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4 Best German Shepherd Rescues in Connecticut (2024 Update)

Last Updated: January 1, 2024

Finding German Shepherds-only rescues in one of the smallest US states can be challenging. That’s why we took the time to find the best dog rescues in Connecticut, where you can find a German Shepherd. 

Here are the top 4 dog rescues in Connecticut where you can find a German Shepherd:

  • Rescue Dog Village Guardian. Inc.
  • Save All Dogs Rescue
  • Our Companions Animal Rescue and Sanctuary
  • Pack Leaders Rescue CT

This article discusses each Rescue’s mission of saving and rehoming dogs of all breeds, including German Shepherds. It also details the process of adopting a GSD from the rescues and provides the contact details to make everything easy for you. Let’s head to the details!

German Shepherd Rescue Connecticut

German Shepherd Rescues in Connecticut

According to a National Animal Interest Alliance’s mixed breed vs purebred population in shelters survey, purebred dogs make up only 5.04% of dogs in US shelters. This low percentage could explain why the best German Shepherd rescue in Connecticut is an all-breed dog rescue.

We explored the top four for you.

1. Rescue Dog Village Guardian. Inc.

Homeless dogs need a safe haven to stay alive. Keeping abandoned dogs alive is the mission that Rescue Dog Village Guardian, Inc. takes upon itself. 

The all-breeds Rescue works with shelters in Connecticut to save lost, unwanted, and sick dogs from euthanasia.

The Rescue also collaborates with local humane societies to offer vet care, conduct home visits, and provide volunteer and transport services. 

Through their services, the Rescue strives to promote positive interactions between people and pets.

You can take part in the Rescue’s dog-saving mission through one of these initiatives:

  • Sign up to be a member of the Rescue.
  • Become a volunteer or foster.
  • Sponsor a dog to cater for its vet and rescue expenses.
  • Adopt a dog.

Adopting a German Shepherd

While the Rescue works to rescue and rehome dogs of all breeds, it has a page dedicated to available German Shepherds.

To adopt one of the GSDs in the Rescue, visit the page dedicated to adoptable German Shepherds and read about the dog that interests you. Once you spot your preferred dog, you can commit to adoption by following these steps:

  1. Fill out an adoption application.
  2. Provide a reference for a veterinarian (The vet will be contacted via phone).
  3. Allow a volunteer to visit your home to ensure the dog will be safe.
  4. Sign an adoption contract, and pay a $550 fee.
  5. Bring home your new pet.

Rescue Dog Village Guardian, Inc. Contact Info:

GSD Wants Adopting

2. Save All Dogs Rescue 

Save All Dogs Rescue is a not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 2012 to save dogs and cats from overwhelmed kill shelters.  

The Rescue works with animal shelters and humane societies in Connecticut to rescue abandoned pets and find them loving homes. 

Once rescued, the volunteers take the dog to the Fenton River Vet in Tolland, where a veterinarian from Save All Dogs examines the pet. Following the health examination, the dog receives every necessary care to ensure it is fit for adoption.

Each year, Save All Dogs Rescue takes part in the annual NBC Clear the Shelters event. Participating in this event has seen more dogs find their forever homes.

Adopting a German Shepherd

Adopting a German Shepherd from Save All Dogs follows the same procedure for all breeds. 

You have to walk into the Rescue to meet available dogs during adoption hours on adoption days as indicated: 

  • Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays: 10 am – 6 pm
  • Thursdays: 3-7 pm

To be allowed to bring home a dog from the meeting, you have to meet these requirements:

  • Be 25 years and above.
  • Provide proof that your landlord agrees with you keeping a dog/a German Shepherd breed dog.
  • Be accompanied by family members and any existing pets to the adoption meetings.
  • Have a valid license.
  • Have a collar or harness and leash.

The fee for adopting ranges between $200 and $400 for adult dogs. Puppies are adopted for a standard $775 fee.

Save All Dogs Contact Info

A Black German Shepherd Lying in the Grass.

3. Our Companions Animal Rescue and Sanctuary

Our Companions Animal Rescue and Sanctuary is an all-around animal organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes animals with special needs.

The Rescue does not only provide rehoming services but also a range of other programs. The goal is to help both animals and people as a move to stop animal homelessness and suffering

At Our Companions Rescue, you can collaborate to “do the right thing for animals” by:

  • Working as an employee or volunteer.
  • Making a donation.
  • Adopting an animal.

Rehoming and Adopting Dogs 

Our Companion Rescue has a dog rehoming program to keep dogs from shelters by supporting owners who can no longer keep their pets. Through this program, adoption personnel helps the owners keep the dogs until the team can find a new home for the pet.  

To adopt dogs, the Rescue has a unique adoption process realized in 3 main steps:

  1. Pre-adoption counseling,  
  2. Support to settle the dog in your home, and 
  3. Life-long support to ensure owner and dog stay together forever.

Adopting a German Shepherd or any other dog from Our Companion Rescue is a comprehensive process requiring the following:

  • Completing an adoption application.
  • Working with an adoption caseworker to realize adoption process requirements such as contacting references and your vet and visiting your home.
  • Organizing a meeting to see available dogs at one of their sanctuaries. 
  • Paying a $150 tax-deductible donation.
  • Actual adoption once a good match is found.

The adoption team may ask you to make specific changes or purchases before welcoming the dog to your home.

Our Companion Animal Rescue and Sanctuary Contact Info: 

4. Pack Leaders Rescue CT

Pack Leaders Rescue of Connecticut is a non-profit organization started by two volunteers, a certified dog behaviorist and a volunteer at a local rescue.

A blind dog was the first to benefit. However, the Rescue has become a safe transitioning home for thousands of dogs and cats. More than 6200 dogs have been saved and rehomed over the years.

Once a dog is saved, it is put on a training program at the Rescue until it is ready to be placed in a home.

Pack of Leaders Rescue has a series of sponsorship packages that go from $150 to provide essential training to $25000 to rescue an entire group of dogs from a shelter.​

Other ways dog lovers can help the Rescue include: 

  • Becoming a foster or volunteer.
  • Making monetary donations.
  • Adopting a dog.

Adopting a German Shepherd

Adopting a dog of any breed from Pack Leaders Rescue follows the same procedure. You begin by finding a dog of interest from those available for adoption. You can then fill out an adoption form. 

Once your application is accepted, The Rescue organizes a meeting with the dog to ensure you and your new pet are a good match.

You pay $550 for puppies and adult dogs below 8 years and $275 for seniors above 8 years.  

Pack Leaders Rescue Contact Info

Two German Shepherd Puppies

German Shepherd Clubs in Connecticut

Online connections and forums are the first points of call for many of us when we need some info. But it’s important that they are reliable. 

German Shepherd clubs fall under the category of reliable forums and connections we can turn to for info about dog rescues or adopting a dog.

We found one German Shepherd Club in Connecticut where you can initiate your connections with other lovers of the breed: 

German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater New Haven Inc – www.gsdcgnh.org/forums

Helpful German Shepherd Articles

If you are thinking about rescuing a German Shepherd but are not sure if it is the right breed for you, these articles provide valuable information and insights about the breed. They can help you make an informed decision and improve a dog’s life.

Concluding Thoughts

Despite being one of the smallest states in the US, Connecticut has a great love for dogs, including German Shepherds. 

You may not find a Rescue exclusive for German Shepherds in Connecticut. However, there are dog rescues that stand out in their efforts to rescue and rehome GSDs.

We hope you find a good starting point for the best German Shepherd rescue in Connecticut from the ones we discussed. 

Best of luck with your search!

Hey! Are you looking for a German Shepherd rescue countrywide? Check out this article, 45 Best German Shepherd Rescues In The US.

Joice Njeru
Joice Njeru is an avid pet lover, professional author, and skilled researcher with a heart for pets. A former university lecturer of 14 years but now turned freelance writer, Joice has created hundreds of articles on dog behavior, training, care, and pet health. She is an expert in everything pets and hopes to educate and inspire other pet lovers through her writing.
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