If you’re searching online for a list of the best dog rescues in Orange County, the following compilation is especially for you.
1. 4Life Animal Rescue
4Life Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization based in Orange County in Southern California. Their team of dedicated volunteers is committed to rescuing neglected or homeless local animals. As well as rescuing animals, they provide community education and resources to promote responsible pet ownership. They also provide support to low-income families to ensure they can keep their pets.
All rescued animals receive medical care, proper exercise, and stimulation, and lots of good food. Prior to adoption, rescued dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. If you adopt an animal and it doesn’t work out, 4Life Animal Rescue will always welcome them back. If you’re interested in adopting, you can view the available dogs here. Visit this page to donate to 4Life Animal Rescue.
2. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
If you’re looking to adopt a German Shepherd, make sure you visit German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. This volunteer-led rescue organization is committed to caring for abandoned or neglected German Shepherd dogs and looking after them until a new home can be found. Once rescued, dogs are placed in foster homes or private boarding facilities.
German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County takes dogs from owners who are no longer able to care for them, and also brings dogs in from public animal shelters across Southern California. You can view their adoptable dogs here, or make a donation to German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County here.
3. OC Animal Care
OC Animal Care takes in more than 20,000 animals (including dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets) in Orange County, CA, each year. They provide these neglected or abandoned pets with shelter, medical care, and food, and run monthly adoption events to help find new, loving homes for these animals. They also work with many different shelters and rescue organizations and encourage members of the community to become volunteers or fosters.
Prior to adoption, all dogs are microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and have undergone any necessary medical care, including worm treatment. When you adopt a dog, you are eligible for a free veterinary exam at a participating clinic.
4. I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue was founded in 2010 and has helped to give many dogs a second chance at life in the years since. Based in Orange County, I.C.A.R.E. does not care how old a dog is or how much medical care they may need – they firmly believe that all dogs should be rescued and loved.
Prior to adoption, dogs are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. To adopt a dog from I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue, you need an approved application, reference check, home check, and meet and greet. Out-of-state adoptions are not offered. View the adoptable dogs here, or donate to I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue here.
5. Coastal German Shepherd Rescue OC
Coastal German Shepherd Rescue OC is another great place to look for a German Shepherd to adopt. Based in Orange County, this organization is completely run by volunteers who rescue and nurture abandoned German Shepherds (and sometimes other dogs) across Southern California. The organization has been operating for 15 years and relies solely on donations and fundraising events.
The team at Coastal German Shepherd Rescue OC saves old dogs that are no longer wanted, dogs requiring medical care that their owners weren’t willing to pay for, and other dogs in need. Adoption fees cover veterinary care, boarding, food, and other expenses associated with the rescue. All adoptable dogs are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. View adoptable dogs here, or donate to Coastal German Shepherd Rescue OC here.
6. Bichon Rescue Brigade
The Bichon Rescue Brigade is an organization made up entirely of volunteers who are dedicated to rescuing Bichon Frise and Bichon Frise mixed dogs and finding loving homes for them. They focus on this specific breed out of love for them and operate throughout Southern California. They also provide public education resources relating to Bichon Frise ownership and responsible pet ownership in general.
Prior to adoption, all dogs are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered. They are a foster-based rescue – all dogs are placed in loving temporary homes where they can be properly cared for until the perfect adoptive family is found. If you think that may be you – view their dogs here. You can also donate to Bichon Rescue Brigade here.
7. Audrey’s Safe Haven for Dogs Rescue Center
Audrey’s Safe Haven for Dogs Rescue Center is a non-profit, no-kill rescue center run by loving volunteers in Orange Country. They rescue dogs from undesirable situations, or take dogs from owners who are no longer able to care for them. They also provide pet owners with the skills and information they need to have a long and happy relationship with their pets and to reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters.
All rescued dogs are placed in temporary foster care prior to adoption. Before being listed for adoption, dogs are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. You can view their adoptable dogs here, and can also consider applying to be a foster parent. You can also help by making a donation to Audrey’s Safe Haven for Dogs Rescue Center.
8. Priceless Pet Rescue
Priceless Pet Rescue is a no-kill, non-profit rescue organization. They are based in Orange County and operate from several different adoption centers referred to as “The Orphanage”. Their rescued pets come from local shelters in the area that are overcrowded and have high euthanasia rates. They also sometimes accept pets that are brought in by owners who can no longer care for them.
All adoptable dogs have been spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. If you’re interested in adopting, you can view their available animals here. You can also make a tax-deductible donation to Priceless Pet Rescue – visit this page to learn more.
9. Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical Aid (CARMA)
CARMA (Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical Aid) is a non-profit rescue organization based in Orange County that was initially founded by a group of veterinary professionals. The team at CARMA rescues sick or injured pets, gives them the medical care they need, and works to find loving families for them.
The organization is run entirely by volunteers and funded solely from donations, adoption fees, and merchandise sales. They rescue pets that have been hit by cars, abused or neglected, are pregnant, or have other medical issues. To view their adoptable dogs, click here. To donate to Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical Aid, click the yellow “Donate” button on this page.
“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”
