Searching for Pitbull rescues in the United States and choosing the right one may be tedious. After all, many rescues are working to provide a better life for this misunderstood breed. So, we have created this guide to help a Bully lover like you choose a suitable rescue and find their new best friend.
A true Bully breed fancier knows about all the problems this breed is currently facing. Pitbulls are an affectionate breed and make excellent companion dogs. In addition, they are great at several dog sports, such as agility, weight pulling, and more. Still, the whole breed’s image has been tarnished due to unfortunate events. Their reputation as a dangerous breed has made these dogs almost unadoptable.
Dog lovers don’t want to adopt Bullies because they fear the breed. As a result, Pitbulls and related breeds make up 40% of the dogs that get unrightfully euthanized yearly. But several rescues are trying to make a difference in these dogs’ lives. We have created a list of such pet rescues in the United States where you can adopt a Bully and give it a loving forever home.
Before you scroll down this list of Pitbull rescues in the United States, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Pomsky Rescues in the United States and Best Dachshund Rescues in the United States.
Find a Pitbull Rescue Shelter Near Me in the United States
Our team at We Love Doodles created and compiled this list of the best Pitbull rescues in the United States to help you find a suitable companion.
Pitbull Product Recommendations: Best Luxury Dog Bowls and Best E-Collars For Large Dogs.
1. BAD RAP – California
First on the list of Pitbull rescues is BAD RAP. BAD RAP, as the name signifies, was established in 1999 to tackle the problems Pitbull type dogs faced in the San Francisco Bay area. Later, the rescue developed into a nationally recognized resource that offered training classes, adoptions, consultations, and more.
An excellent quality that sets this rescue apart is free training, vaccines, microchipping, behavioral consultation, and spay/neuter services to dog owners in underserved areas. In 2013, the dog rescue also purchased a spay/neuter van to help control pet overpopulation in underserved east bay areas.
They also started a project called ‘Keep’Em Home,’ which helps Pitbull owners in tough times to help them keep their pets. BAD RAP also evaluates dogs that have been saved from dog fighting rings or have been victims of other abuse forms and places the dogs in suitable adoption programs.
You might have realized how great this rescue is by now. So, if you’re ready to adopt, you can request the rescue to send you an adoption application. After you have filled it out and sent it back, the rescue will email you in about three days. You can then head to the Rescue Barn in Oakland and meet the dogs.
The rescue will discuss home details if they feel you are a suitable match. Having a fence, proper gates, and your landlord’s approval is necessary. In most cases, the rescue adopts its dogs on a foster-first basis.
You sign a foster contract and take the dog home. If the puppy adjusts well, you can pay an adoption fee of $250 and officially sign a contract to adopt the dog. Adopting and taking care of a dog, especially one as criticized as the Pitbull, is a huge responsibility.
So, the rescue has the following requirements to ensure the dogs go to the right home:
- It would be best if you were at least 21 years old
- It would be best if you were a resident of the San Francisco Bay area or be willing to come to the Rescue Barn in Oakland
- If you live out of state, you should be willing to travel to the rescue and transport the dog back yourself
- You should be ready to adopt a Pitbull
BAD RAP Details
- Address: 27005, Oakland, California
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: BAD RAP
- Socials: Facebook and Instagram
2. Biggies Bullies – Pennsylvania
Biggies Bullies rescue was established in April 2011 to rescue and rehome Pitbulls in Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. It also provides public education on responsible pet ownership, spaying/neutering, and science-based and positive force-free training.
In addition, the rescue provides their dogs with love, care, and humane training and helps place them in the best possible homes. After the dogs are rescued, they are placed in foster homes. The dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and tested for heartworms while they wait to be adopted.
They are also put on heartworm and flea preventatives before adoption. You can start the adoption process at Biggies Bullies by submitting an online application, after which the Adoption Coordinator will contact you. You will be invited to their headquarters to meet the dog if your application is approved.
A separate meet and greet will also be scheduled where your current pets can meet your new pet. Then a two-week trial period will start in which you’ll get to see your dog’s real personality. If the trial period is successful, you can finalize the adoption process. The rescue will also require you to pay an adoption fee of $150.
This fee will include a bag of food, a harness, heartworm and flea preventative, and four training sessions with a trainer. You will also get lifetime support from the rescue. If you have decided to adopt from Biggies Bullies, you need to fulfill some requirements to become an eligible adopter.
These are:
- All adopters must be at least 21 years old
- Applicants need a lease, an HOA, or a landlord’s permission which states that they are allowed to keep pets in the house.
- Biggie Bullies does not deal with out-of-state adoption. So, it would be best if you lived within a 2-hour distance of Pittsburgh.
- It is necessary to ensure all your current pets are spayed/neutered and vaccinated. Don’t forget to bring all the family members to meet their pets too!
Biggies Bullies Details
- Address: 79203, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Biggies Bullies
- Socials: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
3. Born Again Pitbull Rescue – Oregon
Born Again Pitbull Rescue is the longest-standing rescue in the Portland Metro area dedicated to the well-being of Pitbulls. It is an all-volunteer organization that rescues dogs and aims to eliminate misconceptions regarding the Pitbull breed through awareness.
Born Again Pitbull Rescue also fights against pet overpopulation, high rates of euthanasia, and low adoption rates. The rescue requests potential adopters to make sure they are ready to make a lifelong commitment before they apply to adopt a Pitbull.
So, if you think you are ready to give a Pitbull a forever home, you can go to their website and fill out an application. The rescue will contact you once they receive your application and check your references. It is also important to remember that the rescue does not adopt out of the Salem, Portland, and Vancouver area.
Born Again Pitbull Rescue Details
- Address: PO Box 304, Sherwood, Oregon
- Phone Number: (503) 888-4583
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Born Again Pitbull Rescue
- Socials: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
4. Hello Bully – Pennsylvania
Next on the list of puppy rescues in the United States is Hello Bully, which was founded in 2005. The rescue is dedicated to rescuing at-risk Pitbulls, especially those used in dog-fighting or who have experienced other forms of cruelty. Once the dogs are rescued, Hello Bully places them in loving foster homes where they receive lots of love that helps them recover from trauma.
In addition, the rescue also assists pets and owners living in underserved communities to help enhance the human-animal bond. The years of experience in rescuing and rehabilitating Pitbulls have allowed them to help other breeds as well. So, the rescue opened its doors to all dog breeds in need in 2020, but Bullies remain their priority.
Hello, Bully tries to give as much information as possible regarding their rescue dogs to help make the right match. You can learn more about their adoptable dogs by visiting their website. If you find a puppy you love, you can fill out and submit an adoption application.
The rescue will then contact you after receiving the application. If your application is approved, the rescue will set up a meet-and-greet with dogs that match your profile. You can interact with the puppies and ask the rescue staff any questions you might have too. All that will be left to do is pick a Pitbull and take it to its new home.
Any puppy you adopt from Hello Bully will be vaccinated, microchipped, on preventatives, and spayed/neutered before adoption. You will also be required to pay an adoption fee which helps the rescue covers these medical and other costs. The adoption charges for puppies under six months are $250 and $200 for older dogs.
Hello Bully Details
- Address: 4885 McKnight Rd, Ste 197, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Phone Number: (412) 235-1997
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Hello Bully
- Socials: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
5. New York Bully Crew – New York
The New York Bully Crew was established in 2010 by a long-time Pitbull dad, Craig Fields, created to rescue and rehome abused Pitbulls. The organization rescues Pitbulls from high-kill shelters, the streets, and other unfortunate circumstances. It also hosts dogs from other shelters to help them find loving homes.
Although the rescue’s adoption process is not mentioned on its website, you can visit it and learn more about its adoptable dogs. If you find a dog you like, you can fill out an adoption application which is also available on their website. It is also necessary to notify your vet that the rescue will be in contact with them to conduct necessary checks.
New York Bully Crew Details
- Address: 1457 Montauk Highway East Patchogue, New York
- Phone Number: (631) 656-0310
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: New York Bull Crew
- Socials: Instagram and Twitter
6. Peace for Pits – Illinois
Peace for Pits is a Chicago-based rescue that works tirelessly to help needy Pitbulls find homes forever. Many dogs at the rescue come from high-kill shelters and are surrendered by owners. In addition, many of these dogs are injured, sick, or have suffered from emotional and other forms of abuse.
The organization rescues such dogs and places them in foster homes immediately. The dogs are cared for in every way possible while in foster homes. Upon recommendation from foresters, the dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
The dogs also receive other necessary medical treatments, such as surgeries, to nurse them back to health. Peace for Pits not only focuses on the dogs’ health but their behavior and training as well. This helps the dogs recover from behavioral issues and helps them get adopted faster.
So, the dogs work on many things while they are at foster homes. They go through the crate and potty training and learn some basic commands. This also helps the rescue learn more about each dog’s temperament and nature which helps in better and permanent placement.
You can start the adoption process by visiting the rescue’s website and learning more about their adoptable dogs. Then you can complete an adoption form and submit it online. As this is a volunteer-based rescue, the time to process applications can vary.
However, a volunteer will contact you as soon as possible and conduct a reference check too. After the interview, the rescue will conduct a home visit. If your application gets approved, a meet and greet will be scheduled where you can meet your new companion. Adopting a pet can be a huge decision.
So, to help you decide whether a dog is perfect for you, the rescue lets potential adopters foster a dog first. And, if your new puppy smites you by the end, you can close the deal by signing an adoption contract and an adoption fee. The adoption charges at Peace for Pits are $400 for puppies and $350 for adult dogs.
Peace for Pits Details
- Address: O. Box 5430, Villa Park, Illinois
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Peace for Pits
- Socials: Facebook and Instagram
7. A Rotta Love Plus – Minnesota
Another on the list of pet rescues in the United States is A Rotta Love Plus, established in 1997. This rescue is a non-profit organization that advocates for Rottweilers and Pitbulls. They rescue and rehome dogs and spread awareness to repair the reputation of these two breeds.
The rescue has a thorough adoption process which helps them pick the best applicants and the perfect match for their dogs. But you don’t need to worry; a professional staff member will be there to help you out every step of the way and even after the adoption.
You can start by visiting their website ad learning more about all the available dogs. The rescue places their dogs in foster homes. This helps them learn more about every dog. They also mention every important detail in the dog’s bio. If you like a dog, you can apply for adoption by filling out an application.
Although the rescue tries its best to work with you to help you find your dream dog, your application may be rejected for a few reasons, such as:
- Your homeowner’s insurance does not include Pitbulls
- If you plan on adopting the dog as a gift or a surprise
- If you plan on keeping the dog as an outside pet?
Other than that, your application will be good to go. After receiving your application, you will receive a follow-up email or a call from discussing further details. If everything works out, your application will be approved. Now, you will be ready to meet your future puppy. The rescue will schedule two meet and greets.
The first is for all family members, and the second is for any pets you may have. You can finalize the adoption process if everyone gets along and you feel like it’s the perfect match. You must sign an adoption agreement and pay an adoption fee of $300, and you’ll be ready to take your puppy home.
A Rotta Love Plus Details
- Address: O. Box 67, Cologne, Minnesota
- Phone Number: (651) 649-4451
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: A Rotta Love Plus
- Socials: Facebook and Instagram
8. PittieLove Rescue – Massachusetts
PittieLove Rescue is a non-profit, volunteer-based rescue organization based in Massachusetts. The rescue has been dedicated to rescuing and caring for neglected and abused Pitbull type dogs since 2006. All volunteers at the rescue work tirelessly to ensure that their dogs end up in a home where they are surrounded by love and care.
The rescue also works with other animal shelters, control facilities, and rescues throughout New England and saves as many dogs as possible. In addition, the rescue conducts a temperament evaluation before placing the dogs in foster homes where they wait to be adopted.
While the dogs wait for their new owners, they are vaccinated, microchipped, spayed/neutered, and tested for heartworms. They also receive other necessary medical treatment, basic training, and socialization. PittieLove Rescue follows an extensive adoption process and also has several adoption policies. This helps the rescue pick the best possible applicant for their precious dogs.
Fulfilling these requirements can also increase your chances of successfully adopting a dog:
- It would be best if you were at least 21 years old
- It would be best if you were the owner of your home
- The rescue only adopts homes with compatible dogs of the opposite gender (if any)
- A home visit will be required
- Vet and personal references will be required
- Proof of training will be needed if you adopt a puppy under six months
So, if you feel like an eligible applicant, you can start the adoption process. The first step is to check the adoptable dogs listed on their website. Then you can submit an adoption application if you find a suitable pet. Afterward, you will be contacted for a phone interview.
The rescue will also conduct a reference, vet check, and home visit. If everything goes well and your application is approved, you will be ready to meet the dog of your dreams. But remember to take your family along so everyone can meet their new family member. The rescue may schedule additional visits if the need arises.
PittieLove Rescue Details
- Address: Massachusetts
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: PittieLove Rescue
- Socials: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
9. The Love Pit Dog Rescue – Texas
This rescue came into existence due to a Pitbull called Sweet Pea. She was found abandoned and injured by the rescue’s founder Aften Bell on a busy road on a rainy day. Rescuing and rehabilitating Sweet Pea led to the establishment of this rescue and opened doors for many other dogs.
When you adopt a Pitbull from The Love Pit, you save a dog and gain a friend for life. So, the rescue ensures you get the best companion ever with the help of a thorough adoption process. So, if you’re ready to find your new puppy, you can visit their website and submit an adoption application.
An adoption coordinator will contact you and conduct a virtual home check within two business days. A meet and greet will be scheduled if you become an approved adopter. However, two meetings will be scheduled for adult dogs. In the first one, you will go to the rescue with your family to meet the puppy.
The second meeting will be held at your home. If everything works out and you find the perfect match, you can seal the deal by paying an adoption fee. Adoption charges are $350 for puppies, $300 for adult dogs, and $200 for seniors. This fee helps cover a microchip, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and training resources after adoption.
The Love Pit Dog Rescue Details
- Address: P.O. Box 190472, Dallas, Texas
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: The Love Pit Dog Rescue
- Socials: Facebook and Instagram
10. Adopt a Pit Rescue – Ohio
Last on the list of Pitbull rescues in the United States is Adopt Pit Rescue, which was established in 2013 with a mission to help Pitbulls and other bully breeds. Since then, the rescue has helped 3400 dogs and has a network of 80 foster homes. Adopt a Pit Rescue has some adoption policies that help them choose the right home for their Pits.
For instance, all previous pets should be vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and on heartworm preventative. The rescue will contact your vet to confirm all these details. It is also important to have your landlord’s permission to keep a pet, as the rescue will also contact your landlord.
The rescue will also conduct a house visit to check whether you offer a suitable living environment for a Pitbull. However, a fenced yard is not necessary. Lastly, adopt a Pit only allows adoptions to people within a two-hour distance from Dayton. So, if your case checks all the boxes, apply for adoption on their website.
Adopt a Pit Rescue Details
- Address: P.O. BOX 137, Germantown, Ohio
- Phone Number: (937) 701-7487
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Adopt a Pit
- Socials: Facebook and Instagram
Conclusion For The “Best Pitbull Rescues in the United States”
If your search for Pitbull rescues in the United States, you will find numerous adaptable Pitties. Fewer and fewer people are adopting them due to the negative stigma associated with the breed. Pitbulls are affectionate dogs and one of the best family pets. However, due to some recent events, their reputation has taken a hit.
Owners have started to surrender or abandon their pets, insurance companies have stopped covering this breed, and some cities have even banned them. Therefore, this breed desperately needs our help to survive. Many rescues are working tirelessly to help give these dogs a second chance at life.
We can help by learning about the breed, busting false information about Pitbulls, and adopting Pitties from rescues. The list of rescues above will help you find the perfect Pitbull and play your role in preserving the Bully breed. We hope this list of Pitbull rescues will help you find a companion.
For more guides similar to this list of Pitbull rescues in the United States, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team:
Before you adopt a Pitbull companion from a rescue shelter in the United States, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching the “Pitbull – Dog Bred Information” down below:
Andy is a full-time animal rescuer and owner of a toy doodle. When he’s not saving dogs, Andy is one of our core writers and editors. He has been writing about dogs for over a decade. Andy joined our team because he believes that words are powerful tools that can change a dog’s life for the better.
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