This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Kentucky. 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.
#19 in United States, #1 in Kentucky, #1 in Lexington
Lexington
Bluegrass Bully Rescue is a non profit all breed dog rescue founded in 2019. We are a volunteer run organization serving the Central Kentucky area primarily. We are a foster based organization who is committed to the health and safety of the dogs we rescue while looking for their adoptive homes. Our goal is to grow our volunteer and foster base in order to allow us to save as many dogs as possible.
"They have always been so kind and accommodating. They really want what's best for the animal above all else."
— heather b.
Adoptee
"This rescue truly cares about the welfare of the dogs it brings in and wants to find them FOREVER HOMES!!..."
— renae c.
Fan
#50 in United States, #2 in Kentucky, #2 in Lexington
#3 in pit Bull
Pit Bull
Lexington
We are a Bully Breed rescue operating in Central Kentucky. We have been a nonprofit for over 10 years and work strictly with volunteers who have the same passion for pitbulls as well do.
"Fantastic Pitty rescue group!"
— kelly c.
Supporter
"The Pit Crew is so passionate and they gave the biggest hearts. They do a VERY thorough job not just..."
— rachel p.
Adoptee
#177 in United States, #3 in Kentucky, #1 in Louisville
#5 in german Shepherd
German Shepherd
Louisville
At Tier Haven our hearts belong to the working dog breeds of Kentucky - German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois being our most common companions. The Tier Haven family is comprised of volunteers, adopters, and donors who have a passionate love for these working breeds and all of their quirks. We are brought together by the dogs that steal our hearts while chewing the shoe collection. Tier Haven Rescue, Inc was originally incorporated in 1996 under the name ARK Project, Inc and is a long standing member of the animal rescue community in Kentucky. Originally an all-breed rescue Tier Haven shifted to focus on working dogs with the rise of breed specific legislation which was leading to larger numbers of German Shepherds, and other working dogs, being euthanized. We are rooted in Kentucky with a strong passion for enacting change within the state which has a long journey towards building our animal welfare laws. Even as breed specific legislation has dwindled there are still large numbers of working dogs finding themselves at risk of euthanasia due to a lack of breed knowledge and/or training. Tier Haven is committed to giving these dogs a second chance and we are all honored to be part of their paths to a better life.
"Tier Haven is near and dear to my heart. This rescue recognizes the human animal bond and is dedicated to..."
— elizabeth s.
Volunteer / foster, Staff member
"My husband and I adopted 3 German shepherds from Tier Haven over the last 5 years and we cannot say..."
— alina h.
Adoptee
#600 in United States, #4 in Kentucky, #2 in Louisville
#26 in pit Bull
Pit Bull
Louisville
Ariel Bully Rescue focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing bully breed dogs, in particular pit bulls and pit bull mixes. We help those abandoned on the street, abandoned in boarding facilities, and in shelters in Lousiville, Kentucky. Usually the dogs we take on have medical issues and/or behavioral issues due to neglect. They may also have suffered abuse. Our program of care involves: • allowing them to decompress in a safe, calm environment. • providing needed vetting, addressing any nutritional challenges through a diet of real food, and natural, holistic supplements. • training with our expert trainers to overcome any negative patterns and allow them to be a well adjusted dog. • love and care from a suitable foster parent.
#600 in United States, #4 in Kentucky, #2 in Louisville
Louisville
To provide a temporary safe haven for all dogs: all breeds, big and small, puppies and adults, fluffy and bald, differently-abled -- we help them all. We aspire to bring people and dogs together. Together, we create a family. Mispits and Friends Rescue is a non-profit organization formed in January of 2018.
#600 in United States, #4 in Kentucky
The mission of Franklin County Humane Society is to care for our area's homeless animals, to re-home as many animals as possible, and to improve animal welfare throughout our community. As an open-admission shelter, we accept all cats and dogs in need. We are an independent 501c3 organization, and we are contracted by the City of Frankfort and the Franklin County Fiscal Court for animal control services.
#600 in United States, #4 in Kentucky
Stray Animal Adoption Program (SAAP) was founded in 1998 and is dedicated to the rescue of dogs and cats that are in need of a forever home. Our animals are fostered in homes where they are provided with love, food, medical care, and socialization until adoption into a new loving home.
Bluegrass Bully Rescue is a non profit all breed dog rescue founded in 2019. We are a volunteer run organization serving the Central Kentucky area primarily. We are a foster based organization who is committed to the health and safety of the dogs we rescue while looking for their adoptive homes. Our goal is to grow our volunteer and foster base in order to allow us to save as many dogs as possible.
We are a Bully Breed rescue operating in Central Kentucky. We have been a nonprofit for over 10 years and work strictly with volunteers who have the same passion for pitbulls as well do.
At Tier Haven our hearts belong to the working dog breeds of Kentucky - German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois being our most common companions. The Tier Haven family is comprised of volunteers, adopters, and donors who have a passionate love for these working breeds and all of their quirks. We are brought together by the dogs that steal our hearts while chewing the shoe collection. Tier Haven Rescue, Inc was originally incorporated in 1996 under the name ARK Project, Inc and is a long standing member of the animal rescue community in Kentucky. Originally an all-breed rescue Tier Haven shifted to focus on working dogs with the rise of breed specific legislation which was leading to larger numbers of German Shepherds, and other working dogs, being euthanized. We are rooted in Kentucky with a strong passion for enacting change within the state which has a long journey towards building our animal welfare laws. Even as breed specific legislation has dwindled there are still large numbers of working dogs finding themselves at risk of euthanasia due to a lack of breed knowledge and/or training. Tier Haven is committed to giving these dogs a second chance and we are all honored to be part of their paths to a better life.
Ariel Bully Rescue focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing bully breed dogs, in particular pit bulls and pit bull mixes. We help those abandoned on the street, abandoned in boarding facilities, and in shelters in Lousiville, Kentucky. Usually the dogs we take on have medical issues and/or behavioral issues due to neglect. They may also have suffered abuse. Our program of care involves: • allowing them to decompress in a safe, calm environment. • providing needed vetting, addressing any nutritional challenges through a diet of real food, and natural, holistic supplements. • training with our expert trainers to overcome any negative patterns and allow them to be a well adjusted dog. • love and care from a suitable foster parent.
To provide a temporary safe haven for all dogs: all breeds, big and small, puppies and adults, fluffy and bald, differently-abled -- we help them all. We aspire to bring people and dogs together. Together, we create a family. Mispits and Friends Rescue is a non-profit organization formed in January of 2018.
Welcome to the 2024 Kentucky Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Kentucky 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 Kentucky dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Adopters are required to complete an application. All animals in the adopters home must be fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered. We require a vet check and home check as well as a meet with all people and animals in the home prior to the dog starting a 2 week trial period. We do not finalize any adoption until the trail is up to confirm the home is a good fit for the dog. Our adoption contract requires that the dog be returned to us if the adopter can no longer take care of the dog for any reason.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.