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5 Best German Shepherd Rescues in South Carolina! (2023)

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If you are researching German Shepherd rescues in South Carolina, you’re in luck. This article highlights the top 5 German Shepherd rescues in South Carolina so you can save a GSD from a life of solitude and neglect by providing it with a loving home.

German Shepherds were originally bred as working dogs in Germany, but their loyalty, eagerness, and alertness make them much more than working dogs. While their strong and muscular build makes them effective watchdogs, their friendly nature makes them enjoyable family pets.

The German Shepherd’s beautifully colored coat of dense short hair is a major characteristic in making it canine royalty. Their incredible sense of smell, intelligence, and vigilance are standout characteristics. Although they have a notoriously fierce facade, their friendliness makes them a pet you will cherish.

Royalty demands extra effort, and GSDs are no different. They are high-maintenance pets that require plenty of exercise and neurological stimulation.

German Shepherds are glorified in books and movies, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, some people buy these magnificent dogs without considering the responsibilities that come with owning a German Shepherd. As a result, German Shepherds end up in dog rescues and animal shelters all over the USA.

Let’s take a look at the top pet rescues in South Carolina offering German Shepherd puppies for adoption:

Before scrolling further down this list of German Shepherd rescues in South Carolina, check out these other dog-related recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Choosing Healthy Food for Your New Dog and Best Brush for a German Shepherd.

1. Charleston Animal Society

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Protecting and rescuing German Shepherds along with other dog and cat breeds since 1874, Charleston Animal Society is one of the first pet rescues of its kind in South Carolina. Charleston Animal Society rescues all types of animals in need.

In addition to its own adoption process, the Charleston Animal Society lists other rescues in the region to help animals find loving homes. An important thing to note is that the adoption fee varies among the different breeds and ages of the dogs available for adoption. Moreover, regardless of the fee you have paid, they do not hold reservations for adoption.

The fee for adopting a small breed dog ranges from $125-$250. However, this is as low as $95 for larger dog breeds. Healthcare remains a priority here, as all the dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and registered before adoption.

Furthermore, they are given their necessary vaccinations, deworming, and veterinarian medical examination at the recommended times. In the case of heartworm-positive dogs, the cost of the treatment is covered by the Charleston Animal Society.

If you are not ready to adopt your German Shepherd yet, their Paws Around Town program allows you to spend a day with the dog from the shelter to enjoy your time with a cute companion, so you can make up your mind.

Charleston Animal Society Details:

2. Carolina German Shepherd Rescue

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Carolina German Shepherd Rescue is another German Shepherd rescue in South Carolina that allows people to adopt or foster rescued German Shepherd dogs. Most of the dogs in their care have been saved from high-kill shelters.

The adoption fees vary depending on the dog. It ranges from $150-$500 as it is set on age, training, and medical conditions (if any). This adoption fee further covers vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and a microchip. For puppies under 6 months, the adoption fee may not cover these costs, depending on the circumstances.

Carolina German Shepherd Rescue focuses on providing you with a pet that fits best with you. The rescue chooses foster families based on the dog’s temperament because they believe it’s vital to have harmony between the families and their German Shepherd.

If you choose to foster a dog and can’t afford to adopt one, Carolina German Shepherd Rescue covers the medical care of your foster dog. If you are already a dog owner and can’t afford to care for your dog, they can help you find resources that assist with taking the best care of your pet.

In addition to the online application, Carolina German Shepherd Rescue requires veterinarian reference and home checks to ensure the dog is going in a happy, healthy, and safe environment.

Carolina German Shepherd Rescue Details:

3. Southeast German Shepherd Rescue

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Being a volunteer-driven non-profit organization, Southeast German Shepherd Rescue has been saving German Shepherd dogs for over a decade in South Carolina. Their operating centers are North and South Carolina and Virginia, where they rescue dogs from unfit homes and high-kill shelters.

Healthcare for dogs is one of the most critical steps in rehabilitation at Southeast German Shepherd Rescue. This is reflected in their practice as all the dogs here are not only vaccinated for diseases like Distemper, Bordetella, and Rabies but they are also tested and treated (if required) for heartworms.

The dogs in this rescue are mostly 8 months and older. All dogs are microchipped before they’re adopted out to avoid misplacement. The rigorous application review process ensures they make no mistake in helping the German Shepherd find the right home.

Southeast German Shepherd Rescue carries out home visits, and the process of adoption can take about 6-8 weeks. Before the process is finalized, the rescue schedules home visits and interviews and verifies veterinarian references.

If approved, you may take the dog on a trial period after a deposit of $300. However, applicants living outside of North and South Carolina and Virginia will not be considered, as they currently only offer adoption facilities in these two regions and have no transport policy.

Southeast German Shepherd Rescue Details:

4. German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions

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German Shepherd Rescue & Adoption has operated in North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina since 1992. They are committed to protecting German Shepherd dogs and further facilitating their rehabilitation through adoption in homes that comply with their criteria.

Giving up on your pet is hard; German Shepherd Rescue & Adoption (GSRA) assists owners in surrendering their pets by finding them a foster family or new home they can trust. GSRA assuages the owner’s fears by assuring them that their pet will go to a loving home.

It is one of the few non-profit German Shepherd rescues in South Carolina that relies on support from donations and the money they take in the form of adoption fees. Their rescue fee and adoption fee are different. The initial rescue fee can vary from $25-$85.

The funds gathered from the fee are used to cover the medical expenses of these precious dogs, and all dogs are spayed or neutered in advance and have been tested and vaccinated for diseases like rabies and heartworms. All dogs are microchipped.

To ensure the wellbeing of their dogs, GSRA carries out home visits to the adopting families so that the German Shepherd that is being adopted is growing in a happy and healthy environment. In addition, you can choose to foster or adopt a dog, depending on your preference.

German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions Details:

5. New Beginnings Rescue

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Last on our list of the 5 best German Shepherd rescues in South Carolina is the New Beginnings Rescue facility. For the past 19 years, New Beginnings has worked as a volunteer-led non-profit no-kill canine rescue organization that helps German Shepherds rehabilitate into their forever homes.

Established in 2004 as one of the German Shepherd rescues in low country South Carolina, New Beginnings saves dogs from high-kill shelters and solely operates on donations. All dogs are initially given health checks and treatments for any underlying medical conditions.

Although they accept and place dogs being surrendered by pet owners, their main priority is saving shelter dogs. At new beginnings, the adoption fee varies on the age and condition of the dog. Their adoption fee is as follows:

  • Puppies aged 8 weeks to 12 months – $425
  • Young dogs – $375
  • Adult dogs – $275+
  • Senior dogs – $175

All dogs are spayed or neutered and microchipped before adoption. Additionally, all dogs are dewormed after being admitted to the New Beginnings facility. In case of testing positive for heartworm, the dogs are treated with the slow kill method. Moreover, all dogs come with a monthly heartworm preventative schedule.

It may take around 6 months for an application to be processed at New Beginnings. You can schedule a private meeting session to learn your dog’s temperament if your application is approved.

Since New Beginnings has established itself as one of the few pet rescues in South Carolina, its operations are limited to this region because of its no-shipping policy.

New Beginnings Rescue Details:

FAQs

Is it a good idea to adopt a German Shepherd?

Usually, there is no reason to be concerned about adopting a German Shepherd. Especially if you are an experienced dog owner and are prepared to train your new companion. If you’re concerned, learn more about the breed before adopting.

Dogs that have issues primarily come from abusive homes. In this case, ask yourself if you are the best person to care for and train this type of animal. Talk to your local German Shepherd Rescues to learn about the temperaments of the dogs they have available. Rescues often pride themselves in being a wealth of information and placing dogs into fitting homes.

Do German Shepherds only pick one person?

German Shepherds don’t necessarily attach to only one person. They are great family dogs and will develop a strong connection with all family members who treat them well.

Are German Shepherds difficult dogs to own?

German Shepherds aren’t necessarily difficult to own, but they originated as working dogs. This speaks to their nature, and to why they require a lot of attention, exercise, and training.

Training your German Shepherd early (or early in your relationship if the dog is adopted) will go a long way toward their behavior. This breed generally calms down between the age of 6 months to 3 years, so they may not need as much exercise throughout their lifetime as they do when they are young.

Conclusion For “Best German Shepherd Rescues in South Carolina”

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Choosing a rescue is a big task. Reputable rescues should vaccinate, spay or neuter, and do health testing. South Carolina has had a high rate of dog euthanization within shelters, and breed-specific rescues are doing a lot of good work toward reducing the number of euthanizations every year.

Many German Shepherds end up in shelters because they are a smart, energetic, and mischievous breed that requires a lot of training and interaction. They are great dogs with the right training, and a breed-specific rescue is more likely to take the best care of them while they are waiting to be adopted. A German Shepherd rescue can match you with the right dog for your lifestyle and help make their transition to your home smoother.

Adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to welcome a dog in need into your home. Our top picks for German Shepherd rescues in South Carolina can help you find a healthy and happy German Shepherd in SC.

For more guides similar to this list of German Shepherd rescues in South Carolina, check out these other dog-related recommendations from our team:

Before you adopt a German Shepherd companion from a rescue shelter in South Carolina, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching the “German Shepherd – Top 10 Facts” 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.