Looking for a Cocker Spaniel rescue group? Cocker Spaniels are amongst the 6.3 million companion animals entering shelters every year. A common misconception is that shelters primarily see mutts or mixed breed dogs coming through their doors.
Most breed-specific rescue groups rely on foster homes to care for the dogs until they can be placed in forever homes. For example, Naomi Lukaszewski and her husband Dan have fostered over 120 Cocker Spaniels to date for San Diego Spaniel Rescue.
Without the care, love, time, and donations from folks like Naomi and Dan and millions of other dog moms and dads, homeless Cocker Spaniels would be in trouble.
Cocker Spaniels find themselves homeless and for a variety of reasons–overbreeding, puppy mills rejects, improper training, owners are moving, and the fact that Cockers are a high maintenance breed.
Here’s how to tell if a Cocker Spaniel is the right dog for you. As you will read in my article, Cocker Spaniels have a variety of health and grooming needs for which not all pet parents are ready.
Cocker Spaniel Rescues Near Me
Below is a list of Cocker Spaniel rescue groups by state along with those outside the United States.
If you know of a reputable 501(c)3 Cocker rescue group that is not listed, please email me the information at carol@fidoseofreality.com.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for tips on finding a reputable Cocker rescue group along with adoption resources, costs, and other ways to find a Cocker Spaniel in need. We’ll also share a secret bonus tip to help you find a rescue Cocker.
Cocker Spaniel Rescue Groups By State
If your state is not listed, do not fret–some of these rescue groups work with prospective Cocker parents out of state. Reach out to them through their website or email. There are also websites listed below to find a Cocker Spaniel near you.
Arizona
Arizona Cocker Rescue
Website: AZCockerRescue.org
Mostly Cockers & Poms
Website: MostlyCockersandPoms.com
Spaniel Haven Rescue at Angels Saving Those in Need
Website: AngelsSavingThoseinNeed.com
California
Camp Cocker Rescue
Website: CampCocker.com
NorCal Cocker Rescue
Website: NorCalCockerRescue.org
San Diego Spaniel Rescue
Website: SDSR.org
Second Chance Cocker Rescue
Website: SecondChanceCockerRescue.org
Colorado
Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue
Website: RockyMountainCockerRescue.org
Connecticut
Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England
Website: CSRNE.org
District of Columbia
Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Website: CockerSpanielRescue.com
Florida
Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Website: FloridaCocker.org
Florida Coastal Cocker Rescue
Website: FloridaCockerRescue.org
Save Our Cocker Spaniels, Inc.
Website: SaveOurCockerSpaniels.org
Cocker Rescue of Florida
Website: CockerRescueFl.org
Illinois
Rockstar Cocker Rescue
Website: RockstarCockerRescue.com
Kansas
Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue KS/MO Branch
Website: Facebook Page of Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue KS/MO Branch
Louisiana
Mid-South Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Website: Mid-South Cocker Spaniel Facebook page
Maryland
Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center
Website: CockerAdoptions.org
Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Website: CockerSpanielRescue.com
Massachusetts
Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England
Website: CSRNE.org
Michigan
Cocker Nation Rescue of Michigan
Website: CockerNation.org
Missouri
Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue KS/MO Branch
Website: Facebook Page of Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue KS/MO Branch
Nevada
Las Vegas Cocker Rescue
Website: LVCR.org
New Hampshire
Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England
Website: CSRNE.org
New Jersey
Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Website: NYAbandonedAngels.com
Wigglebutt Rescue
Website: WigglebuttRescue.WixSite.com
New York
Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Website: NYAbandonedAngels.com
North Carolina
Charlotte Cocker Rescue of North Carolina
Website: CharlotteCockerRescue.com
Lynn for the Animals
Website: LynnForTheAnimals.org (Many Cockers in addition to others)
Ohio
Cherished Cockers Rescue
Website: CherishedCockers.org
Columbus Cocker Rescue
Website: ColumbusCockerRescue.org
Oklahoma
Okie Dokie Cocker Rescue
Contact: Anita Bowers, 417-529-8748
Transport Contact: June Myers, 405-650-4741; email: vjmyers123@gmail.com
Pennsylvania
Cockers Across PA Cocker Spaniel Rescue. Inc.
Website: CockersAcrossPA.org
Tennessee
Mid-South Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Website: Mid-South Cocker Spaniel Facebook page
Texas
Cocker Spaniel Rescue of Austin & San Antonio
Website: AustinCockerRescue.org
Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas
Website: CockerKids.org
DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Website: DFWCockerRescue.org
Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Website: GulfCoastSpanielRescue.com
Houston Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Website: HoustonCockerSpanielRescue.com
Vermont
Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England
Website: CSRNE.org
Virginia
Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Website: CockerSpanielRescue.com
Wisconsin
Shorewood Cocker Rescue
Website: CockerRescue.net
Cocker Rescue Groups Outside The USA
Second Chance Spaniel Rescue (UK)
Website: Second Chance Spaniel Rescue
Cocker and English Springer Spaniel Rescue (UK)
Website: CAESSR.org.uk
Cocker Spaniel Rescue Australia
Website: CSERA.org.au
American Spaniel Club Rescue
“Every specialty club is encouraged to have a rescue liaison listed on the American Kennel Club’s website,” says Debi Lampert. “I’m the rescue contact for the Cocker Spaniel Club of New Jersey, and Pat Crew is the contact for the Southern New Jersey Cocker Spaniel Club.”
Lampert, who is the founder of Topaz Cockers. She is on the board of the Southern New Jersey Cocker Spaniel Club and also is the Rescue and Breeder Referral for the Cocker Spaniel Club of New Jersey. She says folks interested in adopting a rescue Cocker should look on the AKC website for Cocker Spaniel rescues.
Each breeder club has a rescue person. For example, here are the various breeder clubs in New Jersey.
“Many times, the all-breed clubs have more members and resources. If a specialty club doesn’t have a contact person for rescue, then an all-breed club can direct them,” Lampert says. “This is safe and in our case, it’s funded by the American Spaniel Club Foundation.”
Other Resources For Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Search by state, zip code, and more for a Cocker Spaniel near you using these resources:
English Cocker Spaniel Rescue USA
Website: ECSCAHealthandRescue.org
Available Dogs: English Cocker Spaniel Rescue Facebook page
How Much Does It Cost To Rescue A Cocker Spaniel?
Adoption fees vary by the rescue group. According to PetFinder, shelters and rescue groups charge an adoption fee to help offset costs in caring for the pet. These costs include:
Veterinary visit and wellness exam | $50-$100 |
Spay or neuter | $150-300 |
Distemper vaccination | $20-$30 x2 |
Rabies vaccination | $15-$25 |
Heartworm test for dogs | $15-$35 |
Flea or tick treatment | $50-$200 |
Microchipping | $50 |
Deworming | $20-$50 |
Identification tag (with or without collar) | $5-$10 |
Any other detailed fees | TBD |
As you can see, medical and wellness costs add up fast. Cocker Spaniel rescue groups rely on the generosity of donors. Some rescue groups may have reduced option fees or waived fees during select events during the year.
How To Find A Reputable Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Not all dog rescues are created equal. True dog lovers of the highest order have one thing in common: We all want homeless dogs to find a loving, forever home.
I wrote a detailed article to help you find a reputable Cocker Spaniel rescue.
Red Flags When Adopting A Rescue Cocker
Times have changed, and sadly, not everyone claiming to be helping dogs is on the up and up. Some clear red flags during your rescue Cocker search to keep in mind:
- Some people steal dogs and try to resell them. Be sure any dog you are interested in adopting has been scanned for a microchip first.
- Be cautious on CraigsList. There are many unscrupulous people.
- Scan social media pages and groups on Facebook. People talk. Get the buzz on a rescue group first. Most experiences are positive. Remember, you can’t always believe what you read in groups.
- If someone is trying to sell you a dog privately, refer to our reputable Cocker Spaniel post. Ask questions. Get answers.
More Information About Cocker Spaniels
Are Cocker Spaniels High Maintenance Dogs?
Cocker Spaniel Eye Problems and Solutions
Cocker Spaniel Shedding: How to Manage It