Welcome to the world of dog rescue in San Francisco! If you’re looking for a furry friend to add to your family, there are plenty of locations where you can find the perfect pup.
From shelters to rescue organizations, San Francisco is home to some of the most dedicated and compassionate people working to help dogs in need.
Whether you’re looking for a specific breed or just want to find a dog that will bring joy to your life, you’ll find plenty of options in this beautiful city.
So, let’s dive in and discover the best dog rescue locations in San Francisco!
Top 5 Dog Rescues in San Francisco & Shelters
Adoption is an alternative that benefits everyone when it comes to acquiring a pet: the family, animal protection entities, and, of course, the dog itself
Shelters across the country house approximately eight million companion animals each year. Yet, nearly 50% of them are euthanized due to the shelter’s lack of resources.
1) Grateful Dogs Rescue
Grateful Dogs Rescue is the oldest all-breed rescue group in San Francisco. Since 1990 Grateful Dogs Rescue mission has been to save the lives of local dogs, primarily at San Francisco Animal Care and Control, that are at risk of euthanasia.
They save as many of these dogs as possible, place them in experienced foster homes, and provide veterinary care as needed until loving adopters can be found. They are an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff, so donations to Grateful Dogs Rescue go towards the care of dogs.
Established in 1990.
Grateful Dogs Rescue, a non-profit organization, was founded in the early 1990s by Michelle Parris, a former SF Animal Care & Control (SF ACC) volunteer. She made it her mission to rescue SF ACC shelter dogs not made available for adoption. Rather than letting these dogs be euthanized, Grateful Dogs Rescue saves as many as possible by fostering them until a loving home is found. Many of Grateful Dogs Rescue volunteers continue to donate their time by working with the animals at SF ACC.
Grateful Dogs Rescue Information and Details:
- Mailing Address: San Francisco, CA 94141, United States
- Website: https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/
- Phone: (415) 587-1121
2) Family Dog Rescue
Since 2010, Family Dog Rescue has rescued thousands of dogs, matching them with loving humans, creating families with every adoption.
They believe that when you adopt a dog, a family is created. Through events and social media outreach, they have created a community-wide connection between Family Dog supporters, adopters, volunteers and canine alumni.
Together, they advocate for greater public awareness about responsible dog ownership and celebrate the connection and love that rescue dogs so openly give.
Family Dog Rescue receive support from Friends of San Francisco Animal Care & Control, PetCo, Maddie’s Fund, and many local Bay Area businesses. Family Dog was named as one of “San Francisco’s Favorite Charities” by 7×7 Magazine in 2014. They are grateful to have an excellent rating
Family Dog Rescue Information and Details:
- Address: 2253 Shafter Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124, United States
- Website: http://www.ilovefamilydog.org/
- Contact: [email protected]
3) The San Francisco SPCA
The San Francisco SPCA is dedicated to saving, protecting and caring for cats and dogs while ending animal abandonment. As an independent nonprofit that receives no federal, state or local funding, nor funding from national organizations, they rely on donations from The San Francisco SPCA supporters to provide Their many programs and services.
These programs include The San Francisco SPCA state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, renowned adoption center, foster and fospice programs, feral cat program, youth programs that teach animal welfare and responsible pet guardianship, vaccine clinic for at-risk communities, dog training, and animal assisted therapy.
Established in 1868.
The San Francisco SPCA was the nation’s fourth humane society and the first west of the Mississippi. It has become one of San Francisco’s most enduring and respected institutions, as well as a national leader in saving homeless cats and dogs.
The San Francisco SPCA Information and Details:
- Address: 250 Florida St San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
- Website: http://www.sfspca.org/
- Phone: (415) 522-3500
4) Copper’s Dream Animal Rescue
They are an all-breed dog rescue based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Copper’s Dream Animal Rescue dogs live in foster homes until adopted – they don’t have a physical shelter.
One day, they believe Copper’s Dream will be realized, and euthanasia in this nation will only be used in those cases where it is truly serving to give a humane end to an animal that would otherwise suffer a painful death. Until then, Copper’s rebelliousness and energy will serve as constant inspiration for those of us at Copper’s Dream to fight on to achieve his vision.
Copper’s Dream Animal Rescue Information and Details:
- Address: 675 Georgia Ave, Sunnyvale CA 94085, United States
- Website: http://www.coppersdream.org/
- Phone: (415) 779-5474
5) Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
Muttville is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the way the world thinks about and treats older dogs, aged seven years and older, and to creating better lives for them through rescue, foster, adoption, and hospice.
Established in 2007.
Muttville has been honored to receive a few awards! Voted READER’S CHOICE, Outstanding Local Non-Profit: Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, 7×7 Magazine, 2015 Voted “Favorite San Francisco Charity” by 7×7 Magazine readers, 2011 “Beast of the Bay” awards, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013: “Best Canine Cause” and “Best Rescue Group” Founder Sherri Franklin, recipient of the Jefferson Service Award, 2010.
Pedigree Foundation Grant Winner, 2010, 2013 San Francisco County Heroes Award, The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter for Animal Rescue Hero category, 2012 2014, The Bay Guardian’s Best Local Animal Rescue by popular vote
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue Information and Details:
- Address: 255 Alabama St San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
- Website: http://www.muttville.org
- Phone: (415) 272-4172
Dog Rescue & Shelter Online
We hope that one of the shelters listed above can help you find your future dog, but if for some reason that doesn’t happen you can always opt for different alternatives.
For this reason, we’ve added these alternative platforms. These platforms will help you connect with people who have dogs for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pup within the comfort of your home.
AKC Market Place
Finding trustworthy dog breeders, groomers, and trainers can be challenging. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy.
AKC Marketplace® is the only website that exclusively lists puppies from AKC-Registered litters, so you can choose a breeder with confidence.
Adopt A Pet
If you want to give an abandoned puppy a second chance, a shelter is definitely the place to find a dog.
Adopt a pet is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. They help over 21,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free.
Puppies for sale Today
Puppies Today has over a decade of experience, established in 2008. They pride themselves on connecting loving families with new furry friends and have happy customers all over the nation. They provide all of their customer’s puppy payment plans and health guarantees to ensure the best experience and peace of mind when adopting a puppy through their service.
Check Out Our Dog Breeders Page :
DOG BREEDERS NEAR ME | PUPPIES FOR SALE
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Generally, it will cost around $50 to $150 for a dog – and because typically shelters and rescuers give pets medical treatment, you’ll save money on a medical examination; you’ll also likely save on spay or neuter surgery, which can cost around $50 to $300.
Aside from the puppy’s price, it would be best to consider the expenses that would come with it. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your puppies like grooming tools, food, and shelter.
What kind of dog should you adopt?
If you have decided to adopt a dog, you may want a mixed breed dog. Or, you can have your heart set on a specific dog breed. It is possible to adopt purebred dogs from shelters and rescues if you plan ahead. However, if you’re not set on a particular breed, you should still have an idea of the type of dog you want.
Consider age, size, care needs, health concerns, and activity level. Have your wishes in mind before you go looking. Better yet, create a list of dog characteristics that is divided into three areas:
- What do you absolutely need in a dog: Do you have children, cats, or other dogs? The dog you adopt must be able to get along well with everyone in your home. Are you in an apartment or small house and need a small dog? Are you allergic to certain types of dogs and need a hypoallergenic breed? These are just some of the things to consider.
- What you would like in a dog but can live without: Maybe you have a soft spot for a specific breed but will be happy with a mix of that breed. Maybe you want a dog with short hair, but don’t worry about a little extra grooming if you meet a big long-haired dog.
- What is not acceptable to you: these are dealbreakers. What qualities would prevent you from even considering a certain dog? Dimension? Temperament? Maybe you have a fear or dislike for a certain dog breed. Perhaps you are renting out your home and have to meet specific rental requirements.
Write everything down and take the list with you. That way, when you go out and see all those cute faces, you will know where to start.
When not to adopt a dog
It is best to avoid adopting a dog in the following circumstances:
- You are in the process of moving
- You are remodeling or repairing your home
- You are about to have a baby (it is usually best to have the baby and let life stabilize a bit before introducing a new dog)
- It’s the holiday season ( dogs aren’t meant to be gifts and holidays are usually too hectic for a new dog)
- You or someone in your family is going through other major life events (the new dog may be lost in the shuffle or be overwhelmed by chaos)
The Dog Adoption Process
Well done! You have found your new dog. Now is the time for formalities. Most organizations require an application before they can adopt. This is to prevent pets from falling into the wrong hands. While it may sound like an interrogation, these groups have policies in place for a reason. Fortunately, many people have no problem getting approval.
Some groups require a waiting period before bringing your new dog home, possibly due to a medical procedure that has been done. Some dogs may have a waiting list, so ask questions beforehand.
Find out what the adoption fee includes (vaccines, spay/neuter, etc.). Before signing the contract, learn what you expect from yourself and what the group will do to help you. If the dog is too young to be spayed or neutered, the contract will require it to do so in the future. Also, find out what happens if you can’t keep the dog.
Most organizations ask you to return the dog to them if you can no longer care for it (don’t give it away to someone else). Find out what is known about the dog’s history and what health problems, if any, were noted while the dog was in their care.
Final Thoughts
Remember, it can take a long time for a dog to adjust to a new home. You and your family will need time to adjust. You may notice that your new dog has behavioral problems, fears, phobias, or lacks training. If the adaptation period is long and complex, it’s a good idea to seek the assistance of a dog trainer or behaviorist.
You may need to consult more than one. Be patient and follow the advice of the experts. If you feel that you have genuinely exhausted your options, you may decide to give up on your new dog.
Remember to try to get your dog back to the place of adoption first. If this is not an option, you need to be responsible and find a good home for your dog. I hope you never have to be in this situation.
