Searching for a dog or puppy to adopt can be a challenge if you don’t have a list of dog rescue organizations in your area. There are hundreds of amazing dog rescue groups and organizations all around the world. I’m sure there is one near you that can help you find your new pup.
These shelters, pounds, and rescue groups are run and staffed by animal lovers who are dedicated to helping pets. They work hard to find forever homes for the animals and give them a second chance at love.
If you are looking at adding a new puppy to your pack, consider adopting a homeless puppy. You would be saving a life and creating a special bond with a four-legged friend.
Table of Contents
Nationwide Rescue Organizations
ASPCA
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals believes that animals should be respected and treated kindly by humans. They are headquartered in New York City but have programs across the country. These programs help rescue and provide welfare to mistreated animals. ASPCA is a privately funded non-for-profit corporation with over 2 million supporters in the US.
The Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States is the largest and most effective animal protection organization in the US. They help over 100,000 animals each year and fight against animal injustice around the world.
Humane America Animal Foundation
This non-profit foundation owns and operates AdoptAPet.com. Adopt A Pet is the largest non-profit pet adoption website in North America. The website helps animal shelters, human societies, SPCA and other rescue groups advertise their homeless animals so these animals can find their forever homes.
North Shore Animal League America
North Shore Animal League was founded in 1944 and is the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world. Their mission is to increase adoptions, end animal cruelty, rescue animals, and reduce unnecessary euthanasia.
Hearts United for Animals
Hearts United For Animals is a no-kill shelter that rescues dogs from puppy mills provides low-cost spay and neuter services, and provides housing for animals from families fleeing domestic violence. They have a JetSet Dogs program that allows you to adopt their animals from across the country.
Hurricane Pets Rescue
Hurricane Pets Rescue was founded in 2005 as a disaster relief organization for animals. Katrina left hundreds of animals homeless and Hurricane Pets Rescue was there to help reunite these animals with their owners or find them new forever homes. Whenever there is a natural disaster, Hurricane Pets Rescue is there to help the animals. The animals that cannot be reunited with their families are sent to foster homes until they are adopted. Unfortunately, Hurricane Pets Rescue has limited funding and resources. They can’t help all the animals that need help. Check out their webpage for information on how you can help donate or see what pets are available for adoption.
The Mr. Mo Project
The Mr. Mo Project is a nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing senior dogs. Mr. Mo Project was founded by Chris Hughes and his wife Mariesa in honor of their late senior dog, Mr Mo. All dogs rescued get free medical care for the rest of their life and free transportation to their new forever home. If you are thinking about adopting an older dog, visit The Mr. Mo Project and see what dogs are available or find out how to donate to this amazing organization.
The Grey Muzzle Organization
The Grey Muzzle Organization was founded to help rescue and foster at-risk senior dogs. They believe that every senior dog should live out their golden years in a quiet, loving home and not in a shelter. This is another great organization to look into if you are thinking about adopting an older dog.
Breed Specific Rescue Groups
Visit the American Kennel Club’s website to find breed-specific rescue groups. Their Rescue Network Contact List will provide you with contact information for all nationwide breed-specific rescue groups.
State Shelters and Rescue Organizations
List of state shelters & rescue organizations coming soon.
Canada Rescue Organizations
Click on the links below to visit Petfinder.com and view shelters in your area.
British Columbia – Manitoba – New Brunswick
Newfoundland – Northwest Territories – Nova Scotia
Ontario – Prince Edward Island – Quebec
Saskatchewan – Yukon Territory
Mexico Rescue Organizations
Click here to visit Petfinder.com to see rescue organizations located in Mexico.
United Kingdom Rescue Organizations
RSPCA
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a UK non-profit that was founded to rescue animals in need. They help rehabilitate animals when possible, provide them with veterinary, and then help find forever homes for the animals or release them if they are wild animals.
Blue Cross for Pets
Blue Cross for Pets helps find homes for abandoned cats, dogs, small animals, and horses across the United Kingdom. They will work with you to help you find the perfect animal for your family.
Many Tears Animal Rescue
Many Tears Animal Rescue (MTAR) is a rescue based in South Wales but has dogs in foster homes throughout the UK.
Click here to find a local shelter near you.
Australia Rescue Organizations
SA Dog Rescue
The SA Dog Rescue is a non-profit rescue organization located in South Australia. Their mission is to save pets from euthanasia and find them in their forever homes so they can live the life they deserve.
PAWS Australia
PAWS is a group of foster care volunteers whose primary objective is to help lost and abandoned animals located in NSW, Australia. They do not have an office or staff and rely directly on word of mouth and their website.
Rescue Organizations in Other Countries
Please click here to find dog rescue groups from your country.
International Rescue Organizations
SPCA International
SPCA International is a global animal rescue organization that helps find homes for abandoned pets all over the world. They also help US Military troops who were deployed overseas reunite with stray animals they have befriended while deployed.
International Dog Rescue
International Dog Rescue works all over the world to help reduce stray dog populations through spay and neuter initiatives, education, healthcare, and re-homing dogs without families.
