We serve the animal community by providing foster homes, medical treatment, and behavioral assessments to Great Danes in need of forever homes.
Mission and Vision
Put Great Danes first.
Ensure that every Great Dane in our care finds the perfect forever home.
Make a difference in the animal community by providing exceptional care and service.
Create a loving and healing environment where passionate people can work together for a great cause.
Lead collaborative efforts that solve the animal communities overpopulation.
Assist in educating the public about the Great Dane breed.
Specialization
Adoption Policy
At adoption, the foster family will collect the adoption fee, give you copies of the Dane's vet records, and an adoption contract will be read and signed. A copy of a generic contract will be included in your approval email for reference.You will then take your Dane home! UMGDR does not supply you with a leash, collar, toys, kennel, etc. Please bring your collar and leash with you. Once the Dane has had a chance to settle in, the foster family will contact you to see how everything is going. Approximately one month later, you will be contacted by another volunteer to see how your Dane is doing. We love pictures!(If your adopted Dane is not working out: In compliance with the Adoption Agreement, all dogs adopted from UMGDR will be returned to UMGDR. If the dog is returned within 14 days of adoption, the adoption fee will be refunded. After 14 days, no monies will be refunded.)
https://www.thegreatdanerescue.com/available-great-danes
Testimonials
See all testimonials"I have never encountered a more caring, dedicated, and responsive group of folks than the foster community and management at UMGDR. What they do for these dogs is above and beyond."
— sybil s.
Volunteer / foster
"This rescue helps many gentle giants find forever homes, 100% volunteers and 15-year anniversary, it shows how with the help of others and their wonderful volunteers can come together and save Great Danes."
— pauline s.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"Upper 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 s.
Volunteer / foster
"Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue is a rescue that I have been with for the past 5 years. What I like about them is not only their compassion for the Danes that come into the rescue but the compassion they have for everyone within the rescue, be it an adoptee or volunteer or just someone who has hit hard times and thinking of surrendering.
I know a lot of rescues try to educate about rescue animals but not only does UMGDR teach people about Danes, behaviors of rescued animals, they also have basic classes for some of their volunteers, a mentoring program for foster families, and a library of helpful resources.
Finally, I am a female veteran who suffers from significant depression. We have recently lost our very special Dane, whom we foster-failed. I truly believe that if it hadn't been for the understanding and compassion that UMGDR, the loss would have been even more difficult than it has been."
— rebecca p.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"UMGDR is like a family group caring for dogs. The main goal is always what needs to be done to best serve the animals. Each dog's care is fully planned and vetted to make sure the very best outcome happens for the dog. I am amazed at the rescues and recovery of the dogs that were rescued that seemed almost impossible to save, and yet they are happy and healthy in their long-term foster or forever homes. I am really proud to be part of such a loving and caring and hard-working organization."
— tim m.
Volunteer / foster
"Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue is always so supportive. They help new and long-time fosters. And they always find a way to increase donations when there is a dog in crisis. Everyone works together to be sure the best interest of the Danes is prioritized."
— kim w.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"I have been a volunteer, foster, and adopter for UMGDR since it began. It's a great rescue working hard to save Danes."
— julie g.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue gives 200% for all the dogs they bring into the rescue. Even when funds are tight, they manage to pull an urgent rescue or medical emergency. The volunteers go above and beyond for these dogs. Not only is it a community for the dogs, but to be a volunteer is being part of a family. Nothing great gets done alone and UMGDR proves it."
— kendra b.
Volunteer / foster
"We have fostered, adopted, and transported for this rescue for years. This rescue is so well organized and so focused on the care and support of the animal … even after being adopted. They are just a SUPER rescue!!"
— kristin c.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Fan
"Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue is a well-established rescue and provides new adopters with mentoring. I have served as a volunteer, foster parent, and adopter. The sense of community among volunteers and adopters is one of the best features of the rescue."
— lori h.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Minneapolis
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Minneapolis

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
Read more