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.

NorCal Aussie Rescue, Inc.

Welcome to NorCal Aussie Rescue, a California State nonprofit public benefit corporation. Our Federal Tax ID number: # 26-0076953. We rescue, evaluate and then place wonderful Australian Shepherds in just the right new home. This takes time! We do not adopt out of state. Aussies can be moderately active to extremely active, needy or independent, child-friendly or child-intolerant. Aussies are not always good with children. Most of our Aussies are strays and we cannot be assured they are good with children. Read more about Aussies: Is An Aussie the Right Dog For You. Please make sure you view our Shelter Listings as well as the Related Links because there are many nice dogs in shelters that have very limited time. Choosing the best possible home for each individual dog is a very time consuming task - please be patient! If you are interested in adopting one of our Aussies, please fill out an Adoption Application. If you've submitted an application, please be patient...we receive 20-30 applications per day.

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.

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.

Little Paws Doggie Rescue

Little Paws Doggie Rescue was the brainchild of four women in the Sacramento area that had been previously involved with another dog rescue years ago. In early 2020 we got to thinking that with the huge increase in dogs that had been adopted from shelters throughout the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, there could be a massive problem once the pandemic was over. We were afraid that the majority of these dogs would be returned to the shelters when people went back to work. We decided to form Little Paws Doggie Rescue to help alleviate that problem, if it did occur. Even if our fears were not realized, we knew that there would always be a need for dog rescues such as Little Paws in the Sacramento area.

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.

Junebug Foundation

Wilton Animal Rescue aka WAR

Wilton Animal Rescue, Inc Non-Profit knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly through the actions of our initiatives. Back in 2000, our Animal Rescue Service realized that by working together we could overcome our challenges much more efficiently, and that is why we ultimately decided to launch Wilton Animal Rescue, Inc Non-Profit.

Kritter Kamp Rescue

Kritter Kamp Rescue is a Non-profit 501(c)3 Organization. We have been in existence for over eleven years. At Kritter Kamp Rescue, we care for and feed our rescue animals, have them vaccinated, spayed/neutered and give any additional urgent medical care. Our staff is dedicated to saving animals and our passion and love for what is we do is beyond measure. Our animals need a thriving environment while they wait for adoption so they are the best pet they can be. Kritter Kamp is a spacious vacation land for all pets. We have large open areas for animals to run and play either alone or with other boarding pets! Every pet will have access to an enclosed-outdoor space, indoor air-conditioned space, comfortable bedding, and tons of love. Come let your pet go to camp while you are out. Your pet will be taken care of by caring and loving professionals who have a true love and commitment to all animals.

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.

El Dorado County German Shepherd Rescue

EDCGSR is a non profit corporation (Tax ID: 48-1272724) providing shelter and care for displaced German Shepherd dogs. Our operation houses several dogs, however not all are adoptable due to behavior or physical issues.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 :)

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.

Coco Precious Fur Baby Recue

At our core, we are unwaveringly committed to rescuing and providing support for dogs facing homelessness and those in public shelters, especially those deemed at risk.

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.

Colusa County Animal Control

Bay Area Rescue Keeshonden Inc.

Bay Area Rescue Keeshonden, Inc. (BARK) is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) Keeshond Rescue organization. Donations to BARK are tax-deductible. We love Keeshonden for the same reasons you’re visiting our website today. They’re beautiful, sweet, cheerful companions who bring us joy every day. It breaks our hearts to think of them sad and homeless, lost, or dying in shelters. We are a 100% volunteer, 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our dedicated volunteers are passionate Keeshond lovers who devote their time and energy to saving the lives of these wonderful dogs and placing them in loving forever homes. Our volunteers have saved hundreds of Keeshonden! Our work is funded by donations from people like you. Many of our dogs come from shelters, where they’ve been lost or abandoned. Other dogs come from owners who are unable to care for them due to illness or other life changes. The typical Keeshond is a resilient, optimistic dog who bonds devotedly to a loving new family. What do we do? We care for each of our dogs in a comfortable foster home, where they’re treated as members of the family. Living with our dogs keeps our dogs happy while they await their forever homes, and enables our volunteers to evaluate each dog in a home setting and learn about the individual dog’s personality and needs. We have each dog examined by our veterinarian, tested for heartworms, vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered before adoption. We also provide appropriate testing and medical treatment on a case-by-case basis, to ensure each dog is as comfortable and healthy as possible. When you apply to adopt one of our dogs, our adoption process allows us to learn more about you, your home, your experience, lifestyle, and needs. We match our dogs with their new people very carefully. Our goal is for you and your new dog to be happy together!

Greater California German Shepherd Rescue Inc

Greater California German Shepherd Rescue is an all-volunteer California-based animal-rescue group serving the areas surrounding Sacramento, Modesto, Merced, Lake Tahoe, the North San Francisco Bay and parts of the East SF Bay areas, including area codes 209, 530, 707, and 916 and, to a lesser extent, area codes 510 and 925. We are a small group of dedicated volunteers who rescue homeless German Shepherd Dogs from life-threatening situations such as shelters and find them permanent homes with qualified owners. We work cooperatively with animal shelters, professional trainers, and other rescue groups toward our common goals of saving dogs’ lives and educating the public about responsible pet ownership. Greater California German Shepherd Rescue began its operations in December 2007 and is a nonprofit public charity under IRS code 501(c)(3). Our adoption fees are insufficient to pay the cost of rescuing the dogs, and we rely on your tax-deductible donations to pay for vet care, dog food, and other necessities. We invite you to help us save these superb dogs! Please contact us or come visit us at one of our Adoption Days.

Placer County Animal Services

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

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.

4ever Yours Rescue Inc.

4ever Yours is a small rescue organization that focuses on removing dogs with medical needs from less-than-ideal situations and providing quality medical and rehabilitation. The rescue recently moved to a larger location and has added a sanctuary for permanently disabled dogs. Since the rescue is new and has recently undergone a massive change, we are in need of assistance with marketing, income, and growth to support the dogs. As a 501c3 non-profit, we have limited ways to increase our revenue and typically hemorrhage funds with each medical intake. Adoption fees and donations make up almost 100% of our operating budget and we have a constant need to increase donations to stay afloat. We take a very personalized approach to the adoption process which allows for closer bonds as well as clear and specific targeting of appropriate adopters. Key Message: All dogs deserve loving 4ever homes. Purpose • Rescue dogs from high kill shelters and owner surrender. • Reduce intake rate of dogs to the Animal shelters • Chip, Spay, and Neuter • Responsible rehoming practices