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The Best Rhode Island Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Rhode Island. 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.

    Great Dane Rescue of New England
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1039/5bcf7e922936-a521a6_697a4b22161a466d990f6898026ec4f9.jpg
    Rhode IslandUS
    Great DaneGreat Dane
    7 adoptions with great support
  • Great Dane Rescue of New England Logo

    Great Dane Rescue of New England

    Great Dane

    Great Dane Rescue of New England, Incorporated is a diverse, volunteer group of experienced Great Dane owners who united in March 2013 to more effectively assist Great Danes in need, as well as the families who surrender, foster and adopt them. GDRNE is tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization under of the Internal Revenue Code.

    "7 adoptions with great support"

    roger a.

    Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

    "We've adopted 3 wonderful Danes that have entered our home as puppies and have grown into treasured members of our..."

    erin w.

    Adoptee


  • The Hotel for Homeless Dogs
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1037/e8836e202b9d-facepng.png
    Rhode IslandUS
    I foster and am the adoption coordinate for both hotel for homeless dogs and paws ne. GREAT orgs. I wouldn’t have my soul doggy if it weren’t for them
  • The Hotel for Homeless Dogs Logo

    The Hotel for Homeless Dogs

    The Hotel is an unparalleled animal care facility and adoption center situated in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Complementing our central facility, we maintain foster homes across New England. We constitute a devoted collective of animal enthusiasts dedicated to rescuing creatures facing euthanasia in overcrowded county shelters, as well as abandoned animals, litters discovered in fields, those enduring inhumane conditions, and other homeless animals in distress. Our primary objective is to provide unwavering care to these rescues until they secure their forever homes. In tandem with our rescue efforts, we are resolute in our commitment to public education on responsible pet care. Every animal under our guardianship undergoes comprehensive vetting and is spayed or neutered, without regard for age, breed, or medical expenses. Notably, The Hotel operates independently, receiving no state funding or government assistance. Our existence is sustained through the generosity of compassionate individuals, fundraising initiatives, and adoption fees. Your support is vital in our collective mission to make a lasting impact in the lives of these deserving animals.

    "I foster and am the adoption coordinate for both hotel for homeless dogs and paws ne. GREAT orgs. I wouldn’t..."

    laudine k.

    Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

    "I've been volunteering with The Hotel for Homeless Dogs since last Fall and have had a great experience with them!..."

    rachel k.

    Volunteer / foster, Fan


  • Potter League for Animals
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1038/05a2420b3277-PLFA_95years_logo_crop.png
    Rhode IslandUS
    Bunnies buddy's rescues dogs from the horrific meat trade in Asia. I can't think of a better mission so they have my top vote in CA. Kudos to BB!
  • Potter League for Animals Logo

    Potter League for Animals

    The Potter League for Animals is Rhode Island's go-to animal care and resource center, where we provide shelter, veterinary care, behavior training, spay & neuter, owner assistance programs, humane education, and the opportunity for thousands of animals to find loving homes each year.

    "Bunnies buddy's rescues dogs from the horrific meat trade in Asia. I can't think of a better mission so..."

    debbie m.

    Supporter, Fan


  • Rhode Home Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1040/d0935553a6a5-rhode_home_rescue_logo3a_white.png
    Rhode IslandUS
    I had a very smooth and easy experience adopting my dog!
  • Rhode Home Rescue Logo

    Rhode Home Rescue

    Rhode Home Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization whose volunteers have many years of rescue experience. Our mission is to identify and rescue all types of dogs from overwhelmed euthanasia shelters and abusive situations and place them in secure, loving homes. We are a foster-based program, consisting of all volunteers, and have decided to branch out on our own in order to fulfill our mission. Prior to a Rhode Home Rescue dog being adopted, each dog undergoes an examination by a veterinarian, is updated on all age appropriate vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and micro chipped. At Rhode Home Rescue we firmly believe that a healthy, well trained dog is the key to the successful integration of a rescued dog and ensures a wonderful, loving companion for years to come.

    "I had a very smooth and easy experience adopting my dog!"

    lexi w.

    Adoptee


  • Save A Lab Rescue
    https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png
    Rhode IslandUS
  • Save A Lab Rescue Logo

  • WAGS of Monroe County
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1043/be5abb7b87ee-Capture.PNG
    Rhode IslandUS
  • WAGS of Monroe County Logo

    WAGS of Monroe County

    Wonderful Animals Get Saved (WAGS) is a labor of love! We take in stray, abused and neglected animals with the goal of finding them a loving forever home. We help the animals in our community who have no one to care for them. It started with just a few animals but we now have around 100 dogs and 45 cats that we take care of every day! We also care for many feral cat colonies and trap, neuter, return (TNR) feral cats to reduce the number of kittens born on the streets. One of our many projects - a kitty house. This is a safe shelter for some of the animals who have no home of their own - YET!! Our goal is to build more of these houses to provide these animals a safe place to live. Please contact us if you are willing to contribute to more of these temporary homes - we appreciate your help!


  • Save One Soul Animal Rescue League
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1042/eb12d23c3830-SOS_logo_number_3_377x116.png
    Rhode IslandUS
  • Save One Soul Animal Rescue League Logo

    Save One Soul Animal Rescue League

    Save One Soul Animal Rescue League (SOSARL) is a non-profit volunteer-driven dog rescue organization based in Rhode Island and serving the Southern New England area. We are dedicated to rescuing homeless, neglected, abandoned and otherwise at-risk dogs that have found themselves in distress, and re-homing them permanently. Our dogs primarily come from overcrowded high-kill shelters in the South and/or our extensive foster home network in the Southern US. Re-homing a dog follows a detailed and extensive adoption process which includes taking the time to help ensure that the dog is a good match for the home, and vice versa. We also provide education for prospective adopters about the responsibilities of, and resources to successfully support, the addition of a dog to their families. Dogs in our care are spayed or neutered and receive all necessary veterinary care and treatment, including shots like rabies and distemper; Dogs will also receive heartworm disease preventatives while they are in our care. We endeavor to promote and support life-saving initiatives that enable responsible pet guardianship while treating each animal and adopter as an individual, as we continue our mission to create a No-Kill Nation.


What's the Sniffspot Rhode Island Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Rhode Island Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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Sniffspot Rhode Island Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Rhode Island?

There are 7 in Rhode Island. 0 are located in Providence with 7 are located in other areas of the state.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Rhode Island?

There are many reputable rescues in Rhode Island, the top 3 on our list are: The Hotel for Homeless Dogs, Great Dane Rescue of New England, Potter League for Animals

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Rhode Island offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Rhode Island is Great Dane with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Rhode Island?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Rhode Island. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
At the Hotel, we try to make the adoption process as streamline and simple as possible. That said, it is still our responsibility to make sure we match these dogs with the right home. We understand at times, that may disappoint some people. That is not our intention, but not every dog is a fit for every home. Please try to understand this during the process. A few things worth noting:Homes with cats. We do not have the means to cat test dogs here at our facility. It is very rare that a dog MIGHT be in foster with a cat. If the dog you are interested in is over 6 months old, please email our adoption team and ask our thoughts prior to you completing an application. We will also note it on their Petfinder profile if they are cat friendly. We will not adopt an untested dog into a home with a cat. Your cat thanks us for this one.If you lease/rent, please check with your landlord/lease prior to completing an application. Most people are unaware of the breed restrictions they have in place. Breed restrictions stink, but we have to follow the rules. We will need a copy of this in writing prior to approval.We do not adopt adult dogs (6+ months old) to homes with children under 13 years old. We just do not have the ability to test our dogs on young children. We refer homes with young children to foster based organizations as these dogs are in homes and they tend to see a bit more than we can in a facility. Please note, this is not about how your children will respond to the dog, but how the dog will respond to children.We do not require a fenced yard as a general rule, but we do for homes on main roads. Most of our dogs are a flight risk.If you complete an application and do not hear from us please check your spam! We find this happens more than we would like.All of that said, thank you for considering one our of dogs in need for your best friend. Please note, once you adopt from the Hotel, you are part of a family. These dogs become a part of each of us. We love photos and updates happy-ever-afters make our days just a bit easier. For additional questions please contact our adoption team at adoptions@HotelforHomelessDogs.com. Lastly, thank you for considering The Hotel for your new companion.

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Rhode Island?

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Rhode Island, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby states, including New Jersey, Utah, Illinois.

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Rhode Island that specialize in senior dogs or special needs animals?

Can you recommend any reputable dog rescue organizations that focus on specific regions or communities within Rhode Island?

Yes! The top rescue and shelter in Providence is . The top specialized rescue and shelter in Rhode Island is Great Dane Rescue of New England.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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