North Texas Australian Shepherd Rescue

The creation of North Texas Australian Shepherd Rescue (NTASR) (Founded in 2020) is rooted in love, empathy, and a relentless drive to effect change. NTASR is celebrating 5 years of rescue THIS December! 

Driven by firsthand experiences rescuing dogs from neglect and exploitation—where dogs lacked socialization, basic care, and were used solely for breeding— NTASR, founder, Samantha, has become a vocal advocate for animal welfare reform. Her mission is to eradicate cruelty, rehabilitate, and ensure every dog finds a loving home.

NTASR has grown into a beacon of hope for countless dogs, transforming lives through rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming efforts. Samantha's heartfelt mission continues to inspire and drive the organization's efforts, ensuring that every dog, no matter their past, can look forward to a brighter future.

Who We Are:

NTASR is open to working with various working and herding dogs, depending on the circumstances. Over the years, we have welcomed many breeds into our care, including doodles, corgis, border collies, Boston terriers, chihuahuas, dachshunds, French bulldogs, Chinese shar-peis, and many more. 

We are dedicated to providing the necessary behavioral and medical rehabilitation to each dog, ensuring they are ready to find their perfect forever home. Australian Shepherds, in particular, hold a special place in our hearts, as they are unique breeds requiring experienced and dedicated homes.

What We Do:

NTASR has a comprehensive foster and adoption process to ensure the best outcomes for our dogs. Every dog is fully vetted before adoption, which includes being spayed or neutered. Prospective adopters must pass a background check, home visit, interview, and landlord check, and provide both veterinary and personal references. This rigorous process ensures each dog goes to the best possible home.

Our Impact: 

We collaborate with multiple trainers to rehabilitate dogs with special needs, such as those who are feral, have a history of biting, are unsocialized, or have fear-based aggression. All our dogs undergo heartworm testing, vaccinations, microchipping, and deworming. They receive comprehensive medical care to be as healthy as possible before adoption, which may include wound care, surgeries, therapy, heartworm treatment, dental procedures, and more.

In 2024, NTASR rescued 358 dogs, finding loving homes for 243 and partnering with rescues to give 61 more a second chance. We took in 79 owner surrenders, 25 strays, and 19 double merles, many requiring specialized care. Our reach expanded as we partnered with 51 Texas shelters, working together to save as many lives as possible.

With rescue numbers surging 38% from the previous year, our vetting expenses skyrocketed to $121,929, nearly doubling 2023’s total. We treated severe medical cases, performed life-saving surgeries, and saw an unprecedented wave of pregnant dogs—nine litters born in 2024 alone.

Despite the challenges, our impact grew. NTASR was featured on Good Morning Texas and in CanvasRebel magazine, bringing awareness to our mission. Last year, North Texas Giving Day raised $10,945—this year, we aim even higher to meet the rising demand.

How to Help:

Foster: If you live within one hour of the DFW metroplex & are willing to drive to our trusted vet in Southlake, we provide all the supplies and you supply the love. Fosters are the foundation to our rescue, and rescue would not be possible without our foster heroes. 

Donations: We are always in need of martingale collars, leashes, dog food, treats, enrichment toys, and monetary donations. Without these things rehabilitation would not be possible. Monetary donations supply the necessary transportation, & medical treatment (heartworm treatment, heartworm prevention, medical supplies) for so many of our rescue dogs.  Purchase collars or harnesses here and they will MATCH your purchase! 

We urgently need funds to care for the dogs we rescue. Your support allows us to rescue, rehabilitate, transport, and rehome these deserving animals. Today, we aim to raise $15,000 to help us move closer to our overall goal of $20,000.

2025 Goals:

1. Expand Foster Base by 50%: Increasing our fosters will enable us to save more dogs. 
2. Reduce Time in Rescue to 30 Days: Focused on dog rehabilitation to achieve quicker adoptions.
3. Establish an Advocacy Fund: Advocate for responsible breeding and dog welfare legislation in Texas. 
4. A Big Dream on Wheels 🚐 – Big rescues are becoming our thing, but let’s be real—our President’s trusty Subaru just isn’t cutting it (seriously, only so many wiggle butts can fit!). A transport vehicle would be a game-changer, helping us save and rehome even more Aussies and their friends.