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
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/55/047eb8346180-LOGO_5.svg14861 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032
phoenixArizonaUS
The voice for the voicelessAmanda Morris
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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
"The voice for the voiceless"
— amanda m.
Supporter, Fan
"They are an open rescue to helping all animals in need"
— kelly j.
Supporter, Fan
Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/26/0af4f63a2178-logo.JPGAlmost There Rescue has changed my life! When I started as a volunteer, I saw how dedicated, organized, passionate, and supportive the community of people was there. Their mission to help pregnant moms and nursing pups in Arizona is incredible. I have developed a new passion for dog rescue that I did not have before. After volunteering for a few months, I fell in love with one of the mamas, Darla. Within a few weeks, I decided she needed to be a part of my family and adopted her. They were supportive through helping us with her separation anxiety, allowing us to foster her first, and give us tons of resources to help her transition to our home. I loved their mission so much, that I applied for a job, and now work there part-time.Katie Girolami
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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.
"Almost There Rescue has changed my life! When I started as a volunteer, I saw how dedicated, organized, passionate, and..."
— katie g.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member
"Almost There is a special type of rescue, focusing on providing care to stray pregnant female dogs and their new..."
— erin s.
Volunteer / foster
Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/27/035a185f25d1-SOLR_Logo_w.pngLabradorLabradorSOLR is such an outstanding lab rescue with a network of caring and compassionate volunteers. Their adoption process is through and e tensile to ensure the labs being placed into their forever home is a perfect match for both the adopters and dogs. We are an adopter of a wonderful lab named Cowboy ~ it was an amazing experience and such an outstanding organization.Jill Mueske
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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.
"SOLR is such an outstanding lab rescue with a network of caring and compassionate volunteers. Their adoption process is through..."
— jill m.
Adoptee, Fan
"SOLR is an incredible organization started with the love of Labradors. They help hundreds of labradors a year from rural..."
— christie s.
Volunteer / foster
Puppy Luv Animal Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/28/eaed8bc570b5-IMG_2031_removebg_preview.png3640 E Main Street
phoenixArizonaUS
Hard working people that has so much patience and love for the puppies. I rescued two puppies from them, they are dedicated and always taking pups from high kill shelters to help out.Ugeth Rinehimer
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Puppy Luv Animal Rescue
Foster based, all breed, all size dog rescue.
"Hard working people that has so much patience and love for the puppies. I rescued two puppies from them, they..."
— ugeth r.
Volunteer / foster
"I foster for this organization and they are the best. They take all puppies, even if they are sick or..."
— alicia d.
Volunteer / foster
One Love Arizona: Rescue, Advocacy + Sterilization
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/51/15b9248056d5-IMG_2561.pngPit BullPit BullOne Love is a true testament to what rescue should be! With spay and neuter funded clinics, enrichment programs, their let’s stay together program to keep pets and families together, to raising donations for severe medical cases, they do it all!Kelsey Sherwood
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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
"One Love is a true testament to what rescue should be! With spay and neuter funded clinics, enrichment programs, their..."
— kelsey s.
Volunteer / foster
"One Love Arizona is an amazing organization. They help the community by offering spay/neuter, free training to those who adopt..."
— ashsuire f.
Volunteer / foster
Be Like Josh Foundation
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/37/d1e0455a49e8-BLJF_logo_PDF_edited.jpgThis rescue is beyond amazing and extensively hand wholeheartedly advocates for the animals. Kimberly and Jenny are real and down to earth and have somehow found a way to continue being caring and loving in the face of all the cruelty they see.Gina B.
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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.
"This rescue is beyond amazing and extensively hand wholeheartedly advocates for the animals. Kimberly and Jenny are real and down..."
— gina b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"They are truly a testament that all dogs could be helped"
— barbie g.
Fan
Barb's Dog Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/30/3e7e8b969130-Screen_Shot_2018_09_28_at_8_58_17_AM.jpgBarb's Dog Rescue is an amazing rescue, Barb started her rescue over 20 years ago. Barb lost her only daughter on her 21st Birthday, her rescue gave her a purpose to live again. Barb said many times that she saves the dogs but they actually saved her. Barb's Dog Rescue is in Puerto Penasco or Rocky Point as many people know it as. Barb saw the terrible shape these dogs were in and knew she had to help.She worked tirelessly many years all by herself caring and loving these dogs. Rocky Point has a large group of poor people who are barely able to feed themselves let alone a dog. As a result many of the street dogs live a terrible life with no food, water let alone any medical care. Barb's Dog Rescue is a clean large facility which now houses more than 400 dogs and puppies. Barb works with several AZ rescues and now adopts out over 2,000 per year. Some dogs because of abuse or medical conditions will live their lives out at Barbs, where they have food to eat, clean water to drink and a soft bed to sleep in. Although rescue can be heartbreaking however seeing Barb's and the love and care she has built this into brings joy to any animal lover. Barb's could not do what it does for these animals without the team of staff, The Board of Directors and her supporters from all over the world.🐶❤️Gail K Lacy
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Barb's Dog Rescue
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.
"Barb's Dog Rescue is an amazing rescue, Barb started her rescue over 20 years ago. Barb lost her only daughter..."
— gail k.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"I can't say enough about how amazing this organization is! I have personally adopted 6 dogs from this organization..."
— shelley m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
Handover Rover
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/45/67e4144b00d5-hhr_logo_2.pngLove KokoChelle McCarthy
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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.
"Love Koko"
— chelle m.
Supporter
Friends For Life Animal Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/34/e01029abfd4d-Friends_for_Life_Animal_Rescue_Logo_1.jpgI follow this shelter from abroad! I feel that they give extra special care; not only to the animals under their watch but also the public in need of assistance! They are very engaging in their posts and bios of their charges—-humorous and captivating! I read their posts daily and feel that they really give back to the community as well!Debra H
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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.
"I follow this shelter from abroad! I feel that they give extra special care; not only to the animals..."
— debra h.
Fan
"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
Arizona Humane Society
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/31/394b32a87db9-ahs_logo.pngThe Humane Society of Tucson Arizona has a wonderful staff and was very thoughtful and heartfelt when it came to end of Life Services for my 16 year old boy teddy bear he was the best boy dog ever. They made the situation a little less painful for me and my family.
Emotional Rescue with Shannon I can't say enough words about this lady and the things that she does for these animals she's selflessly takes care of many different special need animals she has a heart like no other. You can see it in the faces in the reactions of the animals that she takes care of. She's very knowledgeable and has a village to help her with helping the animals that she rescues💜💙❤ to Simply say she's amazing is a way understatement she also has her son who shows the dogs all the love. Shannon is definitely someone that deserves recognition for her kindness caring and effort towards giving these babies the best life with her with Fosters and with adoptees please show her some love thank youMalissa Wlaskolich
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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.
"The Humane Society of Tucson Arizona has a wonderful staff and was very thoughtful and heartfelt when it came to..."
— malissa w.
Supporter, Fan
"AZ Humane is filled with good and caring people. They consistently show their community how they are doing great work..."
— katherine s.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
Rotten Rottie Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/53/e8835377f81e-1377149716.pngRottweilerRottweilerI loved helping provide a safe comfy home to these pups. I was lucky enough to help a few pups.Honey is one special rottie.I was happy to allow her to be a normal dog with my fellow rotties.She is now with a great familly living the best life.I was lucky enough to able to adopt a foster pup as well.Nikki Wheeler
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Rotten Rottie Rescue
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
Arizona Animal Welfare League
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/33/f4cf6664f5ba-aawl_logo_2023.pngGood vibesKailey Roberts
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Arizona Animal Welfare League
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.
"Good vibes"
— kailey r.
Adoptee
"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
AZ Mastiff Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/32/ec8f38b5fabb-s1820dpi17506.jpgThey are pretty much run by volunteers who not only take time to care for these dogs but take time to match make. Many mastiff breeds are not for the inexperienced or faint of heart so they ask a ton of questions and have several phone calls to make sure you are ready to take home one of these special dogs. They are kind and knowledgeable.Jennifer Brown
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AZ Mastiff Rescue
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.
"They are pretty much run by volunteers who not only take time to care for these dogs but take time..."
— jennifer b.
Adoptee, Fan
"AZ Mastiff rescue works tirelessly to help mastiffs and other giant breeds find loving forever homes. As you can imagine,..."
— megan y.
Adoptee
Saving Paws Rescue Arizona
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/54/b234cb27426d-SavingPawsRescue_logo_transparent_background_e1507522960500.pngGerman ShepherdGerman ShepherdLove what they do and such fabulous caring peopleBetty Green
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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.
"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
Foothills Animal Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/29/f2138382e973-FARLogo_VerticalPNG.png10197 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85260
scottsdaleArizonaUS
FAR does an amazing job at caring for the animals that come in while they wait for their forever homes. Each animal is treated with the respect and love they deserve by all staff and volunteers. We focus on medical cases that some larger rescues may not have the resources to take on in order to ensure the best quality of life.Emily Sathis
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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.
"FAR does an amazing job at caring for the animals that come in while they wait for their forever homes...."
— emily s.
Staff member
"Great organization"
— melissa j.
Supporter
Friends of PACC
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/35/b909b7f94fc4-Friends_of_PACC_logo.pngFriends of PACC funds vital services to Pima Animal Care Center and the Tucson community. They are starting a Spay and Neuter campaign that will change the accessibility of funds for much needed population control.Nicolette Brown
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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.
"Friends of PACC funds vital services to Pima Animal Care Center and the Tucson community. They are starting a Spay..."
— nicolette b.
Supporter, Fan
Maricopa animal care and control
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/50/ce4344787d05-Document.pngThis place helped me find my first pet! Lots of animals need homes and I want to help them get furever homes and the care they need while in the shelter.Bailey Michaels
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Maricopa animal care and control
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
Yavapai Humane Society
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/36/5289f80a72d2-YHS_Transparent_Web_Logo.pngBest rescue there is. Awesome people. They work hard to save and care for animals. My family adopted two amazing cats, one of which is special needs, and it was the best experienve.Kerry Doyle
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Yavapai Humane Society
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
Lost Our Home Pet Rescue
https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.pngI adopted my puppy from here and they made the process so easy, had all her vaccinations up to date, and trained my puppy so she was super easy at home!!Ashley Stuart
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Fur the Paws
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/42/0317b25ffa7b-qt_q_95.jpg
Fur the Paws
Our amazing team of volunteers are committed to helping dogs and supporting their guardians who have limited or no resources. Our members and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us affect positive change. We are always in need of Neighborhood Captains to help in this fight. Think you would be a good fit?
Welcome to the 2025 Arizona Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Arizona chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
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