Underneath its intimidating looks and unmatched stamina, Dobermans take the 5th spot on the ranking of the smartest dog breeds.
If you are looking at owning a Doberman, it would be wise to adopt rather than shop. In this way, you are saving a dog’s life without having to spend a fortune.
In this guide, we have listed the 10 best Doberman rescues for adoption. The detailed review and contact information included in this list will be extremely helpful in narrowing down your pet search.
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Most of the rescues in this list follow the same adoption process. If you want to ace your application, I suggest that you read our ultimate adoption guide which features key tips and techniques starting from choosing the breed to home introduction.
Top 10 Doberman Pinscher Rescues to Find Dobermans for Adoption
After thoroughly researching different Doberman rescues in the country, we have carefully crafted this list to help out aspiring Doberman owners.
The following rescues are amongst the most reputable ones all over the different states in the US.
1. Doberman Assistance, Rescue, and Education, Inc. (DAR&E) – Maryland
DAR&E is a non-profit organization that has been in the pet rescue industry since 1998. Serving the areas of Maryland, Washington DC, and West Virginia, this organization has rehomed over 1800 Dobermans throughout the years.
The adoption process in DAR&E is straightforward; however, they prohibit Doberman adoption for homes with children under 10 years old. There is also a strict requirement that requires adopters of younger Dobermans to have a fully fenced yard.
Similar to most rescue homes, DAR&E also does a background check on aspiring Doberman foster parents. This process involves a DAR&E volunteer scheduling a home visit to ensure that the place suits the needs of a Doberman.
As for the adoption fees, a Doberman under the age of two years old costs $450. On the other hand, older dogs will run you less money, specifically $350 for Dobermans two to six years of age and $250 for Dobermans seven years old and above.
If you reside near the service areas of DAR&E, you are in luck because the chances of adopting a Doberman from them are highly in your favor.
Doberman Assistance, Rescue, and Education, Inc. (DAR&E) Information and Details:
- Website: Doberman Assistance, Rescue, and Education, Inc. (DAR&E)
- Address: 60 Vera Cruz Road, Reinholds, PA 17569
- Phone: (410) 663-1694
- Email: darefeedback@yahoo.com
- Special Note: You can find them on Facebook.
2. United Doberman Rescue and Canine Castaways of Minnesota (UDR) – Minnesota
For folks residing in the Minnesota area, the United Doberman Rescue and Canine Castaways of Minnesota (UDR) is a rescue home worth considering. UDR has been rehoming Dobermans for at least four decades now.
Much like other rescue homes, their main goal is to rescue all Dobermans, Doberman mixes, and even other dog breeds from abandonment and unwanted death. They take care of their adopted dogs until a suitable foster parent comes along.
When adopting a Doberman from UDR, you are guaranteed to receive a fully vetted, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered dog. As expected, they are committed to addressing any health issue that may arise while dogs are under their foster care.
If you are considering adopting a Doberman from this organization, it is also worth noting that they abide by the Doberman Pinscher Club of America’s Code of Ethics. It is useful to check it out before submitting your adoption form.
Moreover, you may also want to check out UDR’s blog. It showcases clips from their rescue programs as well as informative posts and adorable Doberman photos. UDR’s website also has a dedicated page on testimonials and photos of successful adoptions.
United Doberman Rescue and Canine Castaways of Minnesota (UDR) Information and Details:
- Website: United Doberman Rescue and Canine Castaways of Minnesota (UDR)
- Address: PO Box 984 Buffalo, MN 55313-8522
- Phone: (612) 405-8522
- Email: support@uniteddobermanrescue.org
- Special Note: You can find them on Facebook.
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3. Doberman Rescue Unlimited (DRU) – New Hampshire
DRU is a non-profit, charitable rescue organization established in 1988. As of today, DRU has provided care and temporary housing to almost 3000 Doberman Pinschers.
The organization resides in Sandown, New Hampshire, but its coverage area extends to the entire greater New England region.
DRU is a team of volunteers and pet lovers dedicated to the Doberman breed. At any given time, they typically host a minimum of 30 dogs in their care.
These dogs usually range in age from young to senior Dobes with Doberman puppies thrown in the mix on rare occasions.
Should you decide to adopt a rescued Dobe from DRU, you should be aware that the organization requires a fair adoption donation ranging from $250 to $500.
This donation defrays the incurred medical treatment costs and microchipping expenses of a dog while in their care.
Moreover, take note that before adopting a Doberman from DRU, you are required to read and fully understand their one-page article on the Introduction to the Doberman Pinscher.
This article details a brief overview of the joys and risks of owning a Doberman Pinscher.
Doberman Rescue Unlimited (DRU) Information and Details:
- Website: Doberman Rescue Unlimited (DRU)
- Address: 52 Tenney Rd. Sandown, NH 03873
- Phone: (603) 887-1200
- Email: doberman@dru.org
- Special Note: You can find them on Facebook.
4. Georgia Doberman Rescue (GDR) – Georgia
GDR is a Georgia-based rescue home dedicated to adopt and save the Doberman Pinscher breed. The entire organization is run off of donations, adoption fees, and occasional fundraisers.
Much like most rescue homes, GDR maintains keen attention to their in-house dogs from the time of adoption all the way to finding a new foster family.
They provide all the necessary veterinary care for all of their Dobermans including vaccinations, spaying, neutering, microchipping, and various surgeries as required.
GDR Dobermans are housed in different foster homes scattered throughout Georgia. The organization is a firm believer that a home is the healthiest place to be for a dog.
Should you decide to adopt a GDR Doberman, you should be aware that you will undergo a multi-layered process of background checking. This is done to ensure that new foster families and the environment they live in suit the needs of a Doberman Pinscher.
Adoption fees for a GDR Doberman entirely depend on the dog’s age. The following are GDR’s current adoption pricing:
- 8 weeks – 18 months: $375
- 19 months – 7 years: $275
- 7+ years: $175
Georgia Doberman Rescue (GDR) Information and Details:
- Website: Georgia Doberman Rescue (GDR)
- Address: PO Box 2182 Douglasville, GA 30133
- Phone: (678) 666-2166
- Email: contact@georgiadobermanrescue.com
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5. Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus (IDR+) – Illinois
IDR+ is an organization committed to rescuing not just Dobermans but also other animals in need. Their rescued animals are from animal control organizations, owner donations, and other sources in Illinois and its neighboring areas.
Every animal adopted by the IDR+, most especially Doberman Pinschers, is spayed or neutered, microchipped, and fully vaccinated.
The organization also maintains constant contact with adoptive families to ensure the well-being of their Dobermans.
However, if you are looking to adopt from IDR+, be aware that they only consider families living no further than four hours from Chicago. This is because they are strictly against shipping their dogs.
Here are few other requirements to be eligible for adopting an IDR+ Doberman:
- Children in your household must be at least seven years old.
- Your entire family must be available for a scheduled home visit from an IDR+ volunteer.
- You must have a fenced yard or an alternative place for the dog to exercise.
- Your current pets must be spayed or neutered.
- You should not have any household members who have been convicted with any form of misdemeanor and/or felony.
Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus (IDR+) Information and Details:
- Website: Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus (IDR+)
- Address: PO Box 435 Barrington, IL 60011-0435
- Phone: (847) 277-1082
- Email: info@ildoberescue.com
- Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
6. Hand Me Down Dobes (HMDD) – Ohio
Located in Lewis Center, Ohio, HMDD claims to be the oldest and largest Doberman rescue in all of the state. They have been operating since 1994 and their mission to rescue and rehome Dobes has remained the same throughout the years.
Similar to most rescue homes, HMDD is an independent non-profit organization. Their team is composed of compassionate Doberman lovers who have both the knowledge and experience in handling the Doberman Pinscher breed.
Currently, HMDD is only accepting adoption to applicants residing in Ohio, Southern Michigan, and Western Pennsylvania. This limited scope is due to the availability of their experienced volunteers to perform house visits.
As for adoption fees, a purebred Doberman puppy from Hand Me Down Dobes will cost you $450, while Dobermans between the age of one to eight years old will cost $350. Additionally, their purebred senior dogs will run you $250.
If you end up adopting from HMDD, you should take note that you are required to enroll your new Dobe in a positive obedience training class within two months of adoption.
Hand Me Down Dobes (HMDD) Information and Details:
- Website: Hand Me Down Dobes (HMDD)
- Address: PO Box 12325 Columbus, OH 43212-0325
- Phone: (614) 470-2851
- Email: HandMeDownDobes@hmdd.org
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7. Doberman Rescue of New Mexico (DRNM) – New Mexico
The Doberman Rescue of New Mexico, DRNM, is another compelling choice especially for aspiring Doberman owners residing around the New Mexico area.
This rescue organization is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of their rescue Doberman Pinschers from the time of rescue up to their adoption and beyond.
Most DRNM Dobermans come from “kill shelters” while others are owner-impounds. Typically, Dobes under DNRM’s care range from as young as 8 months to 4 years old. However, they also host a few senior dogs and Doberman puppies from time to time.
For adopters looking for a fairly low adoption fee, DRNM offers some of the most affordable rates. Their adoption fee costs $300 for most of their young Dobes, while it’s $350 for puppies and $150 or less for seniors.
As expected, all of DRNM’s rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, up-to-date with vaccines, heartworm-tested, and microchipped. If you are interested in checking out their dogs up for adoption, check out their adoption page.
Doberman Rescue of New Mexico (DRNM) Information and Details:
- Website: Doberman Rescue of New Mexico (DRNM)
- Address: PO Box 26582 Albuquerque, NM 87125
- Email: jocruzah@yahoo.com
8. Doberman Pinscher Rescue of PA, Inc. (DPRPA) – Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a Doberman rescue around Pennsylvania, check out DPRPA. This organization pledges to rehome every needy purebred Doberman.
DPRA is entirely funded by voluntary donations and occasional membership fees from members of their newsletter, Doberman Dispatch.
Their adoption process is fairly straightforward yet thorough. You may begin their adoption process by filling up their online application form, which serves as a preliminary background check.
Afterward, DPRPA will assign a caseworker whose job is to interview you and contact your references.
Once your application is approved, you should expect to receive a call or mail from DPRPA regarding an update.
They may recommend, over others, some of their Dobermans as a suitable match for your living situation. Rest assured that they will pair you up with the best option as they see fit.
Doberman Pinscher Rescue of PA, Inc. (DPRPA) Information and Details:
- Website: Doberman Pinscher Rescue of PA, Inc. (DPRPA)
- Email: daxdob@aol.com
- Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
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9. Desert Harbor Doberman Rescue (DHDR) – Arizona
Founded in 2009, DHDR is a relatively young Doberman rescue organization. Despite that, they are Arizona’s first and largest non-profit rescue home that focuses mainly on the Doberman Pinschers.
Composed of 100 plus members and counting, DHDR volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds. While some are veterinarians and shelter aids, other DHDR members are foster caregivers and adopters.
The organization implements executive-level management led by a Board of Directors.
Joining DHDR’s board are consultants, advisors, and managers who share their expertise and experience in the Doberman Pinscher breed. Needless to say, DHDR is highly dedicated to its work.
They provide the utmost care and attention to their Doberman adoptables and invaluable support to their foster parents. DHDR is also partnered with other reputable organizations such as Best Friends Animal Society, Petco Foundation, and Google for Nonprofits.
The following are some of the requirements to be able to adopt a DHDR Doberman:
- You must be legally able to enter a binding contract within the state of Arizona.
- The youngest member of your household is at least 8 years old.
- Your current pets are licensed and microchipped.
Desert Harbor Doberman Rescue (DHDR) Information and Details:
- Website: Desert Harbor Doberman Rescue (DHDR)
- Address: PO Box 97425, Phoenix, AZ 85060
- Phone: (602) 492-8139
- Email: contact@azdoberescue.org
- Special Note: You can find them on Facebook.
10. Last Hope Doberman Rescue (LHDR) – Texas
LHDR rescues Dobermans from various shelters across the state of Texas and parts of Michigan. Their main goal is to serve as the last rescue option to shelter Dobermans when other rescues can no longer accommodate them.
This all-volunteer, non-profit organization is in constant cooperation with other rescue organizations across Texas and Michigan. They are constantly finding loving foster homes for their Doberman adoptables all across the states.
The adoption process in LHDR begins by filing an adoption application. Afterward, it is followed by reference checks, phone interviews, and a compulsory home visit from one of their volunteers. Additionally, adoption fees at LHDR range from $300 to $450.
If you are interested in adopting one of their Dobermans, you can check out their eligibility and FAQs page. You may also browse their Facebook page for news and testimonials.
Last Hope Doberman Rescue (LHDR) Information and Details:
- Website: Last Hope Doberman Rescue (LHDR)
- Phone: (586) 381-2934
- Email: lasthopedoberman@gmail.com
- Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
If you want to get an idea of how much you are changing the life of the dog you’ll rescue, watch this video:
Another thing that can help you significantly with your dog hunt is reading our ultimate dog adoption guide. This, alongside the rescue options from our directory will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire.
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Other Sources for Doberman Rescues or Shelters for Adoption
If you still haven’t found the Doberman for you after taking a look at the abovementioned websites, you can try your luck with the following services:
- Adopt-a-Pet – Formerly known as 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com, Adopt-a-pet has already helped over 21,000 shelters, SPCA’s, and rescue agencies all over the country. Their service is extremely easy to use as well, and you just need to register an account and search for an adoptable Doberman.
- Petfinder – Home to a catalog of thousands of pets for adoption, Petfinder is an online database linked to more than 11,000 adoption organizations across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Petfinder also has an option to narrow down your Doberman search based on your location.
- Petango – This pet matching website allows you to find a specific pet that will fit the personality you require. Since Petango’s establishment in 2009, over 9 million pets have found their forever homes with the aid of their service. Who knows, maybe you can find your Doberman companion here.
- Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations – You may also want to consider your animal shelters and rescue organizations right there in your town. The Doberman of your dreams and forever friend might just be a few minutes away.
Why Do People Put Doberman Pinschers up for Adoption or in a Rescue?
Unfortunately, despite their heartwarming loyalty and witty nature, many Doberman Pinschers are surrendered to rescue homes or put up on adoption websites because of the following reasons:
- The owner can no longer support their Dobe financially.
- The family is migrating to a new home that does not fit the needs of a Doberman.
- The primary caretaker suffered a serious injury or illness.
- The owner no longer has time to attend to their dog.
- The dog is uncontrollable and violent.
- The dog has many illnesses.
To clarify, the last two reasons are highly unlikely to arise from rescue Dobermans. Rescue homes will never purposely recommend a violent or sickly dog without properly advising the foster parents.
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How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a Doberman?
To put it simply, rescue Dobermans will save you significantly more money compared to buying one from a professional breeder. Buying a Doberman puppy will set you back between $1,500 to $2,000 while adopting ranges from $100 to $500 only.
To provide you a rough breakdown of why this adoption fee pricing is a catch, refer to the table below.
Expenses | Average Cost |
Vet Checkups | $65 |
Rabies Vaccination | $20 |
Distemper Vaccination | $60 |
Spaying/Neutering | $200 |
Heartworm Test | $15 – $35 |
Flea/Tick Treatment | $50 – $200 |
Deworming | $60 |
Microchip | $50 |
Dog Crate and Toys | $100 |
Collar, ID Tag, and Bowls | $50 |
Total | $670 – $840 |
As shown in the table above, the adoption pricing of rescue homes is well below the expected initial costs of buying a Doberman Pinscher puppy.
The best part about adopting a rescue Dobie is that you are saving the dog’s life while saving yourself some extra cash.
Is It Difficult to Adopt a Doberman From a Rescue?
While there are many Doberman Pinscher adoptables, it is not guaranteed that you will find a new Dobie best friend the first time you apply for adoption. Most Doberman rescues are strict when it comes to the eligibility of foster parents.
Whether or not your application gets approved mainly depends on three things: your preparedness and commitment to have a new pet, your lifestyle, and your current living arrangements.
Most Doberman rescue homes conduct phone interviews, call references, and perform home visits. All of these steps are necessary to assess the adopter’s capacity to provide care for their adoptee.
If their assessment finds that you have a bad track record with pets, your application will most likely be rejected. Similarly, if they deem your lifestyle unfit for owning a Doberman, your chances of having your application approved will slim down.
Moreover, pet rescue homes also consider your physical environment and household members when you apply for adoption. Your home should have a fenced backyard or an alternative space for your Doberman to play in.
Also, apart from a few exceptions, all Doberman rescues do not adopt to households with children under the age of seven. If these factors did not raise any red flags to you, then you are in luck and you might be a proud Doberman owner soon.
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4 Tips for Getting Approved by a Rescue to Adopt a Doberman Pinscher
Passing a dog adoption application is not the easiest thing to do. That is why it is helpful to ensure that you are prepared before submitting that application form.
To better help you prepare, here are a few tips you need to take note of:
- Be a self-made expert in Doberman Pinschers. Tons of readily available resources will equip you with everything you need to know about Dobes. Watch a couple of Youtube videos, read blogs, and interview Doberman owners in your area. These will give you insights into the breed and how to handle them.
- Prepare your home. If your backyard is not fenced already, make sure to fence it before your scheduled home visit. Also, do take note of the required fence height and materials.
- Strike up a conversation with the rescue staff. Asking a lot of questions to the rescue staff will count towards your interest and effort. You will also gain insights and tips on properly taking care of your Doberman, should your application be approved.
- Brief everyone in your household. All of your household members must be in it together during the adoption application. Take time to gather everyone around to discuss adjustments and to learn about the Doberman Pinscher breed.
Note that these tips are not a surefire way to ace an application. Every rescue organization differs in rules and policies. The best thing to do is to read through their policies and prepare your home and household.
Final Thoughts: Which Doberman Rescue Is Right for You?
Adopting a Doberman from a rescue may be a laborious task at first, but it is definitely worth it. Aside from being able to save a dog’s life, you are guaranteed a loyal best friend.
Choosing the best rescue will be a trial and error task, you will visit different rescue homes and meet plenty of adorable Dobes. If your first few applications end up rejected, do not lose hope. It is part of the process.