Dog Rescue’s goal is to rescue dogs in need of a second chance, a new home and a new leash on life. This includes shelter dogs, those in unfit living conditions, sick or injured dogs, pregnant dogs and puppies which we ultimately will place in loving forever homes. Our rescue provides all necessary medical care including intake vaccines, spay/neuter, microchips, deworming and any necessary surgeries along with setting them up in nurturing, safe foster homes. We strive to get to know each dog, determine what their ideal home is and find the perfect fit for their needs. Foothill Dog Rescue assists underserved areas not only with re-homing dogs due to unfortunate circumstances, but also with supporting spay/neuter and vaccination clinics in order to be a part of the solution in reducing the amount of unwanted dogs in shelters and in our surrounding communities.

Sacramento County Animal Care Services

Our Mission is to provide public safety and protect the health and welfare of animals in our communities through education and compassion.

California Animal Shelter Friends

California Animal Shelter Friends (CASF) is a 501(c3) non-profit corporation. We are a group of dedicated volunteers including animal trainers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians and other animal lovers. We dedicate our time and energy to saving shelter animals from euthanasia in the state of California. . We are based out of Northern California in the Sacramento area. We work primarily with animal shelters and veterinary hospitals in Central and Northern California. Our dedicated volunteers identify underage (orphaned or very young animals still with their mother in an animal shelter), injured or sick, but otherwise highly adoptable, homeless animals at risk of euthanasia. We rescue them and provide them with medical care, rehabilitation and placement into permanent, loving adoptive homes. All of the animals who come to our group are provided with comprehensive medical care while with us including: spay/neuter surgery, microchipping (permanent identification), deworming, vaccinations, flea and heartworm control, testing for common diseases (heartworm disease in adult dogs, FeLV/FIV in cats and kittens) and any other medical treatment or wellness care required (including treatment for any illness, surgery to repair any injuries, bloodwork, dental cleanings, etc. as needed). We have rescued dogs, puppies, cats and kittens from the following areas/shelters: Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, Sacramento City Animal Care, Sacramento SPCA, Colusa County Animal Care, Tracy Animal Shelter, Los Banos Animal Shelter, Redding (Haven Humane Society), Madera Animal Shelter, Merced Animal Shelter, Central California SPCA's Fresno Animal Shelter. Turlock City Animal Shelter, Yolo County Animal Care, Los Coches Animal Shelter, Tehama County Animal Care and Monterrey County Animal Shelter. We work with a wonderful network of shelters, veterinary hospitals and volunteers to get animals in need into our care. We'd like to thank everyone who helps us to save these deserving animals from euthanasia. Without the dedicated animal shelter workers and volunteers, transport volunteers, foster homes and loving adopters we couldn't do what we do.

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 :)

NorCal Rescue Pups

NorCal Rescue Pups started saving shelter dogs in the Sacramento area and seeing the need throughout the state of California, NorCal expanded, rescuing death row dogs in northern AND southern California. Only those slated to die are rescued first so they may once again find a forever home. NorCal Rescue Pups is committed to reducing the pet population through spay and neuter of every saved shelter dog. And, each dog is thoroughly vetted so you know your new best friend is healthy.

Rescue For Pet Sake

Rescue For Pet Sake is an all-volunteer nonprofit group dedicated to saving homeless and abandoned animals from euthanasia. We give them a second chance to find a forever home. We all deserve a second chance. Rescue For Pet Sake places non-aggressive dogs into temporary foster homes where they are socialized, spay/neutered, vaccinated, and treated for any medical or behavioral conditions which would otherwise limit their adoptability. We then actively seek out permanent quality homes for these deserving animals. You may be that home.

Yolo County Animal Services

The Friends of Yolo County Animal Services (YCAS) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides resources to the Yolo County Animal Shelter in order to support the needs of animals. Our Focus is to improve the lives of animals, promote adoption and support the community through animal enrichment, training, humane education programs, and outreach.

Rotts of Friends Animal Rescue

The creation of Rotts of Friends is the long term dream of Renee Lancaster. As an experienced breeder of German Shepherds and Rottweilers for police, personal protection, and working companions, she has seen firsthand the growth of abuse and neglect of dogs of all breeds. The heart of Rotts of Friends started with the deep love and appreciation of the Rottweiler breed. For more than three decades, Renee has watched as this breed has gone from relative obscurity to public persecution. In 1981, Rottweiler's were an unknown breed. By 1990, the misplaced popularity with these dogs caused shelters to swell with increased numbers of Rottweilers and other "bad-boy" dogs. It was the love of the breed which pushed Renee to do more to save the Rottweiler from irresponsible breeding and ownership. With increased space being allocated to taking in these discarded animals, the message became clear that the willingness to help must extend to other breeds going through the same dilemma of abuse, neglect, over-population, and irresponsible ownership. Rottweilers were soon joined with German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, and other large breed dogs that became popularized and promptly persecuted. Rotts of Friends strives to educate the public about these breeds and the understanding of what breed, if any, is best for them, preventing pet overpopulation through spay and neuter, and offering programs to properly integrate dogs as a proper part of the family, including those with children and extended families.

Sacramento Independent Animal Rescuers

Sacramento Independent Animal Rescuers is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our purpose is to aid stray, abandoned, and neglected animals. To date, over 2,500 dogs and cats have been rescued and placed into wonderful homes in the past few years. In order to provide these services, we work with the community shelters, rescue organizations, and individuals who have animals with special needs and place these animals in permanent homes after they reach a stage of wellness. Many of our rescued animals, especially those that were rescued from the shelters initially had kennel cough, pneumonia, or giardia with the extreme cases having the parvo or distemper viruses. We rely on tax deductible money donations as well as food and other pet supplies that will allow us to continue to save lives! All of our companion pets have been neutered or spayed and given all current vaccinations. This also provides the community with healthier animals and aids in the reduction of the outspread of illness and future homeless offspring. WE ARE NOT A SHELTER, most of the animals listed here are either in foster care, or at a dog boarding facility, or still at an animal shelter and posted on our site as a courtesy posting only. The adoption fee for animals being adopted by SIAR can range from $75 -$100 (for kitties) and $150-$400 (for dogs) and depends on the animal and associated costs. The adoption fee helps up recuperate the thousands of dollars spent yearly on rehabilitation and allows us to continue to rescue animals in need.

German Shepherd Rescue of Sacramento Valley

German Shepherd Rescue of Sacramento Valley (GSRSV) is a tax-exempt (501-c-3), charitable organization dedicated to finding good homes for German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) and GSD mixes at risk of being placed in shelters, or who are already in shelters and potentially facing euthanasia. GSRSV is an independent rescue organization operated by one individual: Brian Foran (left with Sierra, Aug 2008). Though countless volunteers and benefactors have supported--and continue to support--GSRSV, I run and primarily fund the program, as I have since February 2001. Background Prior to Feb. 2001, GSRSV was the rescue program of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Sacramento Valley. I volunteered for this program beginning in November 2000 by fostering dogs and eventually developing this Website. Weary of five years of rescue work, the woman who ran the rescue program for the breed club asked if I would take it over, and I did so on February 1, 2001. From that point on, GSRSV was an independent organization no longer affiliated with the breed club. GSRSV's original focus was rescuing dogs from shelters, and the vast majority of the dogs I've rescued have come from shelters. (See the Rescue Records from 2000 to the present year in the menu to the left.) However, beginning in 2006, I began an effort to reduce the number of dogs that I personally care for. Because there are so many GSDs (and, of course, other breeds) in need of rescue at shelters, the only way to downsize was to stop taking in so many dogs from those shelters. However, I also receive numerous calls from individuals who need assistance in placing their own GSDs or GSDs that they have found, and I wanted to continue helping these dogs out. So now, my primary focus is on finding homes for other people's GSDs, while I continue to assist GSDs and GSD mixes in Sacramento-area shelters by posting them on my Website--and occasionally rescuing them. How does GSRSV work? GSRSV is essentially a fostering agency. I am not a shelter, and though I do have a facility to keep numerous rescued dogs, I do not have the means to accept dogs on a "drop off" basis. When I rescue a dog, I either keep it at my rescue facility in Pleasant Grove, or bring it to a foster home. Unfortunately, very few people are committed enough to foster dogs, which limits the number of dogs that I can rescue. If you are interested in becoming a foster caretaker, please let me know! The dogs at GSRSV's rescue facility live communally, without cages (except when eating), and nearly all are welcome in the house 24/7 via a dog door. I try to provide as much of a home environment for the dogs in my care as possible while I seek to find them permanent homes. Foster caretakers do the same.

Pet Assistance League of Northern California

We strive to rescue and rehabilitate animals, offering them a second chance at a fulfilling life. We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, community education, and the humane treatment of all living beings. Together, we aspire to create a region where every animal receives the care and love they deserve, and no pet is left behind.

Sacramento SPCA

The Sacramento SPCA is an open admission animal shelter, which means we accept animals that are surrendered to us regardless of health, age, breed or behavior. Open admission shelters play an essential role in providing care to the thousands of animals that would otherwise have no safe refuge. The Sacramento SPCA believes in helping the greatest number of animals with our available resources. Euthanasia is determined by the results of the animal's health and behavioral evaluation and the resources we have available to us at the time. The Sacramento SPCA is committed to saving animal lives and practices each step of the "nokill" equation including: providing medical care, adoptions, working on behavior and training, developing partnerships within the community and with rescue groups, maintaining a strong foster program, providing free services to seniors to keep their pets, and operating an on-site low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinic. We utilize every resource we have before the difficult decision to euthanize is considered. The Sacramento SPCA also offers an option for owned animals when there is a verified need for end of life services.

NorCal Bully Breed Rescue

NorCal Bully Breed Rescue is a foster-based rescue located in the Sacramento, California area. We do not have a facility that we operate out of, meaning our dogs are not kept in a shelter-type environment. Rather, our dogs reside in loving foster homes which provide them with the love, patience, and understanding required to allow them to become the very best that they can be. We specialize in pulling dogs from local shelters who would otherwise be considered “unadoptable”, for any variety of reasons: • They may have sustained a major medical injury that needs immediate medical attention that the shelter is unable to provide. • They may be a pregnant mama dog that can’t be adopted out and just needs a safe place to have her pups. • Or they may just be fearful and not showing well in a shelter environment. • These dogs just need a loving foster home to allow them to shine and show their true potential! Our ability to save these dogs is based entirely on donations from our amazing supporters, and on volunteer foster parents who open their hearts and homes to these dogs during their most desperate times. We allow them to show their true personality at whatever speed is needed for that particular dog. We don’t rush them. And we don’t force them to interact with other animals until they are ready. This allows us to get a true read on each of our dogs. To discover their likes and dislikes. To find out who and what they are compatible with. And to find them the best forever home for their specific personality.

Yolo County SPCA

The Yolo County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or YCSPCA, was founded in 1974 by a group of dedicated people committed to improving the lives of animals in our community. Through our adoption program, public education and outreach, and active promotion of the benefits of spaying and neutering, Yolo County SPCA strives to provide a better future for the people and pets in our community.

Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue

Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary was founded in the year 2000 based on a promise made to our founders' beloved Golden, Chelsea. Since then, we saved more than 11,200 dog lives through comprehensive rescue and adoption programs. Thanks to the vision and generosity of our founders, Jody and Mike Jones, we have carved out a peaceful haven from eight acres of the countryside where dogs can run, play, train, and be loved on their journeys to forever homes. Our facility provides refuge for dogs in immediate need. A robust foster program supplements our efforts so more can be saved. For those whose extreme age or health issues have rendered them unlikely to be adopted, they are welcome to live out their lives with us in sanctuary. None of this would be possible without you ‚ the hundreds of volunteers, supporters, adopters, fosters, and partners who truly are the heart of Homeward Bound.

City of Elk Grove Animal Services

Elk Grove Animal Services and Animal Shelter is committed to providing exceptional service to all of our community members: canine, feline, human and more! We are here to ensure that all animals within our community are treated humanely by way of a variety of services and programs.

Angels Rescuing Kritters

Angels Rescuing Kritters is a non-profit 501(c)3 animal foundation located in Weimar, California. We have been in operation since 2002. We started trapping feral cats that were dumped at our local grocery store where the owners gave us permission to spay/neuter and release. Many of them are still there 11 years later because the whole town of Weimar stepped up to help. They continue to feed and help us care for the colony. We then started helping the public and expanded to rescuing dogs and horses. ARKhas partnered with our County's Animal Control to become a No-Kill County while collaborating with other rescues to eventually become a No-Kill Nation. We assist Placer County Animal Services with adoptions of cats, dogs and horses. We rely on donations from the public, adoption fees, and fund raisers to survive financially, but our volunteers are the heart of the organization.

Chows Plus

Chows Plus Rescue is an All-Volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization - Tax ID #27-3935168 Chows Plus is located in the Sacramento Area and Grass Valley, CA. CP was founded by Cheryl Douglass, Karl Cobler and Tiffany Jones. Our goal is to find loving homes for abandoned dogs before they are killed. We rescue Chow Chows and Chow mixes and other deserving dogs as our resources allow. Chows Plus only adopts to verified good homes. An adoption application and home check are required. All dogs are spayed or neutered, current on shots, heartworm tested and on preventative. Chows Plus microchips their dogs and encourages others to do the same. Chows Plus often rescues dogs that would be passed up by other rescues because of the vet expense, rehab time and time to adopt. We are grateful for all the wonderful people who help make this possible for the dogs. If you would like to help there are many ways. We always need foster parents, vet sponsors, drivers, crates, food, medicine, etc. Please email Cheryl if you would like to help: crazy4chows@sbcglobal.net

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.

Center for Animal Protection and Education

The Center for Animal Protection and Education (CAPE) works to save the lives of individual animals and to educate people about ways in which they can alleviate animal suffering. Founded in 1992, CAPE has saved thousands of animals. Those who are older, injured or recovering from an illness are placed into loving homes through CAPE's Assisted Living Program. In 2012 CAPE established the CAPE Animal Sanctuary in Grass Valley, California, which is a permanent home for dozens of animals with special needs and burros removed from their native habitats on public lands by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. In 2017 CAPE, in collaboration with Compassion Without Borders, founded a dog shelter in Santa Rosa, CA called Muttopia. Muttopia is a safe place to temporarily house rescued dogs. ​CAPE also offers educational opportunities to inform people about issues animals face in society. CAPE programs emphasize that all animals have the right to a long, full life, free from suffering.

ResQpaws Volunteer Organization

ResQpaws Volunteer Organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer animal rescue group working to educate the community about responsible pet ownership and to rescue Sutter Animal Services shelter pets, as well as those about to be surrendered, by finding them foster and permanent homes. Email info@ResQpaws.org or call (530) 713-9079 if you have any questions about events, donating, sponsoring a shelter or foster pet, fostering, adopting, or volunteering.

Yuba County Animal Care Services

Animal Care Services is a division of the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department. Animal Care Services provides service for the unincorporated areas of Yuba County. Animal Care Services does not provide field services to the City of Wheatland, City of Marysville, or Beale Air Force Base; however it does provide licensing services for the City of Wheatland ONLY.

Fosters & Paws

At Fosters & Paws Rescue, our vision is a world where all animals are treated with respect and kindness. We're dedicated to saving animals and helping animals in need. Our mission, through rescue efforts, education programs, and advocacy work, is to create a more compassionate and humane society. We believe in a future where shelters are no longer necessary because all animals have responsible and caring owners, and where animal cruelty and neglect are a thing of the past. Together, we work towards a world where every animal has the opportunity to live happy and healthy lives in loving homes. Join us in our mission to make this vision a reality.

Chako Pit Bull Rescue

Chako Pit Bull Rescue aims to alleviate the persecution of Pit Bulls by finding homes for Pit Bulls in need, promoting responsible dog ownership, and standing against breed discrimination. Although our Pit Bull rescue is based in Sacramento, California we work on both a state and national level. We provide advocacy efforts for responsible dog owners, free and low cost Pit Bull classes, and educational events throughout the year.

Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary

At Happy Tails, animals in need can receive the love, shelter, and medical care they need so desperately, and be given a second chance at life in a new forever home. After adoption, any Happy Tails animal can be returned, no questions asked. In addition to adoption services, our organization also provides spay and neuter care, vaccinations, and assistance programs for pet owners who are eldery, homeless, or low-income. Through our feral cat program, we also maintain multiple healthy, spayed and neutered feral cat communities throughout the Sacramento area.

Scooter's Pals

One night in May 2005, Susan Wallace was awakened by her barking dogs and the pungent smell of gasoline. A man who had cleaned her carpets two days before had returned, now in a meth-induced rage. During his senseless attack, Susan’s throat was slashed, she was viciously stabbed, her home was destroyed by fire, and two of her beloved dogs, Molly and Scooter, were killed. Miraculously, Susan survived. During her long, painful recovery, Susan searched for a way to turn her grief into positive energy. She discovered that giving a second chance at life to abandoned dogs — especially those on Death Row in a shelter — somehow helped Susan’s heart heal from Scooter’s loss. Founded in 2008 by Susan as a life-affirming tribute to Scooter and Molly, Scooter's Pals is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to saving as many dogs as possible from needless death. We have evolved into a dynamic, all-volunteer group who all share the belief that keeping our companion animals safe, giving them the care, love, and respect that they deserve is an effective way to build a better community.