This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Santa Maria, CA. 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.
#361 in United States, #46 in California, #1 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
A PURPOSEFUL RESCUE IS A 501c3 NON-PROFIT THAT SAVES DOGS FROM HIGH-KILL LOS ANGELES AREA SHELTERS. THERE ARE MANY AMAZING DOGS WHO GET OVERLOOKED, OR NEED A LITTLE EXTRA WORK AND CARE, AND WE AIM TO GIVE THOSE DOGS A SECOND CHANCE.
"The shelters and the animals in them are facing such a horrible time right now. I'm a financial supporter to..."
— esther m.
Supporter
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
Shiloh’s Animal Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit certified organization where we strive to do our best to give animals a second chance at life. We work towards rescuing red-listed animals all over the state of California who are about to be euthanized due to overcrowding.
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
Shepherd's Paws Animal Rescue was established in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the specific purpose of operating an all breed animal rescue. We are dedicated to providing rescue to abandoned, abused, neglected and homeless animals. We rescue dogs in the United States from imminent death at animal shelters, humane societies, pounds, and from owners who no longer keep their dogs, and place them into new and permanent adoptive homes. All of our dogs receive vet care, are up to date on their vaccinations, micro-chipped and spayed or neutered.
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
Shadow’s Fund is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping the most vulnerable shelter dogs. Senior dogs, dogs labelled as “pit bulls” and dogs with a treatable injury or illness are often passed over for adoption. We help these forgotten dogs find hope and 2nd chances. Our 3 core programs tackle the problem from every angle. Bright Beginnings is aimed at early intervention and prevention. The Take Me Home Project provides direct rescue and rehoming for shelter dogs. And, for those dogs that need a little extra help, the Sheltering Oak Sanctuary provides a safety net and safe haven. Whether out in the community, or at the sanctuary, Shadow’s Fund is always working to promote responsible and humane animal stewardship.
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
Atlas Animal Rescue is a Paso Robles, California based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Atlas was founded by Emily Everett-Nelson, who began her rescue journey by volunteering for various animal rescue groups in Southern California. She always wanted to start her own rescue one day and after volunteering for a rescue in China called Slaughterhouse Survivors, she solidified that decision after the life changing experience she had there. Her mission now is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abused and neglected dogs both locally in California, and internationally by partnering with Slaughterhouse Survivors in China, and finding them loving homes in the USA.
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
We rescue abused, neglected, stray dogs in Mexico & find them forever homes. We are a donation based, volunteer powered 501c3 non-profit (EIN: 86-3054060) Fosters/adopters always needed! Do not hesitate to reach out if you'd like to help.
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
Since the rescue in 2001 of our first amazing dog from a Jersey City dog pound, we began the task of saving the least adoptable dogs from high kill dog pounds where their fates hung in the balance and began to place them in great homes, one by one. By advocating better education, providing medical care and spaying/neutering as many dogs as possible with the resources available we kept matching pound dogs with families and the dream of being able to help dogs and cats became a reality. We tirelessly saved lives, going from pound to pound and taking in animals who would have been completely overlooked and destroyed. The stories we can tell are often unsettling but many are heartwarming and quite a few are almost miraculous. Once we realized the enormity of unwanted pets, no more born became our mantra and our focus remains in our logo – stamp out sadness, spay and neuter and always adopt. With proper food, shelter, medical care, exercise and love, MCR has rehabilitated thousands of dogs. We have three locations in Connecticut for younger and more adoptable as well as senior dogs and in 2012 incorporated a 12-acre California ranch in Creston as a sanctuary almost entirely for seniors and special needs animals with no where to turn. Please see our video for an glimpse of how our seniors lives change at the ranch. http://www.meadecaninerescue.net/about-us/ In 2015 we began work on a barn project to house younger adoptable dogs at the sanctuary and invite visitors for working ranch holidays in the beautiful hills of the Central Coast. We welcome inquiries 365 days a year and invite people to visit by appointment. Adopters and sponsors are welcome and donations greatly appreciated as MCR depends solely on donations for its operations. Visit us on Facebook Meade Canine Rescue and Meade Canine Rescue New England and view adoptable pets on Petfinder, adopt a pet and other adoption sites.
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
#3 in border Collie
#4 in australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd, Border Collie
Santa Maria
Founded in 2007, CCHDR is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to finding forever homes for herding dogs including, but not limited to, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs/Queensland Heelers and other herding breeds and mixes. We are based in Paso Robles, CA but rescue dogs from overcrowded shelters all over the state of California. Our goal is to raise awareness about the often misunderstood herding dog breeds and educate people about the ever-growing pet overpopulation problem.
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
January 2024, we will be folding into the C.A.R.E.4Paws umbrella of programs and services. A strategic transition to more efficiently care for our community and the animals who need us the most. The origins of AINF... The Animals In Need Fund was founded in 2008 with the commitment to help improve the health and well-being of cats and dogs in our community. It is our mission to reduce animal suffering by: Providing feline spaying & neutering services for just $20 or $40 Rescuing & advocating for homeless cats, kittens & dogs, many of whom need special veterinary care & treatment. Providing food, fostering & adoption services to family-less animals in our program as we search for the perfect home. Provide accessible, affordable veterinary care for families. When we began in 2008, our main mission was to intercept stray cats and dogs brought to us by Good Samaritans and San Luis Obispo County Animal Services. We still provide this service, but have become so much more. We are proud to offer LOW COST ($20-$40) "co-pay" feline spays and neuters to everyone regardless of financial standing. In 2023, AINF increased access to these critical weekly spay/neuter programs by also partnering with VCA South County Veterinary Hospital in Arroyo Grande. Since our inception, we have provided shelter, love and veterinary care to over 3900 homeless animals, many with special medical needs, lifting them up in times of worry and matching them with loving forever homes. We participate in the SLO County Animal Services' Trap/Neuter/Return program, which saves the lives of our unsocial community cats. They are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and then returned safely to the neighborhood they are familiar with while community members provide food and water. In year's past, prior to the TNR initiatives, these cats were euthanized immediately and it has been proven that this method is not successful when it comes to curbing the pet-overpopulation issue we face year in and year out. TNR improves the lives of cats, addresses community concerns, reduces complaints about cats, and stops the breeding cycle. TNR improves the co-existence between outdoor cats and humans in our shared environment.
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
VIVA operates a no-kill, cage free cat shelter in Lompoc that houses between 100 - 150 cats and kittens in open rooms and patios furnished with climbing trees, cuddly beds and cubbies in a warm and loving environment. To offset the expense, the cats can be sponsored for $40 per month. VIVA also operates Sylvester House, a retirement facility for older cats whose owners have either passed away or who can no longer care for their cats. There is a one time donation of $10,000 to place a cat at Sylvester House where the cat will live out its life with full care. VIVA also maintains a Feral Cat Sanctuary in the hills outside of Lompoc. When feral cats have been trapped and neutered, if there is no appropriate feral colony for them to return to, they may be placed at the sanctuary. It is a six-acre secure enclosure that is shaded with oak trees and features many feeding stations. At this time, Intake has been suspended. VIVA runs an outreach dog adoption program with the help of foster homes that house the dogs until they find a permanent home.
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in partnership with Dog Adoption and Welfare Group is a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors composed of volunteers from the community who are dedicated to animal welfare. Donations to the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in partnership with Dog Adoption and Welfare Group directly benefit the animals living in our community and are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. As with most charities, the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in partnership with Dog Adoption and Welfare Group cannot continue to operate on operational income alone and relies on financial support from fundraising events and donations from the community to keep our doors open. We appreciate your support. History of Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society was established in the early 1970s as an informal group of dedicated men and women who were concerned about the care and protection of animals in their local community. In the early years they served as independent individuals without an official entity or organization. Their objective was to rescue lost and unwanted animals and to find homes for them. This was largely accomplished with little or no outside financial support and by using their own homes to care for pets while they networked throughout the community to find homes for as many as possible. They served without any thought of personal gain or reward, motivated simply by their shared love of animals and a desire to serve their dependent friends and their community. Recognizing the overpopulation of dogs and cats needed proactive solutions, they began picking up pets from Valley residents once a week and making the 100 mile round trip to the Santa Barbara Humane Society facility to have the animals spayed and neutered. The following day, they repeated the 100 mile drive to pick them up and return them to their homes. Later, they found a local veterinarian, in Los Olivos, to do the surgery, but these dedicated ladies continued to pick the animals up and return them to their owners. By 1979 they had reached the point where they were able to establish a formal organization, and a non-profit corporation was formed in December of that year. They hoped this entity would provide continuity to carry out their mission and enable them to obtain financial support from the community. The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society was founded in 1979 and is the oldest animal welfare organization in northern Santa Barbara County. Operating as the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, Inc., a private, non-profit California corporation, they continued their established method of using their own homes as havens to house and care for local pets and making regular trips to pick up and deliver animals for their spay and neuter program. In 1984, the volunteers mounted a fund raising effort and, with the generosity of two major donors, a parcel of industrial land was purchased in Buellton. The following year they completed construction of a 3,805 square foot building debt-free. This building continues to this day as the home of our small organization that had such humble beginnings in the homes of its directors and their friends. The facility was expanded in 1998 adding an isolation and recovery area, in 1999 with the addition of a mobile caretaker’s residence, and again in 2002 with the addition of 10 dog kennels. The facility has grown to total of 27 dog kennels and 14 cat cages, along with an outside covered area for cats. In addition to the kennels and cat cages, the shelter has a fully equipped veterinarian surgery and isolation rooms.
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
The Animal Services Division is responsible for providing animal care and control services throughout the County of San Luis Obispo and within each of the seven incorporated communities. Animal Services staff serve the community by helping to identify solutions to animal related problems, enforcing local ordinances and state laws relating to animals, providing humane education programs, and performing rabies control and surveillance. The Division also operates the only open-intake animal shelter in the county.
#600 in United States, #69 in California, #2 in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
A lifelong dream is finally a reality! Novy's Ark is rescuing dogs and rehoming them right here on California's Central Coast. We currently bring in two dogs at a time, thus the organization name, and use social media to reach our potential adopters. Novy's Ark's mission is to rescue dogs from high-risk situations and shelter them in a loving home environment as part of our family until they join yours. In partnership with our community, and alongside other rescue groups, we are dedicated to raising awareness of humane treatment and respect for all animals. Please join us on our mission.
Welcome to the 2024 Santa Maria, CA Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Santa Maria, CA chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 15 private dog parks in the Santa Maria area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Santa Maria dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
POLICIES. NO HOLDS CCHDR does not hold dogs. We cannot consider an application until you are actually ready to accommodate the dog you wish to adopt. LANDLORD APPROVAL If you currently rent your home, a Landlord Permission Form must be submitted along with your application. SPAY / NEUTER All dogs and yes! cats currently in the home must have proof of spay/neuter prior to a CCHDR dog being placed. If a CCHDR dog has not been altered prior to adoption, a Spay/Neuter Agreement Form must be signed. MEET & GREET All family members including other dogs must be present for the adoption appointment. Meet and greets will take place wherever the dog is located, often within San Luis Obispo County unless specified otherwise. We cannot transport dogs for adoption appointments.
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.