Here’s what you need to know if you’re searching for the best Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues in the United States. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are active dogs that need plenty of one-on-one attention and exercise. They’re originally African dogs bred for their tracking abilities, but the Ridgeback has now been introduced to countries worldwide as work and family dogs.
No matter where you live in the United States, there’s likely a ridgeback rescue nearby. Instead of shopping for a new puppy, why not get to know the puppies available through your local Rhodesian Ridgeback shelter? We’ve researched the top Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues in the United States so that you can begin your search today.
Before you scroll down this list of Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues in the United States, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Rescues in the United States and Best Brussels Griffon Rescues in the United States.
Find a Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Shelter Near Me in the United States
Our team at We Love Doodles compiled this list of Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues in the United States to help you on your journey.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Product Recommendations: Best Dog Bells For Potty Training and Best LED Dog Collars.
1. Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue was founded in 1970, and the years since has expanded its operations to serve both the United States and Canada. The rescue is a part of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Clubs of the United States and Canada, organizations with a common goal: to promote and educate about the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed.
Search the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue website to find a puppy by clicking on the United States map. You’ll be given a list of dogs in your state – read through their biographies and learn more about each animal, then choose the one you’d like to adopt.
Note that some dogs are part of bonded pairs and must be adopted together. Once you’ve chosen a dog, fill out the adoption application. You’ll need to provide three references, including a vet; applications without references will not be considered.
The adoption fee will vary from dog to dog, and this fee will be disclosed to you before adopting your puppy. Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue is a non-profit organization that volunteers run. Consider donating your time or making a contribution to the group. Your donation supports animals in need and helps defray the cost of the care given to dogs in foster care.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Details
- Location: the United States and Canada
- Contact: Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue’s Contact Page
- Website: Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
2. Ridgeback Rescue of the US
Ridgeback Rescue of the United States is next on our list of the top Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues in the country. Like others on the list, they are a 501(c)3 non-profit, and your donations are appreciated. You can also support this organization by shopping with Amazon Smile or using the WoofTrax app.
Your Rhodesian Ridgeback will cost between $100 and $1,000 to adopt. The fee is set after determining your dog’s health, pedigree, age, and other characteristics. Most dogs are adults, though the occasional senior or puppy may come through the shelter’s system occasionally.
Dogs are placed based on your lifestyle and the dog’s temperament, so be sure to fill out your application honestly and completely. Because dogs aren’t placed on a first-come, first-served basis, there may be a waiting period. Be patient.
Your perfect puppy is on the way. Foster opportunities are available through Ridgeback Rescue of the United States. If you’re not certain that a ridgeback is right for you, apply to foster a dog until they find a forever home temporarily.
Ridgeback Rescue of the US Details
- Location: Nationwide
- Phone Number: (512) 573-8932
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Ridgeback Rescue of the US
3. Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue is based in Paradise, Texas, and is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Your volunteer hours or monetary contribution will greatly help this group fulfill its mission: to rescue ridgebacks from high-kill shelters, high-risk situations, and homelessness.
Speak with a tax adviser, as your donation may be tax-deductible. Each dog or puppy rescued by Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, given wormer, and attended to medically. In addition, dogs adopted from this rescue are completely ready for their new families.
They’ll have been crate and potty-trained, socialized, and microchipped, helping make the transition into your home much easier. You can view the available dogs on the Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue website; few are typically available.
Click a puppy’s pic to see more information about their history and health, and apply to adopt directly on the site. Applicants must be 18 or older to adopt and must consent from all other adults in the household.
In addition, renters must prove that they’re allowed to have pets. The cost to adopt a ridgeback from Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue is $150 for mixed breeds and non-ridgebacks or $250 for ridgebacks. Like donations, your adoption fee may be tax-deductible.
Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Details
- Location: Paradise, Texas
- Phone Number: (817) 454-6023
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
4. Colorado Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
Next on our list of the top Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues in the United States is Colorado Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue. Colorado Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue has been in operation since 1993, and the volunteer team consists of fosters, coordinators, behavioral consultants, and web designers.
If you have the skill to share, let Colorado Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue know. The adoption fee for your puppy will range from $150 to $450, depending on the age and health of the dog. This fee, in part, will help reimburse Colorado Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue for the veterinary and other care given to your dog while in foster care.
Your dog will be altered (spayed or neutered) and up-to-date with vaccines and other veterinary care. The Colorado Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue application process is lengthy because it’s so thorough. You’ll need to apply, of course, then you’ll be asked to participate in a home visit. Puppies are matched with humans based on the home, your lifestyle, and the dog’s temperament.
For this reason, you may be on a waiting list for a puppy for several months. Colorado Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue is there to help if you need any support with your Ridgeback. For the dog’s lifetime, you may contact them with any questions or concerns. If you find you can’t care for your puppy, please return them to the shelter, no questions asked.
Colorado Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Details
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Phone Number: (303) 689-2159
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Colorado Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
5. Ridgebacks in Need California
Ridgebacks in Need California was founded in 1990 to save Rhodesian Ridgebacks from high-risk situations. The dogs that come through the non-profit’s system are often owner-surrenders, but some abused and neglected dogs cross paths with the volunteers, too.
Though most available dogs are adults, puppies of all ages can be adopted through Ridgebacks in Need, California. You can see who’s adoptable at any given time by clicking the “Dogs” link on the Ridgebacks in Need California website. Once you’ve found your new baby, click the “Adopt” tab to complete the application.
Your information will be reviewed, and a home check will be scheduled. Assuming all goes well, you can expect to pay $650 to adopt your new Ridgeback. Not sure a Rhodesian Ridgeback rescue is right for you? That’s okay. Why not volunteer to foster a puppy?
Dogs that have not yet been matched with families need a place like yours to stay. You’ll be responsible for transporting your foster dog to vet appointments and for reacquainting your dog with social situations.
Your job as a foster is to ready your puppy for a wonderful transition into a forever home. Ridgebacks in Need California is a 501(c)3 non-profit. If no dogs are available when you search, consider making a tax-deductible donation. Your tax adviser can give you more information.
Ridgebacks in Need California Details
- Location: Morgan Hill, California
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Ridgebacks in Need California
6. Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue is another California organization, this one located in Sebastopol. If you’re in the Santa Rosa area of the Golden State, you’ll be local to the dogs that come through this non-profit organization. Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue is a volunteer-run group.
If you have a few extra hours, ask what opportunities are available. If you’re ready to adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback, look at the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Facebook page. Pictures and updates of adoptable dogs are posted on social media, and you can contact the rescue directly through that venue.
Alternatively, you can call the rescue for more information on what puppies are available. Your adoption fee may vary based on your dog’s health, age, and breed. Contact the shelter about a specific dog for more information. Of course, your dog will be vet-checked and current on its medical necessities, including spaying, neutering, and vaccinations.
Should your dog have existing health concerns, they will be addressed, and you will be notified of necessary care. If you decide to foster a dog before you make a permanent commitment, you will be responsible for transporting your dog to vet appointments. Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue covers the cost of veterinarian care, but you’ll be responsible for food and other must-haves.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Details
- Location: Sebastopol, California
- Phone Number: (707) 829-0768
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
7. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States is an organization that’s committed to preserving the dog breed. They offer education and support to dog lovers across the country, and part of their mission is to rescue ridgebacks that are in trouble.
While the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States doesn’t operate its shelter, they’re a great resource for humans needing a ridgeback companion.
You can redirect to some of the best Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues in the United States through the site, learn more about the breed, and connect with other Rhodesian Ridgeback lovers like yourself.
Consider supporting this organization by becoming a member. You can donate to this non-profit 501(c)3 organization. In most cases, your donation will be tax deductible. Check with your tax professional for more information.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States Details
- Location: Nationwide
- Website: The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
8. Ridgebacks and Friends
The last shelter on our list of the top Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues in the United States is Ridgebacks and Friends. They’re another California group that takes in owner surrenders, strays, and dogs in high-kill shelters. If necessary, ups are rehabilitated and rehomed with permanent, loving families.
Most ridgebacks within the Ridgebacks and Friends system are located within the Burbank, California, area. No physical facility exists, and all dogs are placed in foster homes while they await forever. You can apply to be a foster or to adopt a ridgeback from this rescue.
Whether you decide to adopt or foster, you’ll need to fill out an application. The team wants to know about your lifestyle and your family, and they’ll want to meet each member of your household. A home visit is required before you’re approved to adopt a dog.
Your adoption fee may vary based on your dog’s health, pedigree, and age. Most dogs are adults, though the occasional puppy or senior may be available. Adoption fees cover some costs incurred while your dog is in foster care. Dogs are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and current on wormers when they arrive at their new home.
Ridgebacks and Friends Details
- Location: Burbank, California
- Phone Number: (818) 862-2542
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Ridgebacks and Friends
Conclusion For The “Best Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescues in the United States”
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are energetic dogs that demand a lot of time and attention from their owners. They need plenty of exercise, and the most well-behaved ridgebacks attend obedience training. Unfortunately, not all ridgebacks get this attention. Hundreds of the breed wind up in shelters each year.
Some are owner-surrenders whose humans didn’t understand the commitment required to care for a dog. Others are found homeless on the streets, and still, others are placed in high-kill shelters.
The best Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues in the United States take in these unwanted dogs, rehabilitate them, and place them in loving homes. If you feel you have room in your family for a ridgeback, contact one of the shelters on this list to begin adopting a dog.
For more guides similar to this list of Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues in the United States, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team:
- Best Shetland Sheepdog Rescues in the United States
- Best Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescues in the United States
- Best Border Collie Rescues in the United States
Before you adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback companion from a rescue shelter in the United States, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “Understanding Rhodesian Ridgebacks” 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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