This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Minnesota. 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.
Emotional Rescue LLC
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/615/60d4d90bd4f0-IMG_20230426_132455.pngWe are 100% foster based with no building
minneapolisMinnesotaUS
Emotional Rescue partners with Lightshine in South Dakota. Lightshine rescues dogs (and sometimes cats) from the 9000 square miles of reservation land in South Dakota. These reservations do not have humane societies, vets, nor animal shelters of any kind. That means that many dogs Emotional Rescue takes in have severe mange, fractures-old and new, non-socialized dogs of every age, and many, many other medical cases. Emotional Rescue has solid foundations with a local vet. Emotional Rescue has also taken dogs as far away as Texas. One fan favorite sanctuary dog is Joey. Joey is a “wheelie” dog that was found dragging his hind legs behind him on the side of a Texas road. Many followers of Emotional Rescue look forward to nightly “good night Joey” videos. I wholeheartedly recommend Emotional Rescue.Kristi League
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Emotional Rescue LLC
Emotional Rescue specializes in homeless dogs that need medical care. We rehabilitate the body, mind and soul of dogs that had no one to care for them.
"Emotional Rescue partners with Lightshine in South Dakota. Lightshine rescues dogs (and sometimes cats) from the 9000 square miles of..."
— kristi l.
Supporter
"Emotional Rescue has saved the lives of many disabled dogs and provided them with a loving and safe environment. ..."
— debra l.
Supporter, Fan
Warrior Dog Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/616/ddd13fdcf94b-WDR_LOGOLOGO_2.pngCaring & Compassionate people who want to help every dog they can!Gina B
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Warrior Dog Rescue
Warrior Dog rescue is a non-profit organization based in Savage, MN that is
dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding adoptive homes for dogs
that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. We are celebrating our 6th
year in rescue and have saved over 3,400 dogs to date.
When we reflect on that number we think that each one of those dogs had a foster hero that YES to saving them!
We think about all the visits to the vet, the training, the full food bowls, walks, belly rubs, and all the healing that was given to each of them through the love and safety we were able to provide. Knowing that we were able to help them heal and be ready to love their forever family is a blessing beyond compare.
Our storybook is filled with all the Warrior Dogs who have come into our lives and forever imprinted on our hearts. The Warrior Dog family continues to save these sweet souls because they all deserve to the know the gift of love and safety.
There is still work to be done and by the grace and selflessness of our volunteer and foster teams, along with our generous donors we will continue. There are so many pups even as you read this that are alone and sick, abandoned in kill shelters and on roadsides, living a life filled with fear and abuse.
We are steadfast in our commitment to continue to make a difference,
one dog at a time.
"Caring & Compassionate people who want to help every dog they can!"
— gina b.
Volunteer / foster
"As someone who has journeyed through various roles within Warrior Dog Rescue, from foster parent to now serving as a..."
— marcy a.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter, Fan
Winona Area Humane Society
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/617/74716ff4b1dc-WAHS_Logo.png1112 East Broadway Street, Winona, MN 55987(Open by appointment only)
MinnesotaUS
Staff is always excited to help with every successful adoption and remain optimistic with their long term residents. They were very helpful with watching my dog the one time she got out.Casey K
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Winona Area Humane Society
Since 1992, the Winona Area Humane Society (WAHS) has been dedicated to improving the lives of our community's companion animals by providing humane care to adoptable shelter dogs and cats, and offering public services to pet owners in need of support.
Our no-kill animal shelter does not receive municipal or federal funding to carry out our mission. Thanks to fundraising, grants, and generous donations, our passionate hands-on staff & volunteers are able to care for at least 14 dogs and 50 cats at a time, and place an average of 227 cats and dogs in loving forever homes every year.
"Staff is always excited to help with every successful adoption and remain optimistic with their long term residents. They were..."
— casey k.
Supporter
"Love this place. Caring people helping those in need."
— brian e.
Supporter
Northern Lakes Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/618/97b9f9bc1ea2-nlr_logo_png.png1606 Mill Ave. Brainerd, MN 56401
minneapolisMinnesotaUS
Always stand behind fosters and volunteers, adoption process was smooth and funLauren Daley
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Northern Lakes Rescue
Our Vision is to be a voice for those who are voiceless. We hear them with our hearts and give them a voice. Looking into the eyes of a rescued animal will speak volumes; watching those eyes light up will have an everlasting impact on you and the rescued animals.
We aren't a typical rescue as we don't take in dogs and put them in kennels until they're adopted. All dogs we rescue are placed in loving foster homes that teach them to be the best dog they can be.
Our journey doesn't end with adoption, either. We are here for you to support you in integrating your new member into your home, cheer new triumphs, and help with struggles.
You don't adopt a dog from us. You adopt a family.
"Always stand behind fosters and volunteers, adoption process was smooth and fun"
— lauren d.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"NLR helped me find 3 perfect fits over the years for our home. The beautiful dogs were rescued from..."
— jackie m.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
Rescued Pets Are Wonderful
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/619/d4694d31eae6-rpaw_logo_shadow__1_.pngI adopted Barney when he was 13 yrs old prior owners wanted to put him to sleep because of his age. Rpaw saved him. He was a very happy old man. He was my shadow. He lived another 3 yrs with me. He rescued meDeborah Colling
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Rescued Pets Are Wonderful
Rescued Pets Are Wonderful is a non-profit, no-kill, volunteer animal rescue organization serving the Twin Cities metro area. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats left homeless for whatever reason ‚focusing on the ones with major medical issues or of senior age. These are the ones that are usually overlooked because they are not ‚highly adoptable. They are also the ones that cost the most to the organizations. We believe they are the most in need of help!
"I adopted Barney when he was 13 yrs old prior owners wanted to put him to sleep because of..."
— deborah c.
Adoptee
"Alway willing to help and does a great job !"
— jackie r.
Supporter
The Rescue Crew
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/620/d63f517436ce-TheRescueCrew_Full_Color_Stacked.pngI have fostered for the rescue crew for 2 yrs. They are willing to take the medical cases and the local animals. It's a small rescue with a big heart.Cheryl arigo
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The Rescue Crew
The Rescue Crew is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization that is 100% volunteer operated and foster-based. The Rescue Crew strives to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of companion animals by finding them loving forever homes.
"I have fostered for the rescue crew for 2 yrs. They are willing to take the medical cases and..."
— cheryl a.
Volunteer / foster
"The Rescue Crew brought our wonderful Angela Lansfurry into our lives. With grace, compassion, integrity, and a shoestring budget they..."
— gradylee s.
Adoptee
Pet Haven of Minnesota
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/623/d98e286a4083-Capture.JPGPet Haven is amazing! The staff and volunteers go above and beyond to rescue, nurture, foster and adopt companion animals.Kimberly Korb
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Pet Haven of Minnesota
Pet Haven is Minnesota's very first foster-based rescue. We are dedicated to improving the lives of pets and the people who love them by rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and cats. Every dog and cat lives with a loving foster family until they find families of their own. We provide for all of their needs, high-quality food, the best possible veterinary care, and behavior support for emotional well-being. As individuals, we give the love, compassion, and patience needed to truly change their lives.
We are also dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation by supporting spay and neuter efforts, providing resources to people and their pets, and doing the work needed to strengthen the relationships between people and pets, building foundations to last a lifetime.
"Pet Haven is amazing! The staff and volunteers go above and beyond to rescue, nurture, foster and adopt companion..."
— kimberly k.
Volunteer / foster
"Pet Haven was founded over 70 years ago and I remember family members mentioning how amazing Pet Haven was, around..."
— marcy f.
Volunteer / foster
Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/621/19dbf9d453ad-345058416_117558817974173_1825624605119768160_n.jpgGreat DaneGreat DaneUpper Midwest Great Dane Rescue priorities the needs of each dog and has excellent open communication for an organization run by volunteers with people and dogs located throughout the Midwest.Katie Schmeisser
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Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue
We serve the animal community by providing foster homes, medical treatment, and behavioral assessments to Great Danes in need of forever homes.
"Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue priorities the needs of each dog and has excellent open communication for an organization run..."
— katie s.
Volunteer / foster
"I have been a volunteer, foster, and adopter for UMGDR since it began. It's a great rescue working hard to..."
— julie g.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
All Dog Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/622/db69716e4215-ADR_Logo.JPGn/a
minneapolisMinnesotaUS
There is so much Love, Every which way. It's incredible and Amazing what ER / MN. do ,to make sure that everything turns out OK. for all the Fur babies .Carol Lowater
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All Dog Rescue
All Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue group. We work with local shelters, city governments, tribal partners and owner surrenders. All the dogs in our program live in a foster home until they are adopted. Our dogs are fully vetted and spayed/neutered prior to adoption. We commit to our dogs for their lifetime and we will always take our dogs back.
"There is so much Love, Every which way. It's incredible and Amazing what ER / MN. do ,to make..."
— carol l.
Fan
"On a very snowy December evening In 2010 an unexpected little furry gift from my Sister and family showed up..."
— laura m.
Adoptee
Marshmallow Animal Shelter
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/625/803c299e10b3-Marshmallow_Animal_Shelter_Logo__2020.jpg1478 Mallard St.
minneapolisMinnesotaUS
I am currently fostering my 25th dog through Marshmallow Animal Shelter and have been lucky to have had such incredible dogs in my home. The shelter prioritizes all of the animals in our community, rescuing the most at risk and working tirelessly to reunite lost pets with their owners or to help homeless pets find their perfect forever. I look forward to fostering the next 25 with this amazing organization.Julia Williamson
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Marshmallow Animal Shelter
Our shelter began in 2006 with Cocoa and her 11 marshmallows. We have gone on to save hundreds of animals each year since.
"I am currently fostering my 25th dog through Marshmallow Animal Shelter and have been lucky to have had such incredible..."
— julia w.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"This shelter is amazing. It process so many animals in the Detroit Lakes area."
— sherrie b.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
The Bond Between
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/624/aa3a5f88e532-TBB_Logo_Dog1_Green_1_1__1_.jpg5959 Baker Road, Suite #390Minnetonka, MN 55345
minneapolisMinnesotaUS
The Bond Between rescues so many dogs that would have been overlooked by other rescues, including our dog. She was an almost 7 year old breeder mama from the south when she was saved. She was a very shy and frightened border collie who probably would have been excluded for being reserved and standoffish. She hardly moved from her corner when we adopted her and was so scared of men. While she will always be timid, she has come so far and provides so much love and joy to us and guests in our home. We are so grateful The Bond Between took a chance on this little girl who now brings smiles to all she meets.Heather Hultquist
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The Bond Between
The Bond Between is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that focuses on the bond between humans and animals. We were founded in 2009 as Secondhand Hounds. Since then, we have rescued over 29,000 dogs and cats with the help of thousands of fosters, volunteers, and supporters in our community. Our organization has grown from a rescue to a first-in-its-class animal wellbeing organization... now The Bond Between! We continue to provide safe shelter, proper veterinary care, and daily necessities for animals while working hard to help them build a bond with humans. We also focus on supporting the bonds that already exist between people and pets with our pet food shelf, respite foster care program, and focus on social services.
We wake up every morning saying YES to connecting people and animals, caring for them, and helping them fill each other's hearts.
You can help support us today by donatin
"The Bond Between rescues so many dogs that would have been overlooked by other rescues, including our dog. She was..."
— heather h.
Adoptee
"The Bond Between is so much more than an animal rescue. It’s all about keeping families and pets together, providing..."
— peg b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter, Fan
Retrieve aa Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM)
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/638/58a584cf2753-RAGOM_logo_FL_2color_RGB_0918.pngGolden RetrieverGolden RetrieverRAGOM has a reputation of being a great rescue, but it wasn't until I got to know them that I also realized how well they advocate for the dogs in their care. When dogs need extra support, like visitors when their fosters run errands or slow transitions into their permanent homes, RAGOM staff enthusiastically offer support based on the individual needs of the dogs and the people who care for them. Their attention to detail and their knowledge of the dogs in their care ensures that the dogs are well-prepared to transition into their permanent homes and that the families who care for them will be well-supported along the way. RAGOM is an amazing organization with so much heart. I enthusiastically support them and love referring prospective adopters to them.Cheryl Gfrerer
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Retrieve aa Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM)
"Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest" (RAGOM) is a non-profit organization based in Minnesota, that specializes in the rescue, fostering, and adoption of Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes. The organization serves the Midwestern region of the United States, including Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Wisconsin.
RAGOM works to rescue Golden Retrievers from shelters, commercial breeders, and owners who can no longer care for them. They provide necessary medical care, foster homes, and behavioral rehabilitation as needed before finding suitable forever homes through their adoption program.
Founded in 1985, Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest has become one of the largest and most well-known Golden Retriever rescue organizations in the United States. Their mission is to rescue and rehome as many Golden Retrievers as possible while also educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the importance of adopting from shelters and rescue organizations.
"RAGOM has a reputation of being a great rescue, but it wasn't until I got to know them that I..."
— cheryl g.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"Rescue a Golden of the Midwest is an incredible group of volunteers. Not only do they rescue goldens but they..."
— carol g.
Supporter
Wags n Whiskers
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/626/cbfd27e7369c-wags_whiskers_logo.pngThis is an amazing group. They brought our rescue all the way from Las Cruces New Mexico. She gave birth to 5 beautiful puppies about 8 hours after she arrived at her foster moms house here in Minnesota.Kimberly H.
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Wags n Whiskers
Formed in 2009, Wags & Whiskers Animal Rescue of MN is a volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals, and educating the community on responsible pet ownership. Wags & Whiskers has no facility or shelter. Instead, all our animals are housed in foster homes while they await their forever homes. With this approach, our foster parents become familiar with the personalities of his or her foster dog or cat and use this familiarity to match our animals to appropriate homes.
"This is an amazing group. They brought our rescue all the way from Las Cruces New Mexico. She gave birth..."
— kimberly h.
Adoptee
"We adopted our sweet baby boy Cowboy from this rescue. We'll be forever grateful."
— kimberly h.
Adoptee
Ruff Start Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/635/162930cda7bb-RSR_emblem.jpg12526 319th AvePrinceton, MN 55371
minneapolisMinnesotaUS
Wonderful people working to help animals find their forever home!Julia Olson
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Ruff Start Rescue
Ruff Start Rescue is an extraordinary foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit companion animal rescue that radiates compassion and dedication. Our unwavering mission extends beyond borders, reaching communities throughout Minnesota and the southern states plagued by stray pet overpopulation. We fearlessly rescue the voiceless victims of neglect, abandonment, and despair dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and many other critters. Every single day, our tireless efforts are propelled by volunteers, fosters, and supporters who unite as a force of unwavering love, saving thousands of lives.
"Wonderful people working to help animals find their forever home!"
— julia o.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Fan
"We have 3 dogs from ruffstart Rescue , we have also fostered 9 other dogs for them . They do..."
— john.leraan.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
Crossroads Animal Shelter
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/633/f679b2ab9ea2-Crossroads_Logo_Updated_2023.jpg2800 10th Street SE Buffalo, Minnesota
minneapolisMinnesotaUS
Crossroads is a great shelter with caring, dedicated staff. They also offer low cost veterinary services for the common.Erica Bossert
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Crossroads Animal Shelter
Crossroads Animal Shelter was established in 1998 and at that time it was strictly foster based. In 2000, after major fundraising efforts we broke ground for a shelter in Buffalo, Minnesota and opened doors to the public in 2002.
We have a lobby/reception area for adoptions and veterinary services. And dog and cat visitation rooms. There is also a Cat Colony room that can accommodate up to 12 cats. It also opens up to an airy "catio" space.
Our building can house up to 30 dogs/puppies and 60 cats/kittens.
In April 2023 we added veterinary services to the public. We offer affordable, quality spay/neuter services, vaccinations, dental and surgical procedures and other wellness needs. Crossroads is proud of our dedicated team of talented and compassionate animal care technicians, veterinary staff, adoption specialists, volunteers, and rescue partners. The work we do each day is often challenging and we are committed to making informed decisions to provide the best possible care for companion animals based on their individual needs and quality of life. We currently employ a staff of 15.
Both Crossroads Animal Shelter and Crossroads Veterinary Clinic are registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organizations.
"Crossroads is a great shelter with caring, dedicated staff. They also offer low cost veterinary services for the common."
— erica b.
Volunteer / foster
"First of all,
Thank you to every staff member and volunteer who helped care for Dawson while he searched for a..."
— kerry d.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
Heading Home K9 Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/627/1cbf7bdd6988-hhk9_header.jpgThey're amazing!Abby G
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Heading Home K9 Rescue
Heading Home K9 Rescue was started in the Spring of 2011. We are a 501c3, non-profit dog rescue. We receive no government support.
We have a soft spot for the dogs that others are most likely to pass over: puppy mills, seniors, big black mixed breeds, heartworm positive dogs, and animals who have been injured.
We are 100% volunteer-based. We do not have paid staff or board members. All the money we bring in from donations and adoption fees goes directly back to the dogs.
We do not have a central facility, all our dogs are fostered in individual foster homes. Because our dogs live in foster homes rather than a shelter, we know them well and are able to make sure that a perfect match is made between the dog and its new home.
"They're amazing!"
— abby g.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"They help out as many as they can but also reach out to other rescues when needing help."
— abby g.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
Safe Hands Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/636/aba16f479f28-safehands_logos_stacked_blue_200.pngSafe Hands Rescue has made a huge difference in my life. After being forced to work from home during the pandemic, fostering gave me purpose and something to look forward to while I isolated at home. That was four years ago, and fostering brings me so much joy. I need to foster to help make a difference for the sweet puppies that otherwise would not be alive today. Our organization has boots on the ground in a very economically depressed area in Kentucky. That area of the country, does not treat animals the way we do in Minnesota. Pets in Minnesota are our family members. Our rescue gives animals a chance at an awesome life. We are always in need of more resources to make future improvements to the rescue.Lynne Sanders
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Safe Hands Rescue
The Safe House is located in Floyd County, Kentucky and will assist the communities in surrounding counties as well. It will be a safe place to house and care for at-risk homeless pets before they make their way to new lives and families to call their own. Here, animals will receive housing and the care necessary for their physical and emotional well-being. Animals like Truly can't wait another day for your help.
"Safe Hands Rescue has made a huge difference in my life. After being forced to work from home during the..."
— lynne s.
Volunteer / foster
"Safe Hands Rescue provides a safe landing place to animals that have struggled. The animals in their care are carefully..."
— cheryl g.
Supporter, Fan
Rescue Network
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/634/e90720a69fee-Capture.JPGThey’re amazingGabby G
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Rescue Network
In 2017 I fostered three mangy puppies from a reservation. At an adoption event, I saw their mama, Shasta. My husband was there with me, and I looked at him and said, we need to foster her‚. He proceeded to continue to say, no way. Well I won! We brought Shasta home to foster and I networked her for a couple weeks for someone to adopt. We already had two dogs and two cats, and mind you, Shasta did not like cats. Shortly after Christmas, I said we were adopting her. I have no idea where it came from, but it just happened. After lots of training, Shasta became best friends with our cats and really made our family feel complete.
But it didn't end there. I was always very curious on her background. Her puppies were in horrible shape when we fostered them, and she looked like the saddest dog in the world when we got her. I came to find out that she was living outside with her six puppies on a reservation and was a stray that no one claimed. I saw the picture of her and her puppies on the mattress and that was the beginning of what eventually started Rescue Network.
I couldn't believe that animals were just living outside like that. I was eager to learn more and help. We started helping the reservation where Shasta was from, and the need was huge. I was doing this with my own bank account, trying to raise money and it just wasn't feasible. In late 2019, we started Rescue Network. We have since grown to help three other reservations and have grown exponentially.
I often tell Shasta she is saving so many lives. Without her, I can't say I would have had the motivation to start Rescue Network.
"They’re amazing"
— gabby g.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
Healing Hearts Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/646/3cdd8a77dcb2-HHR_Logo_Side_by_Side_whitegreen.pngAmazing rescue and helps all animalsJennifer dahms
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Healing Hearts Rescue
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, foster-based rescue located in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota that is 100% funded through adoption fees and donations. We are excited for you to join us on this mission to save the lives of dogs in need. We believe every dog deserves to be loved as true members of a family and are committed to fulfilling that dream one dog at a time!
"Amazing rescue and helps all animals"
— jennifer d.
Supporter
Tri-County Humane Society
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/632/ef667b654c9d-TCHS_Logo_transparent.png735 8th Street NESt. Cloud, MN 56304
minneapolisMinnesotaUS
Great place!Julie B
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Tri-County Humane Society
Tri-County Humane Society is an independent, nonprofit animal shelter in St. Cloud, Minnesota, providing quality services to people and animals since 1974.
"Great place!"
— julie b.
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Welcome to the 2025 Minnesota Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Minnesota 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 Minnesota dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
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Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot