Adoption is not an easy process.
There are a lot of actions involved so it can get hectic very fast.
The most important thing to consider is a shelter with a good background.
Options are endless sometimes…
So how do you find the best one?
Relax and…
Read on to discover:
- Contact numbers and schedules available at a glance.
- 13 best dog rescues in Southern California based on actual people.
- Knowledge and information about the services offered by each shelter.
- And much much more…
Table of contents
- 13 best dog rescues in Southern California
- #1: Big Love Animal Rescue
- #2: The Rescued Dog
- #3: Best Friends Life Saving Center
- #4: Perfect Pet Rescue
- #5: Westside German Shepherd Rescue
- #6: Humane Society Of Imperial County
- #7: Animal Hope And Wellness Foundation
- #8: NKLA Pet Adoption Center
- #9: Vanderpump Dogs
- #10: Furbaby Rescue
- #11: Boxer Rescue
- #12: Second Chance Dog Rescue
- #13: San Diego Humane Society
The recommendations listed below are based on thorough research and reviews on Google Maps.
Reviews are from people who’ve experienced these places beforehand so others will know what to expect. I have compiled all the information so research will be easier for you. You will be able to see the important things at a glance.
Disclaimer: Though all information is accurate at the time of research and writing, keep in mind that some ratings and comments can change in time.
13 best dog rescues in Southern California
#1: Big Love Animal Rescue
Rating: 5
Reviews: 2
Website: bigloveanimalrescue.org
Address: 5404 Whitsett Ave. Unit 185, Valley Village, CA 91607, United States
Phone: N/A
Opening Hours:
- 9 am- 6 pm (Everyday)
Social Media:
Services
Volunteering
Big Love Animal Rescue has a lot of needs where you can offer your skills and services.
You can:
- Transport animals.
- Host fundraising events.
- Volunteer at adoption events.
- Help out with work at the shelter.
- Pick up medical supplies and needs.
- Assist in finding fosters and volunteers.
If you are interested, you can apply here.
Adoption
The adoption process involves filling out an adoption application through their website. Once completed, they will advise you of the next steps.
Note: Home checks are done by this shelter to ensure the safety and security of the animals.
Reading Tip: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)
#2: The Rescued Dog
Rating: 5
Reviews: 37
Website: therescueddog.org
Address: 1220 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA 92106-2674, United States
Phone: +1 (619) 356-3390
Social Media:
Services
Fostering
The Rescued Dog offers fostering opportunities for those eligible. Most of the expenses during fostering will be covered by the organization.
This includes:
- Dog food.
- Dog supplies.
- Veterinary care.
- Dog training classes.
Foster applications here.
Note: Fosters are required to travel with their dog to adoption events all over the country.
Adoption
Adoption fees are as follows:
- Puppies- $375
- Adult dogs- $275
- Senior dogs- $150
Adoption fees include:
- Deworming.
- Flea treatment.
- Spaying or neutering.
- Veterinary evaluation.
- Up-to-date vaccinations.
Adoption application here.
#3: Best Friends Life Saving Center
Rating: 4.5
Reviews: 227
Website: bestfriendsla.org
Address: 15321 Brand Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345, United States
Phone: +1 (818) 643-3989
Opening Hours:
- 12 pm- 4 pm (Everyday)
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
Adoption and viewing are currently open to the public in line with their opening hours.
However, you can also browse online and apply online through their website.
Note: Dogs and cats have different adoption forms.
Fostering
Fostering an animal from Best Friends LA requires you to complete an online orientation. If you pass, you will receive access to all their available services.
This includes:
- Pet food and supplies.
- Veterinary care for your foster.
- Access to their 24- hour emergency line.
#4: Perfect Pet Rescue
Rating: 4.5
Reviews: 32
Website: perfectpetrescue.com
Address: 10737 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034, United States
Phone: +1 (310) 726-3731
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
Animal viewing is done through appointments only during the weekdays.
Perfect pet holds a mobile adoption every weekend with the following schedule:
- 10 am- 2:30 pm (Saturday)
- 10:30 am- 2 pm (Sunday)
Location is usually posted on the website or you can call their hotline for further questions.
Adoption Agreement and Adoption Applications here.
Note: Spay and neuter assistance is available to adopters, but the shelter does not offer them to the public.
#5: Westside German Shepherd Rescue
This rescue is a “no-kill” shelter.
Rating: 4.0
Reviews: 365
Website: sheprescue.org
Address: 3016 S Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
Phone: +1 (310) 202-7283
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
No onsite screening and meet-ups are available as of this time. Only approved applicants can come down to the shelter.
Note: Unvaccinated persons need to call in advance for further instructions from staff.
Adoption application and instructions here.
#6: Humane Society Of Imperial County
Rating: 4.5
Reviews: 9
Website: imperialcountyhumane.org
Address: 1575 W Pico Ave., El Centro, CA 92243, United States
Phone: +1 (760) 352-1911
Opening Hours:
- 2 pm- 6 pm (Everyday)
Social Media:
Services
Spay and Neuter
HSOIC provides a low-cost spay and neuter program for the community weekly. They provide further instructions upon appointment.
Appointments are done by phone during regular office hours.
Adoption
Adoption through HSOIC includes the following benefits:
- Microchipping.
- Spay and neuter.
- Free wellness check.
- Up-to-date vaccinations.
- Free 1 grooming session with partner groomer.
#7: Animal Hope And Wellness Foundation
Rating: 4.5
Reviews: 36
Website: animalhopeandwellness.org
Address: 15111 Ventura Blvd., Unit 401, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, United States
Phone: +1 (818) 681-5012
Opening Hours:
- 10 am- 6 pm (Everyday)
Social Media:
Services
Volunteering
Volunteer opportunities and applications are available every day, Sunday- Saturday.
You can be a:
- Supply runner.
- Animal rescuer.
- Event coordinator.
- Animal Transporter.
- Administration help.
Application form for volunteers here.
Adoption
There is no physical shelter available to see all animals, so meet and greets are done for approved applicants only.
Adoption application forms are only available after an applicant has donated to the shelter.
Before final adoption, all dogs are:
- Vaccinated.
- Microchipped.
- Spayed or neutered.
Note: A non-refundable donation fee of $10 is required upon application.
You might also want to know: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)
#8: NKLA Pet Adoption Center
This is a “no-kill” shelter.
Rating: 4
Reviews: 248
Website: nkla.org/PetAdoptionCenter
Address: 1845 Pontius Ave., W Los Angeles, CA 90025, United States
Phone: +1 (424) 208-8840
Opening Hours:
- 12 pm- 4 pm (Everyday)
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
Possible adoptees at NKLA are:
- Microchipped.
- Ready to go home.
- Spayed or neutered.
- Vaccinated (up-to-date).
Note: NKLA does not accept surrendered pets from the public.
#9: Vanderpump Dogs
Rating: 4
Reviews: 209
Website: vanderpumpdogs.org
Address: 8134 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States
Phone: +1 (323) 852-3647
Opening Hours:
- 10 am- 6 pm (Everyday)
Social Media:
Services
Grooming
Vanderpump dogs offer grooming services where all proceeds go to fund their rescue efforts.
Adoption
All dogs are spayed or neutered upon entering the shelter. They are also bathed and groomed, and evaluated by veterinary professionals.
Application for adoption here.
Fostering
Vanderpump has a physical shelter where all dogs are kept for viewing, but fosters are sometimes needed for certain situations.
Application for interested fosters here.
#10: Furbaby Rescue
Rating: 4
Reviews: 105
Website: furbabyrescue.org
Address: 3030 S Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
Phone: +1 (213) 840-0153
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9 am- 3 pm (appointment only)
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
Adoption fees in this shelter include the following services:
- Deworming.
- Microchipping.
- Spay or neuter.
- Flea Treatment.
- Free vet visits at the facility.
- Parvo and Distemper Vaccines (1 year).
Note: No walk-ins are available as of this time. Call their hotline to schedule an appointment.
#11: Boxer Rescue
Rating: 4
Reviews: 26
Website: boxer-rescue-la.com
Address: 17514 Ventura Blvd., Unit 201, Encino, CA 91316, United States
Phone: +1 (310) 862-0044
Services
Adoption
Virtual interviews are conducted after processing your application. Meet-ups with dogs are usually scheduled on a Saturday if you have been approved.
Adoption application here.
Note: Required adoption donations are $400.
#12: Second Chance Dog Rescue
Rating: 4
Reviews: 27
Website: secondchancedogrescue.org
Address: 4284 Cass Street San Diego CA 92109
Phone: 619-721-3647 (DOGS)
Opening Hours: N/A
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
Second Chance Dog Rescue has no physical shelter. All adoption processes are done through adoption events or foster home visits.
Adoption application here.
Warning: Dogs have not been trained as service/ therapeutic animals. All adoptable dogs are listed as pets only.
Reading Recommendation: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]
#13: San Diego Humane Society
Rating: 3.5
Reviews: 420
Website: sdhumane.org
Address: 5500 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110, United States
Phone: +1 (619) 299-7012
Opening Hours:
- 9 am- 6 pm (Everyday)
Social Media:
Services
Community Services
The San Diego Humane provides services as needed by the community.
These are:
- Vaccinations.
- Pet rehoming.
- Microchipping.
- Pet loss support.
- Spay and neuter.
- Humane euthanasia.
- Lost and found pets.
- Animal behavior and training.
Humane Law Enforcement
San Diego answers to animal emergencies in their jurisdiction.
Note: For animal concerns, call 619-299-7012 and press 1.
If the emergency is not within San Diego jurisdiction, they will refer your call to partner agencies.
Adoption
Adoption shelters are open for visitation and walk-throughs at regular opening hours. No prior appointment is needed.