This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New Mexico. 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.
#108 in United States, #1 in New Mexico, #1 in Albuquerque
Albuquerque
NMDOG is an in-the-trenches rescue serving the chained, the abused, the abandoned dogs of New Mexico. Headquartered out of Albuquerque, this small, 501(c)3 non profit, all volunteer, foster based rescue was established in 2010, touching the lives of thousands of dogs ever since
"We have adopted 3 dogs from NMDOG. They are a great Rescue. They stand by what they say...."
— deedee w.
Adoptee, Supporter
"We have adopted 3 dogs from NMDOG. They are a great Rescue. They stand by what they say...."
— deedee w.
Adoptee, Supporter
#361 in United States, #2 in New Mexico, #2 in Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Founded in 1965, Animal Humane New Mexico is the state's leading private 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization serving more than 10,000 homeless and at-risk dogs & cats each year. We never euthanize based on age or length of stay and since 2010, have re-homed 100% of healthy pets in our care. We support every companion animal at Animal Humane with outstanding veterinary, social and emotional care, and love. As a private nonprofit shelter, we receive no city, state or federal funding; each dollar judiciously spent is earned or raised. We are nationally recognized as a top U.S. charity based on financial accountability, transparency, and administrative-to-program cost ratios. Animal Humane is among only 9 percent of nationwide charities to have received five consecutive annual four-star evaluations, the highest possible, from Charity Navigator, including a top score of 100 for accountability and transparency.
"Espanola Humane is a small shelter in Northern NM. It has an amazing group of dedicated people who work to..."
— debra k.
Supporter, Fan
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico, #3 in Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Lap Dog Rescue of New Mexico (LDRNM) is a rescue organization whose mission is to recover, rehabilitate and permanently rehome New Mexico's small companion dogs who find themselves living in shelters, unsuitable homes or navigating other harsh conditions. The stories are ongoing and the needs never end. Lap Dog Rescue of New Mexico was founded during the mid-1990's by Marie Steele and Tamara Marquez-Nugent and granted its Federal 501C-3 status as a non-profit charitable organization in 2001. LDRNM is overseen today by Marie's son, Brian Spence, President of LDRNM, and supported by dedicated volunteers from all over the state. Our small army of animal champions enables us to respond whenever the need arises and wherever it arises
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico, #3 in Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Since 2023, our animal rescue organization has been dedicated to caring for and promoting the rights of responsible pet ownership animals through numerous initiatives. We are dedicated to taking the "unwanteds" but we want to help all that need our help. Our main goal is to educate and improve the treatment of animals around the world and give the animals in our care a loving and lasting forever home. PKR volunteers rescue the dogs and cats in our program directly from high kill shelters and other sources that desperately need help. All the dogs and cats in our program are temperament tested and then evaluated on a daily basis until they find their new home. Most PKR animals are in foster homes where they are socialized with other dogs, cats, children or adults. Our foster families play a big part in our success as they not only show the animals unconditional love and invite them into their home, but they also spend countless hours working with their foster animal to ensure they are stable and well mannered pets. PKR takes the responsibility of choosing good adoption prospects very seriously. Although we don’t expect the animals to come to us with perfect manners, we do expect them to be friendly with most, if not all humans. PKR does not tolerate human aggression and we will not place animals for public adoption that exhibit human aggressive behavior. As responsible animal owners and rescuers, it is our duty to make sure the animals in our program are good breed and species ambassadors. PKR is new and has a network of dedicated previously registered 501c3 volunteers and helpers. We started the process of obtaining our 501(c)3 on 2/20/23, and as of 3/2/23, our rescue is officially registered as a 501(c)3 non profit organization. Your donations are tax deductible!
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico, #3 in Albuquerque
#15 in german Shepherd
German Shepherd
Albuquerque
German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Central New Mexico is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) volunteer-based animal welfare organization dedicated to rescuing homeless German Shepherd Dogs. By working with a small network of volunteer advocates, foster caregivers, local veterinarians and shelters, German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Central New Mexico is able to rescue several German Shepherd Dogs every year. We focus primarily on shelter dogs, evaluating them, addressing any medical needs, and providing them with temporary homes. We ensure all dogs are spayed/neutered and we use our extensive experience with the breed to find matching homes for each one. German Shepherds are wonderful – intelligent, athletic, loyal – and we want every dog in our care to go to a loving permanent home!
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico, #3 in Albuquerque
Albuquerque
We are a small non-profit organization passionate about helping rescue, protect, and place Boston's in loving homes across New Mexico. Milagro Boston Terrier Rescue (MBTR) began in 1999 with an elderly Boston Terrier named Mr. Buggs. His owner had passed and left Mr. Buggs an orphan. Mr. Buggs was a dancer who loved to prance about everything. Rescue of Boston Terriers in New Mexico was being done by Nancy Gage of Los Lunas and Dyl Osborne of Abiquiu. Both had decided it was time for them to look for help with the Bostons and they came to me. My Grandmother, Rev. Mable E. Dawe ( 1904-2006) was born in McIntosh near Estancia. While living in Gallup in the 1930's, she developed and affection for Boston Terriers, then called Boston Bulls. Her two favorites, Dempsey and Beans, were featured in stories she shared through the years. It was and continues to be my homage to Nana that is my inspiration in 1999 and continues today. When you have a rescue, it's essential to have a 501c3 to raise money for the dogs. My Corrales neighbor, Joyce Fay, operated Bro & Tracy Animal Welfare in Corrales. MBTR worked as a separate entity under Bro & Tracy until 2014 when MBTR was approved as a 501c3. Milagro Vineyards and Winery is our business in Corrales. We started growing grapes in 1985 and began using the name Milagro, miracle in Spanish, to convey the Divine intervention needed to grow grapes in the fickle climate of New Mexico. The Boston Terrier rescue has always operated in tandem with the vineyards and winery, so, using the same name worked on many levels. The work of the rescue is only successful with the same Divine intervention relied on to grow the grapes. It is our core value and reason for success.
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico
We are an all-volunteer animal rescue program serving Quay County, New Mexico, continued from Tucumcari Animal Rescue which began in 2009. In that time, we have saved the lives of 700+ animals. We also started an all-donation funded spay-neuter program in 2014! We are now ready for the next step. God has blessed us with several business supporters and many individual supporters who share our vision of no more homeless, neglected, or abused animals.
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico
Española Humane offers free services and innovative programs to help suffering pets in underserved communities. For over three decades, we have managed an open-door shelter that welcomes every animal without charge because we believe the most humane approach is to never turn away an animal in need. Spay/neuter access is critical to our mission, and our clinic is completely free to pets in Española, Rio Arriba County, and the surrounding Pueblos.
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico
Lea County Humane Society (LCHS) is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States. For decades, the Lea County Humane Society has been comprised of a group of volunteers working for the wellbeing of all animals in Lea County, New Mexico. We work with the Adoption centers in Hobbs, NM and Lovington, NM to facilitate adoptions, provision of essentials and enrichment for sheltered animals, animal socialization, and assistance in veterinary care. A major focus of our resources is the transportation of stray, unwanted, and abandoned animals to adoption centers nationwide and internationally. In addition, we subsidize spay, neuter, and vaccination services. LCHS works to inform the public, through educational programs, about the ramifications of animal cruelty, the consequences of neglect, the benefits of spaying and neutering, and proper care for all animals in Lea County.
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico
The Dixon Animal Protection Society has been “in service” since 1981. It became an official 501 (c)3 organization in 1997. The ongoing mission of DAPS is to alleviate the overpopulation and suffering of animals in northern New Mexico. DAPS serves an area that is underserved by local shelters, as so many of our calls come from the isolated areas in the mountainous areas of northern New Mexico. DAPS provides the following services: • Discount or free spays and neuters • Emergency vet care funding to aid animals who have been injured (those who are rescued and those belonging to local families). In order to receive this help, the human companion must agree to have the dog or cat spayed or neutered. • Provide dog and cat food and doghouses for those who cannot afford to feed or house their companions. • Provide a 24 hour “hot line” to help with advice and emergencies. • Buy fencing and “kennels” for those who have dogs chained—encouraging the families to not chain their dogs. (Let’s work for legislation to prevent this cruel practice.) • Set up shot clinics in Dixon (as funding is available), because any vet or shelter is, at least, 30 miles away and so many people are unable to drive their companions to a vet. • Provide humane education • At this time, DAPS has multiple dogs and cats residing at the sanctuary. Those who are not adoptable (injured, abused, medical problems, etc.) live out their lives with us. • Work closely with other animal rescue organizations, shelters, etc. to share information, adoptions, etc. • The ONLY paid employees are local teens or an occasional helper who comes on an “at need” basis. (There are NO other paid employees, as all funds go to help needy animals and their families.)
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico
The Socorro Animal Shelter (SAS) is the only open admission municipal animal shelter operating in Socorro County. The SAS is operated by the City of Socorro with MOU’s for sheltering services with Socorro County and the Village of Magdalena. In 2019, SAS received 1126 animals. Our adoption Center transferred out or adopted nearly 782 of those animals. The SAS is an animal service adoption center providing the public with the ability to reclaim lost animals, relinquish stray or owned animals. The SAS cares for, feeds, and provides needed medical and veterinary care, as well as companionship, socialization, training and love. We offer microchips, City of Socorro pet license, free straw for outside animals housing, and local adoption events. We provide opportunities for volunteers to share in the caring experience of helping the strays and abandoned animals left at SAS. The SAS is committed to the relocation of animals into rescue groups, fosters, and permanent new homes.
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico
We are a 501c3 non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to helping abandoned, neglected, and injured animals on Native American reservations in rural New Mexico. For 15 years we have successfully rehabilitated and rehomed cats, dogs, puppies kittens, even some pigs and horses. Our mission is to find loving forever homes for these animals and provide them with the care they deserve.
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico
Established in 1987, the Humane Society of Lincoln County has worked to protect and care for the abandoned pets in our community. In 2020 we moved into our new shelter facility that insures a healthy environment for incoming pets. To address the increasing problem of pet overpopulation, HSLC has launched several initiatives promoting the importance of spaying and neutering. We also have a program to help trap, neuter and release (TNR) feral cats to help control their populations.
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico
Mike and Lisa found their passion working with the residents and animals of Luna County, New Mexico. Through the years, they had successfully produced a high quality grooming and boarding facility for animals of all types and breeds. They have received lifetime achievement awards for rescuing over 2,000 animals between 2011 and 2016! Mike and Lisa became lifetime members of Deming Animal Guardians in 2014 and Mike began work with the DAG Board of Directors. Out of their passion for rescuing, they wanted to save even more animals than one foster space would allow, that dream became DAGSHIP Rescue. DAGSHIP, Deming Animal Guardians Sunshine Haven Intake Project, began construction and became a reality in 2017. Since then Mike and Lisa have worked tirelessly to successfully create a state of the art animal rescue facility. The facility is designed with indoor & outdoor kennels with a holding capacity of 12-14 dogs. Completed in 2019, a new cat sanctuary and quarantine building has the capacity to hold 25 cats. The sanctuary features a fun social area and large outside play area for our furry, ball chasing friends. We may be small on the outside but are doing big things on the inside! DAGSHIP Rescue and Columbus Animal Rescue, with Deming Animal Guardian's help, took in over 2,000 dogs and cats since opening in 2017.. With the continued help and support of our community, our volunteers and our Director Chrystal Kerbo, DAGSHIP Rescue will continue to save thousands of lives at this loving and compassionate rescue. About Deming Animal Guardians Deming Animal Guardians (DAG) is an all volunteer, IRS recognized charity that has been in existence since 1991. Since we began, we've sponsored more than 14,500 spay/neuter surgeries. Our focus is indigent pet owners in Luna County, New Mexico. Our goal is to improve the lives of these animals by making spay/neuter surgeries more affordable through discount coupons and mobile veterinary vans. Since Luna County has a high population of indigent pet owners, we target low-income pet owners only. Our goal is to reduce the number of euthanasia at the local shelter by making responsible pet ownership a reality for low income pet owners and now we are thrilled to join forces with Sunshine Grooming to create the new and kind, no-kill rescue:
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico
Four Corners Pet Alliance launched in 2015. We're a registered 501c3, and all donations are tax deductible. Happy, Healthy Puppies We care for puppies, dogs, pregnant females or females with litters. We even get the occasional feline! We feel all rescues deserve the best care and that path begins here. Please consider becoming a foster today! A Furever Friend We love our supporters, fosters and adopters! Please contact us for more information on how you can help further our cause. Fill out our "Contact Us" page below!
#600 in United States, #3 in New Mexico
Desert Haven Animal Refuge opened its doors in December 2001 to homeless, neglected, handicapped and unwanted domestic animals of Sierra County, New Mexico. All animals at Desert Haven are guaranteed a new home or a good life at the no-kill facility, where they will never again be alone, hungry or afraid. Except in extreme circumstances – when the animal is a danger to himself or to others, or has lost quality of life – all animals taken in will live at our facility until they are adopted or to the end of their natural life.
NMDOG is an in-the-trenches rescue serving the chained, the abused, the abandoned dogs of New Mexico. Headquartered out of Albuquerque, this small, 501(c)3 non profit, all volunteer, foster based rescue was established in 2010, touching the lives of thousands of dogs ever since
Founded in 1965, Animal Humane New Mexico is the state's leading private 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization serving more than 10,000 homeless and at-risk dogs & cats each year. We never euthanize based on age or length of stay and since 2010, have re-homed 100% of healthy pets in our care. We support every companion animal at Animal Humane with outstanding veterinary, social and emotional care, and love. As a private nonprofit shelter, we receive no city, state or federal funding; each dollar judiciously spent is earned or raised. We are nationally recognized as a top U.S. charity based on financial accountability, transparency, and administrative-to-program cost ratios. Animal Humane is among only 9 percent of nationwide charities to have received five consecutive annual four-star evaluations, the highest possible, from Charity Navigator, including a top score of 100 for accountability and transparency.
Lap Dog Rescue of New Mexico (LDRNM) is a rescue organization whose mission is to recover, rehabilitate and permanently rehome New Mexico's small companion dogs who find themselves living in shelters, unsuitable homes or navigating other harsh conditions. The stories are ongoing and the needs never end. Lap Dog Rescue of New Mexico was founded during the mid-1990's by Marie Steele and Tamara Marquez-Nugent and granted its Federal 501C-3 status as a non-profit charitable organization in 2001. LDRNM is overseen today by Marie's son, Brian Spence, President of LDRNM, and supported by dedicated volunteers from all over the state. Our small army of animal champions enables us to respond whenever the need arises and wherever it arises
Welcome to the 2024 New Mexico Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in New Mexico 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 New Mexico dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
NMDOG doesn't cut any corners when it comes to the care and placement of its dogs. When a dog enters the NMDOG program, they are guaranteed to receive the very best of care. This includes, at the very minimum, a full veterinary exam, spay or neuter, all vaccinations, de-worming, heartworm testing, and a microchip. Due to the nature of our work, many of the dogs NMDOG rescues need much more extensive medical care before they are cleared for adoption. NMDOG also provides behavior support and is diligent in every adoption, setting both the dog and the adopter up for success. A 7-week obedience class is included with every NMDOG adoption, and this training, along with the support of the entire NMDOG team, is available to every adoptive or foster family. 'Once an NMDOG, always an NMDOG!' When you foster or adopt, you become part of the NMDOG family.
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.