Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Island of Misfits
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/5/144d6fc0678c-IMG_8397.jpeg
AlabamaUS
Island of Misfits knows the root of our community’s animal over population problems! They are true warriors for the voiceless! They work tirelessly to voice much needed change & enforcement of state & local laws, codes & enforcement. They take advantage of every adoption event possible, to include a neighboring very rural County shelter that has no help & non stop abandonment. They assist pet owners get low cost spay neuter with option of transporting those animals to a low cost clinic. They have relationships with rescues in states that have animal protected laws, transporting our Community’s unwanted to them. They very carefully screen potential adopters, know breeds and will not allow an animal to go into a home that doesn’t fit. I could go on & on praising them! They are their voice & they are a much needed part of the army to save animals!!

Island of Misfits

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.

Mission and Vision

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.

Adoption Policy

We do our best to match the perfect home to the perfect pet. We offer lifetime support to our adopters so that they know they'll always have a friend to help them through.
https://www.islandofmisfits.org/

Testimonials

See all testimonials

"Island of Misfits knows the root of our community’s animal over population problems! They are true warriors for the voiceless! They work tirelessly to voice much needed change & enforcement of state & local laws, codes & enforcement. They take advantage of every adoption event possible, to include a neighboring very rural County shelter that has no help & non stop abandonment. They assist pet owners get low cost spay neuter with option of transporting those animals to a low cost clinic. They have relationships with rescues in states that have animal protected laws, transporting our Community’s unwanted to them. They very carefully screen potential adopters, know breeds and will not allow an animal to go into a home that doesn’t fit. I could go on & on praising them! They are their voice & they are a much needed part of the army to save animals!!"

renee.

Supporter

"This rescue has devoted an enormous amount of love, time, energy, and resources to doing all they can for the animals of both Baldwin and Clarke counties. From transporting pets to North US to creating and running a low-cost spay and neuter initiative, they step up to the plate in a big big way. They’re go-getters, and deserve the recognition."

jessica w.

Supporter, Fan

"Island of Misfits is run by the most amazing, passionate team. They work tirelessly for the animals that this state cares very little about. They do not have the support of the state or local governments and are fighting against the very common, ignorant thought that animals are disposable. I've never seen such heartless treatment of animals as I have in Alabama. This team is relentless in trying to change that perception and save as many little lives as they can."

jennifer b.

Supporter

"I am a retired veterinarian who once employed Connie, one of the founders of Island of Misfits, as a veterinarian assistant. She is passionate, very knowledgeable, and extremely hard working. She adores animals, and the care she provides to her rescue pets is excellent and full of love and compassion. She's an incredible person doing incredible work to help pets in need."

devin h.

Supporter

"Always supportive and there when I need anything."

connie c.

Volunteer / foster

"From the very first communication, this company was very professional and courteous. Every question I had was answered, and in a timely manner. The fee was acceptable, the dog I received had all of her shots had been spayed, was micro chipped, and came with additional paperwork With a guide for additional training if I wanted to look into that as well. The company did additional follow ups with me regularly for the first couple of months to make sure the dog was doing well in my home, and was willing to take the dog back if she wasn’t. Luckily, me and my new dog were a perfect match and we are doing fantastic. This company took my dog out of a horrible situation and transformed her into an amazing loving dog. I cannot recommend this place enough."

amy m.

Adoptee

"We got our second dog from Island of Misfits and have been following their work ever since. They are passionate and honest, and do their best to educate the community. They also offer lower cost neuter to help reduce the stray population around us. I love their work and am definitely a fan!"

rebecca j.

Adoptee, Fan

"I absolutely love this place. Not only do they deeply care about the welfare of their animals- they care about the people who adopt. They make sure to the best of their ability to match the dog to the adopters needs and wants. We love our baby and when the time comes again we would go back to Island of misfits in a heart beat. The compassion these people have for our fur babies is unmatched."

kaitlyn c.

Adoptee

"We adopted a pitbull puppy- we got photos and email/text updates about her life and progress once we matched with her, and we got lots of medical updates after she got spayed, so we felt connected to our pup and her caregivers. We trusted them with the transport over many, many miles, Alabama to Connecticut. They gave us the best gift of all- a loving, healthy, sweet, precious pitbull puppy who is now spoiled to the nines."

lauren c.

Adoptee

"I rescued my dog Boomer from Island of Misfits in November 2022 and had a wonderful experience. Connie was so responsive and answered all my questions and made the adoption process an absolute pleasure. Boomer is the best addition to our family and we owe that all to the work of Island of Misfits and all the good they do!"

lisa s.

Adoptee

Sniffspot Dog running on field

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Alabama


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Alabama

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

Sniffspot Dog swimming in pool
David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

All testimonials

"Island of Misfits knows the root of our community’s animal over population problems! They are true warriors for the voiceless! They work tirelessly to voice much needed change & enforcement of state & local laws, codes & enforcement. They take advantage of every adoption event possible, to include a neighboring very rural County shelter that has no help & non stop abandonment. They assist pet owners get low cost spay neuter with option of transporting those animals to a low cost clinic. They have relationships with rescues in states that have animal protected laws, transporting our Community’s unwanted to them. They very carefully screen potential adopters, know breeds and will not allow an animal to go into a home that doesn’t fit. I could go on & on praising them! They are their voice & they are a much needed part of the army to save animals!!"

renee.

Supporter

"This rescue has devoted an enormous amount of love, time, energy, and resources to doing all they can for the animals of both Baldwin and Clarke counties. From transporting pets to North US to creating and running a low-cost spay and neuter initiative, they step up to the plate in a big big way. They’re go-getters, and deserve the recognition."

jessica w.

Supporter, Fan

"Island of Misfits is run by the most amazing, passionate team. They work tirelessly for the animals that this state cares very little about. They do not have the support of the state or local governments and are fighting against the very common, ignorant thought that animals are disposable. I've never seen such heartless treatment of animals as I have in Alabama. This team is relentless in trying to change that perception and save as many little lives as they can."

jennifer b.

Supporter

"I am a retired veterinarian who once employed Connie, one of the founders of Island of Misfits, as a veterinarian assistant. She is passionate, very knowledgeable, and extremely hard working. She adores animals, and the care she provides to her rescue pets is excellent and full of love and compassion. She's an incredible person doing incredible work to help pets in need."

devin h.

Supporter

"Always supportive and there when I need anything."

connie c.

Volunteer / foster

"From the very first communication, this company was very professional and courteous. Every question I had was answered, and in a timely manner. The fee was acceptable, the dog I received had all of her shots had been spayed, was micro chipped, and came with additional paperwork With a guide for additional training if I wanted to look into that as well. The company did additional follow ups with me regularly for the first couple of months to make sure the dog was doing well in my home, and was willing to take the dog back if she wasn’t. Luckily, me and my new dog were a perfect match and we are doing fantastic. This company took my dog out of a horrible situation and transformed her into an amazing loving dog. I cannot recommend this place enough."

amy m.

Adoptee

"We got our second dog from Island of Misfits and have been following their work ever since. They are passionate and honest, and do their best to educate the community. They also offer lower cost neuter to help reduce the stray population around us. I love their work and am definitely a fan!"

rebecca j.

Adoptee, Fan

"I absolutely love this place. Not only do they deeply care about the welfare of their animals- they care about the people who adopt. They make sure to the best of their ability to match the dog to the adopters needs and wants. We love our baby and when the time comes again we would go back to Island of misfits in a heart beat. The compassion these people have for our fur babies is unmatched."

kaitlyn c.

Adoptee

"We adopted a pitbull puppy- we got photos and email/text updates about her life and progress once we matched with her, and we got lots of medical updates after she got spayed, so we felt connected to our pup and her caregivers. We trusted them with the transport over many, many miles, Alabama to Connecticut. They gave us the best gift of all- a loving, healthy, sweet, precious pitbull puppy who is now spoiled to the nines."

lauren c.

Adoptee

"I rescued my dog Boomer from Island of Misfits in November 2022 and had a wonderful experience. Connie was so responsive and answered all my questions and made the adoption process an absolute pleasure. Boomer is the best addition to our family and we owe that all to the work of Island of Misfits and all the good they do!"

lisa s.

Adoptee

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
All categories

Most recent articles

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

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

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

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

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners
Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners

Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    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) thumbnail

    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? thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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? thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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) thumbnail

    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? thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    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.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    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.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    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.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    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.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    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.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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

  • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    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.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    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.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    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.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    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.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    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.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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