Saving Paws Rescue Arizona

Saving Paws Rescue AZ is an all-volunteer, 501 (c) (3) charitable organization in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to providing veterinary care, evaluation and adoptive homes for German Shepherd Dogs , Belgian Malinois and others who are left in pounds to await uncertain fate, are owner surrenders ( divorce, death, etc.) or are from abusive or negligent situations. We help provide a safe harbor for German Shepherds and other breeds that might otherwise be destroyed.

Saving Paws Rescue was born out of the passion of one woman, founder Trish Houlihan. She volunteered at the county shelter and found the volume of German Shepherd dogs being euthanized horrific. She realized that there were very few options for rescues of this breed. She set out to save a "couple" when she could. With the help of a small select number of other like minded folks, SPR was opened in 2013. Today (2019) over 1300 GSDs (and a few others) have been rescued and living in loving forever homes. Saving a life is always the goal, but saving a special needs GSD or Belgian Malinois is what the rescue has earned a reputation for. The motto is "every dog deserves a chance". SPRAZ does not believe that being old, sick, injured or afraid is a reason to die. Severe medical cases often find their way into the loving arms of SPRAZ volunteers. They are provided with all the treatment possible to give them a chance at survival and a forever loving home. For dogs that do not have the ability to go into loving homes, our Love for Life foster program provides for the dog for life with all their needs cared for. Dogs in this program generally live in foster homes, but some may live out their lives in our "Doghouse", either way dogs are loved for life!

SPRAZ also looks to support our military by working in conjunction with Soldier's best friend. SPRAZ provides dogs for approved veterans that will go into and complete the service dog program. These dogs a truly Heroes in the impact they have on the lives of their military veteran. The veteran has not costs for his dog.

Saving a dog is more than just geography of moving from one place to another. It's the act of providing the dog with all that is necessary for that dog to find a loving FOREVER home. SPRAZ's dedicated volunteers care for the dogs everyday in not only providing them with everyday needs, but also giving many a reason to trust again or the ability to walk again or the right to be free from being bred over and over.