Rocket Dog Rescue

“They didn’t see broken dogs—they saw hearts that just needed another chance.”
— A once-forgotten pup

Your support pulls dogs from danger and into loving homes.

Rocked Dog Rescue saves dogs at risk of euthanasia, giving them the care they need, and matching with safe and loving families.

30,000+ dogs rescued and lives transformed

With a dedicated foster network, volunteers, and adoption programs, we’ve helped tens of thousands of dogs find safety, care, and loving homes.

Supporting our Oakland community

From our sanctuary in the Fruitvale neighborhood, we provide free monthly vaccination clinics, daily food support, flea and tick prevention, and essential supplies to local families and their pets.

Driven by compassion, supported by a small staff and a majority-volunteer team

Our rescue is sustained by a small but committed staff and a majority-volunteer team dedicated to rehabilitation and placing dogs in safe, loving families throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

What Your Support Enables

Your support saves dogs who have run out of time in overcrowded shelters and gives them a true second chance at life.

Rocket Dog Rescue is dedicated to a world where no dog is killed simply because they are considered surplus, unadoptable, or too old. We rescue dogs at risk, provide essential medical care, and make sure they are safe, supported, and ready for a new beginning.

Once in our care, dogs receive housing at our Oakland sanctuary or with a foster family, along with spay/neuter, vaccinations, medical treatment, and behavioral support when needed. We then work tirelessly to find them loving, permanent homes through our foster network, online adoption platform, community partnerships, and adoption events.

Every dog deserves a second chance—and your support makes it possible.

What Rocket Dogs Rescue Does

Foster & sanctuary care

Online & in-person adoptions

Medical care & rehabilitation

Community support & clinics

Emergency shelter pulls

Volunteer-powered programs

Adoption events & outreach

Behavior & training support

We show up for dogs who have no one else.

Your donation turns into their hope

 

The Rocket Dog team shows up for animals that have been abused, neglected, forgotten, or have found themselves out of time at overcrowded shelters. We never turn away from any animal and say “that’s not my problem”.

With a 24 hour helpline, the calls come in from EMTs, hospitals, police, street teams,  fire or emergency evacuations, hoarding cases, or helping in large scale spay & neuter projects. Rocket Dog is always ready to respond! With love and dedication the team shows up every single day, hearts afire, willing and ready to do whatever it takes to make a difference in that animal’s life

In the pictures: Frankie, aka Lucky, sweet 4-yr-old Shepherd mix who, despite being born with a deformed front paw, has a zest for life and it doesn’t slow him down one bit. He’s a testament to resilience and joy in every step he takes. He came to us from Fresno Humane in August 2023 and was quickly adopted by an amazing family.  He is very much loved and thriving with his 2 human siblings and canine brother! Every donation makes second chances like Frankie’s possible!

A happy new family

Our Spotlight Adoption

Spotlight Adoption

I'm Jodi

I was adopted on february, 2026
and now i’m officially part of the pack!

The story of Bruno

In mid-July, Bruno was found tied to an abandoned car, weak and barely responsive under the sun. Most clinics were full or closing, but one finally said, “bring him in now.” Severely malnourished and dehydrated, he weighed just 35 pounds—and an ultrasound revealed nearly three feet of metal, plastic, and fabric in his stomach. After emergency surgery and a week of intensive care, Bruno began to heal. Despite the pain, he remained gentle and trusting. The dog was named after the person who saved him.

  • He was taken to North Peninsula Veterinary Emergency where he stayed for almost a week. The staff absolutely fell in love with him. His surgery and stay cost us over $12K
  • He went into foster care on 7/24

 

We’re so happy to report Bruno was adopted on October 8th by a loving family, whose son bonded with him right away.

REVIEWS AND VOICES

What People Say

Kez Quin
Kez Quin
Rocket Dog saved the life of my best friend, Mabel, after she and her two litter mates were thrown into a dumpster by some P.O.S. They all had parvo, but Pali (founder of Rocket Dog) was able to patiently nurse two of the three pups back to health. Sadly, one didn't make it.
One of those sweet girls that Pali saved has been my constant companion, road trip co-pilot, and the little furry love of my life ever since! We are still together 14 years later.
I cannot thank Pali enough for allowing me to be her forever Dad all those years ago.
Please don't buy your best friends! Adopt a rescue dog!!!
Tejaswini Ganapathi
Tejaswini Ganapathi
I adopted my beloved Trainwreck (as he was named by Rocket dog, whom I later named Goodboy) from here. Pali and Meg supported me through the whole journey. There was a time 3 years in when he was lost and they helped find his microchip number and did everything to help. They helped during another crisis too. Once you adopt a rocket dog you are always part of the Rocket dog family. Our Goodboy is no longer with us, he passed to cancer. But I'm eternally grateful to both Meg and Pali for being there through this beautiful journey as a first time dog owner.

What they say

We know they can’t talk, but if they could… what would they say?

With your help, we turn scared, abandoned, or neglected dogs into happy companions.

“Thanks to you, I can run, play, and wag my tail every day!” –Max

Let’s make more stories like these.