The Best Los Angeles, CA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

Paws For Life K9 Rescue

Paws For Life K9 Rescue saves and transforms the lives of animals and people through innovative canine-centered programs that provide purpose, support, and opportunity through the Prison/Re-Entry, People & Pet Innovation Center, First Responder and PTSD Support, Adoptions, Transports, and Vet Tech Program.

LaBelle Foundation

A beacon of hope in the realm of animal welfare. Our foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through responsible pet ownership education, spaying, and neutering initiatives, vaccination advocacy, and comprehensive dog training. We confront the challenges within the rescue community head-on, driven by a resolute mission to put an end to dog homelessness. Aligned with our mission, we champion accessible veterinary care. Our support has extended to sponsoring spay and neuter clinics across California and Mexico, with ongoing plans to broaden our reach. Our unwavering commitment includes partnering with affordable specialty veterinary clinics and addressing the critical need for accessible and affordable care through advocacy and legislation. As we continue to evolve, our unwavering focus remains on the core tenets that define us. Our journey is built upon the principles of rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for dogs, particularly with neonatal orphans needing intensive care, medical/special needs animals, and nursing mother-and-babies. Our foundation stands upon pillars that encompass rescuing animals in need, educating the community on responsible pet care, facilitating forever homes, fostering a supportive community, and prioritizing the overall well-being of animals.

Wags & Walks

Wags and Walks is focused on advocating for wrongfully stereotyped bully breeds, medical dogs, and mamas + puppies that are often overlooked and at-risk due to overcrowding. We do not select dogs based on their size, age, or breed. We select our dogs on a case-by-case basis, factoring in our ability to help and their likelihood of thriving when placed in the right home. We know that, like amazing dogs, loving families come in all shapes and sizes. Our goal is to find every pup an adopter whose home, family, and lifestyle are a perfect fit for a lifetime of love and happiness.

Angel City Pit Bulls

Angel City Pit Bulls is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a better future for pit bulls by promoting their positive image as loving family companions through education, public advocacy, adoptions, and owner support.

Pasadena Humane

Pasadena Humane is more than an animal shelter; we are a community-supported animal resource center providing compassion and care for all animals. Since 1903, Pasadena Humane has offered lifesaving programs and services for animals and the people who love them in the Greater Los Angeles Area. At our Pasadena campus, we provide shelter, dedicated care and new beginnings for thousands of our community's most vulnerable animals every year. In addition to pet adoptions and foster, we focus on programs and services aimed at helping people care for and keep their pets, such as free and low-cost spay/neuter and vaccines, a pet food pantry, and an animal support call center. In 2022, Pasadena Humane helped nearly 40,000 animals through adoptions, wildlife rehabilitation, lost & found, veterinary services, and surrender prevention assistance.

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing purebred German Shepherd Dogs that have no where else to turn.

SoCal Animal Rescue Squad (SCARS)

We are the SoCal Animal Rescue Squad (S.C.A.R.S.). We are a united group of dedicated volunteers committed to saving dogs and other pets from unfortunate circumstances. We are a Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization functioning solely on donations, fundraising campaigns, and sponsors. Our desire is to be a beacon of hope and light for Animals in need. Their inability to call out for a hero is the fuel that drives us to bind together as a squad of individuals that will rise to their call for help. Though we don’t have superhuman powers, we possess the ability to love, nurture, educate and serve. Animals gift us unconditional love, companionship, healing, and happiness. Our hope is to advocate for their welfare through rescue efforts, education, art, support groups, community outreach programs, and fostering placements. Most of our squad calls focus on dogs; however, we have been able to help other pets including turtles, rabbits, birds, and even reptiles. We help rescue many dogs from hi-kill shelters and owner surrenders; helping them with needed medical services, ensure they are vaccinated, spayed, or neutered, and secure them in a safe loving foster home where they will transition and sometimes heal until they are adopted into their new fur-ever family. Each of us at SCARS has been touched and transformed by rescue animals. The irony is that in most cases we thought we were the heroes saving them from death and harm, and yet they rescued or alleviated us from sadness, loneliness, depression and other challenges that only their pure love and magic can heal. They ARE heroes too! Like superheroes, they each possess a special Superpaw-er. Some mend broken hearts with their affection and cuddles, others will challenge the athlete in you and help train you to become a better hiker or runner, and then there’s those that with their eyes can turn any frown into a smile. The definition of a Hero is someone who does good and courageous things for other people without being asked to do them; someone who has a strong sense of justice and goodness and acts upon that sense. We the SCARS are committed to speaking for them, helping them, and will passionately take a stand to ensure their welfare. Be their hero! Adopt a Hero! What’s your Superpaw-er? Join the SCARS!

H.E.L.P. A Home For Every Living Pet

H.E.L.P. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to saving the lives of sick, injured and elderly animals in the Los Angeles City Shelters. We love saving animals – those that remain behind in their cages while others find homes, those with little chance of rescue or adoption. We assist those who choose to adopt these pets in need, knowing that there are medical challenges, by paying an agreed upon percentage of the veterinary costs necessary to care for their new family members. In cases where there is no other option and the dog or cat would be euthanized at the shelter, H.E.L.P. rescues the animal and arranges for medical treatment and foster care. We also have an intervention/outreach program which offers guidance and services to the public when they have nowhere else to turn. Before establishing H.E.L.P. in the late 1990s, our volunteers co-founded the City’s groundbreaking Mobile Adoption Program in 1995 and it was at subsequent MPA’s that we became aware of the serious need for assisting the city’s medical dogs. Responding to that heart-breaking situation, H.E.L.P. became a reality and, in 2001 H.E.L.P. was granted 501c3 non-profit status. We are an all-volunteer organization, and 100% of all donations received will go toward helping animals. Our Community Outreach Program assists pet owners experiencing financial hardship with food and medical assistance so that the pet can stay in the home and out of the shelter.

Victor Valley Animal Protective League

Victor Valley Animal Protective League (VVAPL) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) serving the Victor Valley Communities and beyond. We are the contracted animal shelters for the cities of Victorville and Adelanto providing shelter to homeless animals relinquished by their guardians, rescued from abuse or neglect, and stray or abandoned animals. VVAPL provides and maintains a safe, clean and humane environment for the unwanted animals in our shelter. All animals are treated with the utmost care and respect, making their stay as comfortable as possible. Our goal is to find homes for as many animals as possible. No abuse will be tolerated. Our services, programs and community education are available to anyone, regardless of where you reside. Our funding is provided through donations, fundraising, grants, endowments, foundations, and service fees.

Helping Out Pets Everyday

Infinite Love Animal Rescue

Infinite Love Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue based in Los Angeles. We are dedicated to finding forever homes for abandoned and displaced dogs while educating the public to be more responsible pet owners. Our goal is to help them in every way we can... emotionally, socially, and physically so that the transition into their forever homes will be as smooth as possible.

Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care and Adoption Center

Welcome to the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center (RCAC). Our Center cares for thousands of animals annually including dogs, cats, small pets and wildlife. Our department is a part of the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s public safety team which includes Police, Fire, Animal Services and Community Improvement. Vision, Mission & Values Mission: Creating PAWsitive impact by enriching the lives of animals and people. Vision: Inspiring a compassionate community where animals and people thrive together. Values for RCAC: R-Resilience to overcome obstacles to rescue, rehabilitate, reunite and rehome animals. C-Compassion to provide above and beyond care for the animals and people we serve. A-Achieve goals to lead, advance, and promote the highest standards in animal welfare. C-Commitment to enhance community partnerships, public safety and humane education. How do we “Create a PAWsitive Impact”? We are Creative and Innovative. We are creative, innovative and driven to go the extra mile to help the animals in our care. Close to 90% of Dogs and Cats Have a Positive Outcome. While we are proud of those statistics, our goal is to continue to explore responsible ways to advance animal care and save more lives. We have a Foster and RC academy Program. In 2015 the RC Animal Center opened a 24-hour neonatal kitten nursery to care for kittens 1 day old to 8 weeks old. The Kitten Nursery was the 2016 recipient of the Helen Putnam Award of Excellence in the category of Public Trust, Ethics and Community Involvement. In 2021, because of great community support and an enhanced foster program for neonates, the RC Kitten Nursery was replaced with the RC academy. The academy’s focus is a safe place for weaned kittens and cats that need extra assistance adjusting to a shelter environment so they can find new homes. This program is largely funded from donations and volunteer support. CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA We Value Volunteers! The Animal Center has a robust volunteer program. Volunteers over the age of 18 assist with clerical duties, participate in animal socialization and enrichment programs, attend outreach and community events, and intern with our Veterinary Services Division. The Pet Cadet Program provides opportunities for volunteers ages 12 to 18 to volunteer with their parent or guardian during summer months in the RC aCATemy. Visit our website to learn more about the volunteer positions we are currently recruiting for. We Promote Public Safety. Our Animal Service Officers work 24/7 to rescue, protect and provide for animals in need. The Animal Services Officers take pride in making a difference in the lives of people and pets in the community. We Fundraise! Established in 2016, the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care Foundation raises funds to offset the cost of animal care, provide additional support to help animals get adopted, and saves funds for the long-term success of the Center. Euthanasia Philosophy The Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center is an open admission municipal shelter. Unlike other shelters that may turn animals away that do not meet their adoption criteria, the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center accepts and cares for all animals residing in the City regardless of the animal’s health, behavior, or adoptability. The decision to humanely euthanize an animal is not taken lightly and is based upon many factors including public safety, the animal’s known history, observed behavior, medical concerns and prospect for a good quality of life. The Animal Center takes a team approach to look for opportunities for each individual animal prior to euthanasia, including partnering with many 501c3 rescue groups to aid us in animal placement. The staff and volunteers consider euthanasia as an outcome of last resort when all other options are exhausted. Animal Center History: The Animal Center was built in 1993. However, due to an unstable economy and reduction of revenue from the state to local government, the City postponed the opening of the Animal Center as a City run department and continued its contract for services with the County of San Bernardino. In 2005, a number of concerned citizens began discussions with the City Council to take direct management of animal services and institute a more progressive program. The City hired Nathan Winograd of No Kill solutions to provide consultation services and help transition the animal services program from a contract service to a city operated animal services program. In early 2006 staff were hired, and a training program was instituted. The Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care and Adoption Center was officially opened on May 1, 2006, with Field Services following on July 1, 2006.

Friends of Orange County's Homeless Pets (FOCHP

Dachshund Paws & Pals

Pug Nation Rescue of Los Angeles

Pug Nation Rescue of Los Angeles is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and placement of abandoned, neglected, unwanted, displaced, and abused pugs. Every year Pug Nation saves and adopts out hundreds of loving Pugs from the streets of Southern California – thanks to the support of individuals like you. Our goal is to find every homeless pug a forever home; if we cannot do that, we pledge to provide a comfortable and loving place for sick or unwanted pugs to live out their lives.

Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California

Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California goes the extra mile to ensure that each hound gets the personalized care essential for starting their new life! Hounds come to BHRSC for many different reasons. The lucky ones lived with loving families but were surrendered due to family hardship such as a financial crisis or serious illness. Some are found abandoned and wandering the streets tired and hungry, while others are rescued from shelters where they are slated to be euthanized. Upon arrival, each hound is provided a wellness exam to assess overall health and any necessary medical care is performed so they are in tip top shape when they head to their forever homes. For most hounds this minimally includes vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, dental cleaning, and microchipping. Sadly, many hounds arrive in pain, suffering from multiple, and sometimes life threatening, medical issues. These hounds need extensive medical attention which can mean visits to specialists, surgeries and long recovery periods. Without BHRSC, these hounds would be labeled “unadoptable” and be at high risk for euthanasia. Each hound is also given a behavioral evaluation which allows us to identify and address any potential behavior issues before they find their forever homes. Once the rehabilitation process is complete, we take care to match the hounds with loving forever families that will lavish them with the love and affection that every hound deserves.

Rescue Me Incorporated

Joy and Craig Nadel are the CEO/COO and Founders of Rescue Me Incorporated. Born out of their LOVE for animals and in memory of their first rescued family member together, Candy "The Wonder Dog" they wanted to share the love they felt with a rescued pet with other people. Candy was adopted from a local shelter by Craig's dad as a family pet. She was a year old when he got her and was given her birthdate as Christmas Eve. {Special day as Joy's grandparents were married on Christmas Eve} When Craig and I got married we asked if we could keep Candy and Craig's dad agreed as he knew how much we loved her. We were blessed to have this amazing, sweet little dog in our lives for 20 of her 21 years. She died in my arms at age 21 years old. It was time for her to go, she was ready. We knew we wanted to have Candy's name live on so we started Rescue Me Incorporated in her memory. Now with every orphan we rescue we know her memory lives on. We wanted to share with other people the love of a rescued animal and help promote animal rescue and education.

Rover Ranger Rescue

We will assist owners with unplanned litters of puppies, spay their mother dogs for them, and when possible, the daddy dogs as well. We hope that by promoting awareness to human animal companions, they in turn can help to educate others as to the health and benefits of spaying, neutering, vaccinating, and chipping their pets. We will assist as much as we possibly can in ending the cruelty of people dumping and abandoning thier dogs. Our promise to those dogs: "We will find you, we will help you."

Rescue Bae

Animals do not have a voice, so I am here to speak up for them. I take in the unwanted, the abandoned, the sick, the injured, the old, and the young, making a promise to each and every one of them that I will find the life they deserve. A life full of unconditional and forever love and care. A life that so many animals haven’t gotten the chance to experience. It is my top priority to find that family that each animal is meant to be with. I do not care how long it takes to find their forever home. I never settle for anything less than the best. I rescue to make a difference in not only animals’ lives, but for those that adopt them. ”Saving one animal will not change the world, but surely for that one animal, their world will change forever.” I am set to change many worlds, one animal at a time.

The Dexter Foundation

The Dexter Foundation is a non profit organization dedicated to helping shelter dogs have a second chance at life. We honor a little Boston Terrier named Dexter who was given a second chance. The Dexter Foundation is dedicated to helping shelter dogs and other rescue organizations who adopt misunderstood dogs. We assist owners needing to find homes for their dogs by posting their dogs, screening applicants, and finding them new loving forever homes. We work cooperatively with other rescues and help fund the rescue and care of shelter dogs. We provide a safe haven for abandoned dogs that are passed over. In these difficult economic times, many owners are forced to surrender or abandon their dogs who may need only temporary medical attention. The Dexter Foundation, with your assistance, is able to help save the lives of these otherwise happy, healthy dogs.

LA ADOPT

Pet Rescue Solutions

Pet Rescue Solutions was founded in 2012 and is located in South El Monte, California. We originally sold affordable pet tags to communities in need of identification tags for their pets. Since our name included the word "Rescue," many people believed the idea that we were a rescue for cats and dogs. Adam Melendez, the president of P.R.S., made the decision to turn the pet tag business into a non-profit organization. We received our 501(c)(3) letter on July, 2014 but decided to keep the name Pet Rescue Solutions. Since then, we have saved over 1,500 cats and dogs and found them forever homes. With a productive and dedicated P.R.S. team, we are able tomake a difference in our furry friends' lives.

Cage To Couch

American Bullmastiff Rescue

The American Bullmastiff Association is the AKC recognized breed club for the bullmastiff. ABA members are dedicated to the education, training, care and overall well-being of the bullmastiff. The membership community includes experts with decades of experience and new members with their first bullmastiff all with the common goal of protecting and preserving the breed.

Mountains Humane Society

Mountains’ Humane Society, a non-profit 501(c)(3) pet rescue, was founded in 1975 by local residents whose concern was for the well-being of mountain domesticated animals. We offer assistance to low income, veterans, disabled and seniors for spay/neuter, emergency medical and dental. Our organization is run by volunteers who are passionate about changing the lives of animals and helping owners with financial support. We offer assistance with spay/neuter, emergency medical and dental for seniors, low income, veterans and the disabled. We cover our mountain community only from Cedar Pines Park to Big Bear. We added to our name and are now Mountains’ Humane Society Pet Rescue! We wanted to clarify to the community due to some confusion that we are not animal control or a shelter, but in fact we are a 501c3 rescue that find homes for the unwanted animals. We work hard helping stray animals, abandoned animals and owner surrenders in our mountains.

Canine Crusaders

Canine Crusaders is an all volunteer, non profit dog rescue organization that was founded for dogs that come from abusive and stray situations. Our goal is to help these wonderful animals find loving homes so that they can have a second chance at life. Our organization does have a shelter, but our goal is to get every one of our dogs into a foster home where they can be with loving families while they wait for their turn to be adopted! Our animals come from stray situations, LA shelters and owner turn ins. We work with our local police department, vet and animal control as well. We get dogs of all sizes and ages, purebred and mix alike. We currently have over 50 dogs that are in dire need of finding loving families. Please help us help the helpless, volunteer, foster or adopt today.

4 Paws Kiddo Rescue

We started 4 Paws Kiddo Rescue in 2018 after decades of working in several different aspects of Animal Rescue as transporters, caretakers, volunteers and whatever other ways we found to contribute to the needs of animals as we saw them. Among the primary purposes of 4 Paws Kiddo Rescue is to help dogs in need of socialization and medical care get assistance and care, and then help them to find healthy permanent homes. Secondarily it’s to find dogs in need of homes and match them up with people looking for specific types of dogs. While our main focus is on small to medium sized dogs, we’ve also been able to place large dogs with appropriate new owners as well. At times we’ve even been able to find homes for cats. A lot of our energy is focused on injured and at-risk dogs who need some extra physical or psychological care. We regularly take in dogs with severe physical injuries, lingering illnesses and age related diseases. We also spend a lot of time helping dogs with socialization issues learn how to trust people, other dogs and unfamiliar living situations. The work can be taxing and financially difficult, and it requires an extensive amount of time and occasionally staggering amounts of money, so all of our time is volunteered and a great deal of fund raising is always a high priority need. Nonetheless we believe that all the work, time and money is exceedingly rewarding as we’ve managed to place large numbers of animals into good homes and saved many many dogs that were otherwise faced with sad and unhappy endings. While the goal of the Rescue is to place all the animals into good homes, if a dog we rescue can’t find a placement, they’re never given up for lost. We host a large number of animals in our homes and will do so for the rest of the animals’ lives if necessary. For it’s not only a moral imperative, but a great source of joy.

R&R Boxer Rescue

Rover Rescue

Over 100 dogs are put to sleep in overcrowded Los Angeles area animal shelters every day. Many of these homeless dogs have been abandoned, abused or neglected, without ever knowing the love of a caring human being. Rover Rescue is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 to save as many homeless dogs as we can and place them in permanent and loving homes. We know that somewhere nearby a person or family yearns for one of these special dogs. From the moment we rescue a dog we start changing its life for the better: o Each dog is placed in a caring foster home or boarded until the right owner is found. o During their stay with Rover Rescue, volunteers walk, socialize and give these dogs the loving care they need. o Injured or sick dogs are given proper medical attention. o Dogs are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and even given “beauty makeovers”. o We make a special effort to match prospective owners with the right dog during the adoption process to make sure each of our dogs will never become homeless again. And we help educate new owners on the proper care of their new best friends. In addition, Rover Rescue works hard in our community to reduce animal overpopulation and increase vital awareness about responsible pet ownership. We actively support spaying and neutering of all companion dogs and offer spay/neuter financial assistance to low-income families.

Buddy's Angels Rescue

Buddy's Angels Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue, founded in 2016 after our beloved Jack Russel Terrier, Buddy, passed away. He was loving, smart, intelligent, and had so much life in him! After he passed, we realized the desperate need for these amazing dogs who need loving homes.