15 Breed Specific Rescues in Pennsylvania

breed specific rescuesThis list is updated as of December 2023!

Spring is here which means it’s also puppy season!  Did you know that 25% of shelter dogs are purebreds?  Are you looking for a Golden Retriever or a Pomeranian?  Maybe a Cavalier or a Great Dane?  It’s possible to find the perfect dog or puppy at a rescue even if you are looking for a specific breed.  There is absolutely no reason to buy a dog from a breeder (or puppy mill) when perfectly adoptable dogs and puppies are being euthanized every day.  

There are so many rescues and shelters in Central Pennsylvania and you shouldn’t rule them out when looking for a specific breed.  I have compiled a small list of 15 breed specific rescues in and around Pennsylvania to help you with your search for your next dog. Don’t forget to check out Petfinder as well!

Breed: Beagle

brown and white beagle laying in grass

Rescue:  Forever Home Beagle Rescue is a foster based rescue in Pittsburgh, PA.  They will transport their beagles to meet you.

Breed: Bichon

white bichon mix

Rescue:  Small Paws Rescue Inc. is the largest Bichon rescue in the country.  You may be able to find an adoptable Bichon in PA or one that’s within driving distance to you.

Breed: Boston Terrier

breed specific rescues

Rescue:  Northeast Boston Rescue is a foster based rescue for Boston Terriers.

Breed: Boxer

breed specific rescues

Rescue: PA Boxer Rescue is committed to giving Boxers second chances regardless of age or medical conditions.

Breed: Pit Bull

breed specific rescues

Rescue:  Pitties.Love.Peace loves bully breeds and finding them forever homes.

Breed: Cavalier

breed specific rescues

Rescue:  Cavalier Rescue USA has Cavaliers available for adoption through foster homes across the US including Pennsylvania.

Breed: Cocker Spaniel

breed specific rescues

Rescue:  Cockers Across PA provides medical care and finds loving homes for Cocker Spaniels.

Breed: Collie and Sheltie

breed specific rescues

Rescue:  TriState Collie Rescue is headquartered in Ohio, but services 17 states, including Pennsylvania.

Breed: Dachshund

breed specific rescues

Rescue:  Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue provides veterinary care and finds forever homes for Dachshunds.

Breed: German Shepherd

breed specific rescues

Rescue:  Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue is an all volunteer rescue dedicated to rehabilitating and providing second chances to German Shepherds who have been lost, abused, or abandoned.

Breed:  Golden Retriever

breed specific rescues

Rescue:  Goldheart Golden Retriever Rescue has found forever homes for over 1060 Golden Retrievers since 1999.  They sometimes rescue Goldens all the way from Egypt!

Breed: Great Dane

breed specific rescues

Rescue:  Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue has been finding homes for Great Danes since 1979!  MAGDR has a chapter based in Pennsylvania.

Breed: Greyhoundtan greyhound

Rescue: Personalized Greyhounds finds home for former racing greyhounds.  If you’re looking for a “45 mph couch potato,” then this rescue is for you!

Breed: Pomeranian

fluffy white pomeranian

Rescue:  Peace Love and Poms Rescue is a foster based Pomeranian and small dog rescue.  They are based in Lebanon, PA.

Breed:  Siberian Husky

black/gray and white husky

Rescue:  Delaware Valley Siberian Husky Rescue is named as one of the best rescues to adopt a Siberian Husky from by Bubbly Pet!

 

Bonus:  Puppies!

small brown and white mixed breed puppy

Rescue: Homeward Bound Animal Rescue rescues pregnant or new momma dogs from high kill shelters.  

In conclusion, you can be sure to find a purebred or mixed breed from breed specific rescues who will make a great addition to your family and bring you years of unconditional love.  So, which breed is your favorite?

 

P.S. Are you interested in helping cats and dogs across the US get spayed/neutered?  Check out PennyFix to see what a penny can do!