This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Alabama. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.
#69 in United States, #1 in Alabama
Sweet Home Doberman Rescue (SHDR) is the only 501c3, not for profit Doberman rescue organization in Alabama. Founded in 2015, SHDR has committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of abused, abandoned, and/or neglected Dobermans. It is SHDR's personal mission to assist these magnificent breeds in any way we can. We are dedicated to educating the public as well as future Doberman owners about these majestic, often misunderstood breeds. They are often portrayed as aggressive dogs who will attack at a moment's notice when in fact they are Velcro dogs who are loyal, protective, and want to please their family! A Doberman wants nothing more than to be by your side and on your couch. All SHDR rescues are up to date on their shots, HW tested, microchipped, and spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Some come into rescue injured or abused and it may take a little longer to ready them for a forever home.
"Most devoted group of people! From crawling under sheds to get pups or helping ones that are injured. They educate..."
— angie a.
Supporter, Fan
"As a groomer my life is dedicated to dogs. Dobermans will always have my heart, they're what I was raised..."
— amanda p.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
#74 in United States, #2 in Alabama
Our mission at Island of Misfits is to make a difference in the lives of shelter and unwanted animals we can bring into our lives. We also hope to make an impact on the pet overpopulation by offering a low cost option for spay and neuter.
"Island of Misfits in Alabama helped me adopt Blaze. He was a 6 month old puppy turned into a..."
— chrisanne c.
Adoptee
"I found a severely injured kitten on a cold night. I didn’t know just how severely injured it was, but..."
— kerri t.
Supporter
#95 in United States, #3 in Alabama, #1 in Mobile
Mobile
Thank you for visiting the City of Mobile Animal Services website! In August 2021, The City of Mobile began charting a new course to transform how we support people and animals in our City. The creation of a new Animal Services Department under the arm of Administrative Services signified a shift to a modern approach to shelter, control and programs. With a focus on community partnerships, this forward-facing approach works to ensure safe and healthy environments for people and pets. The department promotes responsible pet ownership, implements programs to reduce animal overpopulation, and has formed innovative partnerships and programs to increase the City's effectiveness in supporting animals and humans in Mobile. As part of this approach, a newly modernized Animal Services facility is currently in design and will be built in a new location central to all parts of the City, and many new positions are also being added to further our mission and programs. We look forward to serving your needs!
"I’m from Mobile, Alabama and I have personally seen the impact that the Animal Shelter has made in our community...."
— konner w.
Supporter, Fan
"I adopted our baby Donnie from there and he is the absolute best baby ❤️ Mobile has so many strays..."
— sophia r.
Adoptee, Fan
#98 in United States, #4 in Alabama
Wags and Whiskers, Mobile AL is a 501c3 FOSTER based animal rescue along the Gulf Coast. We do not have a brick and mortar facility. All of our adoptable animals are in Foster homes. We take in dogs from local shelters, strays, and from individuals who are in need of help. We can only take in dogs that we have a foster space available for and that space is limited due to the sheer number of unwanted dogs in our area.
"As a foster with Wags and Whiskers I am able to open my home to the puppies. Puppies are the..."
— breanna v.
Volunteer / foster
"This shelter is amazing and is one of the best I’ve ever seen it’s super well run and super well..."
— shane t.
Supporter
#99 in United States, #5 in Alabama, #1 in Huntsville
Huntsville
The Greater Huntsville Humane Society has been rescuing North Alabama's homeless animals for 55 years. Our mission is dedicated to supporting the humane care and treatment of all animals and providing adoption services to homeless and unwanted animals. We also proudly serve our community through programs and initiatives such as King's Community Kitchen, Pet Wellness Clinics (returning in 2024!), the Good Samaritan Fund, and Community Day. Three Tails ReSale, the GHHS Thrift Store, provides a unique shopping experience for all members of our community, while supporting the pets of GHHS.
"Such a necessary for our community."
— michael d.
Supporter
#99 in United States, #5 in Alabama
Metro Animal Shelter is a 501c3 non-profit organization that opened its doors in July, 1994. We are funded by the City of Tuscaloosa, City of Northport, and Tuscaloosa County Commission. Along with those funds, we receive donations which are tax-deductible, redemption and adoption fees. We receive animals from both animal control and citizens.
"They have worked so hard to turn this shelter around and it shows. The euthanasia rate was once so high..."
— cynthia d.
Supporter
#99 in United States, #5 in Alabama, #1 in Huntsville
Huntsville
The mission of Full Circle Rescue and Sanctuary is to prevent cruelty to all animals through rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption into their forever homes. Full Circle is a small, 501(c)(3), 100% volunteer-run, foster-based rescue and sanctuary in central Alabama.
"Golden retrievers saved from hell is a difficult mission…and they’re doing it!"
— valerie k.
Fan
#99 in United States, #5 in Alabama, #1 in Huntsville
Huntsville
At Dixie Girl Dog Rescue, we believe that every pet deserves a loving home. We are dedicated to finding the right families for our animals, ensuring every pet is placed in a safe and loving environment. Our team is passionate about helping animals in need, and we strive to find homes for every pet, regardless of age or breed. We are committed to finding forever homes for each of our rescues and we are proud of the successful adoptions we have facilitated. We believe in the power of happy endings, and we are here to make that happen.
"We had a wonderful experience adopting our family member Tipper back in 2020. It was during the pandemic and..."
— julie k.
Adoptee
#100 in United States, #6 in Alabama, #1 in Birmingham
Birmingham
In 1883, a young educator, Dr. John Herbert Phillips, came to Birmingham to direct the city's floundering school system. Dr. Phillips realized that a well-rounded child must be taught humane values and compassion. To that end, he founded the Birmingham Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Animals as well as the city's first High School and Birmingham's public library. GBHS has worked through more than our share of obstacles and problems. And yet, when you consider our predecessors had to take uncharted steps through times of war, social upheaval, and economic uncertainty, it is a credit to uncounted supporters that we have not lost sight of our primary goals. Our mission is, always has been, and will be to ‚promote the humane treatment of people and animals through education, advocacy, and services‚
#100 in United States, #6 in Alabama
An exciting movement is underway to save the American Lurchers. The American Lurcher Rescue Project is a team of dedicated volunteers concerned about the plight of the American Lurcher ‚ the underdogs of underground racing. Our love for the retired racing Greyhounds has drawn us together to help the thousands of lurchers who have often been forgotten. We hope to make a difference by helping them find loving forever homes through transport of these wonderful dogs to responsible adoption groups throughout the United States and Canada. We are a young group, but have accomplished much since we started transporting needy lurchers to groups in September of 2013. We hope to make a difference by raising awareness of the need for finding homes and adoption groups for the racing lurchers once their career has ended, through social media, networking, and the general support of a caring community.
In 1883, a young educator, Dr. John Herbert Phillips, came to Birmingham to direct the city's floundering school system. Dr. Phillips realized that a well-rounded child must be taught humane values and compassion. To that end, he founded the Birmingham Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Animals as well as the city's first High School and Birmingham's public library. GBHS has worked through more than our share of obstacles and problems. And yet, when you consider our predecessors had to take uncharted steps through times of war, social upheaval, and economic uncertainty, it is a credit to uncounted supporters that we have not lost sight of our primary goals. Our mission is, always has been, and will be to ‚promote the humane treatment of people and animals through education, advocacy, and services‚
The Greater Huntsville Humane Society has been rescuing North Alabama's homeless animals for 55 years. Our mission is dedicated to supporting the humane care and treatment of all animals and providing adoption services to homeless and unwanted animals. We also proudly serve our community through programs and initiatives such as King's Community Kitchen, Pet Wellness Clinics (returning in 2024!), the Good Samaritan Fund, and Community Day. Three Tails ReSale, the GHHS Thrift Store, provides a unique shopping experience for all members of our community, while supporting the pets of GHHS.
The mission of Full Circle Rescue and Sanctuary is to prevent cruelty to all animals through rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption into their forever homes. Full Circle is a small, 501(c)(3), 100% volunteer-run, foster-based rescue and sanctuary in central Alabama.
At Dixie Girl Dog Rescue, we believe that every pet deserves a loving home. We are dedicated to finding the right families for our animals, ensuring every pet is placed in a safe and loving environment. Our team is passionate about helping animals in need, and we strive to find homes for every pet, regardless of age or breed. We are committed to finding forever homes for each of our rescues and we are proud of the successful adoptions we have facilitated. We believe in the power of happy endings, and we are here to make that happen.
Thank you for visiting the City of Mobile Animal Services website! In August 2021, The City of Mobile began charting a new course to transform how we support people and animals in our City. The creation of a new Animal Services Department under the arm of Administrative Services signified a shift to a modern approach to shelter, control and programs. With a focus on community partnerships, this forward-facing approach works to ensure safe and healthy environments for people and pets. The department promotes responsible pet ownership, implements programs to reduce animal overpopulation, and has formed innovative partnerships and programs to increase the City's effectiveness in supporting animals and humans in Mobile. As part of this approach, a newly modernized Animal Services facility is currently in design and will be built in a new location central to all parts of the City, and many new positions are also being added to further our mission and programs. We look forward to serving your needs!
Welcome to the 2024 Alabama Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Alabama chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Alabama dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
We are a best match rescue. Please visit our site for application details.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.