If you need a selection of the best dog rescues in Southern California, take a look at the list below.
1. Pet Orphans of Southern California
Based out of Van Nuys, California, Pet Orphans of Southern California is a non-profit rescue that has operated since 1973. They focus on rehabilitation on rehoming, so that every dog that comes to them gets a second chance.
If you’ve found yourself with some free time on your hands, why not consider volunteering for them? As a non-profit, they rely on generous donations, so if you can’t volunteer but still want to help, a donation is the perfect way to do that.
Looking to adopt? Check out their currently available dogs!
Get in touch with Pet Orphans of Southern California today.
2. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
If you’re a passionate German Shepherd lover looking for a rescue in the Newport Beach area of Southern California, this is the right rescue for you. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County focuses on bringing in unwanted dogs, as well as pulling them from shelters where they might be euthanized before they get the chance to be rehomed.
If you’re looking for an incredibly rewarding experience, why not become a foster through German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County and help a dog in need? If you’re looking for something more permanent, check out their dogs up for adoption.
Give German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County a shout today!
3. 4Life Animal Rescue
This volunteer-based, non-profit rescue in Orange, California works hard to take in unwanted and neglected animals, rehabilitate the dogs that come to them, and provide education about responsible pet ownership to their community.
Fostering is a great way to help this rescue and the dogs that come to them. If you’d like to help but can’t foster, why not become a volunteer?
To adopt, learn more about 4Life Animal Rescue’s adoption process and check out their available dogs.
Give 4Life Animal Rescue a shout!
4. Second Chance Dog Rescue
Founded in 2008, Second Chance Dog Rescue in San Diego, California is an entirely foster-based rescue. This means that instead of waiting in shelters, the dogs that come to this rescue instead spend their days in comfortable foster homes until they are adopted.
Looking to add a new family member into your home? Read up on Second Chance Dog Rescue’s adoption process, and take a look at their available dogs.
If you’d like to help out at this rescue, become part of their network of foster homes, or become a volunteer.
Get in touch with Second Chance Dog Rescue now.
5. Priceless Pets
Priceless Pets is a no-kill animal rescue that operates out of 3 California cities: Claremont, Costa Mesa, and Chino Hills. The dogs come to them through owner surrenders or are pulled out of high-kill shelters to give these dogs the new lives they deserve.
There are many ways to help out at Priceless Pets, including volunteering, donating, and fostering. If you’re looking to add a new four-legged family member to your home, check out their dogs that are currently up for adoption.
To learn more, give Priceless Pets a shout!
6. Great Pyrenees Association of Southern California
If you’re a lover of the Great Pyrenees breed and looking for a rescue, be sure to check out the Great Pyrenees Association of Southern California. Located in San Bernardino, this rescue is passionate about their dogs, and make sure they all get the chance to find the perfect, loving home.
If you’d like to adopt a Great Pyrenees, read up on their adoption FAQ, and then check out the dogs that are currently listed for adoption. If you can’t commit long term but want to help, become a foster by getting in touch.
Visit the Great Pyrenees Association of Southern California’s contact page to give them a shout.
7. The Great Dane Rescue of Southern California
If you love giant breeds, this might be the perfect rescue for you. The Great Dane Rescue of Southern California rescues and rehomes Great Danes in the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Venture, San Diego, and Riverside areas of Southern California.
Looking to adopt a dog? Check out the Great Danes currently up for adoption through this rescue. If you’d like to help this rescue’s mission and the dogs that come to them, consider becoming a volunteer.
To get in touch, head on over to their contact page!
8. FastFriends Greyhound Adoption of California
Based out of La Habra Heights, FastFriends Greyhound Adoption of California is a volunteer-based non-profit that rescues and rehomes retired Greyhound racing dogs coming from Tijuana.
Want to help out at this rescue? Apply now to become a volunteer, or to become a foster and help a Greyhound in need. If you’re looking for something a little more permanent, read up on FastFriends’ adoption process, and then take a look at their available dogs.
Visit FastFriends Greyhound Adoption of California’s contact page to get in touch today!
9. Lionel’s Legacy Senior Dog Rescue
Senior dogs are often overlooked, but Lionel’s Legacy Senior Dog Rescue, based in San Diego, is looking to change that. This non-profit works hard to ensure that even senior dogs get a second chance at a loving forever home.
There are many ways you can help Lionel’s Legacy Senior Dog Rescue, including volunteering, fostering, and even sponsoring a senior dog.
If you’d like to give a senior dog a new, loving home, fill out an adoption application and take a look at the dogs currently up for adoption.
To learn more, get in touch with Lionel’s Legacy Senior Dog Rescue.
10. Bichon Rescue Brigade
Located in Orange, Southern California, the Bichon Rescue Brigade is a non-profit and volunteer-based rescue that focuses on rescuing and rehoming Bichons.
If you’d like to help out at Bichon Rescue Brigade, there are many volunteering opportunities available including fostering, administrative work, fundraising, and adoption facilitation. If you have a love for Bichon Frises and want to bring one into your home, read up on their adoption process, and then check out the dogs that are currently available.
If you’d like to get in touch, head on over to their contact page and give Bichon Rescue Brigade a shout!
Evelyn is a writer and dog lover living with her roommate and their foster dog Bacon. In her spare time you can find her curled up with a book, out for a jog, or listening to true crime podcasts.
