About us
A German Shepherd rescue rooted in the Central Valley
Central Valley German Shepherd Rescue is a non-profit organization located in and serving California’s Central Valley, dedicated to one breed we love: the German Shepherd Dog.
Our mission
Our mission is simple: give every German Shepherd who comes to us a safe place to land, the medical care they need, and a loving, permanent home.
German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent and devoted, but they are also large, energetic dogs that need time, training and space. When a family’s circumstances change, they often end up in crowded shelters where they are overlooked. We step in to give them another chance.
Whenever we have space available, we accept German Shepherds that are no longer wanted or can no longer be kept, whether surrendered by their owners, found as strays, or pulled from shelters.
A foster-based rescue — no kennels
We do not keep dogs in a kennel or shelter facility. Instead, we partner with several dedicated foster families who take our dogs into their own homes. Our fosters feed them, care for them and make them part of the family while we work to find each dog a permanent home.
Living in a real home keeps our dogs relaxed and well cared for, and it means we know each dog’s personality — how they behave with children, other dogs, cats and daily household life — before they are adopted.
Who we are
- A non-profit, volunteer-run rescue
- Located in California’s Central Valley
- Focused exclusively on German Shepherds
- 100% foster-based — we never kennel our dogs
- Serving families throughout the Central Valley
Our care
What happens when a German Shepherd joins our rescue
Foster homes, not kennels
Every dog lives with one of our partner foster families, who provide meals, exercise, daily care and a warm place in their home until adoption.
Veterinary checkups
Every dog sees a veterinarian for a full exam. We treat any illness or injury and keep a complete medical record.
Vaccinations
Dogs receive age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming and parasite prevention, plus spay/neuter and a microchip when health allows.
Behavior & temperament
We get to know each dog’s personality, including how they do with children, other dogs and cats, so we can make honest matches.
Careful matching
Adopters complete an application and meet-and-greet so every German Shepherd goes to a home that fits their needs.
Ongoing support
Adoption is just the beginning. We stay available to our adopters for advice as their German Shepherd settles into a new home.
Join us
Rescue takes a village. Whether you adopt, foster, volunteer or donate, you help us save the next German Shepherd who needs us.