Yorkshire Terrier Rescue – Giving a Yorkie a Second Chance
A Yorkie rescue aims to find loving responsible homes for abused, lost and abandoned Yorkshire Terriers. These rescues are usually non-profit organisations, but do however ask for donations to be able to continue operating.
Yorkies get abandoned for a variety of reasons. Due to the increasing popularity of Yorkshire terriers there are many breeders popping up all over the place. Sometimes not all yorkies find a home and are put up for adoption.
In other cases families can no longer look after their yorkie and have to give him up.
In extreme cases Yorkie rescues need to step in and take the yorkie if they find out that the animal is being mistreated by its owners.
Sadly, there are also times when yorkies are found both lost or abandoned.
In all of the above scenarios Yorkshire terrier rescues will take the yorkie in question to a safe place where they will be taken care of and they also try to provide them with proper food, shelter and possible medical facilities too. This is where they will stay until the rescue center can find it the right home.
Why Rescue a Yorkie?
Adopting a rescue Yorkie comes with many rewards. You’re giving a dog a second chance at a happy life, often saving them from difficult circumstances. Rescue Yorkies can be incredibly loyal and loving, as if they know you’ve given them a fresh start.
Beyond the emotional rewards, rescue is often more affordable than buying from a breeder. Adoption fees typically range from $150 to $450 and usually include spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping — costs that would be far higher if arranged separately.
Read more about the advantages of adopting a Yorkshire Terrier and what to expect when you adopt a Yorkie.
How to Find a Reputable Yorkie Rescue
Finding a legitimate rescue organisation is the first and most important step. Here’s where to start:
National Rescue Organisations
- Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue — One of the largest US-based Yorkie rescue networks
- United Yorkie Rescue — A nationwide network of foster-based rescues
- Smaller breed-specific rescues — Search for “Yorkshire Terrier rescue” plus your state or region
Local Options
- Your veterinarian — They can recommend local rescue centres
- Local animal shelters — Yorkies often end up in general shelters, not just breed-specific rescues
- Social media rescue groups — Facebook groups and forums dedicated to Yorkie rescue
- Petfinder.com — Lists adoptable Yorkies from shelters and rescues nationwide
Remember, Rescue Centers are mostly volunteer organisations and are not trying to make profit. They are concerned with finding the right home for each dog.
The Adoption Process: Step by Step
Rescuing a Yorkie isn’t as simple as walking into a shelter and walking out with a dog. Most rescues have a thorough process to ensure their dogs go to the right homes:
- Application — You’ll fill out a detailed form about your home, lifestyle, experience with dogs, and why you want to adopt
- Reference checks — Most rescues contact your personal and veterinary references
- Home visit — A volunteer may visit your home to check it’s safe and suitable for a Yorkie
- Meet and greet — You’ll meet the Yorkie (and any other dogs in your home) to see if it’s a good match
- Adoption fee — Typically $150-$450, covering vet care, spay/neuter, and vaccinations
- Adoption contract — You’ll agree to provide proper care and often to return the dog to the rescue if circumstances change
- Follow-up — Many rescues check in after adoption to ensure everything is going well
This process may feel invasive, but it’s designed to prevent dogs from being returned to shelters. A good rescue wants to find the right home — not just any home.
Preparing Your Home for a Rescue Yorkie
Before bringing your rescue Yorkie home, take these steps to create a safe, welcoming environment:
- Yorkie-proof your home — Yorkies are small and can squeeze into tight spaces. Check for gaps under fences, small holes, and hazardous items at their level
- Set up a safe space — A crate or quiet corner with a bed gives your new Yorkie a place to retreat when feeling overwhelmed
- Buy supplies in advance — Food bowls, bed, collar, leash, ID tag, crate, toys, and grooming supplies
- Choose a vet — Book a check-up for within the first week to establish care
- Plan for the first few days — Take time off work if possible to help your Yorkie settle in
Cost of Rescuing a Yorkie
While adoption fees are lower than buying from a breeder, there are still costs to consider:
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Adoption fee | $150 – $450 |
| Initial vet check-up | $50 – $100 |
| Food and supplies | $100 – $200 |
| Training classes (if needed) | $100 – $300 |
| Ongoing annual care | $500 – $1,000 |
Many rescues cover spaying/neutering, microchipping, and initial vaccinations in the adoption fee, which can save you hundreds compared to arranging these yourself.
What to Expect: Common Rescue Yorkie Behaviours
Rescue Yorkies often come with baggage. Understanding what to expect helps you respond with patience rather than frustration.
Fear and Anxiety
Many rescue Yorkies have experienced trauma. They may be frightened of loud noises, sudden movements, men, or other dogs. Give them space and let them approach you on their terms.
House Training Setbacks
Don’t assume a rescue Yorkie is house trained — stress and change of environment often cause regression. Be prepared to start from scratch. See our complete potty training guide.
Resource Guarding
A Yorkie that went without food may guard their bowl or treats. Never punish this — work on it gradually by trading up and consult a trainer if needed.
Separation Anxiety
Having been abandoned before, rescue Yorkies may panic when left alone. Start with very short separations and gradually extend. See our separation anxiety guide.
Bonding Takes Time
Some rescue Yorkies bond instantly. Others take weeks or months to fully trust their new owners. This is normal. Be patient and consistent.
Training Your Rescue Yorkie
Many rescue centers advise training a Yorkshire terrier when you adopt him. Younger yorkies are often not yet trained and older yorkies, even if trained before, will enjoy the bonding. Training is also a great way to build trust with a rescue dog.
Housetraining Yorkshire Terriers
6 Simple Rules for Training Yorkshire Terriers
Adjustment Timeline: The First Month
Every rescue Yorkie adjusts differently, but here’s a general timeline:
- Days 1-3: Decompression. Your Yorkie may hide or refuse food. Give them space
- Days 4-7: Exploration begins. Keep routines consistent
- Weeks 2-3: Personality emerges. Real behaviour may surface as they feel safe
- Weeks 3-4: Bonding accelerates. This is when they start feeling at home
The 3-3-3 rule: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn your routine, 3 months to feel at home.
To contact your local rescue center, get in touch with your veterinarian who can give you the relevant details.
Have You Rescued a Yorkie from a Lonely Life?
Hi everyone! Did you rescue your yorkie from a lonely life? Did you decide that adopting a yorkie was a better idea for you than buying one straight out? Tell us about the adoption process, was it a complicated thing to do, or did you find that it was straightforward? Did your yorkie have trouble adjusting when you got him home, and let us know about training your new yorkie. Was it hard?
Share your rescue story using the form below.
Lost Yorkie Advice
What to Do If You Lose Your Yorkshire Terrier
Losing a Yorkie is every owner’s worst nightmare, but acting quickly and methodically gives you the best chance of a happy reunion:
- Search your neighbourhood immediately — Yorkies are small and can hide in surprising places
- Ask everyone you meet — neighbours, dog walkers, delivery drivers
- Post on local social media groups — Facebook community pages, Nextdoor, lost pet groups
- Contact local vets and rescue centres — someone may have handed your dog in
- Put up posters with a clear photo and your contact information
- Check found pet registries online
Microchipping your Yorkie is the single best thing you can do to ensure they’re returned to you if lost. Make sure your contact details are up to date on the microchip database.
Rescue Stories from Our Readers
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page:
Barney, our super yorkie terrier. — Barney was seven years old when we took him on from the RSPCA, and he had a few issues health wise but we gave him a good loving home…
Rescue yorkie – Gibbs — My husband and I went to the local animal shelter to donate some dog food. We made the mistake of looking at the dogs and there was little Gibbs…
Nikki — Though presently retired, I have been a full time volunteer with Shelter Animal Rescue, mostly dogs, for 30 years…
Bella’s Tale — Having always wanted a Yorkie but getting sidetracked, I decided I wanted to rescue a Yorkie…
Little Miss Pinkerton — The story of Little Miss Pinkerton…
Highway Boy — Driving along a highway, I noticed a small yorkie wandering around the side…
Love is Blind — I found a lost yorkie puppy and while I was looking for its family, all of my family members fell in true love…
A Little Millie from a Puppy Mill — In December 2003, my husband just had heart open surgery…
Momma – Too Short of Life — In October 2011, I started out as a foster home for a scruffy, underweight, fearful, almost hairless Yorkie…
Finding Precious — I was at work one night. The day before, my partner and I were discussing rescuing a dog…
My Best Friend Has Four Legs — After putting down my beloved first yorkie Beau, I swore I could not go through this pain again…
This Yorkie Needs a Second Chance — Looking for a rescue facility. 7 year old male yorky was originally adopted thru a pet shop…
Lizzy the Full-Time Yorkie and Part-Time Phlebotomist — We adopted a really cute Yorkie in the fall…
The Best Feeling in Providing That Forever Home! — After my first store-bought Yorkie died at the age of 14…
Carley — We received Carley when my cousin who works for a vet and also does animal rescue took her home…
My Boy Max — I adopted max about 5 years ago from a rescue centre…
Toto: From Terrified to Terrorist — I have to tell you my yorkie was brought to me where he was found in pouring rain…
Introduction to Lilly — I was working in a retail store when I heard one of the customers talking about getting a couple of dogs…
Riley — When my mom found out the news that she had advanced lung cancer, someone bought her Yorkie puppy…
We live in Nelson, BC. Interested in possibly adopting a young Yorkie.
I have lost my sweet Yorkie, Sigmund, who I adopted. I would love to give a good home to another Yorkie. There is nothing like a Yorkie. Sigmund let me live with him! He was the sweetest and most loving dog I’ve ever known.
I am available to adopt one or even two Yorkies. Please consider us. We live in Rockville, Maryland, and have a fenced in yard and much love and care to provide.