14 Best Shetland Sheepdog Rescues in the USA!

If you’re searching for Shetland Sheepdog rescues in the United States, here’s what you need to know. The best Shetland Sheepdog rescues in the United States will rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Shelties.

These shelters bring dogs in from the streets, save them from high-kill shelters, and accept owner surrenders of unwanted puppies. The dogs are reintroduced to humans and other dogs and the day-to-day activity of daily life.

If you’d like to add a Shetland Sheepdog to your family, look at this list of the top rescues in the United States. These organizations are dedicated to improving the lives of Shelties that need a home through no fault of their own. Most are non-profit, so consider contributing or volunteering your time.

Before you scroll down this list of Shetland Sheepdog rescues in the United States, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescues in the United States and Best Border Collie Rescues in the United States.

Find a Shetland Sheepdog Rescue Near Me in the United States

Our team at We Love Doodles created this list of the best Shetland Sheepdog rescues in the United States with available dogs for adoption.

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1. Southwest Collie and Sheltie Rescue

Southwest Collie and Sheltie Rescue’s shelter is based in the Phoenix area and, as you’d imagine, is committed to giving abandoned collies and Shelties a second chance at life. If you’re an Arizona, New Mexico, or west Texas resident, check out the available dogs in this shelter.

You’ll need to provide the rescue with information about your housing, family, and dog experience. Tell the volunteer team why you want to adopt a Shetland Sheepdog, and let them know about your preferences. Your application will be reviewed, and you’ll be contacted for a home visit.

Once approved, you can choose the puppy you want to bring home with you. About a half dozen dogs are typically available for adoption; you can scroll through pictures and biographies online. You will pay $175 for a senior dog, $275 for an adult dog, or $325 for a year-old or younger puppy.

If you have spare time and live close to Southwest Collie and Sheltie Rescue, consider volunteering. You can foster a dog, offer to transport puppies to new homes or the vet, or help out with fundraising events.

Southwest Collie and Sheltie Rescue Details

• Location: Gilbert, Arizona
• Phone Number: (602) 525-3313
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Southwest Collie and Sheltie Rescue

2. Sheltie Rescue Alternative

Sheltie Rescue Alternative specializes in senior and special needs dogs. The non-profit 501(c)3 is a small, grassroots organization that serves the greater Los Angeles area. There are typically about a half dozen dogs for adoption at any given time.

To adopt from Sheltie Rescue Alternatives, you’ll first fill out an application. Tell the Sheltie Rescue Alternative what you’re looking for in a dog and about your experience with puppies. You may be asked to provide vet references. Using your answers, this Shetland Sheepdog shelter will match you with a dog that’s right for your family.

The cost to adopt a dog may vary based on your puppy’s age, health, and pedigree. Once you’ve selected a dog, this fee will be disclosed. Your dog will have been vet-checked, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered before joining you in a forever home.

Sheltie Rescue Alternative Details

• Location: Van Nuys, California
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Sheltie Rescue Alternative

3. Southland Sheltie Rescue

The next top Shetland Sheepdog rescue on our list is Southland Sheltie Rescue. This group serves southern California and is a non-profit organization. They rely on donors and volunteers like you to make the organization run, so if you can volunteer with the group, please apply. No one on “staff” is paid for their time.

The application to adopt a sheltie from Southland is straightforward; you’ll let the group know about your history with dogs, your home, and your family. You can tell them if you have preferences for the dog you adopt, and they’ll do their best to match you with the perfect pet.

For most dogs, the adoption fee will range between $300 and $475. Seniors, however, are $250, and puppies cost $600 to adopt. You’ll receive all vet records when your puppy goes home with you, proof that they are neutered or spayed, vaccinated, and wormed. Foster families are in demand.

If you’d like to care for a sheltie but don’t want to make a permanent commitment, consider opening your home to a new dog at the rescue. You’ll be responsible for socializing, vet care, grooming, and feeding the dog. Southland will reimburse approved costs.

Southland Sheltie Rescue Details

• Location: Southern California
• Phone Number: (562) 697-9784
• Website: Southland Sheltie Rescue

4. Northern California Sheltie Rescue

Those who live in northern California will want to look at the next rescue on our list. Northern California Sheltie Rescue operates in Sacramento and the region surrounding it. They don’t have a physical shelter; instead, they rely on foster families to house rescued Shelties until they’re matched with a forever home.

Many of the dogs that are adoptable through this shelter are special needs. That means they’re either older puppies or they have health conditions. There are many healthy dogs, too, so scroll through the list of dogs on Petfinder, then prepare your application for Northern California Sheltie Rescue to review.

The application process can be completed online. The adoption fee for adult puppies ranges from $250 (for senior or special needs dogs) to $450. Puppies cost $500 to adopt. There’s a two-week grace period for all adoptive families. In that time, you will receive a full refund if you decide that a Shetland Sheepdog isn’t a good match for you.

Foster families are welcome to apply. Veterinary costs will be reimbursed; you’ll be responsible for housing, feeding, and grooming your pet until they’re matched with a family. A separate application for foster families is available on the Northern California Sheltie Rescue website.

Northern California Sheltie Rescue Details

• Location: Elk Grove, California
• Phone Number: (888) 296-9350
• Contact: Northern California Sheltie Rescue’s Contact Page
• Website: Northern California Sheltie Rescue

5. Rocky Mountain Collie and Sheltie Rescue

Rocky Mountain Collie and Sheltie Rescue’s shelter is another of the best Shetland Sheepdog rescues in the United States. They’re based in Pueblo West, Colorado, a non-profit organization. This is a volunteer-based organization, so if you have a few spare minutes, check out what’s needed.

You must be at least 21 to adopt from this shelter, and a fenced yard is required. If you live in an apartment or a condominium, your application will be considered, but only certain dogs may be able to be adopted into that environment. Dogs may not be adopted as gifts for others.

Once you’ve completed the application process, you’ll be asked to pay a minimum donation of $450 for your dog. Additional donations are welcome and may be tax-deductible. Check with a tax adviser for more information.

Your donation covers medical expenses for your dog, including spaying or neutering, vaccinations, heartworm medication, and microchipping. From time to time, Rocky Mountain Collie and Sheltie Rescue host fundraising events. Be sure to look at the calendar for upcoming fundraisers and more.

Rocky Mountain Collie and Sheltie Rescue Details

• Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
• Phone Number: (719) 547-4008
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Rocky Mountain Collie and Sheltie Rescue

6. Mid-Florida Sheltie Rescue

Mid-Florida Sheltie Rescue only adopts Florida residents, so this is a great shelter to check into if you’re in the Sunshine State. The organization maintains a list of adoptable Shetland Sheepdogs on its website, so bookmark the page and check back frequently.

There is quite an extensive application process that’s required of all adoptive families. You’ll need to let the shelter volunteers know about your household, children, work life, and other aspects of your lifestyle. Mid-Florida Sheltie Rescue wants to ensure that all their babies go to an appropriate home.

Obedience classes are required as a part of your adoption contract. The adoption fee for your Shetland Sheepdog may vary based on the dog’s age and health. Speak with the team directly about what’s required from you to adopt a specific dog.

Your puppy will be nose-to-tail, vet-checked, vaccinated and altered when they go home with you. Be sure to look at the shopping links on the shelter’s website. You can further support the shelter’s mission by doing your day-to-day shopping through sites like Amazon and iGive.

Mid-Florida Sheltie Rescue Details

• Location: Serves all of Florida
• Phone Number: (407) 719-1219
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Mid-Florida Sheltie Rescue

7. Indiana Sheltie Rescue

Indiana Sheltie Rescue is next on our list of the top Shetland Sheepdog rescues in the United States. They’re located in Noblesville, Indiana, and have rescued and rehired hundreds of dogs since 1999 when they were established. All dogs are fostered; there is no physical shelter that houses dogs.

Typically, there are three or four available Shelties. You’ll be asked to pay an adoption fee of $100 for seniors, $250 for adult dogs, or $300 for puppies. The fee helps cover the cost of vaccines, heartworm meds, and spaying or neutering but does not fully reimburse the shelter.

Donations above and beyond the adoption fee are appreciated and may be tax-deductible. Speak with a tax professional for more information. Not sure a Shetland Sheepdog is right for you? Why not consider fostering a puppy?

You’ll house a dog until they are permanently placed, allowing you to learn more about how your family interacts with the breed. If you can, be sure to attend one of the Indiana Sheltie Rescue’s fundraising events. Information about car washes, raffles, and more can be found under the “Events” tab.

Indiana Sheltie Rescue Details

• Location: Noblesville, Indiana
• Phone Number: (317) 445-1617
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Indiana Sheltie Rescue

8. Triangle Sheltie Rescue of North Carolina

Triangle Sheltie Rescue of North Carolina is based in Youngsville, North Carolina. They’re a non-profit committed to rescuing Shetland Sheepdogs from high-kill shelters and homelessness. They’re an all-volunteer group, a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.

Your donations are appreciated and are usually tax-deductible. Your tax adviser can tell you more. You’ll need to complete an application online to adopt a sheltie from Triangle Sheltie Rescues.

You’ll be disqualified from adoption if you have unvaccinated pets, an invisible fence, if your current pets are intact, or if you plan to keep your dog outdoors. Applications for adoption as gifts are also automatically declined. Depending on age, you’ll pay between $200 and $350 for your dog.

Puppies will cost more, while seniors are relatively low-cost. All dogs will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and dewormed when they go home with you, and your puppy will have begun socialization and reintroduction back into a home environment.

Triangle Sheltie Rescue of North Carolina Details

• Location: Youngsville, North Carolina
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Triangle Sheltie Rescue of North Carolina

9. Sheltie Shack

If you live in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, or Arkansas, look at the adoptable dogs at Sheltie Shack. This non-profit was originally located in Kansas but now calls Shell Knob, Missouri. This shelter does not ship or transport dogs, so you must be willing to come to Missouri when it’s time to adopt your puppy.

To adopt a dog, you’ll need to fill out an application. Once it’s been reviewed, you’ll schedule a home visit. Ensure that all family members – even the furry ones – are home for this visit when possible. Should you have questions about how to “dog-proof” your home, your home visit is the time to ask.

Once you get the green light to adopt, you can expect to pay between $150 and $350 for your dog. This fee is based on age but also the health of the dog. Speak with your volunteer for more information on a specific dog. Biographies of each dog are posted below puppies’ pictures so you can learn a bit more about each before you schedule a meet-and-greet.

Sheltie Shack Details

• Location: Shell Knob, Missouri
• Phone Number: (417) 858-8581
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Sheltie Shack

10. New England Sheltie Rescue

Our readers who live in the northeastern part of the United States will want to take a look at the New England Sheltie Rescue. This organization covers residents of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. They are a non-profit group, and volunteers are welcome.

New England Sheltie Rescue usually only has a handful of dogs available. Dogs are not placed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, they’re matched with the family or individual that can best care for the dog.

If you’re passed over for a puppy, don’t worry. You only need to apply once. Your application will be kept on file for consideration for other puppies. The adoption fee will vary based on the dog’s age and health.

Puppies will cost $500, adult dogs will cost between $400 and $450, and seniors will cost $350. You must agree to house your dog indoors, and you’ll be required to have a fenced yard. Your dog will be altered, vet-checked, and microchipped when it’s time to go with you.

New England Sheltie Rescue Details

• Location: Canterbury, Connecticut
• Phone Number: (860) 546-6775
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: New England Sheltie Rescue

11. Maine Sheltie Rescue

The previous shelter covered a portion of New England; Maine Sheltie Rescue covers the remainder. If you live in Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont, you will be eligible to adopt from this shelter. Just fill out an application and wait to be approved by this non-profit organization.

When Maine Sheltie Rescue has dogs available, they’re listed on Petfinder. You can view the biography of your dog, click on pictures, and apply to adopt. Dogs must be kept indoors, and, in most cases, you’ll be required to have a fenced-in yard. Once approved, you’ll be asked to pay an adoption fee, which may vary depending on the dog’s age.

Maine Sheltie Rescue is located in Portland, Maine; if you can volunteer to help with transportation or fostering, let the shelter know. All help is appreciated, including donations. Speak with a tax professional about whether your donation is tax-deductible.

Maine Sheltie Rescue Details

• Location: Portland, Maine
• Contact: Maine Sheltie Rescue’s Contact Page
• Website: Maine Sheltie Rescue

12. Tri-State Collie Rescue

Tri-State Collie Rescue specializes in collies and Shelties, and the non-profit is another of the top Shetland Sheepdog rescues in the United States. The shelter is in Ohio, so this is a great option if you live in the midwest. The team rescues homeless dogs and puppies in high-kill shelters.

Animals are then rehabilitated, then rehomed in loving families like yours. Newly rescued dogs are listed on the Tri-State Collie Rescue website and the team’s social media pages. Once you find a dog you love, fill out an application. As with most shelters, you’ll be required to let the team know about your home and your family.

Tell them about your experience with pets, too. Dogs must be kept as indoor pets. A two-week trial period is granted to every family that adopts a Shetland Sheepdog. If you, for any reason, determine that a sheltie isn’t for you, half of your donation will be refunded. The adoption fee will vary based on the dog’s age and health.

Tri-State Collie Rescue Details

• Location: Granville, Ohio
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Tri-State Collie Rescue

13. Sheltie Rescue of Utah

Next on our list of the best sheltie rescues in the United States is Sheltie Rescue of Utah. The Sandy, Utah organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit group, and volunteers and donors are appreciated. Look at the shelter’s website for information on how you can contribute. To adopt a dog from this shelter, you’ll need to apply.

Your information will be reviewed, and if you’re approved, you’ll be contacted. A home visit may be required because the shelter volunteers want to see that you have a safe home for their baby. What’s unique about Sheltie Rescue of Utah is that they offer payment plans to adoptive families.

If you cannot pay the full adoption fee (from $75 to $500, depending upon the age and health of your dog), you can ask to split your payments. However, most dogs go home for just $75, an affordable price for most families.

Your dog will have been spayed or neutered unless they are found to be of exceptional breeding quality. A vet will have also cleared your puppy – they will be in top shape when they arrive at your home. Most dogs will also undergo socialization while in care and seamlessly incorporate into your family.

Sheltie Rescue of Utah Details

• Location: Sandy, Utah
• Phone Number: (801) 942-4762
• Website: Sheltie Rescue of Utah

14. Second Chance Sheltie Rescue

The last Shetland Sheepdog rescue on our list is Second Chance Sheltie Rescue. This St. Louis, Missouri-based rescue organization, serves families within a 125-mile radius. Homeless and otherwise at-risk dogs are housed with foster families while they wait to join your family.

You must be an adult with a fenced-in yard to adopt a puppy. You must also agree to house your puppy indoors. The adoption fee is $300 for adult dogs and $400 for puppies, and a discounted adoption fee may be available for seniors. This part covers the costs of caring for your puppy in foster care.

Your dog’s vet records will be handed to you upon adoption. You’ll have a record of current vaccinations, wormers, and spaying or neutering. If necessary, your puppy will have had dental care, and all dogs are temperament tested before being allowed to join a new family.

Second Chance Sheltie Rescue Details

• Location: Maryland Heights, Missouri
• Phone Number: (888) 873-5443
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Second Chance Sheltie Rescue

Conclusion For The “Best Shetland Sheepdog Rescues in the United States”

If you’re an American family searching for a loyal and faithful companion, consider adopting a Shetland Sheepdog. Dogs of this breed are smart and intuitive and are often used as service dogs. Shetland Sheepdogs are agile and active, requiring plenty of outdoor activity and space to play. If you have what it takes to become a parent to a sheltie, contact one of these groups today.

For more guides similar to this list of Shetland Sheepdog rescues in the United States, you can check out these other recommendations from our team:

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Before you adopt a Shetland Sheepdog companion from a rescue shelter in the United States, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching the “Shetland Sheepdog – Top 10 Facts” down below: