Looking for a German Shepherd at rescues in Tennessee can be a rewarding experience for both the owner and the dog. As a foster parent, you will have the opportunity to provide a loving home for a pet in need while bonding with a breed known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature.
German Shepherds are versatile dogs that can excel in many roles, including as companions, service dogs, and even as working dogs in law enforcement and the military.
However, before adopting a German Shepherd, consider the breed’s specific needs, such as regular exercise and training. By understanding the breed and being prepared for the responsibilities of ownership, you’ll be able to provide a loving and stable home for your new companion.
In Tennessee, several German Shepherd rescue organizations help homeless dogs find loving homes. We’ve rounded up the best German Shepherd rescues in the state.
Before you scroll down this list of German Shepherd rescues in Tennessee, check out: 3 Best Corgi Rescues in Tennessee! (2023) and 8 Best Small Dog Rescues in Tennessee! (2023).
1. Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue
Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue is an organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes German Shepherds, specifically in the Mid-South area. They strive to provide a safe and loving environment for their rescued dogs and also look to find the right home for each dog.
They assist owners in all areas of responsible German Shepherd ownership and provide educational seminars, training classes, and other resources to help new owners.
Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue strives to act as an advocate for the breed, promoting the unique characteristics and traits of the German Shepherd and providing resources to help owners understand the care and training their dogs will need.
They regularly attend adoption events and can be contacted if you’re looking to rescue a German Shepherd, as well as offer one-on-one assistance and support to owners who need help finding the right home for their dog.
Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue has an adoption process that ensures dogs placed into homes can live a long and healthy life in their new forever home. The process involves filling out an application form, which helps you understand the personal information of the dogs waiting to be adopted.
Additionally, a visit is conducted to assess your home environment. If you have any questions about the adoption process, you can contact their adoption team.
Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue Details:
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Email: adoption.mtgsr@gmail.com
- Website: Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue
- Social Media: Facebook / Instagram
2. Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue
Based in Greenville, this rescue focuses on rehoming German Shepherds across Tennessee. Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue is a volunteer-run non-profit organization that works to provide German Shepherds with a safe, loving home.
Their volunteers foster, train, and place German Shepherds into permanent homes, so they can stay with their forever families. They strive to ensure that these dogs are healthy, happy, and given all the necessary care they will need to be successful in their new homes.
Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue depends on donations and volunteer assistance. They are always looking for volunteers in the fields of rescue, transport, and fostering. They also need foster homes to allow a shelter dog to experience life in a home environment before joining its adoptive family.
In addition, Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue holds events annually to spread awareness, help recruit foster families, and raise funds for our rescue organization.
The adoption process for Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue is fairly simple. Potential adopters must complete an application form and pay the adoption fee upon approval. They will also need to sign an adoption contract and provide a home visit. After all the required steps have taken place, potential adopters can meet their potential new pet and determine whether it is the right fit for their home.
Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue Details:
- Location: Greeneville, TN 37744
- Email: imindangergsrescue@gmail.com
- Website: Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue
- Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Youtube
3. German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee
German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee devotes itself to providing German Shepherds with a new family and a chance at a loving and happy life.
They save abandoned, abused, neglected, and owner-surrendered German Shepherds in the East Tennessee area. One of their key goals is to provide the highest quality of care while finding these dogs a permanent and loving home.
German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee assesses potential adopters to determine whether the home they are going to is suitable for the German Shepherd. They consider the potential adopter’s living arrangements, lifestyle and activity level, financial responsibility, and experience with dogs.
Once a potential adopter passes the assessment process, German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee assists in training and helping the rescued dog adjust to their new home. They also offer ongoing support for the dog’s lifetime and prioritize communication with their adoptees.
German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee will provide educational resources to their adopters, including information on German Shepherd behavior and care, health tips, and nutrition advice.
They also have programs designed to help their adoptees integrate, such as training classes and play groups. German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee offers post-adoption resources, including advice on finding a veterinarian, enrolling in pet insurance, and more.
German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee Details:
- Location: Knoxville TN 37909
- Email: gsdrescueofeasttn@gmail.com
- Website: German Shepherd Rescue of East Tennessee
4. Southeast German Shepherd Rescue
This rescue is based primarily in Virginia and North Carolina but often has rescues available in Tennessee. Southeast German Shepherd Rescue is dedicated to helping find happy homes for German Shepherds in need. They are a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a goal to place each dog in the best forever home possible.
Their volunteers are passionate about helping German Shepherds find new homes and committed to ensuring their rescues receive the care, respect, and love they deserve.
Southeast German Shepherd Rescue provides a foster care program for homeless German Shepherds, transportation, vaccinating, spaying/neutering, and all other necessary vaccinations. Applicants must complete an application process before any of their rescued dogs can be placed with a new family. Additionally, they provide ongoing support.
The rescue shares educational resources and seminars on the proper care and handling of German Shepherds. They offer on-site training and behavioral evaluations to all of their prospective owners and help create a customized plan for each new adoptive family. They also strive to prevent illness and disease by providing preventive care and regular check-ups.
Southeast German Shepherd Rescue Details:
- Location: Mooresville, NC 28115
- Email: sgsrescue@gmail.com
- Website: Southeast German Shepherd Rescue
- Social Media: Facebook / Instagram
German Shepherds in Tennessee
It’s important to note that these rescues are always in need of fosters, volunteers, and donations to help continue their work. Research the rescues, visit their websites, and get in touch with them to learn more about their adoption process and how you can help.
Taking care of a German Shepherd requires a lot of time and commitment. They need regular exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of attention. When it comes to food, it is important to feed your German Shepherd a high-quality diet that is specific to its breed and size.
Additionally, they should be groomed regularly, with brushing and bathing, receive regular veterinary check-ups, and be kept up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Exercise is also an important part of taking care of a German Shepherd. Daily exercise should include activities such as walking, sprinting, and agility training. Additionally, they should receive regular mental stimulation to help keep them mentally sharp and entertained.
This can include playing games like fetch and hide-and-go-seek or activities like scent work and tracking. Another important part of taking care of a German Shepherd is socializing them.
Socializing your German Shepherd is an important part of their care and can be done by meeting with other dogs and having new people meet with your dog in a positive environment. They should receive regular vet check-ups to ensure they are healthy and happy.
How to Choose a German Shepherd Rescue in Tennessee
If you’re looking to adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue in Tennessee, you should do your research and visit multiple rescues to get a better feel for the type of dog they have available.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the rescue is reputable by checking reviews, and references, and asking any questions you have.
Where do you find a German Shepherd Rescue?
There are a few different ways to find German Shepherd rescues:
- Online Search: You can search for German Shepherd rescues in your area by using a search engine like Google. Simply type in “German Shepherd Rescue” followed by your city or state to find local organizations.
- Social Media: Many German Shepherd rescues have a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. You can search for these organizations by using the platform’s search function or by searching for specific hashtags such as #germanshepherdrescue or #gsdrescue.
- National Organizations: There are also national organizations that work to find homes for German Shepherds across the country. These organizations often have a list of local affiliates and partners on their websites.
- Pet Adoption Sites: Many pet adoption sites list German Shepherds and other dogs available for adoption through rescues, shelters, and other organizations.
It’s always a good idea to do a little research before contacting a rescue, visit their website, read the FAQs, and reach out to them to know more about their adoption process and how you can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many German Shepherds end up in shelters or foster homes due to a mismatch between the breed’s needs and the adopter’s lifestyle. Some owners aren’t willing or able to put in enough time.
Compared to other breeds, German Shepherds are moderate barkers, but it will always come down to the individual dog. Training and socialization will help. If your dog is still excessively barking, there’s a good chance it needs more exercise or mental stimulation.
In terms of house training, crate training, and basic obedience, German Shepherd puppies are typically easy to train. This breed is inherently willing to learn and retains new information well.
Conclusion for “Best German Shepherd Rescues in Tennessee”
Adopting a German Shepherd from a rescue in Tennessee is a great choice and can be a rewarding experience!
We recommend doing your research to find the ideal rescue and looking into their policies and procedures. Additionally, make sure you have the means to provide a safe, loving home, ample care, regular check-ups, and preventive care.
For more guides similar to this list of German Shepherd rescues in Tennessee, check out:
- Best German Shepherd Haircut! (2023)
- Best Brush for a German Shepherd! (2023)
- German Dog Commands – A Complete Guide! (2023)
Before you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue in Tennessee, learn more by watching the “How German Shepherds Choose Their Favorite Person” 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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