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The Best Arizona Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Arizona. 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.

Sky Sanctuary Rescue
#3 in United States, #1 in Arizona, #1 in Phoenix
Phoenix
Sky Sanctuary specialize in the humane capture and rescue of stray, fearful and injured animals from the streets of Phoenix, Arizona, the surrounding desert areas and local shelters. We often rescue the abandoned, lost and forgotten animals. Fiercely advocating for the animals in our care. Often our animals have extensive and complex medical needs that require a profound level of specialty medical care. Not only do we invest in our animal's physical health, we utilize a trusted group of trainers to build confidence, empower and improve our animal's mental well-being in order to live peaceful, happy lives in family homes. We are very different from other animal rescue organizations. We are "boots on the ground" in our community while passionately fight for the dogs and animals no one else has the courage to take on. We have a knack for finding ourselves in pretty breathtaking scenarios- some call it divine intervention, others call it luck. We live by the mantra "if not me then who?". We are funded solely by public donations through social media. We are grateful for the opportunity to help these animals. We would go to any length to #SAVETHESTREETDOGS
"Love what they do for the most vulnerable animals"
— shauna l.
Supporter, Fan
"Amazing rescue; they do a lot for our community of stray and injured animals! Good communication with the public also!..."
— sandra j.
Supporter

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue
#39 in United States, #2 in Arizona, #2 in Phoenix
Phoenix
My name is Geri Hormel and I am the founder of Almost There Rescue. What do we do at ATR? We save bitches. No, we don't go around seeking out malicious, unpleasant women and try to convince them to change their ways (although someone should!). We save dogs. Specifically, homeless, pregnant, large-breed dogs. We scoop those gals up from less than ideal situations and give them a place to birth and raise their pups. We work our tails off to give our pups the medical help, enrichment, socialization, and love that they need on their journeys to finding forever homes.
"I lost my soul dog unexpectedly and struggled to fill a hole she left. I started to foster with almost..."
— stephanie b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"A unique rescue in that they take in mama dogs and their puppies, greatly helping reduce the number of families..."
— diana r.
Supporter, Fan

Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue
#41 in United States, #3 in Arizona, #1 in Tucson
#1 in labrador
Labrador
Tucson
SOLR is a rescue organization dedicated to helping Labrador Retrievers and Lab mixes who have been displaced from their home environment find new loving homes for the remainder of their lives. SOLR is non-profit and depends entirely on our volunteers and donations.
"I have fostered volunteer tested and adopted from Southwest Oasis Lab Rescue. I have worked with several rescues over the..."
— rebecca d.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
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— lisa d.
Supporter, Fan

Puppy Luv Animal Rescue
#83 in United States, #4 in Arizona, #3 in Phoenix
Phoenix
Foster based, all breed, all size dog rescue.
"LOVE, care, money, and endless hours is what I see spent on these fur babies!"
— amanda k.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"We have adopted two dogs from this wonderful organization. They are amazing and you can tell the dogs are..."
— christopher t.
Adoptee

One Love Arizona: Rescue, Advocacy + Sterilization
#124 in United States, #5 in Arizona, #1 in Gilbert
#7 in pit Bull
Pit Bull
Gilbert
One Love utilizes innovative and forward-thinking programs to rescue and rehabilitate at-risk dogs, advocate for shelter animals, and provide free spay + neuter services.y
"They do sooo much for the dogs here and they are always going above and beyond no matter what!! They..."
— elaine r.
Supporter, Fan
"One Love AZ consistently provides medical care, enrichment and hope for the shelter dogs in the Phoenix area."
— kimm t.
Supporter

Be Like Josh Foundation
#184 in United States, #6 in Arizona, #1 in Mesa
Mesa
The Be Like Josh foundation is a non profit organization dedicated to the study and advocacy of dogs with neurological disabilities. We are proud to celebrate all abilities on the canine neurological spectrum. It is an honor to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home these exceptional animals, to tell their stories, from rescue to adoption, and every adventure along the way. They serve as ambassadors of our mission, which pushes back against ableism in the veterinary community and promotes true inclusion, for animals and humans alike. Through our work, we share the message that all animals and people, wherever they are on the spectrum of abilities, are worthy of being seen, loved and appreciated.
"Wonderful rescue"
— rosie t.
Supporter, Fan
"They are truly a testament that all dogs could be helped"
— barbie g.
Fan

Barb's Dog Rescue
#207 in United States, #7 in Arizona
Barb's Dog Rescue is saving the lives of Rocky Point's street dogs! Most dogs come to us in dire condition; they are often sick, starving, injured or abused. Many of our female dogs come to us pregnant, and we are so happy to provide these sweet moms with a safe space to have their babies. 2023 was a very busy year, with well over 2,000 dogs rescued and adopted to loving families! We lost our founder and hero Barbara Mumaugh last summer, and while her loss has left a hole in our hearts, we are more committed than ever to continue her mission and life's work.
"This rescue does so much for the animals that have no homes and they are so deserving of this."
— rose w.
Fan
"Have seem them rescue so many street and feral dogs."
— claudia o.
Supporter, Fan

Friends For Life Animal Rescue
#218 in United States, #8 in Arizona, #2 in Gilbert
Gilbert
Friends for Life Animal Rescue is dedicated to the homeless and stray animals in our community. These animals do not have an advocate and will likely suffer starvation, illness, or injury as they try to survive alone. Animals on the street are often unaltered, reproducing and creating even more unwanted animals. Friends for Life prefers to get to the source of the problem through spaying and neutering all animals we take in, and educating the public about the importance of altering their animals.
"I started volunteering at friends for life in October of 2024. They have many dedicated volunteers who donate their time..."
— mary k.
Volunteer / foster
"Friends for Life goes the extra mile, which most animal shelters don't want. Each person connected with FFL has the..."
— vanessa s.
Volunteer / foster

Handover Rover
#218 in United States, #8 in Arizona, #1 in Scottsdale
Scottsdale
At Handover Rover, we specialize in rescuing and training 'tough' dogs‚ those with challenging behavior and medical cases. Our mission is to provide expert care, rehabilitation, and find loving homes for the dogs that cross our path.
"Koco and Sarah are always feet on the ground out there doing the work for these stray animals and working..."
— rebecca a.
Supporter, Fan
"Not only does Koco and team work tirelessly rescuing strays, medically and behaviorally challenged pups, providing vet care, training and..."
— becky i.
Supporter

Arizona Humane Society
#235 in United States, #10 in Arizona, #3 in Gilbert
Gilbert
In 2013, Maricopa County was one of the worst places to be a pet. Shelters were facing the second worst pet overpopulation crisis in the United States. The Arizona Humane Society was a large rescue shelter taking in thousands of homeless animals, but there were still many pets with treatable illnesses being euthanized throughout the state. We knew a radical shift in thinking was needed to save more animal lives. So, we began systematically launching multiple initiatives to care for the most vulnerable in our community. Today, we take in the pets that other shelters can't care for: the ones who are sick, who are injured, or who would normally be euthanized in other shelters because of their tough medical needs. We serve as a safety net for the Valley's most vulnerable pets, and our Ethical No-Kill Philosophy‚ ensures we never euthanize a pet for space or based on the length of time they've been with us. And every effort has been worth it. Since 2013, we've reduced euthanasia by 83%‚that's 150,000 additional lives saved. Here's how we're transforming animal welfare in Arizona.
"The Humane Society of Tucson Arizona has a wonderful staff and was very thoughtful and heartfelt when it came to..."
— malissa w.
Supporter, Fan
"I love the arizona humane society, they have a great staff, great for people with disabilities and awesome shelter"
— sam s.
Volunteer / foster

Foothills Animal Rescue
#266 in United States, #11 in Arizona, #2 in Scottsdale
Scottsdale
Foothills Animal Rescue began in 1995 and we have grown to be a community staple for dog and cat adoptions. We specialize in medical and behavioral animals that larger shelters may not have the resources to help.
"Great organization"
— melissa j.
Supporter
"FAR does an amazing job at caring for the animals that come in while they wait for their forever homes...."
— emily s.
Staff member

Arizona Animal Welfare League
#266 in United States, #11 in Arizona, #4 in Gilbert
Gilbert
The Arizona Animal Welfare League is the largest and oldest no-kill shelter in Arizona. A "no-kill" shelter is an animal shelter that does not kill healthy or treatable animals even when the shelter is full, reserving euthanasia for terminally ill animals or those considered dangerous to public safety. AAWL is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization, tax ID 23-7149453. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. AAWL rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes more than 4,000 dogs and cats that are abandoned or that have been surrendered by their owners. We do this primarily by rescuing them from other shelters in Maricopa County where they are likely to be euthanized due to the lack of time and resources to care for them. At any one time, our shelter will hold 140 cats and 190 dogs. We also have a foster parent network of approximately 90 families who provide care and shelter in their homes for puppies and kittens that are too young to be adopted, and those animals that are recovering from medical procedures or that need socialization before adoption. All pets offered for adoption have been spayed or neutered; micro-chipped and are current on all vaccinations. Any medical treatments needed, including surgeries, are provided by our medical team and all animals are evaluated by our behavior department. Learn more about our Phoenix veterinary services and animal clinic. AAWL not only adopts companion animals into loving homes, but we also hold a leadership position in the community in education and animal welfare issues. Check out our extensive dog and obedience training classes.
"Arizona’s largest and oldest no-kill shelter. The staff was wonderful! I adopted a blind dog and was even able able..."
— chelsie g.
Adoptee
"Good vibes"
— kailey r.
Adoptee

Rotten Rottie Rescue
#266 in United States, #11 in Arizona, #4 in Gilbert
#3 in rottweiler
Rottweiler
Gilbert
Thank you for visiting rottenrottie.com, Arizona's only Rottweiler rescue located in Gilbert, right outside of Phoenix! Within this website you should hopefully find all the answers you are looking for when it comes to helping rescue this great breed! From the dogs we have rescued, who's in foster care, how to become a volunteer or a foster parent, forms for adopting, donating, dog training , up coming events and so much more! We work hard to save as many as these great boys and girls off the euthanasia list at our county's animal shelter as we can (we also take owner surrenders, depending on temperament). Moreover, we rescue dogs from the Pinal County Shelter as well, and on several occasions have rescued rotties from neighboring states who were scheduled to be euthanized. The more Rottweilers we can place into forever homes, the more we can save! This rescue is foster based, meaning we do not have a large kennel where we house the dogs in cages all day. Each rottweiler that we rescue goes to live with a family who has experience or has been trained on how to safely bring in a homeless rottweiler, whose temperament is pretty much unknown. There the dog is able to relax and shows us his true colors. We are able to help train and tweak bad habits and behavior and learn what may set the dog off, such as a cat, another dog, a crying baby etc. This knowledge gives us the ability to match our dogs with families who would be a good fit. This gives the adopter a much better advantage then going to the shelter and picking out a dog that no one knows anything about, taking it home to find out that the dog gets very aggressive when he sees a cat and you hoped he was going to be fluffy's new best friend.
"I loved helping provide a safe comfy home to these pups. I was lucky enough to help a few pups.Honey..."
— nikki w.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"They do great rescue work"
— cathy m.
Fan

Saving Paws Rescue Arizona
#266 in United States, #11 in Arizona, #2 in Scottsdale
#7 in german Shepherd
German Shepherd
Scottsdale
Saving Paws Rescue Arizona is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) charitable organization in Phoenix, Arizona. We are dedicated to providing veterinary care, evaluation and adoptive homes for German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois dogs who are left in pounds to await uncertain fate, are owner surrenders (such as divorce, death, etc.) or are no longer wanted or cared for. We help provide a safe harbor for these dogs that might otherwise be destroyed. SPR doesn't believe that being sick, injured, old or pregnant is a reason to die. Saving the lives of the most vulnerable has long been a mission for SPR. The sick and injured are often abandoned by owners who cannot or will not provide care. The most vulnerable are the first to run ‚out of time, at the county shelters. The abandoned and dumped are often sick and injured as a result of living life on the streets and desert. Over 2,500 lives have been saved by SPR and our new facility will enable us to save more.
"Love what they do and such fabulous caring people"
— betty g.
Fan
"This rescue takes the dogs that are hard medical cases and doesn’t give up u til they are well and..."
— kathy m.
Supporter, Fan

AZ Mastiff Rescue
#266 in United States, #11 in Arizona
We are a 5O1c3 non-profit Mastiff Rescue located in Phoenix, Arizona and Southern California. We Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome English Mastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux and other Giant Breeds throughout the Southwest and take pride in every Mastiff we help.
"AZ Mastiff rescue works tirelessly to help mastiffs and other giant breeds find loving forever homes. As you can imagine,..."
— megan y.
Adoptee
"They are pretty much run by volunteers who not only take time to care for these dogs but take time..."
— jennifer b.
Adoptee, Fan

Friends of PACC
#361 in United States, #16 in Arizona, #2 in Tucson
Tucson
Friends of PACC was founded in 2016 by a group of dedicated PACC staff, volunteers, and community members who knew that the newly renovated shelter would need tremendous philanthropic support to thrive.
"Friends of PACC funds vital services to Pima Animal Care Center and the Tucson community. They are starting a Spay..."
— nicolette b.
Supporter, Fan

Lost Our Home Pet Rescue
#361 in United States, #16 in Arizona, #6 in Gilbert
Gilbert
"I adopted my puppy from here and they made the process so easy, had all her vaccinations up to date,..."
— ashley s.
Adoptee

Yavapai Humane Society
#361 in United States, #16 in Arizona
We are committed to ensuring that every companion animal in our community has a great home and is well cared for all of its life. We utilize resources to support, serve, and educate the community by: Advocating for animals and individuals. Showing compassion through patience and open-mindedness. Maintaining a transparent culture to increase, develop, and sustain credibility.
"Best rescue there is. Awesome people. They work hard to save and care for animals. My family adopted two amazing..."
— kerry d.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

Maricopa animal care and control
#361 in United States, #16 in Arizona, #6 in Gilbert
Gilbert
At Maricopa County Animal Care & Control we know a thing or two about making connections and saving lives. Animal homelessness is a community problem that requires a community solution.
"This place helped me find my first pet! Lots of animals need homes and I want to help them get..."
— bailey m.
Adoptee

Cavalier Rescue Foundation
#600 in United States, #20 in Arizona, #4 in Phoenix
Phoenix
The Cavalier Rescue Foundation of Arizona is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We are a small team of volunteers dedicated to rescuing neglected and/or unwanted Cavaliers and placing them in qualified and loving homes throughout the Valley. All of our Cavaliers are owner turn-ins, breeder surrenders, or rescued from puppy mills. Our mission is to help every beloved Cavalier find a forever home where they will receive the lifelong care and attention they deserve. A majority of our dogs come from puppy mills found throughout the Midwest. A puppy mill is a large scale breeding facility where female dogs churn out puppies for a profit with little to no true care for the health and welfare of the dogs. These dogs are left to live in kennels for their entire lives with minimal human contact. The females are bred every heat starting at 6-10 months of age, and their puppies are sold either locally, online, or at pet stores nationwide. Our rescue is unique in that we often have to pay for our Cavaliers at puppy mill auctions. These events are held in states such as Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma where hundreds of dogs are tagged with a number, listed in a catalog, and one by one brought up to the auction block where they are simply sold to the highest bidder. We concentrate on purchasing Cavaliers from complete kennel sellouts. This means a breeder is selling everything; all their dogs, their buildings, kennels, equipment, etc. The money that we pay the breeder to rescue these Cavaliers will typically go to the person's retirement, and not be reinvested in other dogs. Also, this keeps the Cavaliers that we save from going to other breeders where they will use them again and again as money making machines. Cavaliers are an amazingly resilient breed, and no matter how they are previously treated they learn to trust and love their human companions. Rescued Cavaliers make wonderful pets, and the bond that forms between them and owner is indescribable.

See More Dog Rescues & Shelters In Arizona

The Best Gilbert, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

One Love Arizona: Rescue, Advocacy + Sterilization
One Love utilizes innovative and forward-thinking programs to rescue and rehabilitate at-risk dogs, advocate for shelter animals, and provide free spay + neuter services.y
View profile

Friends For Life Animal Rescue
Friends for Life Animal Rescue is dedicated to the homeless and stray animals in our community. These animals do not have an advocate and will likely suffer starvation, illness, or injury as they try to survive alone. Animals on the street are often unaltered, reproducing and creating even more unwanted animals. Friends for Life prefers to get to the source of the problem through spaying and neutering all animals we take in, and educating the public about the importance of altering their animals.
View profile

Arizona Humane Society
In 2013, Maricopa County was one of the worst places to be a pet. Shelters were facing the second worst pet overpopulation crisis in the United States. The Arizona Humane Society was a large rescue shelter taking in thousands of homeless animals, but there were still many pets with treatable illnesses being euthanized throughout the state. We knew a radical shift in thinking was needed to save more animal lives. So, we began systematically launching multiple initiatives to care for the most vulnerable in our community. Today, we take in the pets that other shelters can't care for: the ones who are sick, who are injured, or who would normally be euthanized in other shelters because of their tough medical needs. We serve as a safety net for the Valley's most vulnerable pets, and our Ethical No-Kill Philosophy‚ ensures we never euthanize a pet for space or based on the length of time they've been with us. And every effort has been worth it. Since 2013, we've reduced euthanasia by 83%‚that's 150,000 additional lives saved. Here's how we're transforming animal welfare in Arizona.
View profile

The Best Mesa, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

Be Like Josh Foundation
The Be Like Josh foundation is a non profit organization dedicated to the study and advocacy of dogs with neurological disabilities. We are proud to celebrate all abilities on the canine neurological spectrum. It is an honor to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home these exceptional animals, to tell their stories, from rescue to adoption, and every adventure along the way. They serve as ambassadors of our mission, which pushes back against ableism in the veterinary community and promotes true inclusion, for animals and humans alike. Through our work, we share the message that all animals and people, wherever they are on the spectrum of abilities, are worthy of being seen, loved and appreciated.
View profile

Humane Society of Central Arizona
Located in Payson, Arizona the Humane Society of Central Arizona serves Gila County with a geographic area which includes the communities of Pine, Strawberry, Happy Jack, Whispering Pines, Fossil Creek, Rye, Gisela, Star Valley, Christopher Creek, Forest Lakes, and beyond. We also collaborate with animal rescue organizations throughout Arizona and beyond to bring animals together with lost families and to place animals in the best possible forever homes. We currently handle more than 1,000 animals per year but many more must be turned away due to lack of facilities. Each animal who comes to us is evaluated and when possible, healthy animals are held until adopted. Those animals with special needs that are determined to be treatable are cared for until an appropriate home is identified. We strive to ensure that only animals that are non-rehabilitative (serious illness/injury or aggressive to humans) are euthanized. Core Values We respect animals as intelligent beings. We value animals as beings who possess emotions including unconditional love, happiness, joy, fear, sadness and pain. We strive to alleviate suffering of animals. We believe in the abilities of animals to be teachers and healers for their human companions. We consider non-human animals to be partners in our human life journey and strive to develop and implement programs to make our community a more humane place for all.
View profile

Follow Your Heart Animal Rescue
Follow Your heart Animal Rescue is a 501(c) (3) organization with a simple mission- saving animals. To us, Follow Your Heart is more than just a name; it is our driven purpose. We are an all foster based rescue in Mesa, Arizona. By foster, we mean that there are loving people who willingly take in these beautiful transient creatures and do their very best to provide them with safety, security and love. We have seven unpaid board members, some of which have full time jobs in addition to their services to the rescue. Throughout our history we have saved thousands of dogs from euthanasia, many of them simply because of their breed, their age, physical disabilities, illnesses or just plain fear. This is the core of why we do what we do. While we openly take in puppies and dogs who are in good shape, our focus is on saving those who are most likely to be thrown away, abandoned and unloved. This organization was founded on the principle that all life is precious and should be given the chance to be loved, cherished and cared for.
View profile

The Best Phoenix, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

Sky Sanctuary Rescue
Sky Sanctuary specialize in the humane capture and rescue of stray, fearful and injured animals from the streets of Phoenix, Arizona, the surrounding desert areas and local shelters. We often rescue the abandoned, lost and forgotten animals. Fiercely advocating for the animals in our care. Often our animals have extensive and complex medical needs that require a profound level of specialty medical care. Not only do we invest in our animal's physical health, we utilize a trusted group of trainers to build confidence, empower and improve our animal's mental well-being in order to live peaceful, happy lives in family homes. We are very different from other animal rescue organizations. We are "boots on the ground" in our community while passionately fight for the dogs and animals no one else has the courage to take on. We have a knack for finding ourselves in pretty breathtaking scenarios- some call it divine intervention, others call it luck. We live by the mantra "if not me then who?". We are funded solely by public donations through social media. We are grateful for the opportunity to help these animals. We would go to any length to #SAVETHESTREETDOGS
View profile

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue
My name is Geri Hormel and I am the founder of Almost There Rescue. What do we do at ATR? We save bitches. No, we don't go around seeking out malicious, unpleasant women and try to convince them to change their ways (although someone should!). We save dogs. Specifically, homeless, pregnant, large-breed dogs. We scoop those gals up from less than ideal situations and give them a place to birth and raise their pups. We work our tails off to give our pups the medical help, enrichment, socialization, and love that they need on their journeys to finding forever homes.
View profile

Puppy Luv Animal Rescue
Foster based, all breed, all size dog rescue.
View profile

The Best Scottsdale, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

Handover Rover
At Handover Rover, we specialize in rescuing and training 'tough' dogs‚ those with challenging behavior and medical cases. Our mission is to provide expert care, rehabilitation, and find loving homes for the dogs that cross our path.
View profile

Foothills Animal Rescue
Foothills Animal Rescue began in 1995 and we have grown to be a community staple for dog and cat adoptions. We specialize in medical and behavioral animals that larger shelters may not have the resources to help.
View profile

Saving Paws Rescue Arizona
Saving Paws Rescue Arizona is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) charitable organization in Phoenix, Arizona. We are dedicated to providing veterinary care, evaluation and adoptive homes for German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois dogs who are left in pounds to await uncertain fate, are owner surrenders (such as divorce, death, etc.) or are no longer wanted or cared for. We help provide a safe harbor for these dogs that might otherwise be destroyed. SPR doesn't believe that being sick, injured, old or pregnant is a reason to die. Saving the lives of the most vulnerable has long been a mission for SPR. The sick and injured are often abandoned by owners who cannot or will not provide care. The most vulnerable are the first to run ‚out of time, at the county shelters. The abandoned and dumped are often sick and injured as a result of living life on the streets and desert. Over 2,500 lives have been saved by SPR and our new facility will enable us to save more.
View profile

The Best Tucson, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue
SOLR is a rescue organization dedicated to helping Labrador Retrievers and Lab mixes who have been displaced from their home environment find new loving homes for the remainder of their lives. SOLR is non-profit and depends entirely on our volunteers and donations.
View profile

Friends of PACC
Friends of PACC was founded in 2016 by a group of dedicated PACC staff, volunteers, and community members who knew that the newly renovated shelter would need tremendous philanthropic support to thrive.
View profile

Southwestern Animal Rescue
Southwestern Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by animal loving veterans. We are committed to rescuing animals from neglect and abandonment. Our story began with Daisy. Daisy was a Clydesdale that was broke to ride and used to drive a wagon. Once she reached 18 years old her previous owners sent her to a "killpen" to be sold for slaughter. We knew she deserved better and Daisy was our very first rescue. She was an amazing horse and we were so lucky to have her in our life. After she passed, we knew we had to do something to help other horses and animals, like her, be saved from slaughter or abandonment. We realized our small rural community of Three Points was a popular destination for people to dump their unwanted pets in the desert. Seeing these lonely and scared animals become emaciated and ill created a stronger desire to become an advocate for these poor souls. It is our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and adopt out these animals so they can have another chance at life.
View profile

What's the Sniffspot Arizona Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Arizona Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Arizona 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 Arizona dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By City In Arizona

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization

Sniffspot Arizona Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Arizona?

There are 187 in Arizona. 74 are located in Phoenix with 113 are located in other areas of the state.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Arizona?

There are many reputable rescues in Arizona, the top 3 on our list are: Sky Sanctuary Rescue, Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue, Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Arizona offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Arizona is Australian Shepherd with 1 focusing on it. The second most common specialization is Greyhound with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Arizona?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Arizona. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
We love these animals more than anything. We pride ourselves, and finding the perfect fit for every dog that crosses our path. We extensively vet every Potential Adopter with an interview process, preadoption training + a homecheck no matter where the potential adopter is located in the country.

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Arizona?

Yes! Arizona has all of the following types of breed-specific dog rescues and shelters: Australian Shepherd Greyhound Puppy Boxer French Bulldog Poodle Shih Tzu Beagle Border Collie Labrador Rottweiler Golden Retriever Great Dane Chihuahua Husky German Shepherd Pug Pit Bull Small dog

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Arizona that specialize in senior dogs or special needs animals?

Yes! The top senior dog rescues and shelters in Arizona are: Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary, Camp Golden Years, Rusty's Angels Sanctuary

Can you recommend any reputable dog rescue organizations that focus on specific regions or communities within Arizona?

Yes! The top rescue and shelter in Phoenix is Sky Sanctuary Rescue. The top specialized rescue and shelter in Arizona is Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
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.
Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
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.
How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?
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.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
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?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
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!

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States
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.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)
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?
Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
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.
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Signs, Causes, and How to Handle It
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.
Dog Reactivity Chart: Understand and Fix Dog Reactivity
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.
How to Socialize Your Reactive Dog
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.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States
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.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States
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.
The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks
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.
The Best United States Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
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.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Arizona Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Sky Sanctuary Rescue

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue

Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue

Puppy Luv Animal Rescue

One Love Arizona: Rescue, Advocacy + Sterilization

Be Like Josh Foundation

Barb's Dog Rescue

Friends For Life Animal Rescue

Handover Rover

Arizona Humane Society

Foothills Animal Rescue

Arizona Animal Welfare League

Rotten Rottie Rescue

Saving Paws Rescue Arizona

AZ Mastiff Rescue

Friends of PACC

Lost Our Home Pet Rescue

Yavapai Humane Society

Maricopa animal care and control

Cavalier Rescue Foundation

See More Dog Rescues & Shelters In Arizona

What's the Sniffspot Arizona Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By City In Arizona

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization

Sniffspot Arizona Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Arizona?

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Arizona?

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Arizona offer?

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Arizona?

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Arizona?

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Arizona that specialize in senior dogs or special needs animals?

Can you recommend any reputable dog rescue organizations that focus on specific regions or communities within Arizona?

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Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

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Top dog names in the US

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