Are you searching for reputable German Shepherd rescues in Oregon? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We found the 5 best German Shepherd rescues in Oregon where you can find a healthy and well-adjusted dog.
German Shepherds are at the top of the dog popularity list every year and with good reason. These handsome, thick-coated dogs are brave, confident, loyal, and intelligent, which makes them the most desirable pet for any dog-lover.
However, despite their desirable qualities, German Shepherds often end up in dog rescues and shelters for one reason or the other. Some are surrendered because their owners can longer care for their dogs, while others are lost and unable to find their owners.
Some dog owners are not the right match for the energetic German Shepherd; they are unable to give it the training and neurological stimulation it needs, which leads to behavioral problems. Therefore, they end up giving their dogs to shelters because the GSDs start misbehaving.
A small percentage of GSDs are surrendered by dog show participants; they surrender their dogs in the care of rescues when the dogs become too old or sick to participate in competitions. Whatever the source, dog rescue organizations take these homeless dogs in and try to find them new, loving homes.
Most pet rescues and German Shepherd rescues in Oregon are charitable organizations that would love to see dog lovers adopt rather than shop. If you would like to consider adopting an amazing and loving German Shepherd as your new pet at a fraction of the cost breeders will charge, then visit the German Shepherd rescues listed below:
Before reading this list of German Shepherd rescues in Oregon, check out these other dog-related recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Dog Rescues in Washington and Best German Shepherd Breeders in Oregon.
1. True North GSD Rescue
Offering adoptable dogs to citizens of Oregon, Washington, and California, True North GSD Rescue is a women-led initiative that aims to find permanent and loving homes for all German Shepherds in its care.
From 6-month-old puppies that were put out on the street by uncaring owners to adult dogs who were surrendered by owners due to their circumstances, True North has a wide variety of young, healthy, and beautiful German Shepherd dogs available for adoption.
Since they are dedicated to the welfare of the GSDs ready for adoption, they offer full rights after a brief fostering period during which families foster the dogs they’re interested in to see if they are a good match. The adoption is finalized after the dog and families approve of each other.
To begin the adoption process, view the currently available dogs and submit an online application after choosing one. Provide all the necessary details required in your application; otherwise, the application will be rejected.
Moreover, provide accurate information, as the rescue will verify all the references and information you provide on your application. Once your application has been processed, a volunteer will contact you to move to the next step, which is to find you the perfect German Shepherd.
All dogs available for adoption at True North GSD Rescue are healthy and well-socialized. They are taken up by the rescue only after being assessed; dogs that meet the placement criteria are made available for adoption. All dogs under the care of the rescue are up-to-date on their vaccinations, microchipped, and spayed or neutered before being placed into their forever homes.
If you are looking for young-adult German Shepherds or puppies, this rescue is the best option as most available dogs are 2 years or younger. In addition, you can also surrender your dog by submitting a surrender application; the rescue will take in your dog and find it a new home if it meets its criteria.
True North GSD Rescue Details:
- Location: PO Box 195, Medina, Washington
- Email: rescue@truenorthgsdrescue.org
- Website: True North GSD Rescue
2. Great Northwest German Shepherd Rescue of Oregon
One of the best German Shepherd rescues in Oregon, the Great Northwest, German Shepherd Rescue, is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming German Shepherds around Oregon. The rescue saves all abandoned, abused, displaced GSD dogs that may otherwise lose their lives on the streets or spend their lives as undesired pets in animal shelters.
The rescue aims to place these vulnerable pets into loving, forever homes where they can spend their lives thriving in loving and secure environments. To view the animals that are currently available for adoption, you can check out the rescue’s Facebook page.
If you find a dog you’d be interested in bringing home; you can either comment on the rescue’s Facebook post or reach out to them via private messages. Make sure to ask the rescue whether the animals under their care are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and what their adoption process requires in detail prior to adopting a pet.
Great Northwest German Shepherd Rescue of Oregon Details:
- Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon
- Website: Great Northwest German Shepherd Rescue of Oregon
- Social Media: Facebook
3. Oregon Dog Rescue
Oregon Dog Rescue is a 501 (c) (3) no-kill shelter that rescues all animals, irrespective of breed, in the greater Portland, Oregon, area. It has extensive experience in placing rescued dogs and is committed to rehabilitating and rehoming all animals in need.
People interested in adopting a German Shepherd dog from Oregon Dog Rescue will have to follow the following steps:
- Visit Petfinder to see all dogs available for adoption.
- Select the German Shepherd breed to filter the results and see all available GSDs.
- Once you find a GSD you like, select the card, which will redirect you to a webpage that has all the information about the dog. If all seems good, you can proceed by clicking the ‘start your inquiry’ button.
The Oregon dog rescue has eligibility criteria. To adopt a dog from Oregon Dog Rescue, you must:
- Live within a 3 ½ hour drive of the Portland area for any dog over 6 months old. For dogs that are under 6 months old, you must live within three hours of Oregon Dog Rescue. This is for convenience, as living nearby will make it easier for you to visit the rescue for follow-up vet care.
- Bring your family to meet your prospective new family member.
- Bring your current spayed and neutered dog(s) with you to a meet and greet to see how your new and current pets get along.
- Landlord approval to adopt a pet – must specify all breeds, ages, and size restrictions in writing or via phone.
If the rescue feels that you will make a good match for one of their dogs, you will be required to fill out an adoption application. Next, you will fill out an adoption contract and pay an adoption fee. Once it’s processed, you can finally take your dog home.
All dogs under the care of Oregon dog rescue are spayed or neutered, microchipped, de-wormed, and flea-treated.
Since the rescue is dedicated to saving and rehoming dogs irrespective of their breed, you will need to look for a German Shepherd from the list of currently available dogs. You can also try to inform the rescue you’re interested in adopting a German Shepherd in advance.
Oregon Dog Rescue Details:
- Location: 6700 Southwest Nyberg Street Tualatin, Or 97062
- Phone Number: (503) 612-0111
- Email: info@oregondogrescue.org
- Website: Oregon Dog Rescue
4. Puplandia Dog Rescue
Another excellent option to consider if you’re looking for pet rescues in Oregon is Puplandia Dog Rescue. It is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that is operated to facilitate and manage the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of dogs in need. They also form partnerships with other local rescue shelters, vets, and businesses.
To adopt from the Puplandia Dog Rescue, you must:
- Live within the Portland metro area
- Agree to a home visit prior to adoption
If you find a dog you’d be interested in adopting from the link given above, email the rescue to get an adoption application. Make sure to mention the name of the puppy in the subject line.
The rescue requires all dogs under its care to be spayed or neutered before adoption or in a specific period for puppies. Ear cropping or tail dockings are strictly not allowed.
The adoption fee at the rescue is as follows:
- Puppies under 12 months – $450
- Puppies under 4 months – $450 + $200 for spay/neuter
- Adult dogs i.e. over 12 months: $350
The adoption fee includes appropriate vaccinations, microchipping, and spay or neuter procedures. Visit their website to view the dogs currently available for adoption.
Puplandia Dog Rescue Details:
- Location: Puplandia Dog Rescue, PO Box 5171, Aloha, Oregon, 97006
- Phone Number: (541) 270-2828
- Email: info@oregondogrescue.org
- Website: Puplandia Dog Rescue
- Social Media: Facebook
5. Lancaster Four Dog Rescue
Last on our list of German Shepherd rescues is Lancaster Four Dog Rescue. It is managed by dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to help all vulnerable animals to rehabilitate and rehome them. It is another all-breed dog rescue where you may find an adoptable GSD.
Visit their website to view the dogs currently up for adoption at Lancaster Four Dog Rescue. If you find a German shepherd you’d be interested in adopting you will be required to fill out an adoption application online and wait for the rescue to get back to you.
For more information regarding the adoption process, you can reach out to the rescue through the contact details below.
Lancaster Four Dog Rescue Details:
- Location: 22617 SE Morrison St, Gresham, Oregon 97030
- Phone Number: (971) 220-6477
- Website: Lancaster Four Dog Rescue
How to Choose German Shepherd Rescues in Oregon
While adopting a dog is more convenient and affordable than purchasing directly from a breeder, it can get challenging to pick a dog rescue to adopt your potential pet from, especially with countless rescues in and out of state.
Here are some factors we recommend looking out for whenever you’re browsing dog rescues:
- Support & Resources: Consider choosing a rescue that will offer resources or support to help your new pet transition into its new home and also provide ongoing veterinary care.
- Selection Process: A reputable rescue will always have a strict adoption process to ensure they match you with the right pet that is suited for your lifestyle. Therefore, pick a rescue that takes time to get to know potential adopters and has adoption applications that require sufficient information.
- Adoption Fees: Make sure to research the adoption fee and any other costs associated with adopting a pet from the rescue. The rescue should provide value for money, and you must be comfortable with the adoption fee.
- Health & Well-being: A reputable rescue will ensure the good health and well-being of the dogs under their care. For example, the dog must be up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations, spayed or neutered, de-wormed, and flea-treated.
More Information about Adopting German Shepherds
Final thoughts to consider before bringing a German Shepherd home:
- Characteristics and Temperament: German Shepherds are widely known for their intelligent and loyal personalities. They’re also quite energetic but possess a gentle demeanor. Their aloof and calm personality will ensure you never get bored of their company. Moreover, they’re also great with children and can be trained quite easily.
- Cost of ownership: As per the Hepper Blog, caring for a German Shepherd will cost approximately $100-$715 per month. These costs are calculated from food, healthcare, dog toys, and more.
FAQs
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that require training and mental stimulation. They enjoy wandering and are escape artists when they’re determined. They are sometimes surrendered for their demeanor when left understimulated or for being too rough with children.
Other times German Shepherds are surrendered because they are no longer able to show in competitions. Some owners also find it difficult to keep up with shedding. German Shepherds are at their highest energy between 6 months and 3 years, so they require a lot of attention, training, and exercise which many first-time owners weren’t prepared for.
German Shepherds live for about 9-13 years. Their lifespan will depend on their health and fitness level. However, German Shepherds are large dogs, which usually have a shorter lifespan than smaller dogs.
How long a German Shepherd can be left alone is a debated topic with advice ranging from 4-8 hours. This is because German Shepherds are energetic and need mental stimulation. If they are left alone for too long, they are more likely to make their own entertainment.
Conclusion For “Best German Shepherd Rescues in Oregon”
Although there are not many German Shepherd rescues in Oregon, it does have countless rescues that work tirelessly to rehabilitate and rehome a wide variety of dog breeds. All above-mentioned rescues consider the health and well-being of their dogs as a top priority and ensure they’re mentally and physically fit before being sent off to their forever homes.
So, you can be assured that you will be getting a healthy and happy puppy even if you adopt from other rescues. Do not limit your options to a breed-specific rescue only. We wish you the best of luck in bringing your German Shepherd home.
For more guides similar to this list of German Shepherd rescues in Oregon, check out these dog-related recommendations from our team:
- Best Dog Rescues in the United States by State
- Best German Shepherd Rescues in Houston, Texas
- Best Brush for a German Shepherd
Before you adopt a German Shepherd companion from a rescue shelter in Oregon, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching the “10 German Shepherd Facts – Their History and More!” 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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