Which Small Dog Rescue Should You Contact?
South Africa has a dedicated network of breed-specific and provincial small dog rescues. Finding the right organization depends on your dog's breed, your location, and the nature of your inquiry (adoption, rehoming, or lost/found).
Referral Platform Disclosure: Small Dog Rescue South Africa is a guidance and referral platform. Adoption, surrender, screening and placement decisions are managed by the individual rescue organisation responsible for each application.
Use Our Interactive Rescue Finder
The fastest way to identify the correct rescue is to use our automated finder. By answering a few quick questions about your dog's breed, location, and needs, the tool will instantly match you with the appropriate registered NPO.
What kind of help do you need?
Step 1 of 5Breed-Specific Small Dog Rescues
Breed-specific rescues use breed-experienced foster homes and have deep knowledge of specific medical and behavioral requirements.
Yorkshire Terriers & Biewers
Primary Partner: SA Yorkie Rescue
Dedicated national rescue network for purebred Yorkies and Yorkie crossbreeds.
Maltese & White Toy Dogs
Primary Partner: Maltese Rescue
Specialized rescue and rehoming services for Maltese and mixed white toy dogs.
French Bulldogs & Bostons
Primary Partner: English & English & French Bulldog Rescue SA (EFBRSA)
Specialist support for brachycephalic needs, medical care, and rehoming.
Mixed Breeds & Other Small Dogs
Primary Partner: Little Doggy Rescue
Covers all small mixed toy breeds, Chihuahuas, Pugs, Pomeranians, and more.
Rescues Operating in Your Province
Make sure the rescue you choose has active operations and home-checking volunteers in your geographic area.
Gauteng
- • Little Doggy Rescue
- • SA Yorkie Rescue
- • Maltese Rescue
- • English & French Bulldog Rescue SA
Western Cape
- • Little Doggy Rescue
- • SA Yorkie Rescue
- • Maltese Rescue
- • English & French Bulldog Rescue SA
KwaZulu-Natal
- • Little Doggy Rescue
- • SA Yorkie Rescue
- • Maltese Rescue
Eastern Cape
- • Little Doggy Rescue
- • SA Yorkie Rescue (via Gauteng)
Free State & Northern Cape
- • Little Doggy Rescue (Case by Case)
- • SA Yorkie Rescue (National)
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West
- • Little Doggy Rescue
- • SA Yorkie Rescue
- • French Bulldog Rescue (Gauteng network)
How to Contact a Rescue Responsibly
Dog rescue organizations are almost entirely run by passionate volunteers who balance rescue tasks with full-time jobs and family responsibilities. To help them process your inquiry quickly and efficiently, please follow these guidelines:
- Use Official Channels First: Do not rely on Instagram direct messages or Facebook comments. Rescues use formal application forms (adoption forms or surrender forms) to track requests. Always fill out their official forms on their website first.
- Submit Complete Information: Leaving sections blank on adoption or surrender forms slows down the process. Ensure you provide accurate phone numbers, vet references, and descriptions.
- Be Honest & Transparent: If a dog is not good with cats or has a medical condition, state it clearly. If you have an active toddler, mention it. Trying to hide details to get approved puts the dog's welfare and your family's safety at risk.
- Exercise Patience: Rescues deal with dozens of animal welfare crises daily. If you do not hear back within 48 hours, send a polite follow-up email or message, but avoid sending multiple frantic messages across different platforms.
- Read the Guidelines: Before applying, read the rescue's guidelines on wall heights, sterilization, and child policies. If they specify "no homes with children under 6", please respect their experience regarding that dog's safety.