Are you searching for the best Bernese Mountain Dog rescues in California? If so, you’re not alone!
During the early 2000s, the Bernese Mountain Dog became immensely popular. They were billed as the perfect family dog for their sweet nature, calm disposition, and playful personality. Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs are large dogs, and not everyone is prepared to take care of them. As a result, some of these dogs are looking for new homes.
Before scrolling down this list of Bernese Mountain Dog rescues in California, check out these other recommendations form our team at We Love Doodles: Best English Bulldog Rescues in California and Best Chihuahua Rescues in California.
Find a Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Near Me in California
If you are looking for a Bernese Mountain Dog to adopt in California, the top Bernese Mountain Dog rescues are below.
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1. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Southern California
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Southern California relies solely on donations to operate, hold events, and provide rescue and rehabilitation to Berners who need it. Due to the Club’s status as a 501c(7) organization, donations are not tax-deductible.
As with most places on this list, adoptions are not based on the first-come, first-served principle. To ensure the right match is made, these programs take the time to get to know the animals and prospective owners.
Adoption applications must be submitted to the Rescue Chair if you wish to adopt a rescue dog. Applications are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, these Bernese Mountain Dogs are adopted based on the right match between the dog and the family.
Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Southern California Details
- Location: 711 Goldenrod Ave Corona del Mar, CA 92625
- Telephone: (949) 887-7772
- Website: Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Southern California
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Southern America’s Facebook
2. Norcal Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue
Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue of Northern California is a 501c3 non-profit organization focusing on rescuing and re-homing Bernese Mountain Dogs from Bakersfield north to the California/Oregon border.
By assessing an incoming dog, providing interim foster care when necessary, and re-homing the dog with a family that matches their needs, they aim to expedite the rescue process for Bernese Mountain Dogs.
In addition, volunteers provide rescue and re-homing services for the Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned, neglected, or unwanted Bernese Mountain Dogs. As the breed becomes more popular, so does the number of dogs needing relocation.
They receive dogs in various ways. Some come from newspaper ads, others from shelters, others from properties. For notification of any dogs in need, the shelter relies on a solid network of Berner enthusiasts, shelter volunteers, and veterinarians.
You must complete the Adoption Application Form. Sign the form and send a printed copy to them. You can read about the adoption process on the Rescue FAQ link on their website, then download the PDF Acrobat version of the adoption application if you are interested.
Families are matched with rescue animals based on their needs and requirements. Their goal is to provide stability, safety, and love to a dog who may have come from a troubled background.
Veterinary fees are the responsibility of the adopting family. Rescue dogs must be neutered before adoption. In the absence of shot records, all rescue dogs must be vaccinated and undergo a complete physical examination.
Norcal Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Details
- Location: 68 Mitchell Blvd Ste 115 San Rafael, CA 94903-2017
- Website: Norcal Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue
- Email: [email protected]
3. The Big Mutt Network
Last on the list of the best Bernese Mountain Dog rescues in California is “The Big Mutt Network.” The Big Mutt Network isn’t based in California, but in nearby Arizona.
Their mission is to provide care, comfort, and compassion to the Giant Breed Dogs in their care by engaging and educating the hearts, hands, and minds of their community.
Their goal is to end homelessness and the needless suffering of these gentle giants. Are you interested in adopting? Dogs are always available for adoption, and the team will provide education on responsible dog ownership and care. Adoptable mutts live in foster homes, not in shelters.
Their goal is to match every adoptable mutt with the best home possible, based first and foremost on the mutts’ needs. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit dog rescue registered with the state of Arizona.
The Big Mutt Network Details
- Location: Vail, AZ 85641
- Website: The Big Mutt Network
- Instagram: The Big Mutt Network’s Instagram
- Facebook: The Big Mutt Network’s Facebook
Bernese Mountain Dog Shelters in California
Adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog is always an exciting time – but have you ever considered rescuing one rather than purchasing a ‘new’ one? There are many advantages to adopting a rescue dog; many people prefer to adopt unwanted dogs rather than buying new ones. Why do people adopt and re-home dogs? Consider these reasons.
It’s a rewarding experience re-homing a vulnerable and unwanted Bernese Mountain Dog. It gives a dog a second chance at a happier life, and you’re fighting Back Street Breeding. Giving an unwanted or previously mistreated dog a chance at a happy life is such a rewarding experience. Please consider adoption before shopping.’
The dogs you re-home from rescue centers will always go to their new homes happy and healthy. Before being adopted, dogs are neutered, microchipped, and given a complete health check-up, including vaccinations and treatment for fleas and worms. Some dog homes even offer training for the dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog ownership offers us huge benefits as well. Rehoming a rescue dog will reward you with loyalty, fun, and friendship as they rebuild their confidence. When you adopt a rescue dog, you build a bond with an incredibly rewarding animal.
How to Choose a Bernese Moutain Dog Rescue in California
When researching various rescue groups, there are several things to look for that will help you determine if they are trustworthy—an understanding of the dogs at the rescue group. A reputable group will vet the dog’s health as much as possible. They should know if the dog has been spayed or neutered if they have a veterinarian.
In addition, they should know what health records exist for the dog and what treatments, such as deworming, were given. It would also be ideal to see the dog’s personality and temperament—transparency within the group. Most reliable groups will display their non-profit status, board of directors, and tax status.
Nowadays, rescues should have an online presence as well as a physical address and phone number. Find out if the group is registered locally or with the city, county, or state. Most places do not have any registration or inspection process, but if yours does, you should find out if the group has complied.
Rescue groups are typically made up of volunteers who put a lot of passion into their work. You should find that the people you come into contact with are happy and dedicated to working with the group. In general, there should be a sense of order and well-being.
Where Do You Find a Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue in California?
When rescuing a dog, expect a thorough process.
You may need to:
- Fill out an application
- Schedule an interview
- Home visit
- Meet the dog and introduce the dog to your current pets and family members
- Sign a rescue contract
Foster families often have a say in deciding the dog they are caring for. Of course, they will want to make sure the dog goes to a good home because they put a lot of time, effort, and love into it. You can also ask questions during this session. In addition, you can get detailed information about the dog from the foster family.
Before rescuing a dog, what questions should you ask?
- Why was the dog surrendered or returned?
- Is there a trial period for your rescue group? (This can vary from group to group)
- Can you refer me to a trainer, animal behaviorist, or other specialists?
- What is the group’s history? (A group with a long history is excellent, but a brand new group may be equally reputable)
In addition to being in the dog’s most beneficial interest, this process will also give you a chance to ensure that this is the dog for you. Besides, providing that all household members are ready for the new addition will help you be a responsible dog owner.
Ultimately, becoming a dog owner should be fun if done responsibly. Working with a respected rescue group or breed club is essential to ensure a successful and satisfactory outcome for all involved.
Conclusion For The “Best Bernese Mountain Dog Rescues in California”
Adopting a rescue dog is a very generous and kind act. Every year, people euthanize dogs because they have lousy breed habits, can no longer take care of the pets, or have given up on them. The rescues in California that take in Bernese Mountain Dogs save and provide them with better homes. By adopting a dog, you save a life and make room for more animals.
For more guides similar to this list of Bernese Mountain Dog rescues in California, you can check out:
- Best Shih Tzu Rescues in California
- Best Pomeranian Rescues in California
- Best Yorkie Rescues in Texas
Before you adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog from a rescue shelter, you can learn more about the breed by watching “What to Do With a New Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy” down below:
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.