10 Best Rottweiler Rescues for Adoption (2024): Our Top 10 Picks!

Best Rottweiler rescue for adoption

Gentle, playful, and a good protector best describe the Rottweiler so it’s no question why people love this breed.

They are not only working dogs that assist the police, security, and even the disabled. On top of that, Rottweilers are great playmates and guard dogs at home.

This breed is pretty popular, placing 8th in the American Kennel Club’s Most Popular Dog Breeds in 2020.

If you are planning to get one, you can easily find reputable Rottie breeders in your area. However, this is not the only way to get a Rottie. Another option is through adoption.

Adopting a Rottweiler hits two birds with one stone! You will find your furever buddy without spending so much and at the same time, save a life.

In this list, I will share with you some Rottweiler rescue organizations that can help you in your Rottie rescue journey.

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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 Rottweiler Rescues to Find Rottweilers for Adoption

The first thing interested adoptive fur parents would ask is: where? To answer this question, I have come up with a comprehensive list of where you can find Rottweilers for adoption.

Are you ready to find your Rottie?

1. Rotten Rottie Rescue – Arizona

Rotten Rottie Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving Rottweilers from being put to sleep.

To date, they have rescued over 900 Rottweilers from various shelters in Arizona such as the Pinal County Shelter. In some cases, they have rescued Rotties in neighboring states too.

Unlike other canine rescue centers, Rotten Rottie Rescue is foster-based. This means they do not have a single shelter or kennel that houses their rescued Rotties. Instead, rescued dogs are sent to foster homes that will take care of them.

Families of these foster homes are trained to handle homeless Rotties and are assured of caring for them with love and concern until they find their furever home.

The good thing about this foster system is that it gives the organization an idea of what their rescued Rotties are like, including their temperament, habits, likes, and dislikes.

By knowing these characteristics, the group can find the perfect Rottie for you. All of their dogs are vaccinated, spayed, neutered, and in good shape.

If you’re in Arizona, Rotten Rottie Rescue can be your partner in your Rottie adoption journey.

Rotten Rottie Rescue Information and Details:

2. R.E.A.L. Rottweiler Rescue – Ohio

Based in Ohio, R.E.A.L. Rottweiler Rescue has rescued dogs from different backgrounds. Some are saved from high-kill and rural shelters while others are surrendered by their owners.

This organization is dedicated to Rottweilers. However, they are open to receiving “not-weilers” or dogs of other breeds. It is their goal to give every homeless canine a home. After all, the abbreviation R.E.A.L. stands for Respect Every Animal’s Life.

Like the previous organization in our list, R.E.A.L. Rottweiler Rescue is foster-based. The Rotties and dogs they take in stay in foster homes while they wait for an individual or family to officially adopt them.

They monitor their dogs’ temperament and behavior so they may match them with the right adoptive family.

Since they started, they have already had 1000 successful adoptions – and counting! Add more to the growing numbers by adopting a Rottweiler through the help of R.E.A.L.

R.E.A.L. Rottweiler Rescue Information and Details:

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3. Rottweiler Rescue of Los Angeles, Inc. (RRLA) – Southern California

RRLA is a rescue organization that helps rehome Rottweilers in Southern California. Rotties who lost their homes or cannot be cared for anymore by their original families find shelter in RRLA regardless of their age and condition.

Aside from young ones and adults, RRLA has senior dogs and those with special needs. They also accept crossbreeds when they can.

Each rescued canine sees a veterinarian for a health check, gets neutered, spayed, and is updated on the necessary vaccinations.

Special needs and treatment are given to those that need them. They are also microchipped before being turned over to their new families.

RRLA follows a relatively lengthy adoption application to ensure every adoptive fur parent gets the Rottie that is right for them. This is also to ensure that dogs are matched with a family that will love and care for them.

If you adopt through RRLA, you can run to them for advice and concerns as they offer assistance even after adoption.

Rottweiler Rescue of Los Angeles, Inc. (RRLA) Information and Details:

4. North East Rottweiler Rescue and Referral, Inc. (NERR&R) – Northeastern States

The story of NERR&R goes way back to February 1998 when the founders received numerous calls from shelters and Rottie owners who were seeking space for homeless Rottweilers.

Because of all this, the founders felt the need to organize a rescue group dedicated to Rotties in the Northeast.

NERR&R has been taking care of abandoned and homeless Rottweilers ever since. They provide temporary shelter to dogs, give their basic and medical needs, and facilitate the process of finding them new and permanent homes.

All rescued dogs are exposed to family situations for at least two weeks to ensure that they have behaved enough for family life. This is for the benefit of both the dogs and adoptive families.

Above all else, it is education on the Rottweiler breed that serves as the driving force of NERR&R.

They want to educate and inform not only potential Rottie parents but also current dog owners, shelters, veterinary clinics, and the public as a whole on how to care for Rottweilers specifically.

At present, they are operating in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Should you wish to get your Rottie through NERR&R, you will receive their lifetime commitment to assisting Rottie owners.

They check on adoptions every year and give support such as advice, training, and tips to ensure that every Rottie is well taken care of.

North East Rottweiler Rescue and Referral, Inc. (NERR&R) Information and Details:

5. Florida Rottweiler Rescue Ranch and Sanctuary (FLRRR) – Florida

FLRRR is the haven for abused, medically in need, and aged Rottweilers. They take under their wing dogs who are lined up for euthanasia, those surrendered by their owners, and those of military families who had to leave behind their pets.

Situated in a 6.75 former Greyhound farm in Florida, FLRRR is the home to many homeless Rotties from different parts of Florida.

Their promise is to find a family for each Rottie that goes under their care. Rotties who are not able to find a permanent home become part of the FLRRR family.

Though they are based in Florida, their rescued dogs have also been placed in homes in the nearby states of Alabama and Georgia. For special cases such as dogs with special needs and seniors, FLRRR allows adoption in other states.

For interested individuals, FLRRR has set certain requirements for adoptive families.

Applicants must be at least 25 years old and with a stable source of income, do not have kids under 10 years old, and all pets living in the same house must be neutered, spayed, and vaccinated.

Florida Rottweiler Rescue Ranch and Sanctuary (FLRRR) Information and Details:

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6. For the Love of Dog – New Hampshire

For the Love of Dog was established in 2004 with the goal of rescuing Rottweilers in the New Hampshire area. Most of their rescued dogs are from shelters in neighboring states such as New England, New York, and New Jersey.

The organization has a live release rate of over 90%, higher than the 85% rate in northeastern shelters which was a result of no-kill campaigns around the country.

The live release rate refers to the percentage of animals that leave the shelter alive through adoption, transfers, and the like.

Since its establishment, For the Love of Dog has taken in over 1,900 animals and helped in the rescue of thousands more. They even extended their help to the bully breed and even kittens.

The group, specifically their registered arm For the Love of Dog – Rottweiler Rescue of New Hampshire, has a license to operate as an animal shelter in New Hampshire.

On top of that, they are a member of the Mayor’s Alliance of New York City, the Animal Rescue Network of New England, and the Code of Ethics Rottweiler Rescue.

For the Love of Dog Information and Details:

  • Website: For the Love of Dog
  • Address: PO Box 107, Hillsboro, New Hampshire 03244
  • Phone: 978-302-8171
  • Email: info@4theloveofdog.org

7. MidAmerica Rottweiler Rescue (MARR) – Central States

MARR has already been operating for over two decades in the central states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. They came as a response to the need for more rescue groups in the area.

Since 1999, MARR has been accepting dogs from private shelters, animal control facilities, and humane societies. Their focus is on organizations rather than dog owners who want to surrender their pets.

Due diligence is done to ensure that Rottweilers are matched with the right adoptive families based on lifestyle and environment.

Their application includes veterinarian and personal references, home visits, and as much as possible, a fenced yard. MARR also implements the signing of an Adoption Contract to protect their rescues.

If you are living in the mid states, you may want to get in touch with MARR for a Rottie rescue.

MidAmerica Rottweiler Rescue (MARR) Information and Details:

8. Southern States Rescued Rottweilers (SSRR) – Southern States

Catering to the states down south, SSRR takes under their foster care purebred and mixed Rottweilers of all ages. They have Rotties as young as puppies, also growing teenagers, full-grown adults, and even seniors.

SSRR’s rescue efforts and adoption initiatives are in 14 states in the country namely Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Like most Rottweiler rescue groups, they mostly rely on donations and volunteers.

Aside from permanent homes and adoptive families for their rescued Rottweilers, they are also looking for volunteers to help with tasks such as administrative work, interstate transportation of Rotties, and even for home visits.

Public education on the Rottweiler breed is also part of their purpose. They take part in dog events and give promotional materials such as flyers.

Those considering to adopt rescues from SSRR have to pay a minimal adoption fee that may differ based on the adopted dog’s age.

Southern States Rescued Rottweilers (SSRR) Information and Details:

9. Rottweiler Hearts Rescue (RHR) – North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia

RHR started saving Rottie lives in early 2012. They were able to rescue over 160 dogs in their first three years – and still counting now!

Most of their rescues are from country-run animal shelters that are often overcrowded. They get tips from concerned citizens, volunteers, or sometimes the shelters themselves on when a Rottie is in line for euthanasia.

With their resources, RHR puts these rescued dogs under their care and seeks help from foster families to take in these dogs.

Foster families are qualified to handle Rottweilers and teach these dogs to be well-behaved which includes potty and crate training.

Before being sent to foster and later adoptive families, rescued Rotties undergo checkups with a vet, get treated for diseases, are vaccinated, spayed, neutered, and microchipped.

RHR settles rescues into their furever homes. However, in some instances, when adopters can no longer care for the dog, RHR will welcome these pups back with open arms.

Areas covered by RHR are only limited to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Rottweiler Hearts Rescue (RHR) Information and Details:

10. Recycled Rotts, Inc. – Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin

A group of Rottweiler lovers with over 50 years of shared experience with the breed founded Recycled Rotts, Inc. in the late 1980s. It officially became a non-profit Rottweiler rescue group in 1997 and has been rescuing Rotties in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin ever since.

The group’s mission is to give abandoned Rotties a permanent, responsible home. Their rescues are usually from animal controls, humane societies, and owner surrenderers in the three mentioned states.

When a rescue gets placed under the care of Recycled Rotts, they go to a vet for a checkup, shots, and to get spayed or neutered. Dogs are placed under the care of a foster family but may stay in the organization’s local kennel while waiting.

All dogs go through an assessment for their temperament and to ensure that they are not aggressive. Foster families take note of their rescue’s behavior and habits to help potential adopters.

They also check if their Rotties are okay with children and other pets so they may be placed in homes with kids.

Recycled Rotts, Inc. Information and Details:

  • Website: Recycled Rotts, Inc.
  • Address: PO Box 1082, Oswego, Illinois 60543
  • Phone: (630) 551-0729
  • Email: info@rottweilerheartsrescue.org
  • Special Note: You can message them through their Contact Form.

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 Rottweiler Rescues or Shelters for Adoption

Adopted Rottweiler playing at the beach

It takes time and patience to find the Rottie for you. If you have not found a Rottweiler in our list, you may check out these other sources:

  • Adopt-a-Pet – Considered North America’s largest pet adoption website, Adopt-a-Pet has connections with over 21,000 shelters, rescue groups, humane societies, and pet adoption centers. Enter your location and find adoptable Rotties near you.
  • Petfinder – Petfinder is an online database that can link you, as a potential adopter, to nearly 11,000 shelters and adoption organizations.

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Why Do People Put Rottweilers up for Adoption or in a Rescue?

Rottweilers are great dog companions so it is sad to know that there are Rotties who are left in shelters, surrendered to rescue groups, and in really bad cases, abandoned to fend for themselves.

There are several reasons for this, some of which are the following:

  • The owner is moving to another area and cannot bring along the Rottweiler.
  • The owner’s apartment has a no-pet policy.
  • There are already too many pets in the house.
  • The living space is too small or not enough for the fully grown Rottweiler.
  • There is a baby in the house and the owners cannot take care of the Rottweiler or don’t want to have one around.
  • The divorce or separation of the owners makes it hard for them to care for their Rottie.
  • The owner is busy with work or other things to give attention to the dog.
  • Food, grooming, and other maintenance expenses are getting financially heavy for the owner.
  • The dog is sickly and weak.
  • The dog has medical needs that are too costly.
  • Behavioral problems such as biting and loud barking make it hard for the owner to control the dog.
  • The dog won’t listen to the owner.

Medical and behavioral problems may seem like areas of concern for interested adoptive Rottie parents. Rest assured though that rescue groups are transparent when it comes to the health of their adoptable Rotties.

These dogs are evaluated by veterinarians and nursed to good health. Part of the adoption fees goes into the medical expenses of these rescues.

In terms of temperament-related issues, there are trainer volunteers who help in teaching Rotties how to behave, especially in a home setting. In most cases, dogs stay in temporary families first so groups can assess their behavior and train them.

How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a Rottweiler?

Getting a Rottweiler through adoption is significantly much cheaper compared to buying one from a breeder. A Rottie pup from a breeder may cost from $900 to $3,000.

In comparison, adoption fees for a Rottweiler only range from $250 to $400. There may even be cheaper adoption fees. Factors of the cost include your area, rescue organization, and age and health of your adopted dog.

You may be wondering: if these rescue groups are non-profit, why are dogs not free? Most, if not all, rescue groups nurse dogs back to health. They are also run by volunteers so adoption fees cover the expenses of caring for these pooches.

Here is a table to show you what you are getting with the minimal fee you have to pay:

ExpensesAverage Cost
Vet Examination$50 – $100
Rabies Vaccination$15 – $25
Distemper Vaccination$60
Spaying/Neutering$150 – $300
Heartworm Test$15 – $35
Flea/Tick Treatment$50 – $200
Deworming$20 – $50
Microchip$50
Collar and ID Tag$5 – $10
Total$415 – $830

On top of the adoption fees, you also have to take into consideration other expenses when adopting a rescue. These include the cost for your dog’s crate, collar, food, vitamins, and regular vet visits.

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Is It Difficult to Adopt a Rottweiler From a Rescue?

Purebred Rottweiler rescue on green grass

Being an adoptive fur parent to a Rottweiler requires a lot of hard work, attention, care, and love. The goal of rescue groups is not just to give each dog a home but also a family that can give it the love it deserves.

Adoption processes are in place to ensure that the adoption is beneficial to both the dog and the adoptive family. Some Rottweiler rescue organizations have stricter and more meticulous adoption applications than others.

Aside from documents and interviews, there may be house oculars, surprise visits, and reference checks.

Several factors have a say on whether your chosen Rottweiler rescue organization will approve your application.

First, your readiness to be a fur parent. This may be the most important factor because you need to be able to give your dog attention. The staffs of these groups are pet lovers themselves so they can tell if you are ready for your pet or not.

Second, your capacity to provide for your dog’s needs. A common reason as to why Rotties are left behind is the cost of maintenance such as food, vitamins, grooming, and the like. You should be aware of and prepared for the possible costs.

Third, the dog’s future home. The environment must be conducive for living with a Rottie. This breed needs enough space to move around and settle.

Other factors would probably be allergies and health conditions of the applicant and those living in the same household.

If you do not know much about the needs of a Rottweiler, better ask the organization you are applying to so you can prepare yourself.

5 Tips for Getting Approved by a Rescue to Adopt a Rottweiler

The previous section has given you an idea of the things that organizations often look into in evaluating whether you are fit to be a fur parent or not.

Here I have listed some tips based on successful adoptions which you can follow:

  • Learn about the Rottweiler breed. Not all dog breeds are the same. To prepare yourself, know the specific needs, temperament, and other details about the Rottie. Find reference materials or ask Rottie owners for a more personal testimonial.
  • Be honest. As much as possible, practice transparency when filling out your application form and during interviews. Establish trust through honesty.
  • Prepare your home. Even though your application hasn’t been approved yet, already prepare your house for your Rottie. Build a fence and clear some space. Evaluators will visit your house and you want them to visualize where your dog will be living.
  • Ask questions and clarifications. If something remains unclear to you, feel free to throw questions to the staff of your chosen rescue group. It doesn’t hurt to ask!
  • Bond with your dog. The connection between the potential adoptive family and dog is very crucial. Visit your dog in its temporary shelter and form a bond with it.

Applying for Rottie adoption is definitely a challenge and what works for others may not work for you. Just be yourself and come prepared!

Final Thoughts: Is Adopting a Rottweiler for You?

Being a fur parent to a Rottweiler is a tough job regardless if the dog is from a breeder or a rescue. It requires time, patience, attention, and a lot of love and care.

Adopting is one of the best ways to get a Rottie because not only are you giving a homeless dog a new home and family, but you are also saving its life in the process.

Many dogs have to bid goodbye to the world simply because there is no one to care for them. This makes adopting a heroic act.

Before applying to be an adopter, think and assess first if you are ready to take on the task of being a Rottie parent. Remember that all Rottweilers, regardless of age and background, deserve the same amount of love and care.

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