The best pitbull rescues in California know that pitbulls are a misunderstood breed. They’re large, strong, and stocky dogs that have a history of being bred to fight. For that reason, many find themselves in shelters across the United States.
If you have what it takes to adopt, train, and care for a pitbull, this list is for you. The dogs are naturally protective and loyal, and the compassionate breed makes for a fine household companion when treated right!
Here is our compilation of the best pitbull rescues in the state of California – check the kennels closest to you for babies that are available to adopt today!
Before scrolling down this list of Pitbull rescues in California, you can check out these other recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Chihuahua Rescues in California and Best Havanese Rescues in California.
Find a Pitbull Rescue Near Me in California
If you’re looking to give a pitbull a fur-ever home, many rescues in the Golden State can help match you with the perfect pet for your lifestyle. Here are the best pitbull rescues in California.
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1. Fresno Bully Rescue
Since Fresno Bully Club was founded in 2008, they’ve rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed over 2500 dogs! The shelter is located in Sanger, and it tops our list of the top pitbull rescues in California. There are approximately 40 dogs in the shelter’s care at any given time, so be sure to take a look at who’s available to adopt today!
Dogs at Fresno Bully Club have been surrendered or have been rescued from homelessness, abuse, neglect, or even high-kill shelters across California. They’re taken in for rehabilitation and rehomed with families that can provide them with the love and TLC they need and deserve.
If you’re not sure that permanent placement is right for you, you can apply to become a foster parent. Fosters will house dogs and provide the necessities for each dog while a forever home is found. As a foster, you’ll be responsible for transportation to and from the vet, too, but the vet bills are covered by Fresno Bully Club. Speak with a volunteer for more information and how to apply.
Fresno Bully Rescue Details
- Website: Fresno Bully Rescue
- Address / Location: 11740 East Belmont Avenue, Sanger, California 93657, USA
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
2. Norcal Bully Breed Rescue
The Norcal Bully Breed Rescue is located in Roseville, California, and the shelter is committed to rescuing pitbulls and other bully breeds. Like the previous shelter, Norcal Bully Breed Rescue offers a foster program to prospective bully owners. You can care for a dog while a permanent placement is being found. This is a wonderful opportunity to help out the organization and to learn more about whether a pit is right for your family.
We love that Norcal Bully Breed Rescue takes time with each dog! Temperaments and health are equally important considerations when rehoming a dog, so your pup will be vet-checked, socialized, and fully evaluated before being offered for adoption. Foster families play an important role in this process, as they spend a great deal of time with each puppy.
Of course, it’s in your best interest to fill out the adoption application thoroughly and honestly. You’ll be matched with the best dog for you based on your answers. Let the team know about your experience with dogs, your household, lifestyle, and even your schedule.
Once you’re approved to adopt from Norcal Bully Breed Rescue, you’ll be asked to pay an adoption fee ranging from $300 to $500. The fee is set based on your dog’s age, breed, health, and other factors, and may be tax deductible. Speak with a tax professional for more information.
Norcal Bully Breed Rescue Details
- Website: Norcal Bully Breed Rescue
- Address / Location: 322 Lincoln St, Roseville, CA 95678
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
3. D.R. Doghouse Bully Crew Rescue
The D.R. Doghouse Bully Crew Rescue is next on our list of the top pitbull rescues in California. They’re located in Studio City, and they’re a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. Your donations are typically tax deductible, as are your adoption fees. You’ll want to consult with a financial pro to ensure that this is the case for you.
To adopt from this shelter, click the “adopt” link on the main menu. You’ll be shown the available pups, and you can begin your adoption application online. Alternatively, check the shelter’s calendar! From time to time, they hold adoption events. You can meet the dogs during these events, and speak to the volunteers about whether you’re a good candidate for adoption.
Adoption fees may vary based on your dog’s characteristics. All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before going home with a new family.
D.R. Doghouse Bully Crew Rescue Details
- Website: D.R. Doghouse Bully Crew Rescue
- Address / Location: 11054 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
- Phone Number: (661) 388-8704
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
4. Hopalong Animal Rescue
Hopalong Animal rescue is based in Novato, California, and they’re next on our list of the top pitbull rescues in California. They’re not a pitbull-specific rescue, but the breed does come through the team’s system from time to time. Check to see which breeds are currently available by clicking the “adopt a dog” link on the main menu.
Before you’re permitted to adopt, you’ll need to fill out a Pets & People Profile. Tell the team about what you’re looking for in a dog, and about what your dog can expect from you! The volunteers will use this information to match you with a dog that’s a good fit for your family. Mobile adoption events are also help on occasion, offering you and your family the chance to meet pups that are just waiting for a home like yours.
Once you’re given the green light to adopt, you’ll pay $100 for a senior dog, $175 for an adult, or $400 for a puppy. All dogs must be spayed or neutered as a part of the adoption agreement.
Hopalong Animal Rescue Details
- Website: Hopalong Animal Rescue
- Address / Location: P.O. Box 27507, Oakland, CA 94602
- Phone Number: (510) 267-1915
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
5. Rocket Dog Rescue
Rocket Dog Rescue finds foster and forever homes for non-aggressive dogs deemed unadoptable. They’ve helped over 9,000 dogs over the course of about two decades, and your little pittie could be in their care right now!
The shelter team has strict guidelines for adoption; you can check them out on the website. For instance, you must be at least 21 to adopt, and a home visit may be required. A copy of your HOA covenant or your rental agreement may be required to prove that you’re permitted to have restricted breeds at your home.
Once you’re cleared to adopt you can expect to pay an adoption fee. The cost to adopt will be based on the pup’s health, age, and breed. Your fee may be taken as a tax deduction depending upon your personal circumstances. Talk to your tax pro to ascertain whether this is true for you.
Rocket Dog Rescue Details
- Website: Rocket Dog Rescue
- Address / Location: P.O. Box 460826, San Francisco, CA 94146
- Phone Number: (415) 756-8188
- Email: [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook, Twitter
6. Priceless Pet Rescue
Priceless Pet Rescue is a pet rescue, but they’re also committed to educating the community about responsible pet ownership. You can find more information about their resources and public programs by speaking with a volunteer or checking our the Priceless Pet Rescue website. Low-cost vet services, spay and neuter clinics, and more are just a couple of these offerings.
If you’re ready to adopt a dog from one of the best pitbull rescues in California, great! Check out the available animals, then begin the application process. Adoption fees range from $175 to $500, with pricing set by the age of your baby. This fee includes vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and a microchip for your dog.
Priceless Pet Rescue Details
- Website: Priceless Pet Rescue
- Address / Location: 2587 Chino Hills Parkway, Unit C Chino Hills, CA 91709, 665 E. Foothill Blvd. Unit E, Claremont, CA 91711, 1536 Newport Blvd.Costa Mesa, CA 92627, and 15350 Fairfield Ranch Road Suite I Chino Hills, CA 91709
- Phone Number: (909) 203-3695
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
7. Karma Rescue Inc.
Last on the list of the best pitbull rescues in California is Karma Rescue Inc. Karma Rescue Inc., founded in 2003, began as a regular pet rescue. Over the years, the shelter has evolved into a dynamic operation with programs that address the issues that drive pets into shelters and euthanasia.
Like other shelters, Karma offers pets for foster and for adoption. But in addition, they offer spay and neuter clinics, low-cost medical services, training, and more. Speak to shelter volunteers about how you can get involved – your support is greatly appreciated and much needed!
Karma Rescue Inc. Details
- Website: Karma Rescue Inc.
- Address / Location: 1158 26th Street, PMB 155, Santa Monica, CA 90403
- Phone Number: (310) 512-7833
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter
How to Choose a Pitbull Rescue in California
Even in addition to the rescues above, there are many pitbull rescues in California. You’ll certainly need to take your time in researching an organization. If you have questions about how to choose a rescue, keep reading for more information.
The Reputation of the Rescue Shelter
Check out the reviews and interactions that the rescue has with people, associates, volunteers, and other pet-related professionals in the area. When an organization runs a successful rescue, they make connections with a wide network of people. So, there should be plenty of people in and around the community with good experiences with these people.
If not, there’s an issue, and you might want to stay away from that rescue. If you find people who have positive interactions with the rescue, you should be able to learn all you need to know.
Selecting a Shelter
Before engaging with a rescue, either for support or adoption, ensure that they support the type of dog you want. If you are looking for Pitbull rescues in California, make sure the rescue you choose rescues that help Pitbulls primarily and Bully breeds.
That offers an array of options for your rescue, but it also ensures that the people running the rescue understand how to care for Pitbulls. This understanding should be a source of information and reference when raising your Pitbull.
Related: How Long Do Pitbulls Live and Top Blue Pitbull Names.
Conclusion For The “Best Pitbull Rescues in California”
The best Pitbull rescues in California ensure that their rescues get placed in loving homes with families that understand the Pitbull breed. Pitbulls can be amazing pets with warm hearts and loyalty beyond measure. Use this list of the best Pitbull rescues in California to choose the right rescue for you.
For more guides similar to this list of Pitbull rescues in California, you can check out:
- Best Husky Rescues in California
- Best Great Dane Rescues in California
- Best English Bulldog Rescues in California
Before you bring home a Pitbull companion from a breeder in California, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “Pitbull Dog Breed Information” down below:
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.