This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Nebraska. 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.
#266 in United States, #1 in Nebraska, #1 in Omaha
Omaha
The Nebraska Humane Society was founded in 1875. It is the fifth oldest humane society in the nation, and, today, is also one of the largest. We offer shelter to animals who have no place to call home and provide vital services to them and to the people who love them. Every year, more than 24,000 animals, including wildlife, find their way to our doors. Through our programs, we touch the lives of more than 200,000 people annually with our message of compassion and humane treatment for all living creatures. We are housed on a 13-acre campus with four buildings, 170 dedicated staff members and 500 volunteers.
"Their passion and commitment to save and rescue dogs is top tier."
— jane m.
Supporter
"I thought volunteering would make me sadder seeing the behind the scenes of the shelter. I could not be more..."
— lily f.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska
Fur Animal Rescue is a 501c3 non profit and state licensed rescue dedicated to finding homes for animals at the North Platte Animal Shelter. We do that by evaluating the dogs and cats, creating and providing the pets with information tags for their kennel, taking pictures and videos for online networking and helping to link up potential adopters with pets in need. We also rescue and provide vet care, foster homes and assistance rehoming for certain pets in need; such as those who are injured, ill, or those who are not acclimating well in the shelter environment.
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska
The Kearney Area Animal Shelter is a privately owned, non-profit animal shelter located in Kearney, Nebraska. We are a no-kill shelter and will never euthanize due to space or time constraints. Every animal that is adopted from our facility is spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated, and microchipped. Our budget relies on donations from the public as well as support from the City of Kearney and Buffalo County. A contribution to our shelter directly impacts the animals in our care and ensures we can continue aiding our community.
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska
Start Over Rover is the only no-kill, non-profit animal rescue and shelter located in Hastings, NE. Rover is operated primarily by volunteers and is beginning it’s 10th year of operation! We rely solely on donations from the general public and local/regional businesses and groups. Our first priority is finding good homes for unwanted companion animals, whether they are abandoned, neglected, abused, strays, puppy mill “cast offs”, or simply unwanted by their current owners. Another priority of Rover’s is reducing the pet overpopulation without euthanization. We pay for the spay or neuter, medical care, vaccinations, and daily care of each animal that enters Rover.
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska
The Heartland Pet Connection has been serving the homeless animals of south central Nebraska since October 2004. Our facility provides a safe haven for lost and surrendered pets and an opportunity for many families to find the perfect companion. Animal control is provided by the Hastings Police Department and the Adams County Sheriff’s Department. At the shelter, animals are cared for with compassion and kindness. The safety and health of these animals is a priority for staff and the many volunteers that work at the shelter. Each animal receives veterinary care as well as necessary vaccinations and tests to ensure that it is in the best health before ever being put up for adoption. It is our goal to provide the best care possible for the homeless animals that need it the most. Our History The Heartland Pet Connection is owned and operated by the Hastings Animal Shelter Association, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2001. We are a non-profit organization, not managed by city or county government. The concepts of changing the community’s animal shelter was originally introduced to the community as the WAGS project – Wonderful Animals – Great Space. It was born out of the compassion felt by many of Hastings area residents who wanted to improve the lives of hundreds of animals that passed through the dilapidated city animal shelter. The original WAGS Project was a grassroots effort that has expanded into a variety of avenues all carefully designed to serve the needs of people and animals in this community.
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska
Epona Horse Rescue is located just outside Crete, Nebraska. We are located on roughly 10 acres of pasture land, with a 4 stall barn and plans to add an additional barn soon. "SAVING LIVES OTHERWISE LOST..." Epona Horse Rescue is an organization based on the premise that all equine and other animals should live freely from cruelty, neglect and abuse. Many horses simply end up in a rescue situation due to lack of training or being too young or too old to be of use to mankind. Epona is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of unbroken or unhandled horses and to the very young and the aged equine that are often rejected. We strive to educate the public on the fate of many of America's horses and ask for the support of the American public. Money is always a pressing need in the rescue. Feed, hay, shelter and veterinary care are the largest of expenses. We also need farrier care, office support and volunteers to continue the work. Your support can help the rescue continue to rescue and rehabilitate these wonderful animals. We are a non-profit organization under the IRS 501 (c)(3) regulations.
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska
Holt County Animal Shelter is a small non-profit dog shelter located in rural Nebraska. We are dedicated to providing a safe and caring environment for stray and abandoned dogs. Our shelter aims to find loving forever homes for our furry residents, and we rely on the support of our community to continue our important work. At Holt County Animal Shelter, we believe that every dog deserves a second chance at happiness. Our team is committed to making a difference in the lives of these animals, and we strive to create a positive impact on our local community. We strive to be a no kill animal shelter. We uphold that philosophy by only euthanizing a dog when it is a matter of quality of life, or a public safety issue. Thanks to our communities support we are able to provide at risk dogs a safe place to live out their lives.
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska
HUA, located in the beautiful rolling hills of Auburn, Nebraska, is a no-kill organization dedicated to relieving the suffering of domestic animals by providing quality shelter, sanctuary, and adoptions, and by promoting animal welfare issues. Our efforts have resulted in thousands of dog and cat adoptions since the year 1989.
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska, #2 in Omaha
Omaha
Catz Angels CARE, Inc is a volunteer, no-kill cat rescue located in Fremont, NE. We take in stray and abandoned cats and kittens in Fremont, NE and the surrounding communities. CARE was started in 2016 by a group of cat lovers who saw a need for management of the community cat population in Fremont. Out of their own pocket, they began to trap-neuter-release (TNR) these local cats. Over the years, CARE has grown in size, budget and services in order to meet the needs of the community.
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska, #2 in Omaha
Omaha
MABTR takes in Boston Terriers and Boston mixes of any age, gender, and physical/mental condition across 13 states. Dogs are placed in foster care until they are adopted. Prior to adoption, we provide complete medical care, behavior evaluation, and microchipping. Run by volunteers with caring hearts, MABTR is funded completely by donations, and we can't achieve our mission alone. Generous donations from kind people like you sustain us with the financial support necessary to care for the hundreds of homeless Bostons we rescue every year.
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska
The McCook Humane Society was formed in 1983 by a group of citizens concerned by the housing that was being used by the City of McCook to house and care for stray animals. The first efforts focused on finding new homes for the strays and making their stay a bit more comfortable while impounded. Through a lot of diligent efforts, donations of money and many hours of volunteer labor the Animal Shelter was built on South Street and a lease agreement with the City of McCook was established. The shelter has been improved through the years and is a facility to be proud of. These improvements have been possible through donations and other fund raising projects throughout the years. The effort continues to insure that neglected and unwanted animals of the area are taken care of and new homes provided. MHS is a nonprofit organization supported by voluntary donations and remains an independent organization dedicated to finding permanent, loving homes for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals in Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas. Three Memory Boards are on display at the shelter: • One has the names and or businesses that have been donors or volunteers that have been instrumental in the construction and continuing operation of the Animal Shelter. • Another is in memory of deceased animal lovers that have either left monies in their wills or instructed their loved ones to donate to the humane society. • A third has the names of beloved pets that the owners have given memorials in their name to be remembered. Visitors and volunteers are always welcome. The McCook Humane Society is located at 100 South Street. Please find our current open hours at the bottom of every page in the footer. If you need to surrender an animal, please call first during business hours to set up an appointment to bring the animal in.
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska
Pawsitive Endings was founded in 2007 when the need for a dog rescue in western Nebraska became apparent. Many highly adoptable dogs and puppies were being euthanized simply because of lack of space in area shelters. We primarily take in shelter dogs and strays, and when space allows, the occasional sowner surrender. We have no physical "shelter" or facility in which to house animals, so we can only take in as many dogs as our foster homes allow for. We cannot commit to taking in a new dog until we have a corresponding foster home lined up. Another reason why our foster homes are so essential to our success. Once dogs are taken into the rescue we vaccinate, vet check and spay/neuter (whenever possible/appropriate) every dog prior to adoption. Adoption fees range from $75 to $225 depending on age and breed and go directly towards (but never cover) the cost of providing medical care and housing for the animal. Pawsitive Endings Dog Rescue is a licensed rescue with the state of Nebraska but does not currently maintain no profit status.
#600 in United States, #2 in Nebraska
PAWS-itive Partners Humane Society, Inc., (PPHS), was formed in 1998 by a group of animal lovers to promote responsible pet ownership, implement spay/neuter programs in order to control pet overpopulation, promote the adoption of homeless animals and to be supportive of the animals at North Platte Animal Shelter. PAWS-itive Partners is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation and is comprised of volunteers who wish to better the lives of animals. PAWS-itive Partners has no paid directors and does not pay any administrative or fundraising fees. Money raised by PAWS-itive Partners stays in the Lincoln County area. PAWS-itive Partners is separate from other humane societies and it is not affiliated with city or county governments. Although we strongly support the animals at the North Platte Animal Shelter, we are separate from them. PAWS-itive Partners does not operate a shelter facility. PAWS-itive Partners relies on member dues, fundraising and donations to operate.
The Nebraska Humane Society was founded in 1875. It is the fifth oldest humane society in the nation, and, today, is also one of the largest. We offer shelter to animals who have no place to call home and provide vital services to them and to the people who love them. Every year, more than 24,000 animals, including wildlife, find their way to our doors. Through our programs, we touch the lives of more than 200,000 people annually with our message of compassion and humane treatment for all living creatures. We are housed on a 13-acre campus with four buildings, 170 dedicated staff members and 500 volunteers.
Catz Angels CARE, Inc is a volunteer, no-kill cat rescue located in Fremont, NE. We take in stray and abandoned cats and kittens in Fremont, NE and the surrounding communities. CARE was started in 2016 by a group of cat lovers who saw a need for management of the community cat population in Fremont. Out of their own pocket, they began to trap-neuter-release (TNR) these local cats. Over the years, CARE has grown in size, budget and services in order to meet the needs of the community.
MABTR takes in Boston Terriers and Boston mixes of any age, gender, and physical/mental condition across 13 states. Dogs are placed in foster care until they are adopted. Prior to adoption, we provide complete medical care, behavior evaluation, and microchipping. Run by volunteers with caring hearts, MABTR is funded completely by donations, and we can't achieve our mission alone. Generous donations from kind people like you sustain us with the financial support necessary to care for the hundreds of homeless Bostons we rescue every year.
Welcome to the 2024 Nebraska Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Nebraska 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 Nebraska dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Once approved, you will receive an email. That can take about 24 hours, but we'll expedite that process if you come in person!You must physically be at the shelter to adopt. We are located at 8929 Fort Street in Omaha, Nebraska.Nebraska's legal age to sign a contract is 19, we ask that all adopters are at least 19 years old. Please bring a valid form of ID.You need landlord approval for a pet. Please come prepared to show your pet policy, have a signed notification that your landlord approves, or the phone number to call and verify your landlord's requirements.We do our best to be as transparent as possible. Please read the animal bios on the website, which will list any restrictions (such as kids, backyards, apartments, other animals, etc.). These restrictions are put in place for the benefit of both the adopters and the animals. We do our best to ensure successful adoptions!
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.