#67 in United States, #1 in Virginia, #1 in Richmond
#2 in labrador
Service areas:
Alexandria, Arlington, northern Virginia, fairfax
"There is no better rescue than Lu’s Labrador rescue. We had found Lu on social media years ago and cried tears of both sadness and joy in the stories we read. At the time, we had always owned small dogs and just admired the breed of Labradors through the stories others shared until one day we saw the most emaciated, filthy, sad looking yellow boy that we couldn’t get out of our heads. He endured many challenges through his recovery with his Angel foster (Shannon) through Lu’s and almost a year and a half later, Goose is in his forever home ♥️ Lu continues to support us in every aspect of of his life. She is strict with contracts, supportive behavior and all health concerns to this day. We can’ t say enough about Lu and her huge heart. To us there is no better. We thank her and Shannon every day and someday will pay their generosity and caring forward in a way to mend others hearts like they did and continue to do for so many others."
— sonia l.
Adoptee
"Lus Labs has been a pleasure to work with. We foster for them on a regular basis. The rescue’s happiness and finding a forever home that is truly the best fit is always their number one priority. We feel lucky to be a part of their work and make a difference one doggy at a time!"
— makenzie a.
Volunteer / foster
"I love labs. This organization really understands the great nature of this breed and works tirelessly to find each dog their forever home."
— angela c.
Supporter, Fan
"Lu’s is amazing. They take such care to make sure the dogs are matched with the right owners and they are set up for their forever home. They have so much support available for adopters with training, resources, and recommendations. They go above and beyond to care for the dogs ."
— caitlin c.
Adoptee
"Lu’s labs is a special organization. With a fully invested leader, volunteers who give time freely but treat the work like their lives depended on their investment- with thoughtfulness, data, expertise and heart. Their processes are top tier, dedication to best outcomes unparalleled and delivered with the highest ethical standards. I’ve seen the process from both volunteer and adoptor perspectives and Lu’s Labs is really incredible."
— she m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"I started following Lu's Lab's Facebook page about five years ago because we were thinking of getting another lab for our sweet lab, Chloe who was getting up in age. The timing was never quite right but then we lost Chloe at age 13. I didn't think I could ever get another dog. The pain was too much. And then four months later I saw a post of an available lab named Sassy. Something in my heart said Chloe would approve. Working through the wonderful adoption coordinator, we were approved. But unfortunately Sassy was already spoken for. As luck (or Chloe) would have it, Sassy didn't work out for that family. My AC called and asked if we were still interested and the rest is lab history! Sassy is now Maggie and the best therapy for a broken heart we could have found. We love Lu's Labs so much that I now volunteer for them!"
— sherri l.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"100%Support will be given to all adoptees, you are helped with any issues you may have, the adoption process is easy and simple. Volunteering is so rewarding, we foster failed 4 times and have a house of Lus labs!"
— paula g.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"Lu's Labs rescued ME during the pandemic. When my 10 YO Lab died I was devastated. Lu's Labs matched me with an amazing (although a little crazy!) Lab who has been my constant companion ever since. Their web site and FB page have invaluable info plus lots of feel good stories. The dedication of Luisa to Labradors is unmatched. I'd never look anywhere else for a dog."
— katherine c.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"Lu's labs was so great through my whole adoption process! Everyone was very thorough and attentive! Will adopt through them again!"
— angela f.
Adoptee
"We've used Lu's to adopt our most recent two furry friends. The process was much more rigorous than other adoption agencies we've used and that actually made us feel better about using them since at the time, they were unknown to us. Both of our pups came to use with no surprises. It seems they vet their for a good period of time so everyone knows what they're getting into. The fosters we met were so friendly and obviously pet loving. Their support has been fantastic. Any questions or concerns we had were immediately addressed. Highly recommend checking out Lu's if you're nearby and looking to expand your family."
— michael m.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
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.