logoSA Yorkie Rescue

Adopt a Yorkie in South Africa

If you are searching for a Yorkie to adopt, a Yorkshire Terrier rescue, or a small rescue dog in South Africa, this is the clearest starting point. SA Yorkie Rescue (SAYR) helps match Yorkies and Yorkie-type small dogs with suitable homes through a welfare-first adoption process.

Start your adoption journey

Review the adoption process below, then apply via the official form if a listed Yorkie suits your home.

Apply to Adopt a YorkieView Available YorkiesGet Adoption Alerts

How do I apply to adopt a Yorkie through SAYR?

To adopt a Yorkie, you must complete our official online adoption application form. Our intensive welfare screening process includes a review of your lifestyle, an in-person home safety inspection by a local volunteer, and comprehensive veterinary reference checks.

What are the requirements to adopt a Yorkie in South Africa?

SAYR requires all applicants to have a completely secure, walled garden suitable for a small breed. Any existing pets in the household must be fully vaccinated and sterilised. We do not approve adoptions to homes with unsecured swimming pools or electric fencing boundaries.

How much is the adoption fee for a Yorkie at SAYR?

Our adoption fee covers a portion of the essential veterinary work we perform for every rescue. Before placement, every SA Yorkie Rescue dog is fully sterilised, microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed, and given a clean bill of health by a registered veterinarian.

Can I adopt a Yorkie if I live outside of Gauteng?

Yes, SA Yorkie Rescue operates as a coordinated national network. While our primary hub is in Gauteng, we facilitate safe, welfare-first adoptions and home checks across major regions including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal through our local volunteer infrastructure.

GautengJohannesburg, Pretoria, East Rand, West RandWestern CapeCape Town, Stellenbosch, Somerset WestKwaZulu-NatalDurban, Pietermaritzburg, UmhlangaAll provincesAvailable Yorkies across South Africa

What does the SAYR adoption process involve?

1
Browse available Yorkies

Review profiles, read temperament and care needs, and apply only for a dog that suits your home.

2
Submit your application

The official form collects your lifestyle, property, and household information for screening.

3
Screening and home check

A volunteer reviews your application, conducts a home safety inspection, and checks veterinary references.

4
Adoption and follow-up

If approved, the adoption fee covers sterilisation, microchip, vaccinations, and vet clearance. Support continues after placement.

Why adopt through SA Yorkie Rescue instead of buying a Yorkie?

Welfare-first matchingDogs are placed based on suitability, not first-come-first-served. Every adoption includes screening, home checks, and ongoing support.
Vet-work includedAll SAYR dogs leave fully sterilised, microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed, and vet-checked.
Against puppy mills and scammersSAYR is a registered rescue, not a puppy seller. We do not accept deposits, courier fees, or inbox-only transactions.
Adoption alerts availableIf no Yorkie is available today, subscribe for alerts so you do not miss new arrivals.

Ready to adopt?

Start with the live Yorkie listings, then apply through the official form if a dog suits your home.

Apply to Adopt a YorkieView Available YorkiesRead the Adoption ProcessGet Adoption Alerts

View available Yorkies · Read adoption process · Contact & official links