About German Shepherd Rescue
WHEN IT COMES TO GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE, GSDR SETS THE BAR
We have over 400 volunteers who are involved, simply because of their love for the breed.
Nobody is paid a salary at GSDR. All monies are used to help the dogs.
We are one of the longest standing and largest German Shepherd rescues in the UK.
German Shepherd Dog Rescue (GSDR) is a charitable organisation dedicated to the rescue, temporary fostering, and long-term rehoming of German Shepherd Dogs. Founded in 2001 as German Shepherd Rescue UK, the organisation adopted the name GSDR following the founder’s relocation to England. GSDR was granted charitable status in April 2011, enabling it to expand fundraising efforts and respond to the growing number of dogs in need.
GSDR rehomes unwanted German Shepherds through a structured placement scheme that carefully matches each dog with a suitable owner. Ongoing advice and support are provided to adopters to ensure successful, lasting placements. All dogs are assessed by experienced volunteers prior to rehoming.
We also help with other large shepherds such as Caucasians, Central Asians, GSD Crosses and Belgian Malinois.
The rescue is run entirely by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about the welfare of the breed. While GSDR does not yet operate its own kennel facility, dogs in urgent need are placed in foster homes or commercial boarding kennels. Kennelling costs represent the charity’s largest expense. GSDR operates across England and Wales, with kennel facilities located in areas including Yorkshire, Essex, Cornwall, Shropshire, Cheshire, Norfolk, and Newport.
Dogs come into the rescue for many reasons, ranging from cruelty cases to changes in owners’ circumstances such as relationship breakdowns, relocation, work commitments, illness, allergies, or bereavement. Sadly, some dogs are relinquished simply due to age or infirmity. Regardless of the reason, GSDR strives to achieve positive outcomes for both dogs and adopters, including those often overlooked “golden oldies.”
GSDR successfully rehomes between 200- 300 dogs each year despite limited resources. Its long-term goal is to establish its own kennel facility to provide care for urgent, sick, and more challenging cases. Through its website and outreach, GSDR aims to raise awareness of the challenges facing unwanted German Shepherds and the work involved in supporting them.
Those interested in offering a dog a permanent home are encouraged to get in touch. Supporters who are unable to rehome can still help through donations, fundraising, crafting, or participating in online auctions. Every contribution plays a vital role in helping GSDR continue its work.
