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10 Best Bernese Mountain Dog Rescues in the USA! (2023)

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Bernese Mountain Dog Rescues

Here’s what you need to know if you’re searching for Bernese Mountain Dog rescues. Finding trustworthy Bernese Mountain Dog rescues in the United States is a task that requires time and energy.

Many individuals and groups claim to be working for the cause, but only a few have honest intentions toward rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming lost and abandoned Bernese dogs.

Adopting a rescued Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent decision. They are fantastic pets with a particularly affectionate nature compatible with almost all age groups. They tend to bark, but it’s triggered by their wariness of strangers and innate watchdog instincts.

Bernese Mountain Dogs have just as big of a personality as their physical appearance; they’re funny, loyal, and brilliant with a people-pleasing streak. A rescued Bernese is even better because it’s already housebroken, learns quicker, and has become gentler in its mature age.

The friendliness and health of a Bernese depend significantly on where they come from, so you should choose the rescue carefully. To help you make the right choice, we’ve compiled a list of well-reputed Bernese rescues across the United States. Let’s have a look.

Before you scroll down this list of Bernese Mountain Dog rescues in the United States, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Yorkie Rescues in the United States and Canoodle Puppies in the United States.

Find a Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Shelter Near Me in the United States

Find a Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Shelter Near Me in the United States

Our team at We Love Doodles created and compiled this list of the best Bernese Mountain Dog rescues in the United States for you to check out.

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1. NorCal Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue, California

1. NorCal Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue, California (BerneseUSA)

NorCal is a Bernese Mountain Dog rescue with the status of a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization located in Northern California. This volunteer-run group aims to find, shelter, and rehome all abandoned, neglected, or unwanted dogs by their owners. The dogs are assessed physically to determine the need for medical treatment(s).

They are temporarily placed in foster care until they are rehabilitated and adopted by their new and forever families. The dedicated volunteers spend much time and effort finding the perfect match for these lost Bernese so they’re never mistreated or surrendered again. The rescue takes in dogs from various sources such as shelter homes, newspaper surrender ads, abandoned houses, and owners.

They have an effective surrender program for owners who wish to give up their dogs for any reason. It shows that they genuinely care about the well-being of this dog breed. It is a considerably sought-after puppy rescue in the United States that looks after the proper placement of abandoned dogs in loving homes.

The adoption fee for an individual dog is $300, on average, along with expenses incurred by the adopted dog. This fee covers veterinary costs, including the dog’s spaying or neutering, age-appropriate vaccines, and medical exams. Contact them via email or visit their website to look at the available dogs and for further information.

NorCal Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Details

2. BFW Rescue Inc., South Carolina

2. BFW Rescue Inc., South Carolina (BerneseUSA)

BFW Rescue Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization run by dedicated and compassionate volunteers to help Bernese Mountain Dogs in need. They ensure that Bernese dogs are rescued from hostile and unsafe situations and receive medical care to heal from physical and emotional wounds. At times, dogs need professional rehabilitation training to become adoptable.

They are placed in foster homes where they receive critical socialization, training, unconditional love, and care. The group rescues Bernese Mountain Dogs from various sources; shelters across the state, from families and owners who have to give them up for some reason, and many are even found on the streets abandoned by careless breeders.

The rescue group stands for equality and firmly believes that despite their rocky beginning, all rescued Berners deserve to become a part of a loving family. If you wish to be that source of happiness and completeness in a rescued dog’s life, then you can see available dogs on their website. An application form is available for potential adopters, which will lead to finding a good match, interview, and home visit.

Typically, the rescue schedules two interviews to understand your requirements and ensure they have the perfect dog for you. The adoption fee is usually $400, ensuring confirmation of your adoption contract, and you will receive the dogs’ medical records. If you’re adopting from this rescue, make sure to arrange transportation on your final visit to the return.

BFW Rescue Inc. Details

3. Arizona Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue, Arizona

3. Arizona Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue, Arizona (BerneseUSA)

Arizona Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue is another charitable dog rescue with a 501 (c) (3) status dedicated to the welfare and well-being of this breed. The volunteers here are devoted to providing quality medical and rehabilitative care to the dogs that they rescue and shelter.

The dogs come in from various sources, varying in age, gender, and medical conditions, and all are given all necessary treatments. The rescue also has a surrender policy which allows individuals and families to give away their pets without fear of mistreatment if they can’t keep them anymore.

The dogs here will receive care and attention from foster families until they are adopted. The rescue ensures that each dog in their care is adopted by a sincere family where both the family and the pet benefit from each other in one way or another.

When you come to collect your adopted dog, it will be spayed or neutered and will have received the necessary vaccinations for its age. It will come with all the medical records from assessments by a registered veterinarian. If the dog needs treatment for any medical disease or other treatments like dental care, they will be provided by the rescue.

The adoption fee is $375, which includes a $50 refundable fee which will be returned to the adopting family if an obedience course with the dog is completed within half a year of this adoption. If for some reason, you have to give up the dog, then you should give it back to this rescue only as per their adoption policy.

And if you return the dog within fourteen days for a valid reason, you can get a full refund of the fee. This pet rescue in the United States runs only on donations and fundraising. Therefore, be generous in your contributions to the group; all of them are tax-deductible.

Arizona Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Details

4. Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue, Michigan

4. Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue, Michigan (BerneseUSA)

Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue is a 501 (c) (3) organization accepting tax-deductible donations to run its operation successfully. They are devoted to rescuing and rehoming puppies and dogs of this particular breed into loving and caring home where they will receive plenty of care and affection for the rest of their lives.

They are aware of the history of all dogs in their care, and the new owner is given full disclosure before adoption. Some dogs are here because of behavioral issues their previous families couldn’t tackle. Breeders gave others up because they were un-adoptable due to a health issue, injury, or cosmetic issue.

They have extensive resources available on their website for the complete and genuine aid of adopting families, which you must see if you want to bring a Bernese Mountain Dog to your family. The rescue genuinely cares about the dogs in their care and encourages all potential clients to research before deciding.

Their adoption fee varies according to the dog’s age and medical condition; it can go up to $500 if the puppies are below one year of age. They encourage clients to make generous donations to keep up their work and provide a safe and healthy environment for lost and abandoned rescued dogs.

Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Details

5. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Alaska, Alaska

5. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Alaska, Alaska (BerneseUSA)

This club is run by a group of Berner owners and enthusiasts of the breed who believe that all dogs should be given a chance to live long and happy lives. The club has a fantastic team of volunteers available, and they are always up to take in abandoned and surrendered dogs.

The people in this club are passionate about this breed and are constantly working to provide quality care to rescue dogs. They take in dogs from hostile situations and owners who wish to rehome their pets. They connect families looking for purebred Bernese dogs to those wanting to rehome their Berners.

It makes for the smoothest transition for the dog as they directly go to their new home from their previous homes. They also have an extensive rescue program where strays, Berners from shelters, and abandoned pets are taken in and kept in foster care.

They rehabilitate here and are assessed for any medical condition to be treated until they find a permanent home. The dog’s adoption fee varies according to age, health, and other contributing factors. The rescue appreciates financial assistance as it supports the rescued pups’ transportation costs, shelter, and medical expenditures.

Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Alaska is one of the well-structured Bernese Mountain Dog rescues in the United States, and you can surrender or adopt from them without fear. To adopt, contact a rescue group member. The member will ask basic information about you and your family, your knowledge and experience with the breed, and might plan a face-to-face interview to find the best match for you.

Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Alaska Rescue Details

6. Bernese Education and Rescue – Northeast Region (BERNER Inc.), Maine

6. Bernese Education and Rescue - Northeast Region (BERNER Inc.), Maine (BerneseUSA)

BERNER Inc., short for Bernese Education and Rescue – North-East Region, is a rescue organization with a 501 (c) (3) non-profit status. It is managed by a team of devoted volunteers and staff who are determined to help all the Bernese dogs in need in the Northeast region and find them permanent homes.

BERNER, Inc.’s adoption process is extensive but necessary. It is designed so you and the adopted dog are a perfect match and positively impact each other’s life. You can apply by filling out the adoption form on their website. Afterward, the adoption committee will review your application and approve or reject it.

If your application is approved, the rescue volunteer will schedule a home visit at a time when all family members are present. If you and your home are deemed appropriate, you will be considered fit for adoption. The committee will keep an eye out for the perfect match and call you as soon as they find one.

There are more applications for adoption than adoptable dogs, so that it may take time, but it will be worth it in the end. However, they genuinely believe that rescue is not a first-come, first-serve because the adoptive family must be well-equipped to deal with a rescue dog available at the moment.

The adoption fee for all dogs is $400, which covers part of the medical and shelter expenses incurred by the dog in their care. The dogs are spayed and neutered as soon as they come to the rescue.

In addition, they receive a microchip, heartworm preventives, and age-appropriate vaccinations immediately. BERNER will waive the adoption fee for dogs with a particular need or incurable illnesses. The adopters would also have to partake in a few obedience classes with their adopted dog for initial training.

Bernese Education and Rescue – Northeast Region (BERNER Inc.) Rescue Details

7. Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions, California

7. Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions, California (BerneseUSA)

Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoption is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehomes more than one thousand dogs and puppies annually. They take in these dogs from animal shelters and individuals who wish to surrender their dogs. This rescue mainly focuses on giant dogs but has all sizes available from 2lbs. to 295 lbs.

The rescue believes that breeding needs to be strictly regulated because there are already too many dogs on the verge of death, suffering, and in pain at several shelter homes across the country. They bring in many of these dogs and help them recover by offering foster care and medical treatments to heal them physically and emotionally.

Rehabilitated dogs are then put up for adoption for Southern California residents only. The adoption fee ranges from $490 to $990, varying from dog to dog, depending on their ages and medical conditions.

The adoption covers the expenses incurred in their medical care and shelter, including spaying or neutering, vaccination shots, temperament assessment, training, transportation, medical care, and other special procedures.

You can find the adoption application form online on their website. Within a week, a volunteer member from Gentle Giants will contact you if you’re approved, denied, or up for further questioning.

If you are still waiting for an answer within seven days, then you should contact them again because they usually have a lot of applications to sort through. Make sure you’re financially capable and stable to provide a safe and healthy environment to the adopted pup above 25.

Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoption Details

8. Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition, Inc., Massachusetts

8. Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition, Inc., Massachusetts (BerneseUSA)

Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition (BARC), Inc. is a 501 (c) (3), tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation working towards the rescue and rehabilitation of Bernese Mountain Dogs. These dogs are saved from dog brokers, auctions, puppy mills, and other hostile situations where they are exploited and abused.

Once they arrive at the rescue, these dogs stay with their safe and healthy companions who are spayed/neutered and enjoy loving foster care. Most of the BARC dogs are middle-aged or seniors because very rarely do people abandon puppies. While each dog has their nature, BARC ensures they are given complete attention, which helps them socialize and bring out their friendlier side.

Since many of these dogs come from traumatic and struggling pasts, they are scared and lonely, which means they need treatment for their emotional and mental health just as much as their physical well-being. Since its formation, BARC has helped more than a thousand such four-legged companions and strives daily to save more.

Since it’s one of the most reliable Bernese rescues in Massachusetts, they have several applicants, and sometimes responses are delayed. The dogs in their care are tested for heartworm and parasite and treated at once if needed. If necessary, they are given a microchip, all up-to-date vaccinations, boosters, and flea and tick prevention.

The adoption fee ranges from $650 to $1,200, while older and special needs dogs have reduced prices. Although the rescue tries to minimize the cost as much as possible, the Bernese Mountain Dog is generally expensive. The vetting, transportation, shelter, foster care, medical treatments, deworming, collar, leashes, and other essentials cost a lot.

Moreover, sometimes the dogs need additional care for their eyes, teeth, ear, skin, or limbs, and sometimes they have medical emergencies which need to be catered to as soon as possible. It is why donations are also highly appreciated.

Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition (BARC), Inc. Details

9. Lone Star Bernese Mountain Dog Club and Rescue, Texas

9. Lone Star Bernese Mountain Dog Club and Rescue, Texas (BerneseUSA)

Lone Star Bernese Mountain Dog Club runs a non-profit rescue with volunteers and members passionate about rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Berners. The dogs in their care come in from pounds, shelters, and owners who surrender. The rescue places only 5 to 12 dogs yearly; their focus is on placing purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs with suitable families; therefore, they only have a few dogs available each year.

You should keep an eye out for new listings on their website. They also take in surrendered dogs and have a member assigned to take in calls by owners who wish to send their dogs to Lone Star. The adoption fee for the dogs here varies, but it is generally significantly less than the price of a dog from a breeder.

A registered vet examines their dogs, and all medical records are saved for disclosure to the adopter. The dogs receive current vaccination shots and spaying or neutering procedures. Sometimes they need additional treatments, which are included in the adoption fee. If for some reason, the adoption doesn’t work out and you have to give away the dog, then it is obligatory to send it back to Lone Star only.

Lone Star Bernese Mountain Dog Club and Rescue Details

10. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of North-Eastern Illinois, Illinois

10. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of North-Eastern Illinois, Illinois (BerneseUSA)

Bernese Mountain Dog Club of North-Eastern Illinois came into being in 2000 and quickly became one of the USA’s most trusted Bernese Mountain Dog rescues. They believe that with proper socialization and training, every dog can become a part of a loving family; hence, the club has a very successful rescue program.

The club’s activities include obedience training, dog shows, and agility trials which are done under the regulations of the AKC and BMDCA. The rescue program focuses on taking in troubled and abandoned Bernese dogs from hostile situations and seeing their placement in loving, forever homes.

The adoption process begins after filling out a form which leads to home visits. The volunteer from the rescue goes to the potential adopter’s house after a mutual discussion and meets all the family members and the pets of the house. It allows them to find the best match for the family and helps in an easy transition for the dog.

The volunteer will discuss the adoption fee after the best match has been found, and applicants are invited for the ‘meet and greet.’ When they take the dog home, it is in optimal health with a microchip and up-to-date vaccinations. The owners are legally bound to fulfill the training needs of the dog and care for their veterinary needs.

Bernese Mountain Dog Club of North-Eastern Illinois Details

Conclusion For The “Best Bernese Mountain Dog Rescues in the United States”

Conclusion For The Best Bernese Mountain Dog Rescues in the United States

There are many reliable Bernese Mountain Dog rescues in the United States, and we’ve listed the best ones. Among the rescues mentioned above, almost all are non-profit earning organizations with 501 (c) (3) status, which makes them worthy of your charity. Adopting a rescued Bernese Mountain Dog is not everyone’s tea; requiring patience and compassion.

Sometimes, these dogs have temperament issues which can lead to problematic behavior. So be sure to research the breed and the rescue organizations around you. Ask them critical questions until your heart is fully content. We hope the list above helps you find the perfect match for you and your family.

For more guides similar to this list of Bernese Mountain Dog rescues in the United States, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team:

Before you adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog companion from a rescue shelter in the United States, you can learn more about raising them by watching “Bernese Mountain Dog: The Pros and Cons of Owning One” down below:

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This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice.