"I invited NORSLED reps Gail de Rita and Cathy Christenson to join our
February Iditarod workshop (Gr 2-5). What a memorable treat! Gail and Cathy
shared their knowledge and experiences with the Iditarod race and Siberian
Huskies with our students. The students LOVED meeting their three big,
sweet, soft dogs -- who are extremely kid-friendly! After their enthusiastic
and informative presentation, we went to the park across the street. The
women harnessed their dogs to a wheeled cart and we enjoyed watching a
delightful demonstration of the dogs' natural instinct and pulling
abilities. NORSLED's participation in our workshop was the icing on the cake
-- a morning of fun learning for our families!"
Julie Kipper
Advisor-Teacher
Horizons Home Study
Mt. Diablo Unified School District
5/1/07
"Norsled is one of the best dog rescue groups out there! We adopted our malamute from them a year ago and she makes us laugh every day. I’ve been so impressed with how the group intervenes in some very bad situations and will do what it takes to rehabilitate a good dog found in need. Their staff of volunteers is simply amazing and I know the funds raised truly benefit the animals. Love you guys!"
Laura Katz 4/13/07
"We have adopted 2 great husky mixes from Norsled who are now part of our family. The adoption process with Norsled went beyond expectations in making sure their animals go to the right home. If an animal gets lost, you need some advice, or anything Norsled is there. I cannot say enough words of thanks and appreciation for this wonderful organization. A truly inspiring group!"
Andrew Heywood 4/12/07
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue
PO Box 5784
Vallejo CA 94591
Phone: 800-471-5822

Northern CA Sled Dog Rescue (NORSLED) is a 501(c)(3) non profit all volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing, fostering and finding homes for unwanted, abandoned and abused Northern breed dogs, including Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, American Eskimos and mixes of same. We work throughout Northern California and parts of Nevada. We often provide extensive medical care as well. Donations to NorSled are tax deductible. Please click the PayPal icon to support NorSled.
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue (NorSled) is an
all-volunteer non-profit group dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and
finding new homes for unwanted, abused and abandoned Siberian Huskies,
Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, American Eskimo and Northern-breed
mixes in 13 Northern California counties including Contra Costa,
Solano, Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, Glenn, Sutter, Yuba, Butte, and Yolo. While we are based in the San Francisco East Bay we rescue and arrange transport for dogs as far away as Nevada and Southern California.
Name: Northern California Sled Dog Rescue (NorSled)
Founded: 1998.
Tax status: We are a 501(c)(3) non profit: donations to NorSled are tax deductible.
Mission: Rescuing, fostering and finding homes for unwanted, abandoned and abused Northern breed dogs:
Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, American Eskimos and mixes.
Results: Since our inception, we have helped find homes for over 600 dogs. NorSled has worked
with local shelters to help find homes for an additional 500+ dogs adopted directly from shelters.
Many of these dogs we have found homes for were over 3 years old, and therefore harder to place. In addition to our rescue & adoption program we have helped countless owners to either keep their dogs or re-home them when necessary.
Other ways we help: We work with shelters, volunteers and other rescue groups throughout northern CA - from San Francisco to Nevada to Yuba and further north to assist with rescue efforts for Nordic and other breeds. We coordinate efforts with more than 10 other rescue groups including: MUSH, SHRR, BASH, Wing and a Prayer, ARF, Samoyed Rescue, German Shepherd Rescue. We host adoption fairs in at least 3 counties and attend events in even more. We have participated with ARF, Oakland SPCA, SCARF and others in adoption events and awareness. NorSled conducts programs at local schools educating students about dogs, sled dogs in particular and the Iditarod.
Membership opportunities: We are always looking for new members to help with adoption fairs, monitoring the shelters, fostering and/or fundraising. Please contact us at 800-471-5822 or send an email to rescue@norsled.org about your interest in helping out with NorSled.
What care has a NorSled Dog Received?
NorSled dogs are:
Why would a NorSled Dog Need Medical Care?
NorSled will pull dogs from shelters with treatable medical conditions. We nurse them and get them the veterinary
care they need while finding them homes. In recent times we have treated dogs for conditions ranging from torn knee
ligaments, heartworm and hookworm, to broken bones and gun shot wounds.
Where do NorSled Dogs Come From?
Most come from shelters. Realize, many of the local shelters are "kill" shelters; they euthanize the dogs that are
not adopted or recovered quickly. We try to work with the shelters as much as possible, even putting dogs up on our
site while still in the shelter.
We also sometimes have owner surrenders; people who can no longer keep their dog, for whatever reason. If at all possible, we encourage owners to keep the dogs with them while we try to find the dog a new home. This is less traumatic for the dog.
Rescuing Nordic Breed dogs can be expensive. Many come to us needing medical attention, some need behavioral training, and most need attention and love to get ready to go to their forever homes. We are always looking for foster homes, shelter monitors and people to help with adoption fairs and fundraising. The main requirements are a good sense of humor and extreme tolerance of dog hair!
To contact us about membership information and volunteer opportunities, send an email to rescue@NorSled.org. If you would like to make a donation to NorSled, click on How to Help. Or go to your favorite shopping sites by way of our Shopping Links. NorSled receives a donation from the merchant for any purchases you make through this page.
Our new newsletter will be filled with information on upcoming special events, nordic breed tips, adoption news, and information on our special pups.