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The Best Sacramento, CA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Sacramento, CA. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.

ShepHeroes
#102 in United States, #11 in California
German Shepherd
Sacramento
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.
"Teddy and I found each other 5 1/2 years ago, through the help of ShepHeroes, and he is truly my..."
— ann b.
Adoptee
"Shep Heroes goes above and beyond to save GSDs, responsive, adaptable, super caring, finds a way to help a dog..."
— ginny h.
Volunteer / foster

Sammie’s Friends
#266 in United States, #33 in California
Sacramento
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.
"Our local Community Top rescuers"
— evelyne l.
Supporter
"Sammie's Friends is a wonderful, kind and caring Shelter who does their very best to find all dogs loving..."
— lynn m.
Fan

Front Street Animal Shelter
#361 in United States, #46 in California
Sacramento
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.
"They do so much to save these beautiful animals. Go above and beyond!"
— ashley o.
Supporter

Fosters & Paws
#600 in United States, #69 in California
Sacramento
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.

Wilton Animal Rescue aka WAR
#600 in United States, #69 in California
Sacramento
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.

What's the Sniffspot Sacramento Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Sacramento, CA Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Sacramento, CA chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 49 private dog parks in the Sacramento area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Sacramento dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Sacramento

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States Near California

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Type In Sacramento

Sniffspot Sacramento Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Sacramento?

There are 49 in Sacramento. Outside of Sacramento, there are 651 located in California.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Sacramento?

There are many reputable rescues in Sacramento, the top 3 on our list are: ShepHeroes, Sammie’s Friends, Front Street Animal Shelter.

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Sacramento offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Sacramento is Australian Shepherd with 1 focusing on it. The second most common specialization is Border Collie with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Sacramento?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Sacramento. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
Lifelong placement is our goal! Our German Shepherds are spayed or neutered and microchipped, heartworm tested and treated if positive, have core vaccinations, and are treated with flea and tick prevention. To ensure every match succeeds, we ask you to complete our adoption questionnaire and join our adoption counselors in finding your lifelong best friend.

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Sacramento?

Yes! Sacramento has the following types of breed-specific dog rescues and shelters: Australian Shepherd Border Collie Cocker Spaniel English Bulldog French Bulldog Golden Retriever Pit Bull German Shepherd

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Sacramento that specialize in senior dogs?

We do not have any record of senior dog rescues and shelters in Sacramento, but these are the closest cities with senior dog rescues and shelters: Huntington Beach, Los Angeles, Salinas

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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The Best Sacramento, CA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

ShepHeroes

Sammie’s Friends

Front Street Animal Shelter

Fosters & Paws

Wilton Animal Rescue aka WAR

What's the Sniffspot Sacramento Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Sacramento

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States Near California

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Type In Sacramento

Sniffspot Sacramento Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Sacramento?

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Sacramento?

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Sacramento offer?

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Sacramento?

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Sacramento?

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Sacramento that specialize in senior dogs?

David Adams

About Sniffspot

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