Here’s what you need to know if you’re searching for the best dog rescues in Northern California. Since the outbreak, dog rescues in northern California have been overwhelmed.
However, there are still a lot of dogs that need to be rescued, and adopting will not only save a life but will also save you money.
Before scrolling down this list of dog rescues in Northern California, check out these other recommendations: Best Maltipoo Breeders in Northern California and Best Labradoodle Breeders in the Bay Area.
Find a Dog Rescue in Northern California
When you adopt a dog, you are also reducing euthanasia and making a place for additional pets that need to be rescued. Having said that, we’ve compiled a list of some of the greatest dog rescues in Northern California.
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1. Family Dog Rescue
Since 2010, Family Dog Rescue has rescued hundreds of dogs. Family Dog Rescue provides dogs in need a second opportunity, from the underdogs of California’s overcrowded municipal shelters to the street canines of Mexico.
They welcome these dogs into the San Francisco shelter and foster program, where they provide them with medical treatment, temperament assessments, spay/neuter surgery, immunizations, and, eventually, loving home of their own.
Family Dog Rescue is delighted to save dogs of all ages and breeds, including puppies, adults, mixed breeds, purebreds, and disabled canines.
Family Dog Rescue Details
- Location: 2253 Shafter Ave San Francisco, CA 94124
- Website: Family Dog Rescue
- Email: [email protected]
2. Adopt a Doggie
Mary Choi, the founder, explains that the culture in Asia where she grew up was completely different from the society here in America when it came to domestic animals.
Mary was introduced to the eternal love of a dog when her husband brought home a puppy named Chester, and her enthusiasm has only increased since then.
They work hard to bring rescue dogs here and find them permanent homes in California after witnessing the horrific conditions for street dogs in Taiwan.
If you want to help with their international rescue strategy by adopting a dog, you can find out more on their website, or you can give them a call.
Adopt a Doggie Details
- Location: Castro Valley, CA
- Website: Adopt a Doggie
- Phone: (415) 683-3535
3. Hopalong and Second Chance Animal Rescue
Hopalong & Second Chance Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization devoted to stopping the euthanasia of potential animals. They have saved over 24,000 animals and put them in loving, permanent homes since their start in 1993.
Neuter services, animal advocacy, and teaching in schools, as well as community outreach and the dire need for animal adoption, are all provided.
They rescue animals from high-risk shelters and rely exclusively on the generosity of foster parents to care for these lovely souls while they await adoption.
The minimum adoption donation is $350 for an adult dog over the age of ten months, $275 for dogs between the ages of six and ten months, and $450 for a puppy.
Donation rates for different breeds are determined by the rescue, and all donations go toward their operating expenses. Please call Hopalong at the coordinates provided below to learn more about available dogs for adoption.
Hopalong and Second Chance Animal Rescue Details
- Location: 945 22nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94602
- Website: Hopalong and Second Chance Animal Rescue
- Phone: (510) 267-1915
- Email: [email protected]
4. Northern California Animal Rescue Friends
Northern California Animal Rescue Friends (NCARF) is a non-profit dog rescue based in Sacramento and the Bay Area. We are a foster home-based all-volunteer organization. Browse our available pets for adoption.
Each posting will provide the dog’s whereabouts. When you see a dog that you want to adopt, contact the individual indicated in the adoption process. The contact person will inquire about your specific situation as well as pet ownership in general.
This screening procedure will be time-consuming. You will be required to fill out your Adoption Application, as well as continue your interview with the foster parent.
Northern California Animal Rescue Friends Details
- Website: Norcal Beagles
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (510) 770-0208
5. Mad Dog Rescue
MAD Dog Rescue, an organization based in Northern California, exists to Make a Difference in the lives of domestic animals. They do so by providing direct disaster aid, emergency logistics, and relocation/housing assistance.
They are based in Richmond, California, and serve a vast area of Central and Northern California. MAD Canine Rescue’s day-to-day operations are focused on dog rescue and rehoming initiatives, and they generally work with overcrowded animal shelters.
Mad Dog Rescue Details
- Website: Mad Dog Rescue
- Email: [email protected]
6. Ozzies Pound Puppies California
The passionate volunteers at this Concordia-based rescue rescued canines whose time at the local shelters has run out. According to this approach, which is shared by all no-kill organizations, each adoption saves three lives: the dog you’re adopting, the dog who takes their place at Ozzies’, and the dog who the local shelter is then allowed to accommodate.
Before adoption, all Ozzies Dog Rescue residents have been vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and spayed or neutered. The adoption cost is $275, and all proceeds benefit the next lucky puppy.
Ozzies Pound Puppies California Details
- Location: 900 Crawford Street, Concord, CA, 94518
- Website: Ozzies Pound Puppies
- Phone: (925) 685-4616
- Email: [email protected]
7. Norcal Family Dog Rescue
Dennis Eckel, an experienced animal behaviorist who is devoted to helping rescue dogs find them loving permanent homes they deserve, launched Norcal Family Dog Rescue.
Dennis is supported by a team of doctors and other professionals who share his mission of providing a loving home for every stray or rescue found in Sacramento. Norcal Family Dog Rescue’s purpose is to match every rescue and stray that they locate with a loving home.
This has always been their first focus, and they also aim to increase awareness about why animal lovers should adopt rather than buy. They have a strong set of beliefs that include prioritizing the health and well-being of the rescue dogs in our care.
We make certain that each dog is rehabilitated and socialized and that they receive all of the nourishment, vet care, and, of course, the love they need. Please help them by adopting one of the animals in our care and helping to prevent abandoned pets on the streets.
Norcal Family Dog Rescue Details
- Website: Norcal Family Dog Rescue
8. Oakland Animal Services Bay Area
This deserving rescue focuses on rescuing dogs from the streets of Oakland, California. As much as they wish for the ideal adapter for each of their animals, they share the same perspective as every other shelter and rescue in our present COVID-19 era: that this must be a life-long commitment. However, we doubt that any of these wonderful pets will be returned.
To highlight the importance of finding a permanent home, Oakland Animal Services has a rigorous adoption checklist that includes a mandatory house inspection to verify the possible adopter has enough room and a secure environment for their preferred adoptee. If you are interested in the adoption process, then visit their website or send them an email for additional information.
Oakland Animal Services Bay Area Details
- Location: 1101 29th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
- Website: Oakland Animal Services Bay Area
- Phone: (510) 535-5602
- Email: [email protected]
9. Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue
Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue has aided over 9,500 pets since its inception in 2000. This rescue, located in Elverta, California, is ideal for everyone who adores this lovely and kind breed.
Take a look at Homeward Bound’s available pets if you want to bring a four-legged buddy into your house. If one catches your eye, learn more about their adoption process before proceeding.
If you are unable to adopt but wish to assist a dog in need, apply to become a volunteer or a foster. Visit, contact them, go to their contact page.
Homeward Bound also teaches basic animal care as well as the advantages and needs of rescue and sanctuary. In the case of a crisis, Homeward Bound will support other rescue organizations as well as the families of dogs affected by the tragedy.
Homeward Bound will continue to be a model rescue organization, addressing animal welfare concerns in California and nearby states, and aspires to be a national leader in rescue, sanctuary, and education.
Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue Details
- Location: 7495 Natomas Rd Elverta, CA 95626
- Phone: (916) 655-1410
- Fax: (916) 655-3410
- Website: https://homewardboundgoldens.org/
10. Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Last on the list of dog rescues in Northern California is “Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary.” This volunteer-run rescue and sanctuary, based in Sacramento, was started in 1993.
They have rescued and rehomed numerous abandoned and mistreated animals in the Sacramento region since then. Happy Tails is an all-volunteer organization maintained by over 200 committed volunteers.
Assistance programs assist the pets of the elderly, homeless, and low-income people. Do you want to adopt a dog? Read about the adoption procedure at Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary and look at the pets who are now available for adoption.
If you want to support this rescue in other ways, they are constantly searching for new volunteers as well as money to keep it going. Visit their contact page and get in touch with them right away!
Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary Details
- Location: 6001 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819
- Website: [email protected]
Conclusion For The “Best Dog Rescues in Northern California”
After posting and working for multiple dog rescues in the Bay Area, I strongly advise you to attempt to adopt a dog before purchasing one from a breeder.
When you save a dog, you are not only saving that dog’s life, but you are also making way for a new dog to be adopted. In theory, you are saving two lives. We hope you found any of these rescues useful if you reside in the Bay Area!
For more guides similar to this list of dog rescues in Northern California, you can check out:
Before you adopt a dog from a rescue in Northern California, you can learn more by watching “How to Prep For a Rescue Dog” down below:
Andy is a full-time animal rescuer and owner of a toy doodle. When he’s not saving dogs, Andy is one of our core writers and editors. He has been writing about dogs for over a decade. Andy joined our team because he believes that words are powerful tools that can change a dog’s life for the better.
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