The German Shepherd is a very popular breed, which is why it ends up in many rescues in New York and across the country. Many organizations rescue these dogs and put them up for adoption. However, not every dog organization prepares their dogs to the same standard before adoption.
The best rescues always ensure the dogs are healthy, happy, and rehabilitated before placing them up for adoption. You want to be positive you choose a rescue that puts the health and welfare of their pets first.
Considering how demanding it is to care for this breed, you should also choose a rescue team that provides after-adoption support, as you would need all the help and guidance you can get. Without further ado, these are the best German Shepherd rescues in New York.
Before you scroll down this list of German Shepherd rescues in New York, check out: 9 Best Dog Rescues in New York (NY)! (2023) and 8 Best Dog Rescues in Upstate New York! (2023).
1. BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue
BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue is a charitable organization located in Rochester, New York. The rescue helps German Shepherd dogs and puppies across the state.
Since its establishment in 2002, the organization has saved thousands of GSDs in and around New York. Each year, BrightStar aids in the permanent placement of hundreds of homeless German Shepherds. BrightStar is a committed, geographically scattered group of volunteers, made up of knowledgeable owners, handlers, trainers, and GSD enthusiasts, who all have a single objective.
They receive German Shepherd puppies and dogs mostly from shelters, breeders, other rescue organizations, and individuals that can no longer care for their pets for one reason or another.
BGSR works with foster homes across the state. Fosters provide short-term in-house care for the dogs until they find their forever homes. The dogs are cared for, medically treated, socialized, and prepared for their new families while in foster homes.
When BrightStar rescues a German Shepherd into its program, they owe that dog a duty to ensure its life will be full of happiness and good health. They go through a rigorous screening procedure before matching their GSDs with their new forever homes to ensure the dedication of each household.
They work with adopters and conduct phone interviews and home visits to ensure they are the right candidate for the dogs. The dogs are also evaluated for temperament. So, rest assured you will pair up with a dog that matches your energy level, personality, family, and home.
BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue Details:
- Location: Spencerport, New York 14559
- Email: melissa@brightstargsd.org
- Website: BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue
2. German Shepherd Rescue of NY, Inc
German Shepherd Rescue of NY, Inc. is a non-profit group that helps needy German Shepherds and mixed breeds. The majority of their dogs are rescued directly from euthanasia lists. Shelters are overcrowded and no longer able to care for these dogs, which is why they put them to sleep.
Overpopulation is a major issue with this breed, so many of them end up in shelters looking for a place to call home. This rescue does its best to give these pets a second chance. As a charitable organization, GSRNY relies solely on donations, fundraising events, adoption fees, and community support.
GSRNY requires adopters to be within 90 minutes of Delmar, New York. All potential adopters will go through the Adoption Application page and read their requirements and policies.
Not all their dogs appear on the site. Some are on their Facebook page and Petfinder. Prior to adoption, this rescue ensures the dogs are fully vetted and brought up to date on vaccinations.
A vet examines each dog and performs all necessary medical treatment. You will receive a copy of the medical records so you know their history and which vaccines to administer next.
GSRNY takes the placement of its dogs seriously. All potential adopters are thoroughly evaluated to know the type of dog that will suit their lifestyle, home, and family. While in foster care, the foster parents spend quality time with the dogs to also study their unique traits and temperaments.
The team likes keeping an eye on dogs even after the adoption, so they only release them to people within a close range. You will also enjoy a lifetime of support and guidance.
German Shepherd Rescue of NY, Inc Details:
- Location: Delmar, NY 12054
- Email: GSRNYHELP@gmail.com
- Website: German Shepherd Rescue of NY, Inc
3. German Shepherd Rescue of the Finger Lakes
German Shepherd Rescue of the Finger Lakes is located in the town of Otisco within the Finger Lakes region of New York. The organization is dedicated to caring for GSDs only, taking in German Shepherd puppies and dogs from shelters, the streets, and owner surrenders.
The mission of German Shepherd Rescue of the Finger Lakes is to rescue, care for, and rehome abused and abandoned dogs. They raise public awareness about the plight of this breed by educating owners.
This group works with breeders, vets, behaviorists, trainers, and a network of foster carers to make sure that their dogs are in a safe and secure environment to recuperate before finding their forever homes.
While they have occasionally saved GSDs who had been cherished by their prior owners and just needed a new home because of one issue or the other, most of their dogs have not been as fortunate. Some have had a difficult life, including being abused, abandoned in shelters, and found wandering the streets.
Regardless of the state in which the dogs are found, GSRFL is steadfast in its efforts to save them. They rescue dogs and provide them with all the support, love, and care they require to live long healthy lives.
They put a lot of effort into seeking the most suited permanent homes for their rescue animals. The rescue team makes themselves available to adopters before and after the adoption to answer your questions and provide you with all the support you need when raising your new friend.
German Shepherd Rescue of the Finger Lakes Details:
- Location: Lafayette, NY 13084
- Email: admin@gsrfingerlakes.org
- Website: German Shepherd Rescue of the Finger Lakes
4. Social Tees Animal Rescue
Last on our list is Social Tees Animal Rescue, an all-breed organization that occasionally rescues and rehomes German Shepherd puppies and dogs. It is a non-profit managed by volunteers who are committed to assisting these dogs and finding them the best homes possible.
They have a long history of protecting the welfare of animals and saving them. Additionally, they take pleasure in matching each animal with the best possible family to meet their needs.
Social Tees Animal Rescue is a participating shelter in New York’s New Hope program and has been a member of the Mayor Alliance for New York City for many years. Additionally, they collaborate with groups that help animals and raise awareness of stray cats and dogs, such as the ASPCA.
All rescued animals are given any necessary medical attention, vaccinations, and are spayed or neutered at the time of adoption. Every dog in the shelter is microchipped, has undergone a physical examination, and received all necessary medication, deworming, and flea and deworming treatments.
Since its establishment in 1991, this group has saved thousands of dogs and kittens. Until they find their forever homes, all rescued dogs are housed in foster homes where they receive the best care possible. Their foster parents make sure they receive proper training and socialization while in foster care so they can fit in with their new families more easily.
Social Tees Animal Rescue Details:
- Location: 443 East 9th Street, New York, NY 10009
- Email: contact@socialteesnyc.org
- Website: Social Tees Animal Rescue
Frequently Asked Questions
Daily physical and mental stimulation is a must for your German Shepherd’s well-being. This is a high-energy breed, which means it can develop bad habits without proper care.
While you’re not home, it’s best to keep your German Shepherd in the right-sized crate.
Your dog doesn’t inherently need a large yard if it has enough exercise through walks and playtime.
Conclusion for “Best German Shepherd Rescues in New York”
Owning an active and large breed like the German Shepherd is a lot of work and responsibility. To end the circle of giving up a dog due to incompatibility issues, we recommend you research this breed to ensure it is suitable for your lifestyle, personality, family, and home.
You can rely on the rescues mentioned above for healthy, happy, and well-behaved German Shepherds.
For guides similar to this list of German Shepherd rescues in New York, check out:
- 5 Best German Shepherd Rescues in New Jersey! (2023)
- 4 Best German Shepherd Rescues in Pennsylvania! (2023)
- 6 Best German Shepherd Rescues in the United States! (2023)
Before you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue in New York, learn more about this breed by watching “8 Things You Must Never Do to Your German Shepherd” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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