Yorkshire Terriers might be small in size, but they are a feisty bunch who are huge in personality.
Fortunately, it is easy to find a local professional Yorkie breeder but if you intend to make a difference without spending a large sum of money, you can always choose to adopt rescue Yorkshire Terriers instead.
Don’t worry, it isn’t difficult to help save a Yorkie in need— as there are many ways you can do your part in keeping them.
You can start by checking out some reputable Yorkshire Terrier rescues we’ve included in this list.
RECOMMENDED READING: Most of the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier Rescues to Find Yorkshire Terriers for Adoption
As long as owners shower Yorkies with love and attention, these adorable little companions will stick to their owners like a shadow. This trait makes them a popular breed among many dog lovers.
If you’re looking for potential Yorkshire Terrier rescues near your area, we’ve got you covered.
1. Yorkie Rescue of America – Los Angeles, CA
In 2011, Yorkie Rescue of America was founded as a non-profit organization which is dedicated to helping Yorkies that have been abused as they recover their sense of safety and belonging.
This volunteer-only rescue organization allocates 100% of all donations toward the rescued Yorkies’ medical needs and rehabilitation.
They are committed to saving Yorkies in dire situations, some of whom are considered a lost cause by other animal welfare organizations. They help give these rescue dogs one last chance at life.
Since its inception, over 400 of the most desperate Yorkie cases have been rescued and placed in safe, loving homes.
They are currently looking for foster homes, which can provide you an excellent opportunity to get to know the Yorkies better before you decide to adopt one.
Foster homes help Yorkie Rescue of America rehabilitate, train, and socialize their rescued dogs before being adopted into their forever homes.
If you’re still undecided about the idea of adopting a rescued Yorkie, you may consider fostering as a test run of the experience.
Yorkie Rescue of America Information and Details:
Website: Yorkie Rescue of America
Address: 1171 S. Robertson Blvd. #248 Los Angeles, CA 90035
Email: tiffini@yorkierescueofamerica.org
Special Note: You can also reach them on Facebook.
2. Save a Yorkie Rescue (SAY Rescue) – Pennsylvania
Save A Yorkie Rescue, Inc. was founded on January 1, 2002. Since its inception, its volunteers have saved over 2,500 Yorkies and counting since this is the primary mission of the organization.
Thanks to the organization’s passionate volunteers, the lifesaving work gets done efficiently.
Everyone who works with SAY Rescue is a dedicated, passionate volunteer in the most literal sense, as no one gets paid. Many of the selfless fosters even go out of their way to help shoulder the Yorkies’ bills.
Aside from helping Yorkie owners and dog lovers looking to rescue, the group also invites their community to potentially volunteer and foster a Yorkie looking for a second chance at life.
If you’re considering adopting from SAYR, you can submit an adoption application or consider fostering a Yorkie at the very least. Remember that a rescued dog cannot come out of a shelter without having a place to go.
Save a Yorkie Rescue (SAY Rescue) Information and Details:
Website: Save a Yorkie Rescue (SAY Rescue)
Address: 575 Upper Market Street Milton, PA 17847
Phone: 484-300-7445
Email: bonnieh1995@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also reach them on Facebook.
RECOMMENDED: Male vs. Female Yorkshire Terrier: Which Is Better?
3. Yorkie911 Rescue – New York
Founded in July 2010, Yorkie911 Rescue is a non-profit organization with a primary mission of rescuing, vetting, and rehoming Yorkshire Terriers. Aside from Yorkies, the group also helps raise awareness about other small dog breeds.
Adoption in this rescue is notably different from a typical local shelter adoption experience.
Since Yorkie911 Rescue consists of volunteer foster families from the tri-state and surrounding area, all rescued dogs are placed within a foster care program until their “furever” families adopt them.
Their foster families open up their homes to allow rescued Yorkies to interact with their families, which is an excellent opportunity to expose the Yorkies to various daily lifestyles. They are given the same TLC that the family dogs get.
You can browse through available Yorkies on their website to see if a little furry friend catches your interest before sending an online adoption application.
Yorkie911 Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Yorkie911 Rescue
Address: P.O. Box 2627 North Babylon, NY 11703
Phone: (631) 965-6418
Email: yorkie911rescue@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also reach them on Facebook.
4. Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue (YTNR) – Tennessee
Since 1997, Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue has been rescuing and rehoming Yorkshire Terriers. Their rescues live in foster homes and are spayed or neutered, heartworm-tested, medically cleared, vaccinated, and microchipped to ensure each one is fit for adoption.
Before you send a YTNR Adoption Application, you can check the available dogs showing a list of possible new furry friends looking for a new home.
A minimum donation beginning at $150 is required, based on the dog’s age, condition, and relevant medical expenses incurred.
If you’re interested in adopting from this Yorkshire Terrier rescue, keep in mind that potential adopter applications are carefully screened.
This process includes pre-adoptive interviews as in-home checks and personal and veterinary reference checks to ensure each Yorkshire Terrier rescued ends up in loving and responsible forever homes.
Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue (YTNR) Information and Details:
Address: 1065 Lewis Rd Pleasant View, TN 37146
Email: YTNR@yorkierescue.com
Special Note: You can also reach them on Facebook.
5. Wren Yorkie Rescue – Oakland, CA
Wren Yorkie Rescue has been involved with animal rescue work in the California area for over four decades now, with a strong focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming rescue Yorkshire Terriers since 1995.
Their fostering approach differs from other Yorkie rescues, as they never turn down a senior dog. WYR also caters to old and disabled people and single-adult households with children wanting to adopt a furry companion as a new addition to their family.
The organization comprises certified dog lovers and dedicated foster families who volunteer in the rescues in their own homes until a new adoptive home is found.
If you are able to either foster or adopt a Yorkie in need, you may browse through their list of Yorkies currently looking for their forever home.
Wren Yorkie Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Wren Yorkie Rescue
Address: 4404 Keller Ave., #339 Oakland, CA 94605
Phone: (510) 610-0291
Email: wrenyorkierescue@aol.com
6. PUCCI Café Rescue and Adoption – Texas
PUCCI Café may be a public cafe and luxury pet boutique, but did you know they also provide dog rescue and adoption for Yorkie lovers to meet their new best friend? It means you may have a new furry pet without breaking the bank.
Perfect for people looking to add a Yorkie to their family, PUCCI Café partners with dog rescues and adoption services to provide plenty of foster opportunities. They support many homeless dogs that would love to be a new part of your family.
If you’re interested in adopting a Yorkshire Terrier, PUCCI Café can redirect you to the right people for the interview and screening process. Take a closer look at their list of sweet pups currently available for adoption and fostering.
PUCCI Café Rescue and Adoption Information and Details:
Website: PUCCI Café Rescue and Adoption
Address: 800 Town & Country Boulevard, Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77024 USA
Phone: 1-888-977-8224
Email: info@puccicafe.com
Special Note: You can also reach them on Facebook.
7. NC Yorkie Rescue (NCYR) – North Carolina
Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, NC Yorkie Rescue helps Yorkshire Terrier rescues find the best forever home so that they can live happily ever after.
More than 1800 Yorkies and other small breed dogs have been rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed by NCYR since 2006. These include dogs that were discarded and abandoned or nearly euthanized.
In viewing the available dogs up for adoption, you may get in touch with them to schedule an appointment. It may allow you to meet one of their rescued dogs if you have a pending approved application on file.
NC Yorkie Rescue makes sure each dog’s adoptive home will last a lifetime. Once an application has been submitted, their adoption coordinator will review your information and check your references accordingly.
Their carefully screened adoption process may result in placing the right dog with your family.
NC Yorkie Rescue (NCYR) Information and Details:
Website: NC Yorkie Rescue (NCYR)
Address: Greensboro NC 27406
Phone: (336) 676-4600
Email: NCYorkieRescue@gmail.com
8. United Yorkie Rescue (UYR) – Wisconsin
Initially founded on August 5, 2002, United Yorkie Rescue comprises loyal and hard-working rescue volunteers. The organization has consolidated its efforts to form a community dedicated to Yorkshire Terrier rescues.
Similarly, they are devoted to providing love, nourishment, and rehabilitation for these foster dogs.
To adopt a UYR foster dog, you must be over 25 years old and can financially prove you’re able to provide for a dog’s vetting and care.
After completing an online application request, the placement process may include personal and vet reference checks and a scheduled home visit.
If your application is approved, you will need to sign an official adoption agreement when ownership is transferred. You will also be asked to pay an adoption fee.
United Yorkie Rescue (UYR) Information and Details:
Website: United Yorkie Rescue (UYR)
Address: 6598 Riverdale Lane Greendale, WI 53129 USA
Email: uyrboardmembers@uyr.us
Special Note: You can also reach them on Facebook.
9. Yorkie Rescue Houston (YRH) – Texas
Founded in September 2015, Yorkie Rescue Houston was formed in a commitment to reduce the suffering of local homeless and abandoned Yorkies and other small breed dogs.
The organization is devoted to giving rescue Yorkshire Terriers the proper vaccination, spay/neuter, rehabilitation, and rehoming.
After checking the available dogs up for adoption, you can submit your application on their official website. Remember that every animal adopted from YRH should be spayed or neutered as per Texas State Law.
You must also be at least 21 years or older at the time of your application to be considered as a potential adoptive parent.
If you are a current pet owner, you are also required to present a consistent and positive vetting history, including but not limited to pet vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and flea or tick control.
Yorkie Rescue Houston (YRH) Information and Details:
Website: Yorkie Rescue Houston (YRH)
Address: 6046 FM 2920 # 628 Spring, TX 77379
Phone: 832-639-4251
Email: info@yorkierescuehouston.org
Special Note: You can also reach them on Facebook.
10. Yorkie Luv Rescue – Arizona
Yorkie Luv Rescue was first established in 2014, with a mission to “Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome, and Reluv.” Their group of volunteers is dedicated to ensuring all Yorkies in need will feel safe and loved until they are adopted into their forever home.
The Yorkshire Terrier rescue organization also works hand-in-hand with the local community to stress the importance of adopting a Yorkie.
If you are at least 21 years old, you can submit an adoption application through their website. Every application is usually reviewed within 24 hours, hence you can count for feedback as soon as possible.
A representative will then review and keep in touch with you to discuss relevant animal topics/concerns and other questions. Once your application is approved, a home visit is scheduled, where the adoption process is generally finalized.
Yorkie Luv Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Yorkie Luv Rescue
Address: 500 North Estrella Parkway #B2, Suite 495 Goodyear, AZ 85338
Email: yorkieluvrescue@yahoo.com
Special Note: You can also reach them on Facebook.
Another thing that can help you significantly with your dog hunt is reading our ultimate dog adoption guide. This alongside the Yorkshire Terrier rescue options from our directory will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire.
Other Sources for Yorkshire Terrier Rescues or Shelters for Adoption
If you are still unsure about finding a suitable Yorkie rescue after checking the top 10 rescue websites listed above, here are some other sources you can consider:
Adopt-a-Pet – Formerly known as 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com, this organization has helped over 21,000 pet rescue groups, shelters, SPCA’s, humane societies, and pet adoption agencies all over the USA. To find a Yorkie rescue, you must first register on their website.
Petfinder – This is an online, searchable database of pets who need loving homes. With a directory of about 11,000 animal adoption organizations and shelters from the USA, Mexico, and Canada, you might find the Yorkshire Terrier for you through this website.
Rescue Me – This network helps all pets in need find good homes, from dogs, cats, horses, birds, to other animals. Upon clicking on your desired state, you’ll be able to see the Yorkies currently available for adoption.
Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations – Local animal shelters and rescue homes are undoubtedly the best places to start looking for a new pet dog. With Yorkies, in particular, local shelters can be the cheapest and easiest way for you to adopt one of these furry angels into your own family.
To ensure this breed is the right fit for you, check out this helpful video on everything you need to know about Yorkshire Terriers before contacting your local rescue:
Dogs 101 - Yorkshire Terrier<a href="https://youtu.be/k4vXGmhAOPY" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fk4vXGmhAOPY%2F0.jpg" alt="Dogs 101 - Yorkshire Terrier" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Why Do People Put Yorkshire Terriers up for Adoption or in a Rescue?
Unfortunately, many Yorkshire Terriers end up surrendered to animal shelters and rescues or posted on adoption websites by their owners because of these common reasons:
The owner is moving somewhere far, and they cannot bring their pets along.
The owner does not have the required time to care for the Yorkie.
The owner cannot afford the Yorkie’s maintenance, current vet bills, or expensive medical procedures.
The owner cannot deal with the Yorkie’s exhibited unwanted behaviors, such as biting or displaying aggression.
The owner’s apartment landlord does not allow any pets within their properties.
There are too many pets in the household.
The owner has to focus on urgent personal problems.
The owner has a sudden change of mind, where the Yorkie is no longer viewed as a significant part of the family.
The owner’s deteriorating health or age, illness, and disability can make caring for Yorkies difficult.
Regardless of the reason, it’s always a big decision to say goodbye to a beloved companion animal. That’s why most owners are encouraged to seek help and explore alternatives if possible.
If you’re bothered with the idea of possibly adopting a rescued Yorkie with behavioral problems, there is no need to worry.
Most trusted animal welfare organizations are committed to properly rehabilitating these rescue dogs before they are put up for adoption.
How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a Yorkshire Terrier?
Buying a purebred Yorkshire Terrier puppy from a professional breeder may cost around $1,200 to $2,500.
In contrast, adopting Yorkies from rescues may only cost you an average of $400 to cover the expenses of caring for the pet before adoption. It is a highly reasonable price if you’re a penny-pinching, genuine dog lover.
If you want to learn the breakdown of the annual maintenance fees, refer to the table below:
Based on the table above, your Yorkie’s average maintenance fees can be generally more expensive than the adoption fee.
Fortunately, some Yorkshire Terrier rescue organizations may choose to waive some of the fees if the dog is old or had vaccinations and other procedures already taken care of by their former owner.
Is It Difficult to Adopt a Yorkshire Terrier From a Rescue?
It may be surprising to know, but several Yorkshire Terriers are currently in various rescues. It all boils down to the question of “will your adoption application be approved?”
The answer heavily depends on two primary factors: your readiness to be a pet owner and the adoption process of the particular organization you have chosen.
Keep in mind that some Yorkie rescue organizations are stricter in implementing their policies, especially if they heavily prioritize their rescued dogs’ welfare.
You would typically be required to cater to home visits, interviews, paperwork, and provide proper vet references to ensure that you are one suitable adopter.
So take your time in understanding what rescues are looking for in potential applicants. Doing so can save you a lot of time and heartbreak.
In the event they find something about your application that is rather unsatisfactory to their requirements, there’s a chance your application may be rejected in the end.
Ask yourself, “are you truly ready for pet-owning?” This factor will significantly reflect in your application whether you like it or not.
A potential adopter’s lifestyle is one of the many notable deal breakers since most rescue organizations want to ensure that their adopters have enough time to devote to their pets.
Adopting a new Yorkshire Terrier can be a long process, so it’s better to be prepared for it to take time.
As much as these animal shelters want to rehome their dogs as soon as possible, they would like to make sure these Yorkies end up in their “furever” homes.
5 Tips for Getting Approved By a Rescue to Adopt a Yorkshire Terrier
Landing a successful Yorkshire Terrier adoption application requires dedication and hard work.
While each process’s strictness varies from one rescue organization to another, you must adhere to each particular application requirement for it to be approved.
To successfully bring home a Yorkie, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Be an expert in Yorkshire Terriers. It takes careful planning and research to bring the right Yorkie into your home. You can do this by researching the breed and talking to other Yorkie owners, providing you with more ideas about their temperament and general disposition.
Provide detailed information in your adoption application. Whether you have to apply in the shelter or submit online through a website, you need to be as transparent as possible in answering the questions. It will show the evaluator how genuine you are in owning the dog.
Prepare your home for the new Yorkie. Most shelters are likely to schedule a home visit after sending in your application. You need to ensure that your home is safe before adopting a new pet, which includes building a fence so the dog wouldn’t be able to escape and keeping toxic, dangerous items out of the paw’s reach.
Ask relevant questions. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff any questions about the Yorkies. It will also count towards the effort in your scoresheet. You may ask about the dog’s duration in the facility, its temperament, health issues, or if it is already spayed/neutered and up-to-date with vaccinations.
Visit the Yorkie in the animal shelter. Visiting the dog in the rescue facility where it is currently being fostered will give you a chance to observe them for yourself. Doing so will also show the staff that you can give some time for the dog. It helps you score some brownie points!
Remember that these tips may work differently from one case to another since every Yorkshire Terrier rescue organization is different. It is essential to read and understand their policies to ensure your adoption application will be smooth sailing.
Final Thoughts: Which Yorkshire Terrier Rescue Is Right for You?
Yorkshire Terriers are among the most popular dog breeds in the USA. Fortunately, you can adopt a Yorkie to your family without exactly breaking the bank by checking with your local rescue organization.
Instead of paying the expensive breeder fees, you can allot your extra money towards your pet’s care and maintenance.
Choosing a rescue significantly boils down to personal preference. However, not every application is guaranteed to be a success.
There’s a chance your adoption may get denied, but it’s all up to you to keep trying. There’s a suitable Yorkie out there waiting for you to take them home.
As you continue to browse for the perfect Yorkie to adopt, keep in mind that these lovely, tiny dogs need help. They all need a ‘furever’ home with caring human companions devoted to keeping them happy, healthy, and safe.
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