The Best Bakersfield, CA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

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.

Lucky's Crew Animal Rescue

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.

Companion Animal Protection Society

When Deborah Howard witnessed the dreadful conditions at a Docktor Pet Center store in November 1989, she was appalled. The company had more than 300 franchises at that time. After learning more about the plight of pet shop and puppy mill dogs, Ms. Howard joined forces with Robert Baker, the foremost puppy mill investigator in the country. During his 13 years as chief investigator of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Mr. Baker inspected over 700 puppy mills. Ms. Howard, a former radio news reporter, lawyer and PR professional, formed CAPS in 1990. The nonprofit became a 501(c)(3) in 1992. As a result of CAPS’ efforts, Docktor Pet Centers, Inc., which refused to do business without the sale of puppies, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in February 1993. Ms. Howard’s accolades include being featured in “Heroes Among Us” on People.com and being one of South Shore Living’s 10 Women of Influence.

Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets (STOP)

We are a small local rescue working hard to save lives and find homes for orphaned pets in the Tehachapi area. Non-profit status: APPROVED, State and Federal 501c3 Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets est. in 2008. Many homeless animals have been abandoned, abused, or neglected, without ever knowing the love of a caring human being. Every day, dogs and cats are euthanized in the overcrowded Kern County area animal shelters. From the moment S.T.O.P. rescues a dog or cat, we begin changing its life for the better. Each pet is placed in a caring foster home until the right owner is found. During their stay, the pets are evaluated, socialized, and given the loving care they need, prior to adoption. Pets have their basic shots and are spayed/neutered (we actively support spaying and neutering of all companion dogs and cats).

Wasco Animal Shelter

The Wasco Animal Control Officers are authorized to impound any and all animals which are kept, maintained, or found at large in violation of any of the provisions of this section and otherwise enforces all statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the control of animals within the incorporated areas of the city. The Wasco Animal Shelter only accepts and accommodates to animals within the City limits.

Doberman Pinscher SOS

Doberman Pinscher SOS is dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of abandoned Dobermans and to educating the public about the Doberman breed and canine care. We are a no-kill, 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. Hundreds of purebred Dobermans lose their homes each year in southern California alone and many are euthanized because there is not enough space in rescue to save them. Especially at risk are those that are injured, sick, or old. The high cost of rescuing these dogs drives many organizations to accept primarily young, healthy or otherwise adoptable dogs into their programs. At Dobie SOS we take the Dobermans that other organizations understandably pass over, and just as importantly, care for the dogs we save and place them into loving homes. We rely solely on donations and adoption fees for this work. How to help. Most of our Dobermans come from high-kill animal shelters in southern and central California. Some are relinquished by their owners and a few find their way here from other rescues. Many Dobermans need rehabilitation before they can be adopted: medical, behavioral, or both. Every Doberman receives a full veterinary exam and whatever medical intervention they need. Many dogs arrive with poor socialization skills requiring months of handling with humans and other dogs. If necessary we provide quality-of-life sanctuary for Dobermans who are not likely to be adopted, for example, Dobermans with advanced heart or spinal problems. Please check our available list to see if one of our dogs may be right for you. Our primary goal is to place Dobermans into permanent homes that are correct for the particular dog's energy level, training level, and temperament. About adopting. We are located in rural Kern County CA near Tehachapi, about 2 hours north of Los Angeles and 1 hour east of Bakersfield. We will place dogs anywhere in California and also surrounding states on a case-by-case basis.

Yucca Valley Animal Shelter

Yucca Valley Animal Shelter receives animals from the Town of Yucca Valley and Morongo Basin. We provide care and shelter to lost pets until we can reunite them with their owners and take in animals that have been relinquished by people who can no longer care for them. We also provide a spay/neuter voucher program to assist resident pet owners, and work with other agencies and rescue organizations, all with the aim of providing compassionate care for our animal friends at the highest standard.

Miko's Rescue Mission

We primarily save pitbulls and bully breed dogs labeled as "Rescue Only", meaning they have some sort of behavioral issue, such as animal reactivity, sensitivity to sounds, uneasiness with strangers, dog selectiveness, or similar. These types of dogs deserve a second chance, though far too often, rescue organizations are unwilling or unable to commit to these "difficult" cases, and instead focus on saving easier, "more adoptable" dogs who don't have special behavioral needs. That's when we step in! Ethical and humane treatment of dogs is crucial, especially when it comes to training or working with a qualified and certified trainer. We advocate for science-backed programs that align with LIMA-based methods for building a loving connection without the use of aversive tools (no e-collars or prong collars ever!) We use a combination of rewards-based training that includes a blend of force-free, positive reinforcement, cooperative care, 'talking buttons', and the open-minded approach to guide dogs through a happy, loving, and exciting life! We are firmly AGAINST any training methods that make a dog 'obey' out of fear of being corrected, punished, or deprived. We're all about focusing on dogs having opportunities to be themselves without trying to control them. Dogs deserve to have as much autonomy as possible and to be active participants in their lives. DOGS ARE SENTIENT BEINGS WITH EMOTIONS, NOT ROBOTS WHO SHOULD BE FORCED TO FOLLOW COMMANDS! This is why rather than making a goal of having an 'obedient dog', we focus on building a trusting and loving relationship in a safe environment with each dog saved.

Pet Matchmaker Rescue

Pet Matchmaker is a 501(c)3 non-profit rescue organization that rescues homeless and unwanted dogs from high-kill shelters and abusive and neglectful situations in Kern County, California. Many of the animals we come across are shut-down, afraid, abandoned, or abused. We provide love, housing, a stable and supportive environment, socialization, spay and neutering, vaccination, vet care, and adoption for as many animals as possible in a humane, safe, and sanitary manner. Unlike most of California, Kern County has low rates of spay/neutering leading to high rates of abandoned and/or euthanized animals. We have established connections to adoptees and other rescue groups outside of Kern County, allowing us to transfer or place some of our rescued animals in other areas that do not have the dog population problems that we see here. Currently over 2500 dogs and cats are euthanized every month in one Kern County shelter alone, so there is still much more work to be done. Housing the rescue animals in foster homes and at our rescue facility enables us to get to know the needs of each individual dog and we at Pet Matchmaker strive to make the best possible match between a dog and its forever family prior to adoption to ensure the dog will be loved and cared for the rest of its life. We also occasionally rescue horses and baby goats from slaughter auctions; rehabilitating them at the rescue until they can be adopted to homes where they will be loved and cared for as pets.

Fur Friends 4 Life

The FF4L members are a small group of animal lovers. We bonded while volunteering for non-profit organizations in our community. That’s when we realized we wanted to do more and came up with the idea for our own non-profit organization. Fur Friends 4 Life was created to help find loving homes for the abandoned, forgotten, and overlooked animals in Kern County. We take pride in helping the downtrodden and believe every animal has a right to health and happiness. The joy of bringing people and pets together for the perfect match is our reward. And with the love, help, and time of our friends, family, and community we believe we can make a difference in the lives of people and animals alike. Since we are a non-profit rescue, we are able to fund Fur Friends 4 Life solely through donations. Our dogs will be available for a adoption donation price of $250 for an adult dog & $300 for a puppy.

Redemption Ranch

Founded in April 2019 by Virginia Burroughs, Redemption Ranch earned its 501(c)(3) status just one year later. As we embark on our 4th year as an organization, we have rescued over 40 dogs and placed 30 of them in forever homes. We are growing both our service and therapy dog programs, having forged partnerships with a local retirement community and veterans' groups. In 2020, we were donated a young mustang mare, Wren, and she is the foundation of our fledgling equine therapy program. We have experienced phenomenal growth, in spite of the setbacks during the pandemic, and are excited to see where this next year takes us!

Have a Heart Humane Society

Ted and Chelley Kitzmiller have owned the Radio Shack in Tehachapi since 1988. In the 1990’s their daughter, Gina, came on board when she moved to Tehachapi. Chelley is a multi-published author of magazine articles and historical romance novels. In 2002, Gina and Chelley opened Books & Crannies, a new/used bookstore, which connected to the Radio Shack, allowing the three of them to help each other out. That’s what they do-help each other. Two or three times a month a dog or a cat ended up in the parking lot where the two stores were located. “We took pictures of the animals, posted flyers and told our customers,” says Gina. Though the family often asked for help from the only rescue in town at that time, they were always full and couldn’t assist them, so they forged ahead and found homes for the pets on their own. In later years, the family trio volunteered their efforts to that original rescue and one other, hoping to make it possible for other people to get the help they needed. “Each rescue has its own goals and they run at their own pace,” Says Chelley. “Our ambitions and goals were hampered by too many limitations so we decided to start our own rescue where the sky is the limit.” In January of 2010, The Kitzmillers organized Have A Heart Humane Society and applied for a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. Gina became the cat coordinator, Ted signed on as lead pooper scooper and Chelley became the paperwork juggler. Volunteers came forth, adoption days were scheduled, pets were brought into foster homes and the paperwork slowly went through the system and was finalized September 15, 2010 after more than 170 dogs and cats had been altered, vaccinated, dewormed, micro chipped and adopted into loving homes. Foster homes are the key to the success of an organization like Have A Heart. Instead of warehousing the pets in cold steel cages, Have A Heart’s pets are housed in loving homes where the animals can be socialized, potty trained and given basic training commands, all of which makes them more adoptable. “There are never enough foster homes,” says Gina. “We often hear people say that they would fall in love with their foster pet and wouldn’t be able to give it up. What they have to understand is that we all fall in love with our foster pets, but keeping it would be a selfish act. You can’t think about you. You have to think about what’s best for that pet and if you don’t give the pet up for adoption, you can’t save another one.” “Animal rescue is hard work. It’s emotionally draining and frustrating. There are days when we want to say enough is enough,” says Chelley. “But the reality is that we have found our purpose. For us, nothing is more satisfying than knowing that a death row pet has been saved because of us and is now in a happy home.”

Mutts and Runts Rescue

Mutts and Runts Rescue was founded in 2017 after seeing the numerous strays, neglected and often abused animals in Bakersfield. Being a transplant, Brandi Reed was taken by surprise of the overpopulation of dogs and knew she needed to do something. In her first year, 100 dogs were placed into loving homes. Our rescue dogs typically consist of strays and severe medical cases. With limited fosters and volunteers, our long term goals are to improve our community outreach and financially assist other rescues when they take in cases we aren’t able to physically assist. Mutts and Runts has extended to serve Reno, Nevada. Reno, having a large dog friendly community, has the opposite problem of Bakersfield – they don’t have enough dogs for people willing to adopt. Together, we’re able to help more dogs get their happy ending with loving families, additional support of fosters, volunteers, fundraising, and access to a wonderful rehab facility.

Shafter City Animal Control

The Shafter Animal Control unit only accepts animals from within Shafter city limits. Our shelter is small and can only accommodate animals from within the city limits. Stray animals should be turned into the shelter of the jurisdiction where it was found. Usually this helps to match the animal with the rightful owner if one is located.

Strength of Shadow Dog Rescue

Strength of Shadow Dog Rescue was built on the dreams of Robbie Miller and his 1st dog, Shadow. After spending his youth making some poor life choices Robbie found himself incarcerated in the State of Oklahoma for 12 years. Upon completing the first 9 years of this sentence, Robbie decided he wanted to start giving back to the world instead of taking from it. During the next three years he obtained his GED, began to work and also became a mentor to many of the inmates. Upon his release in January 2014, he asked his mother if he could get a dog when he arrived home. Here enters Shadow! Shadow had been found by Kern County Animal Services in Ridgecrest during freezing temperatures, abandoned in a single dog crate with two other large dogs. Robbie and Shadow had an instant bond - both skittish of people, both survivors of traumatic situations, both looking for unconditional love. About a month after adopting her Shadow began coughing up blood. After multiple emergency vet visits it was discovered that Shadow had been living with a 40 caliber bullet in her lung very close to her heart. She was airlifted to Los Angeles for emergency surgery. These were the longest few days of Robbie’s life. He had just found her and couldn’t imagine life without her. Thankfully Shadow made a full recovery and their bond just continued to grow. In August 2014 we added Dallas to the family. He was just a young puppy who had been rescued by the same animal control officer as Shadow many months prior. Having these two dogs in his life was just what Robbie needed to heal and grow into the man he wanted to become. At this time is when Robbie decided to dedicate his entire life to saving dogs and placing them with the people that they needed to save, just as Shadow and Dallas have done and continue to do for him..

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.

Rescue Me Pets

Rescue Me Pets is a not for profit animal rescue, expanding across Oklahoma, Texas, and California. Our mission is simple, sharing happiness and love with the joy of giving our rescue animals a caring environment. Our group has saved thousands of animals that have been neglected and abused and placed them into homes with loving families. We thrive off the altruistic care and compassion of volunteers and community to make the best environment for our rescues. Rescue Me Pets specializes in (but is not limited to) Canine care, foster, and adoptions. Throughout the past 20 years, Rescue Me Pets has fostered and found forever homes for thousands of Dogs, providing all medical and emotional needs for each individual pup. We strive to give our dogs the best care which is supported by our sponsors and donations from wonderful businesses invested in animals.

H.A.L.T. Rescue (Helping Animals Live Tomorrow)

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.