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.

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.

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.

Placer County Animal Services

Placer Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

For over 50 years, Placer SPCA has played a compassionate role in our community by matching homeless pets with those searching for a companion, reuniting lost pets with their owners, and enabling struggling families and individuals to keep their pets when times are tough. We are building an 8,800 square foot facility to benefit pets and their owners in our community.

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.

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.

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.

Good Sense Dogs

We believe in the connection between people and pets. Our goal is to improve the lives of people and pets alike. Good Sense Dogs has four programs that serve the community with an eye towards helping pets and people alike: • Our education program, Ahead with Tails, gives communities that are often otherwise without pet care knowledge or resources the tools they need to be capable pet owners and, potentially, with vocational skills to help them in the future. • Our rescue, Sensitive Souls, gives critical and terminally ill homeless pet owners an option for permanency for their beloved pets, so they may receive the care they need. We are partnered with Joshua’s House of Sacramento to receive and care for the animals of their clients. • Our therapy dog program trains, certifies and connects teams to facilities in the Sacramento area looking to have dog visits for their clients and residents. • Our outreach program assists the most vulnerable pet owning populations of Sacramento with pet food, equipment, resources and training advice. Good Sense Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that depends on donations and grants to reach our goals and serve the public.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

NorCal Sheltie Rescue

NorCal Sheltie Rescue, Inc., a 501c(3) not-for-profit corporation, is an affiliate of the American Shetland Sheepdog Association Rescue Network and is organized and run from the Sacramento area of Northern California. We are an all-volunteer group made up of a network of Sheltie experts, adopters, foster homes, trainers, breeders, and fans all around Northern California. We do not have a central facility; our geographically diverse volunteer network locates, rescues, transports, fosters, evaluates, trains, and re-homes individual shelties on case-by-case basis. No volunteer receives any salary or financial benefit of any kind from NorCal Sheltie Rescue. Operating costs are entirely funded by donations. This corporation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes. The specific and primary purposed for which this corporation is formed are to provide prevention, information, education, and other charitable purposes against the cruelty to animals; contribute financial assistance to other similar organizations with similar purposes; be actively involved in the rescue, rehabilitation and placement for adoption of Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Colusa County Animal Control

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.

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

Infinite Pawsabilities

Pits & Pals K9 Rescue, Inc.

Pits & Pals K9 Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (status pending) located in Sacramento, CA. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and place stray, neglected, and shelter dogs with loving, responsible companions. We do not discriminate on age, breed, or ease of placement. Rather, we choose dogs based on temperament and potential to be wonderful companions. Before each dog can be adopted, they are evaluated for temperament, sterilized, microchipped, and their shots are updated. We are a fully volunteer-run and foster-based rescue. Adoption fees and donations are used to cover veterinary expenses, food, supplies, medication, and other necessary expenses. We rely on the support of our incredible fosters, volunteers, and donations from our generous community. Join us in our efforts to give these dogs a second chance at life and a loving forever home.

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.

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.