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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

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

Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue
#600 in United States, #69 in California
Golden Retriever
Sacramento
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.

Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
#600 in United States, #69 in California
Sacramento
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.

Sacramento County Animal Care Services
#600 in United States, #69 in California
Sacramento
Our Mission is to provide public safety and protect the health and welfare of animals in our communities through education and compassion.

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 5 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 5 in Sacramento. Outside of Sacramento, there are 40 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: Front Street Animal Shelter, Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue.

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

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Sacramento is German Shepherd with 1 focusing on it. The second most common specialization is Golden Retriever 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:
Most pets are held for a mandatory period of time before being made available for adoption. You must be at least 18 years of age to adopt from our shelter. City or out-of-town residents - You are welcome to adopt a pet from our shelter if you live anywhere in the United States, but it is a requirement to license your pet with your hometown.‚Äã

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

Yes! Sacramento has the following types of breed-specific dog rescues and shelters: German Shepherd Golden Retriever

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: San Francisco, Santa Rosa

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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About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Sacramento, CA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

ShepHeroes

Front Street Animal Shelter

Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue

Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary

Sacramento County Animal Care Services

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

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