This 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
Rescue: Forever Home Beagle Rescue is a foster based rescue in Pittsburgh, PA. They will transport their beagles to meet you.
Breed: Bichon
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
Rescue: Northeast Boston Rescue is a foster based rescue for Boston Terriers.
Breed: Boxer
Rescue: PA Boxer Rescue is committed to giving Boxers second chances regardless of age or medical conditions.
Breed: Pit Bull
Rescue: Pitties.Love.Peace loves bully breeds and finding them forever homes.
Breed: Cavalier
Rescue: ?Cavalier Rescue USA has Cavaliers available for adoption through foster homes across the US including Pennsylvania.
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Rescue: Cockers Across PA provides medical care and finds loving homes for Cocker Spaniels.
Breed: Collie and Sheltie
Rescue: TriState Collie Rescue is headquartered in Ohio, but services 17 states, including Pennsylvania.
Breed: Dachshund
Rescue: Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue provides veterinary care and finds forever homes for Dachshunds.
Breed: German Shepherd
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
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
Rescue: Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue has been finding homes for Great Danes since 1979! MAGDR has a chapter based in Pennsylvania.
Breed: 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
Rescue: Peace Love and Poms Rescue is a foster based Pomeranian and small dog rescue. They are based in Lebanon, PA.
Breed: Siberian 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!
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!
