Rescue

Kern County Animal Services’ Rescue Program is one of the most vital components of our life-saving efforts. Since 2013, this program—and the incredible organizations we are proud to call Rescue Partners—has helped save the lives of more than 30,000 animals. Simply put, without the tireless and compassionate work of our Rescue Partners, thousands of pets would not have had the chance to find homes and live full lives. We are deeply honored to collaborate with such devoted organizations and are grateful for the strong relationships we’ve built over the years.

Rescue Partners are typically nonprofit organizations dedicated to removing animals from the shelter environment, providing them with necessary rehabilitation, and placing them into permanent, loving homes. The Rescue Program is designed to be mutually beneficial: by transferring animals to Rescue Partners, Kern County Animal Services can free up critical kennel space and extend the time we can care for other animals. In return, Rescue Partners receive adoptable pets at no cost, furthering their mission and impact in the community.

How to Become a Rescue Partner 

In order for Kern County Animal Services to have a formal, long-term relationship with your Rescue organization, we ask that you

1. Review the program details & application process (PDF)
2. Collect electronic copies of all required supporting documents
   
   • Your organization's 501(c)3 IRS determination letter
   • Your organization's statement of purpose, indicating the primary breed/species that the organization rescues
   • The adoption agreement used by your organization when adopting animals into new homes
   • The list of people authorized to place a hold on an animal on the rescue's behalf (PDF)
   • The list of approved Foster Homes in Kern County (PDF)
   • The list of locations other than Foster Homes in Kern County used to house animals (PDF)

3. Fill out and submit the online Rescue Partnership Application, which will include uploading all of the above documents

After your application has been evaluated and all additional documentation has been received, Kern County Animal Services will be following up to complete the process.

Resources for Existing Rescue Partners

How to Find Animals

• Kern County Animal Services may periodically send you information about the animals in our facilities.
• You can also search our database of Lost/Stray Animals and Adoptable Animals. 
• If you see animals you wish to rescue, email rescue@kerncounty.com.

How to Update Your Information

Fill out the following with updated information and then email it to rescue@kerncounty.com:

• The list of people authorized to place a hold on an animal on the rescue's behalf (PDF)
• The list of approved Foster Homes in Kern County (PDF)
• The list of locations other than Foster Homes in Kern County used to house animals (PDF)

Local Animal Rescue Organizations

• H.A.L.T. Dog Rescue
  
• Bakersfield Boxers And Bullies Rescue
  
• Hand Me Down Dog Rescue
  
• Bakersfield Strays
  
• Lucky's Animal Rescue
  
• EMAS - Emm & Mal's Animal Sanctuary
  
• Mutts And Runts Rescue
  
• A SafeFurr Place Animal Rescue
  
• Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue
  
• Strength Of Shadow Dog Rescue 
  
• No Paws Left Behind (Rescue/Transport)
  
• Bakersfield SPCA
  
• All Seated In A Barn Animal Rescue
  
• Ocean Ray Rescue
• Alpha Canine Sanctuary
• Adoptapet.com Animal Shelters 

If your animal rescue organization would like to be included on this list, please email rescue@kerncounty.com