Ready for one of the biggest furry changes in your life? If you’re interested in getting a Maltese pup, you might consider adopting a pup from a rescue.
There are plenty of places to adopt from, and I have gathered some of the best Maltese rescues for adoption so you don’t have to do extensive research on your own!
Rescue organizations are often based on volunteer work. They’re a group of people who are eager to help pups abandoned by their loved ones gather and do their best to find new homes for the adorable furry doggos.
On the other hand, several online places offer a variety of animals from shelters and rescue centers, such as Adopt-A-Pet or PetFinder.
However, if you contact rescue centers directly, that’ll surely shorten the time of the adoption process.
This article will discover the best Maltese rescues for adoption, including the price and other helpful information about these pooches!
Best Maltese Rescues For Adoption Near Me
1. Metropolitan Maltese Rescue (MetroMalts).
This is a non-profit organization with the primary mission of saving stray and abandoned purebred Malteses, as well as their crossbreeds.
This rescue group is the result of immense love towards Maltese canines. It was founded in 1998 by Maltese lovers who thought that these pups deserved a loving home just like any other dog breed.
After more than two decades of saving and rehoming these adorable doggies, it’s safe to say these amateur enthusiasts have grown into excellent professionals with the same amount of love and compassion towards these furry sweethearts.
This facility has plenty of proof that it’s one of the best Maltese rescues for adoption, including the integration into associations, such as the “Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals”.
This alliance is famous for gathering rescue organizations and animal shelters that are promoting the “no-kill“ program in New York.
MetroMalts are among the rare centers that offer their assistance even after the adoption is complete, which is one of the leading causes as to why they’re high on the list of the best Maltese rescues in the U.S.
Therefore, you don’t have to be worried even if you can’t think of all possible questions and concerns about your future pet before you legally adopt the pup.
The only disadvantage of this rescue center is that they accept applications in the New York tri-state region territory only.
Contact details:
Location: New York
Email address: [email protected]
Official website: Metropolitan Maltese Rescue (MetroMalts)
Contact number: 646 926 7165
2. American Maltese Association Rescue.
Unfortunately, the world is in great need of people and places that save canines abandoned by the ones they trust.
The primary mission of the American Maltese Association Rescue (AMAR) is to save those pups that were abandoned by their owners or breeders; simply said, the ones they had trusted.
AMAR is a non-profit organization that is focused on rescuing canines that are homeless, poorly treated, and neglected.
However, this isn’t a regular non-profit dog shelter. Instead of having their own sanctuary, AMAR cooperates with numerous foster families who open the doors of their homes to doggies in need.
Both the rescue facility and foster homes are completely volunteer-based and financed by the good people.
Volunteers at AMAR are connected to a significant number of foster families all around the country, but they’re in constant need of new foster families as well.
The idea for this association was born in 1995 as a response to the more significant number of Maltese canines that were abandoned or mistreated by their previous owners or breeders.
Volunteers at AMAR have always considered that these adorable pups deserve love and a forever home just as much as any other canine.
This organization is wholly devoted to ensuring that Maltese dogs and their new owners develop a healthy bond filled with love, attention, loyalty, and respect.
Saving dogs doesn’t just include picking them up from the streets, puppy mills, or homes they were severely treated in.
Health issues
Unfortunately, most of these canines come in bad shape, and some of them are malnourished, wounded, or ill. Eye infections, elbow or hip dysplasia, cardiovascular diseases, and various types of disorders are just some of the health issues most of these Maltese pups come with.
Although the volunteers at AMAR do their best to treat any immediate issues, foster families are the ones who go through the whole process of medical treatments with these dogs.
These families are like their guardian angels who prepare these adorable canines for their forever homes.
The Adoption Procedure
The adoption process is pretty simple, although it might look like a tiresome procedure at first. Every potential dog owner goes through these simple steps in order to get a pup that is suitable for their family and lifestyle.
If you decide to get a Maltese from the American Maltese Association Rescue, all you need to do is go through the following procedure:
• Fill out the application form on the official website of the organization
• Wait for the end of the application review and the evaluation process (which includes matching the owner’s lifestyle with the Maltese’s needs and temperament)
• Complete phone interviews. Multiple interviews are a part of the standard practice, so don’t be surprised if you receive more than one phone call.
• Check your background. The organization might check your reference contacts and make a home visit to confirm everything stated in the application form.
• Make the first contact with your future pet. For AMAR, canine security is of the utmost importance and the safety of the potential owner and their family. That’s why this association finds it necessary to attend the first live contact between the pet and the future owner.
• Wait for the final results. After the initial contact, the organization can conclude the whole process and decide whether the owner and the chosen Maltese pup are compatible.
• Sign the agreement and pay the fee. After the process completes, the owner signs the contract and pays the adoption fee (you can find the fee statement on their website).
• Go home with your new best friend!
There are several contacts based on your geographical location. If the state you live in isn’t listed below, don’t hesitate to contact coordinators for Northern California or for the West.
Contact details:
Official website: AMAR
1. Susan Leavitt, national coordinator for the East (New Jersey, CT, VT, NY, FL, RI, NH, MA)
Location: New York
Email address: [email protected]
Contact number: 212 874 7689
2. Eddie Gobbi, national coordinator for the West (CA, TX, NM, AZ, OK)
Location: Fort Bragg, California
Email address: [email protected]
Contact number: 707 964 4592
3. Gayle Lash, coordinator for NV and Northern CA
Location: Cotati, California
Email address: [email protected]
Contact number: 707 795 7759
4. Stephanie Smaltz, coordinator for OH and PA
Location: N/A
Email address: [email protected]
Contact number: 610 589 6252
5. Peggy Van Tassel, coordinator for D.C., West VA, DE, and NC
Location: Bristow, VA
Email address: [email protected]
Contact number: 703 330 3207
6. Leanne Sandmayer, national coordinator for the Midwest (WI, MN, KS, IL, IA, NE, MO)
Location: N/A
Email address: [email protected]
Contact number: 612 237 1191
7. Sherri Goldstein, coordinator for WA, OR, and ID
Location: N/A
Email address: [email protected]
Contact number: 619 248 1630
3. Maltese Rescue California.
The majority of Maltese rescue centers have the same goal – to save Maltese pups from living in poor conditions, be it on the street or in shelters.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of these adorable pups that are left unwanted by their owner mainly because people change their minds or the pet becomes sick, so they find it easier to abandon it.
That’s why it’s important to think thoroughly about the responsibilities of owning a dog before adoption. Some people seem to have difficulty understanding that canines aren’t toys, but living beings with emotions.
The volunteers from this organization give their best efforts to help those homeless puppies feel loved and safe again.
Foster families play an essential part in that as well because they represent a type of rehabilitation center in the time between feeling abandoned and welcomed to the new owner’s house.
The “Owner Surrender” Program
This facility includes the “owner surrender” strategy as well. The primary purpose of it is to take the dog from its owner in case they can’t take care of it.
Of course, if the owner gives up on their pet, they have to fill out the releasement form to prevent any unwanted accident.
If you decide to adopt a dog from Maltese Rescue California, all you have to do is apply via their official website and wait for an interviewer to phone you.
This part is reserved for all questions you might have about the whole pet adoption process. The interviewer can share details about available dogs, including their appearance, health condition, and temperament.
Meeting your new pet is usually done at the animal rescue center, so the volunteers can see how the pup reacts to its new owner.
After that, it’s their duty to check your home and evaluate whether it’s safe enough for the Maltese puppy.
The adoption fee is charged once everything is done, and then you’re finally free to take your pet home with you!
Contact Details:
Location: Escondido, California
Email address: [email protected]
Official website: Maltese Rescue California
Contact number: 760 315 8770
4. Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue.
Those who are willing to adopt a Maltese pup from the southeastern territory can do so by contacting this center.
This is another volunteer-led, non-profit association that takes pride in finding new homes for previously abandoned puppies.
Although they primarily focus on rescuing Maltese canines, the volunteers gladly save other toy dog breeds as well if they have enough space.
This rescue center accommodates pups that are no longer wanted by their owner, strays, and Malteses that are poorly treated at dog shelters.
There’s no better feeling than finding a loving home for an adorable pooch.
The main goal is to ensure these doggies finally get a happy home, which is why the rescue center has a couple of non-negotiable requirements that potential owners have to fulfill before even considering adopting a dog from this place.
One of the conditions is that the adopting family doesn’t have children under the age of 10. This might seem a bit harsh at first, but the rescuers want to make sure there will be no harm done to the pooch, not even accidental injuries.
Also, potential owners who have electric fences in the yard or any place that the Maltese might touch are off-limits.
All other information and details about donations, adoption (including the application form), and foster homes are available on their official website.
If you have any questions regarding the adoption or foster applications, feel free to contact the organization via email or phone.
Contact Details:
Location: Chattanooga, Tennesse
Email address: [email protected]
Official website: Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue
Contact number: 423 443 4082
5. Maltese Rescue Of OKC.
This no-kill rescue organization has been active for years with the help of great people who dedicate all their time and effort to making abandoned Maltese pups happy again.
This organization is devoted to saving small canines in general, but they’re particularly susceptible to emotionally and physically abused pups.
Maltese Rescue of OKC advocates spaying/neutering; every dog receives all required medical treatments as well before they’re sent to foster homes.
Foster families take great care of the canines from this facility until the perfect adopting parents appear.
Maltese Rescue of OKC doesn’t have an official website, but it can be found on social platforms, such as Facebook and Petfinder, the online databases of pets that are up for adoption.
The best way to apply for adoption is to send an email to the rescue center owner who’ll gladly explain the details of the whole process.
Contact details:
Location: P.O. Box 42471, Oklahoma
Email address: [email protected]
Petfinder webpage: Maltese Rescue of OKC
Contact number: 405 919 2239
6. Lil’ Paws Maltese Rescue.
Having a group of people ready to devote all of their free time and energy to saving little doggies from the cold streets or from life in poor conditions (be it an animal shelter or an irresponsible owner) is priceless, and it shows that genuine kindness still exists.
The volunteers from this rescue center are dedicated to saving little canines like Malteses, Poodles, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, etc.
However, this organization has a special place in their hearts for Maltese canines that are in need of medical care, be it because of their genetics or poor treatment by previous owners.
Therefore, every rescued canine in this facility goes through a complete health checkup, vaccinations, deworming, etc.
If you adopt a Maltese from Lil’ Paws, you can be sure you’re getting a healthy pooch or a dog with the exact diagnosed issues (no hidden conditions or diseases).
It’s important to mention that this Maltese rescue organization offers the possibility of returning the dog if the owner isn’t capable of taking care of it anymore.
On the other hand, there are “trial periods” of adoption, which allow you to take a canine with you and keep it for a week.
The primary purpose of the trial period is to give the owner some time to check whether they’re ready to have a pet or not.
The adoption process requires the standard procedure – from phone interviews to home visits. However, you may adopt a pooch from this facility only if you’re older than 21 or with a legal guardian if you’re younger.
Also, the pups can be adopted on the territory of Greater Austin only.
Contact details:
Location: Austin, Texas
Email address: [email protected]
Official website: Lil’ Paws
Contact number: 512 853 2575
7. Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc.
This organization has been active for 20 years, and has saved hundreds of Maltese pups that needed a happy home and a loving family.
Every beginning is difficult, especially if you see dozens of pups that are in need of rescue when you can take only 15 in one year.
However, as time passed, the organization was able to increase the number of rescues until they were able to take in Malteses nationwide and from Canada.
This is the exact reason why they’re considered one of the largest and best Maltese rescues for adoption in the U.S.
Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc has come up with a great idea for collecting donations for the facility by organizing a great fundraiser where Maltese pups spend time with attendees (and their pets).
With these funds, the owners of the rescue center are able to place more dogs into their new homes.
The potential owners and donors can find all relevant information and details on the official website of the rescue center.
Contact details:
Location: Ellensburg, Washington
Email address: [email protected]
Official website: Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc.
Contact number: 262 800 3323
8. RetroDoggy Rescue.
RetroDoggy is a non-profit rescue group (former PetRealtorz) committed to rescuing abandoned pooches, including Malteses, Poodles, Yorkies, and other toy breeds.
One of the things I love the most about this rescue center is that they assist other rescues as well in everything they need.
The health of each pup is one of their primary concerns, which is why every pooch is thoroughly examined, vaccinated, microchipped, etc.
The owner of this facility is Connie Kramer, a full-time estate agent who still manages to find enough time for rescuing stray canines and finding them a loving home.
The adoption process might be easier than with other rescue organizations, but the potential owners will still have to be armed with patience as the adoption might take some time.
The refundable deposit is obligatory during the procedure, but once you gather all the necessary documentation, it’ll be returned.
Also, there’s a specific type of “trial period” that includes scheduled visits from the rescue center to ensure the dog’s safety.
If you’re interested in adopting a pup from this facility, the owner will be more than happy to help you with the whole process and explain everything in detail via email or in person.
Contact details:
Location: Commerce Township, Michigan
Email address: [email protected]
Official website: RetroDoggy Rescue
Contact number: 248 366 8674
9. Arizona Small Dog Rescue.
This organization might not be as large as other rescue centers, but that doesn’t make their contribution any less worthy.
The main aim of this rescue is to connect toy breed enthusiasts with adorable pooches that are looking for a permanent home.
Potential dog owners are more than welcome to pay a visit, see all available puppies in their shelter, and decide which one would be the best fit for them.
However, since they’re a relatively small rescue, they might not be able to put dogs for adoption outside Arizona.
You can find the pups from this facility at the many adoption events in the state as well, which is a rarity for rescue centers.
Donations are a crucial part of this rescue center as they cover all of the expenses, including medical checkups, food, dog equipment, etc.
If you wish to donate, foster, or adopt, you can just visit their main website and finish the initial process in a few clicks!
However, the application form should be handed in via hard copy, so make sure to take one with you once you visit the shelter.
Contact details:
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Email address: [email protected]
Contact number: 602 944 2440
10. Tiny Paws Rescue.
This is a foster-based organization with the mission of rescuing little dogs and finding them a place to live and be happy.
The volunteers from this facility do everything they can to help Maltese canines restore their faith in humans.
Most of their canines find homes in Bucks, Southern and Central New Jersey, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Chester counties.
The rescue center is connected to the Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia, one of the largest animal shelters in this area.
This rescue organization has several adoption programs, some of which might cause tears in your eyes.
Along with the formal adoption and foster services, you can find “Gizzy’s Gift” and “Tiny Wings” programs.
Tiny Wings
This is one of the most humane rescue programs that enable terminally ill canines from shelters to feel the love for at least a few more days or even hours of their life.
Although euthanasia is generally not considered an option for healthy canines or canines with treatable conditions, it might be the kindest decision for terminally ill pups.
These canines deserve love as well, which is why this organization takes them to their facility and holds their paws until the end.
Gizzy’s Gift
This program was created as a way to honor and remember the first terminally ill pooch, Gizmo, known as “Gizzy,” that was accommodated in their hospice.
The main idea of this program is to offer a forever home for pups with disabilities and untreatable diseases.
Tiny Paws Rescue makes sure these doggies receive all the love and care they deserve until the last day of their life.
If you’re interested in this place and want to find out more details, you can visit the rescue’s main website or contact them via email.
Contact details:
Location: Bristol, Pennsylvania
Email address: [email protected]
Official website: Tiny Paws Rescue
How Much Should A Maltese Puppy Cost?
If you’re buying a Maltese canine from a reputable breeder, the cost might be anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the size, color, background, etc.
A pup from rescue centers will cost approximately $300, which is basically the price for all the expenses regarding the dog (vet, equipment, microchip, spaying/neutering, etc.).
This is precisely why a lot of people decide to adopt rather than buy.
However, rescue centers usually don’t have any details on the background of their pups, which is why some dog owners prefer to buy a Maltese from a reliable source.
Final Thoughts
The non-profit rescue centers from the list above are just some of the best Maltese rescues for adoption in the U.S.
The rescue centers from this article are on the top of their game in providing selfless love, care, and effort to rescue stray Maltese pups and those that were abandoned by their owners when they needed them the most.
Owning a dog is a great responsibility no matter whether it’s a big or a small dog breed.
Before you decide to make this big step in your life, it would be best to do your own research about the breed, its needs, and all the costs you might have after the adoption/purchase.
If you’re not sure whether to adopt or buy a Maltese, think about the pros and cons of both ways to get a pup. Adopting is a great option if you’re looking for a loyal pet and a family friend.
However, if you’re concerned about the dog’s background and bloodline, it would be better to purchase the canine from a reliable breeder who can provide all the necessary documentation regarding its ancestors.
Either way, there’s no need to fear as adoption will surely be the best experience you ever had, especially if you’re a first-time owner!