3 Top German Shepherd Rescues in Michigan (2024 Update)

So, you plan to adopt from a German Shepherd rescue in Michigan and are wondering what could be the best place to fulfill your desire.

Well, Michigan has many animal rescues and a good number dedicated to dogs only. We took the time to determine which ones are best for prospective German Shepherd owners.

Below are the best dog rescues in Michigan where you can find a German Shepherd:

• Detroit Dog Rescue
• Last Day Dog Rescue
• K-9 Stray Rescue League 

We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the rescues in this article. That way, your choice of a German Shepherd rescue in Michigan will be sound. Let’s get to the task!

German Shepherd Rescues in Michigan

While you can find an adoptable dog in many of Michigan’s all-animal rescues and humane societies, we opted to highlight all-breed dog rescues that stand and where you can find German Shepherds.

1. Detroit Dog Rescue

Detroit Dog Rescue is a charitable dog-saving organization in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. The Rescue focuses on saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs of all breeds. It should not be confused with Rebel Dogs Detroit Rescue in Detroit City.

A Unique History and Mission

The Rescue was established in 2011 with a ‘no-kill’ mission for lonely, abandoned, and abused dogs. At the time, a considerable increase in stray dogs at an abandoned urban location in the City of Detroit caught the attention of many dog lovers.

The beginnings were marked by the struggle to get permits to transfer dogs from animal shelters in the City. Over the years, however, Detroit Dog Rescue has managed to create extensive collaboration with the City’s government and Detroit’s police department.

Besides, the Rescue works with several other organizations to create community awareness on issues related to:

• The plight of homeless, at-risk dogs.
• No-kill sheltering as a humane alternative to euthanasia. 
• Responsible pet population control through spaying and neutering.
• Pet advocacy through fostering, donating, volunteering, and adopting.

Adopting a GSD from Detroit Dog Rescue 

If you intend to adopt a German Shepherd from Detroit Dog Rescue, you are required to:

1. Look through the list of adoptable dogs to identify a GSD that interests you. The dog’s bio will give you details on the breed, size, and any special needs the dog might have.
2. Fill out and submit an adoption application form.
3. Await a response from a volunteer at the Rescue within 10 days.

The rest of the adoption procedure is completed if you meet these requirements:

• You don’t have a child below 5 years.
• Your landlord permits you to keep a dog.
• Your fence is 5-6 feet high.
• You are not adopting the GSD as a service or emotional support dog.

The adoption fee varies from $200 to $375, depending on the dog’s age.

You can find additional information regarding Detroit Dog Rescue on their website: https://detroitdogrescue.com. 

Alternatively, you can contact them directly by: 

• Sending an email to [email protected].
• Calling (313) 458-8014.
• Sending mail to PO Box 806119 St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.

2. Last Day Dog Rescue

A look at the Last Day Dog Rescue home page tells you that the Rescue is quite dynamic about saving dogs. You get a complete idea of their work by simply scrolling through the page.

The not-for-profit organization is in Livonia, Michigan. The Rescue has worked to save dogs and cats from kill shelters and surrendering owners since 2007.

What’s in a Name?

You may think that dogs at the Last Day Rescue are living their last moments. Far from it!

The Rescue takes its name from the commitment to save dogs at imminent risk of euthanasia due to their breed, coat type and color, poor health, and advanced age. 

These factors are often key reasons why German Shepherds in shelters are overlooked by potential adopters and, therefore, listed for elimination.

Once rescued, the dogs receive training, and nutritional and vet care to ensure they are at their best before they find their adoptive parent. 

Helping the Rescue and Adopting a German Shepherd

Last Day Dog Rescue does not have a physical location. So, rescued dogs are left with foster parents or families until they find a forever home.

Going by this, becoming a foster is one of the best ways to help Last Day Dog Rescue. You can also apply to become a volunteer or make goods or monetary donations.

Most significantly, you can adopt one of the German Shepherds to give the pet a new permanent home with consistent family love and care.

To adopt a German Shepherd from Last Day Dog Rescue, scroll through the list of available dogs. If you find your possible match, proceed with these steps:

1. Complete the adoption application form (printable or online).
2. Await communication within 7 days to confirm or not the application approval.
3. Allow a home visit and a vet check.
4. Await adoption consent by the board of directors.
5. Pay the adoption fee and bring home your dog once the adoption is approved. The adoption fee varies from dog to dog.

Last Day Dog Rescue has two unique initiatives:

• A “Seniors for Seniors” initiative that allows over 65-year-olds to adopt a senior dog for only 100$.
• A kids’ volunteer initiative that involves individuals or kid groups and clubs in fundraisers and educational initiatives, among others.

You can get more info about being part of saving dogs at Last Day Rescue by:

• Visiting their website, lastdaydogrescue.org.
• Sending an email to [email protected].
• Send a snail mail to PO Box 51935 Livonia, MI 48151-5935.
• Following them on Facebook, facebook.com/LastDayDogRescue.

3. K-9 Stray Rescue League 

K-9 Stray Rescue League is a nonprofit-making organization in Oxford, Michigan. It was founded in 1990 to give stray dogs a second chance at a loving home and family. 

A Unique Passion for Dogs

The Rescue is an all-volunteer dog rescue under the leadership of a Board of Directors. Everyone at K-9 Stray Rescue League has a passion for engaging dogs and humans in a comprehensive process of rescuing, providing care and rehabilitation, adopting, and providing education post-adoption.

The organization has created an off-leash dog enrichment area where volunteers and Rescue staff interact with the dogs to better their lives through activities like:

• Dog walking.
• Basic obedience and leash training.
• Play and agility exercises. 

Time spent with dogs at the enrichment area helps adoption volunteers to know the pets better. That way, they can advise you on which dog is the best match based on your lifestyle.

Collaborating With K-9 Stray Rescue League

K-9 Stray Rescue League accepts help from the public and dog lovers. 

You can collaborate as a volunteer or foster parent or by making a donation. Adopting a dog is also an optimum way to give rescued dogs a forever home. 

To adopt a German Shepherd from K-9 Stray Rescue League, check through dogs available for adoption to identify any GSDs. 

Once done, proceed to complete an adoption request and wait for an adoption counselor to contact you.

You are required to come and meet the German Shepherd at the Rescue before taking the pet home. Visits should include the entire family, counting existing dogs.

The adoption fee varies from $150-$320, depending on the dog’s age and size.

You can also walk in to make inquiries or meet the dogs on the Rescue’s open days (Thursday to Sunday). You do not need an appointment, but you need to check the open hours for each day on their homepage, k9stray.com.

If you want direct information, call the Rescue at (248) 628-0435, email [email protected], or send a snail mail to PO Box 2120 Metamora Road Oxford, MI 48371.

German Shepherd Dog Clubs in Michigan

German Shepherd Dog clubs are initiatives of breed fanciers. They meet to share fun moments with their dogs and crucial information about the breed. 

However, GSD clubs can also be the place where prospective adopters get reliable references to find a dog. This is especially true for states like Michigan, where Rescues exclusive to German Shepherds are scarce.

We found two German Shepherd Dog Clubs where you can create significant connections with other breed lovers.

Helpful German Shepherd Articles

If you are thinking about rescuing a German Shepherd but are unsure 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.

• Are German Shepherds Good With Kids?
• The Step-by-Step Guide to Adopting a German Shepherd
• German Shepherd Pros and Cons: What To Consider Before Buying
• Costs of Owning a German Shepherd: With 21 Examples!

Concluding Note

Looking for a German Shepherd at a rescue in Michigan? 

All-breed rescues that save, rehabilitate, and rehome at-risk dogs are your best bet in the Wolverine State. 

We suggested the top 3 where you can start from. We hope you are successful in your search.

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