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The Best Virginia Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Virginia. 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.

Lu's labs
#51 in United States, #1 in Virginia, #1 in Richmond
#2 in labrador
Labrador
Richmond
Lu's Labs is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit, foster-based rescue for labrador retrievers and lab mixes. Our mission is to assist dogs who are in need of shelter, food, and medical care with the ultimate goal of finding them permanent, loving homes. We primarily intake from high-kill shelters throughout the southeast and rehome within 300 miles of Alexandria, Virginia. Since our founding in 2015, Lu's Labs has matched more than 1,600 dogs with their forever families.
"We adopted our "Buddy" from Lu's Labs about 6 years ago. The people who run this organization are top..."
— jane m.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"I started following Lu's Lab's Facebook page about five years ago because we were thinking of getting another lab for..."
— sherri l.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
#58 in United States, #2 in Virginia, #1 in Langley
Langley
To inspire compassion for all, to provide shelter to animals in need, and to promote adoptions, animal welfare and responsible animal guardianship in our community.
"AWLA staff are caring, practical and so giving. They coordinate professionally with volunteers, helping us work safely with animals and..."
— suzy h.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"A great shelter with staff who care greatly about every animal in their care and that care extends to vulnerable..."
— kerin o.
Staff member

Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue
#72 in United States, #3 in Virginia, #2 in Langley
#6 in pit Bull
Pit Bull
Langley
Vindicate Pit Bull Rescue was founded in 2014 by a group of volunteers with one goal in mind: restore the reputation of the misrepresented and misunderstood "pit bull". VPBR pulls pit bull type dogs from the shelter which are often ill from an unforgiving environment. From freedom ride to adoption, our dogs are in a foster home where they receive full vet care, nutrition, basic training and sometimes even care from a veterinary behaviorist. Our Animal Placement team matches each dog to a home where they will thrive.
"They take great care of their dogs! My sister is a volunteer there and she always speaks very highly of..."
— maggie s.
Fan
"Vindicated is a rescue that I have worked with to foster some precious pups. From the moment I opened my..."
— kimmai d.
Volunteer / foster

Green Dogs Unleashed

https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1229/ca034737c5f4-1000001205_0ba86f90bdca34438a5b97e12683d88e_1_6_2023__4_09_34_PM.png

VirginiaUS

As a person who has volunteered very actively with several dog and animals rescues and organizations, my immediate introduction to Green Dogs Unleashed (Troy, VA), left me thinking, ‘wow… their website and media doesn’t begin to cover the impact this organization is making in the lives of the animals and people they work with!’ I immediately knew this was an organization I wanted to be active with and help be a part of their far reaching outreach and help building continued success. The director Erika Proctor, is the most genuine person I have met in the rescue and training world. She lives her life as an example and through her efforts, she has created a place in Green Dogs Unleashed that has built a community of volunteers and support with a contagious energy in getting, even the sometimes seeming impossible, tasks accomplished. GDU functions as a rescue that so often helps the special population of dogs that many overlook, including deaf and blind dogs. They do an amazing job working with their fosters and volunteers to truly match the dogs (when they feel they are ready) to homes where they feel they will become part of the family and find success in their forever home placement. GDU works tirelessly in supporting and collaborating with other shelters, rescues and organizations, including the HSUS, to help animals in need. GDU has an extensive and diverse training program that uses positive training and genuinely shows the human students how to create long term relationships through positive training and bonding. This training program also offers lots of enrichment classes so the community can keep building these positive experiences and relationships. If that isn’t enough, GDU also has an extensive therapy dog training program and teams that work out in their communities doing important jobs. Coming from other therapy training programs, and now having a dog that is a GDU certified therapy dog, here again I can say, GDU goes above and beyond in preparing this program so that the handler and the dog find joy and success should they complete the program and become a working team! I am now a very active volunteer and therapy team member for GDU… but it was in those parts I realized the impact GDU has and a bigger way I wanted to be involved. The positive approach to helping dogs that come into their rescue, often with trauma and scared, can truly turn their lives around. I watch Erika passionately meet every dog and family where they are and give them hope and enthusiasm towards joy and bonds to last a lifetime. I am now an intern working under Erika and it is my goal to learn so that I can become a GDU trainer. In this role I can be part of helping rescue animals that come in so desperate for a chance and also help families find joy, enrichment and successful relationships between them and their dogs. I cannot recommend this organization without saying, the entire operations are run with heart, passion, empathy and genuine commitment to creating a positive impact into the world of rescue work and building opportunities for positive personal and community relationships for dogs and their families .Dulcey Fuqua

Green Dogs Unleashed
#83 in United States, #4 in Virginia
At GDU, we are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of special needs and exceptional animals. We believe that every animal deserves a chance at a happy and fulfilling life, and we work tirelessly to ensure that they get just that. Our rescues come from all over the country, primarily from rural and high-volume shelters. These animals often have special needs or require exceptional care, and they come to us when there is no other hope for them. We arrange their transport and ensure they receive necessary medical care from a licensed veterinarian. Upon arrival, our animals find refuge in caring foster homes as they await their forever families. Our fostering application process mirrors the same meticulous approval standards as our adoption procedure, guaranteeing the best possible homes. This fostering period provides invaluable insights into our animals' personalities, enabling us to make ideal matches with their perfect forever homes. During this time, we seek to enrich their lives through positive enrichment activities and training. This helps our animals learn essential skills and build their confidence, making them more adoptable and increasing their chances of finding their forever homes. Our approach combines scientifically proven positive behavior modification methods and time-tested best practices from our amazing foster families. We pride ourselves on matching animals with families on an individual basis, considering factors like temperament, lifestyle, physical and mental needs, and emotional and social well-being. This personalized approach ensures an unparalleled adoption match success rate.
"As a person who has volunteered very actively with several dog and animals rescues and organizations, my immediate introduction to..."
— dulcey f.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"Green dogs unleashed does it all. What so special is the saving and training of special needs dogs…they even save..."
— beth m.
Volunteer / foster, Fan

Margaret's SAving Grace Bully Rescue
#86 in United States, #5 in Virginia
#9 in pit Bull
Pit Bull
Moving dogs to better places through caring arms & hearts. One rescue at a time. MSGBR was established in 2019 and has since gone on to assist the rescue of over 1700 dogs. 90% of what we rescue is a pitbull mix. 75% of the adults we rescue are heartworm +. MSGBR is passionate about the most medically in need.
"I founded MSGBR with a mission to ethically and safely rescue shelter dogs at risk, one dog at a time...."
— jessica c.
Staff member
"MSGBR is such an amazing rescue and do so much to help as best as they can!"
— alexis c.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter

Richmond SPCA
#87 in United States, #6 in Virginia, #2 in Richmond
Richmond
The Richmond SPCA, founded in 1891, is central Virginia's oldest full-service humane society. Each year the organization serves more than 18,000 pets across the community in its shelter, veterinary hospital, spay and neuter clinic, training programs and pet retention services. Since becoming no-kill in 2022, the Richmond SPCA has found loving adoptive homes for more than 71,800 dogs and cats.
"I have volunteered with the Richmond SPCA for over 10 years, everyone is so dedicated to the animals. The..."
— linda m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"i have had nothing but the most pleasure here. i got the dog of my life, she came with a..."
— zack d.
Adoptee

Friends of Homeless Animals
#94 in United States, #7 in Virginia, #3 in Langley
Langley
Friends of Homeless Animals is located on a 40-acre campus in Loudoun County. We work with partner shelters to rescue and save at-risk dogs and cats to include FIV+ cats, senior dogs, and heart worm positive dogs.
"I have adopted 3 dogs and 1 cat from Friends of Homeless Animals. All of my pets have been well..."
— alison m.
Adoptee
"Effective rescue requires a rescuer with a giant heart, often broken, who is in for the long haul, who goes..."
— cecille d.
Supporter

Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic
#94 in United States, #7 in Virginia
#2 in australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd
Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic (ARMA) is a foster-based rescue for Australian Shepherds. Our mission is to provide permanent loving homes for Aussies in need. We work collaboratively with shelters and individuals who are no longer able to care for their Aussies.
"ARMA is run by a fantastic bunch of volunteers!"
— duncan t.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"Working with ARMA, I learned how dedicated this bunch of volunteers are to helping Australian shepherds and matching them up..."
— rachel m.
Volunteer / foster

Animal Welfare League of Arlington
#96 in United States, #8 in Virginia, #4 in Langley
Langley
Here at AWLA, we're all in for animals. For more than 75 years, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) has served the Arlington community with animal sheltering and control services to help pet owners keep their animals healthy, happy, and home.
"Adopted my first dog through NBRAN. This rescue really cares for the Brittany breed and it shows. I am so..."
— christina r.
Adoptee, Fan
"As a volunteer at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria , I can attest to the passion, professionalism and dedication..."
— jill h.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter

Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue
#97 in United States, #9 in Virginia
#6 in german Shepherd
German Shepherd
Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue (SSR) was founded in January 2017 and is a 501c3 Animal Welfare rescue focused primarily on the rescue of German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) & GSD mixes. Based out of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, we expand our reach & work to save German Shepherd Dogs in heavily populated, high kill areas in south Texas. SSR pulls the dogs that most other rescues can't or won't take. Most have medical issues, aren't vaccinated, are heartworm positive, pregnant, needing costly surgery, etc. Once they are vetted in Texas and healthy enough for transport, they are brought to Virginia to meet their foster. SSR is not a brick and mortar facility. Rather, we are foster-based, meaning that every dog that comes into our care goes into a home environment, where they can be readied for their forever home. about shenandoah shepherd rescue
"An organization who embodies compassion love and perseverance, SSR constantly inspires me. I wish all dogs could be so lucky..."
— kerri g.
Supporter, Fan
"They go everywhere to try and save as many GSDs as possible (TX, CA, VA, etc.)"
— stephanie m.
Supporter

For the love of poodles
#99 in United States, #10 in Virginia
#1 in poodle
Poodle
For the Love of Poodles and Pooches Rescue of Richmond, Virginia was founded in 2013 in memory of Callie and O'Brien, our founder's beloved toy poodles. Our goal is to provide compassionate care for our dogs while they are with us and to find them loving, forever homes. We were founded with the belief that each one of us can make a difference in the world, one rescued dog at a time. Our rescue has grown and now helps small to mid-sized dog of all breeds and mixes. Most of our dogs have had a rough start in life and we do everything we can to make sure they have a wonderful life. We start by making sure all of our rescues have whatever medical attention they need. We make sure every dog is spayed or neutered prior to adoption in order to ensure we are doing our part to reduce unwanted litters.
"We are HUGE fans of flop!! We adopted ( formally named mimosa) - now named peanut! Our Mohawk terrier mystery..."
— kelsey m.
Adoptee

Save Our Herders Outreach
#99 in United States, #10 in Virginia
We are a committed, highly experienced group of herding dog rescuers operating to save herding dogs in Virginia and the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. We have taken in many herding dogs into our foster homes and paired them with wonderful adoptive homes. Our dogs come primarily from shelters, though we do occasionally take in owner surrenders based on evaluation and circumstance. We are foster-based and do not have a main facility, as we believe that all dogs should have a home - even if it's temporary and while they are in search for their forever home.
"My younger Aussie came to us through SOHO ... he's a paragon of beauty and grace that probably wouldn't have..."
— robin p.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

Roanoke Valley SPCA
#99 in United States, #10 in Virginia
Since 1916, the Roanoke Valley SPCA has made the welfare of homeless and unwanted animals a priority and in 1958 the RVSPCA became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to be a community resource that provides pet adoption, retention, and education services in Virginia's Blue Ridge. By implementing resources and programs that support our mission, we hope to have a community where animal welfare is valued and demonstrated that leads to positive outcomes for both animals and people.
"The RVSPCA staff work super hard at caring for all of the animals. It's a clean facility."
— sara s.
Fan

Loudoun County Animal Services
#99 in United States, #10 in Virginia
At Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS), we work each day to ensure a compassionate, humane community for animals and people. LCAS operates an animal shelter, which provides for companion animals who have been surrendered by their owners or found stray in the county. The shelter also has pets for adoption. Humane Law Enforcement Officers enforce local and state animal laws and investigate reports of animal cruelty. Additionally, LCAS maintains a lost and found animal directory, issues dog licenses and assists citizens with a variety of animal issues.
"This shelter has been a lifesaver to Loudoun County and surrounding counties. They work closely with local rescues and animal..."
— katharina h.
Supporter

Village Dog Resource
#99 in United States, #10 in Virginia, #1 in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
We are here to help our communities Dogs in Need!! We are a very unique version of a dog rescue but prefer to be a RESOURCE to the community on multiple levels rather than a regular rescue. We help Families Rehoming Pets, Adopters looking to find a Pet, Owners in need of guidance to keep their current pets, Education to the community to cut down on pets ending up in shelters, and much more.
"Vindicated Pitbull Rescue is the most well run rescue I have ever interacted with. They take such good care of..."
— lydia m.
Adoptee, Fan

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) Foundation
#99 in United States, #10 in Virginia, #3 in Richmond
Richmond
The Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is committed to championing the success of the agency. As the sole open-admission animal shelter in the City, RACC tirelessly tends to the needs of over 3,000 animals annually, requiring urgent care. The Foundation works hand in hand with RACC, diligently contributing to the expenses of vital emergency care, while simultaneously elevating marketing and outreach initiatives through strategic fundraising and volunteer coordination. United in their passion for saving lives, RACC and The Foundation are thrilled to unveil a tapestry of heartwarming stories, showcasing unwavering compassion for our City's most vulnerable animals.
"RACC is doing amazing work in the Richmond community and beyond everyday."
— christie a.
Supporter

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter
#99 in United States, #10 in Virginia, #1 in Newport News
Newport News
Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter; A New Vision for a Community Dedicated to the Well-being of Animals. Being Virginia's largest open admission shelter, taking in over 7,000 animals a year, we see a lot! Our staff is dedicated to bettering the lives of every animal that passes through our facility; one fur-friend at a time.
"Best shelter ever! The staff truly care for the animals and it shows."
— krista s.
Adoptee

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue
#99 in United States, #10 in Virginia, #5 in Langley
Langley
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is a volunteer-powered nonprofit dedicated to rescuing homeless, neglected, and abandoned animals from certain euthanasia and finding them loving forever homes. We educate the community and all pet parents on responsible pet parenting, including the importance of spay/neuter, obedience training, and good nutrition.
"Lucky Dog Animal Rescue gave me three four legged best friends and countless two legged ones! LDAR fosters such a..."
— kallie m.
Volunteer / foster

Richmond Animal Care and Control
#99 in United States, #10 in Virginia, #3 in Richmond
Richmond
Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) was established as the first city pound on June 5, 1902. Since then, it has served as the only open-admission public animal shelter in the City of Richmond. We provide humane care for more than 3,000 stray, sick, injured, and relinquished pets per year. Our focus is on keeping owned animals out of the shelter environment and instead offering pet owners a variety of rehoming options and resources to find placement for their pet(s). With such a great need for immediate intervention with stray, sick, and injured animals in our area, our ability to take in surrendered animals is limited, and we operate on a case-by-case basis when the space and resources are available in this regard. While we seek to help every pet that comes into our care, there are instances where humane euthanasia is the only option. When an animal is considered a danger to the community or is suffering due to a severe medical condition, we believe the most responsible and compassionate option is humane euthanasia. First and foremost, our commitment is to public safety and ending unnecessary suffering. RACC is not considered a "no-kill" animal shelter and does not subscribe to this label. However, we never humanely euthanize animals due to space or length of stay. Our Animal Control unit investigates animal cruelty, enforces humane laws, and issues pet licenses/permits. These services include the enforcement of City ordinances related to animals, removal of killed or injured animals/wildlife, impoundment of stray pets, and investigation of animal-related neglect, cruelty, nuisance, and bite cases. The RACC Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is committed to championing the success of our agency. The Foundation works hand in hand with RACC, diligently contributing to the expenses of vital emergency care, while simultaneously elevating marketing and outreach initiatives through strategic fundraising and volunteer coordination. United in their passion for saving lives, RACC and The Foundation are thrilled to unveil a tapestry of heartwarming stories, showcasing unwavering compassion for our City's most vulnerable animals.
"We have adopted two of the most wonderful pups. We adopted Bacon three years ago after one of our pups..."
— james r.
Adoptee

Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center
#100 in United States, #11 in Virginia, #2 in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
Our mission is accomplished by working with our citizens and other animal welfare organizations; by enforcing the domestic animals laws of our Commonwealth and our City, providing educational programs and humanely providing care, nourishment and a safe environment for the unwanted, stray, abused and abandoned animals in our City. We will educate the public about responsible companion animal ownership, aggressively investigate animal cruelty cases, find homes for the homeless animals and humanely euthanize the unwanted animals in our community.

See More Dog Rescues & Shelters In Virginia

The Best Langley, VA Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2025

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
To inspire compassion for all, to provide shelter to animals in need, and to promote adoptions, animal welfare and responsible animal guardianship in our community.
View profile

Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue
Vindicate Pit Bull Rescue was founded in 2014 by a group of volunteers with one goal in mind: restore the reputation of the misrepresented and misunderstood "pit bull". VPBR pulls pit bull type dogs from the shelter which are often ill from an unforgiving environment. From freedom ride to adoption, our dogs are in a foster home where they receive full vet care, nutrition, basic training and sometimes even care from a veterinary behaviorist. Our Animal Placement team matches each dog to a home where they will thrive.
View profile

Friends of Homeless Animals
Friends of Homeless Animals is located on a 40-acre campus in Loudoun County. We work with partner shelters to rescue and save at-risk dogs and cats to include FIV+ cats, senior dogs, and heart worm positive dogs.
View profile

The Best Newport News, VA Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2025

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter
Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter; A New Vision for a Community Dedicated to the Well-being of Animals. Being Virginia's largest open admission shelter, taking in over 7,000 animals a year, we see a lot! Our staff is dedicated to bettering the lives of every animal that passes through our facility; one fur-friend at a time.
View profile

Chesapeake Animal Services Unit
The Chesapeake Animal Services Unit (CASU), located at 2100 S Military Highway, operates under the umbrella of the Police Department. Animal Control Officers are on duty from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week. They respond to complaints such as cruelty, animal bites, stray domestic animals, at large complaints, nuisance, vicious, injured, and/or sick animals. From 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. an officer is on call for emergencies. CASU does not pick up deceased animals. Owners may pay a fee for the disposal of their deceased pets' remains at the facility.
View profile

Chesapeake Humane Society
Founded in 1972, Chesapeake Humane Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is funded by private donors ‚ we do not receive government subsidies. The Society supports the homeless and underserved animals of Chesapeake in the following ways: Providing low-cost veterinary services including spay/neuter, dental cleanings, soft tissue surgeries, and vaccination services Offering financial assistance to shelter animals and pets at risk of surrender in immediate medical need Serving on the Chesapeake Animal Services Advisory Board Lending countless volunteer hours to enhance the lives of shelter pets Operating an adoption program for dogs, cats, and small animals
View profile

The Best Norfolk, VA Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2025

The Best Richmond, VA Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2025

Lu's labs
Lu's Labs is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit, foster-based rescue for labrador retrievers and lab mixes. Our mission is to assist dogs who are in need of shelter, food, and medical care with the ultimate goal of finding them permanent, loving homes. We primarily intake from high-kill shelters throughout the southeast and rehome within 300 miles of Alexandria, Virginia. Since our founding in 2015, Lu's Labs has matched more than 1,600 dogs with their forever families.
View profile

Richmond SPCA
The Richmond SPCA, founded in 1891, is central Virginia's oldest full-service humane society. Each year the organization serves more than 18,000 pets across the community in its shelter, veterinary hospital, spay and neuter clinic, training programs and pet retention services. Since becoming no-kill in 2022, the Richmond SPCA has found loving adoptive homes for more than 71,800 dogs and cats.
View profile

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) Foundation
The Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is committed to championing the success of the agency. As the sole open-admission animal shelter in the City, RACC tirelessly tends to the needs of over 3,000 animals annually, requiring urgent care. The Foundation works hand in hand with RACC, diligently contributing to the expenses of vital emergency care, while simultaneously elevating marketing and outreach initiatives through strategic fundraising and volunteer coordination. United in their passion for saving lives, RACC and The Foundation are thrilled to unveil a tapestry of heartwarming stories, showcasing unwavering compassion for our City's most vulnerable animals.
View profile

The Best Virginia Beach, VA Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2025

Village Dog Resource
We are here to help our communities Dogs in Need!! We are a very unique version of a dog rescue but prefer to be a RESOURCE to the community on multiple levels rather than a regular rescue. We help Families Rehoming Pets, Adopters looking to find a Pet, Owners in need of guidance to keep their current pets, Education to the community to cut down on pets ending up in shelters, and much more.
View profile

Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center
Our mission is accomplished by working with our citizens and other animal welfare organizations; by enforcing the domestic animals laws of our Commonwealth and our City, providing educational programs and humanely providing care, nourishment and a safe environment for the unwanted, stray, abused and abandoned animals in our City. We will educate the public about responsible companion animal ownership, aggressively investigate animal cruelty cases, find homes for the homeless animals and humanely euthanize the unwanted animals in our community.
View profile

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

Welcome to the 2025 Virginia Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Virginia 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 Virginia dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By City In Virginia

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization

Sniffspot Virginia Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Virginia?

There are 52 in Virginia. 5 are located in Richmond with 47 are located in other areas of the state.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Virginia?

There are many reputable rescues in Virginia, the top 3 on our list are: Lu's labs, Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Virginia offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Virginia is Australian Shepherd with 1 focusing on it. The second most common specialization is Dachshund with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Virginia?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Virginia. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
We adopt within 300 miles of Alexandria, VA

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

Yes! Virginia has all of the following types of breed-specific dog rescues and shelters: Australian Shepherd Dachshund Labrador Poodle German Shepherd Pit Bull

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

We do not have any record of senior dog rescues and shelters in Virginia, but these are the top senior dog rescues from nearby states: The London Sanctuary, Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary, Reed's Rescue, Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue, Adopt a Golden Atlanta, Misspits Rescue, Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland, Inc., Animal Farm Foundation, Over the Hill Senior Dog Sanctuary, Frosted Faces Foundation, Laramie Animal Welfare Society, Old Dogs Go To Helen, Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Muttville, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, Young At Heart Senior Pet Adoptions, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, Home Free Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Hound Haven of Lone Pine, Living Grace Canine Ranch, Tails of Gray, Sunny Sky's Animal Rescue, Senior Pet And Animal Rescue, Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, Leashes End Senior Pet Sanctuary, Sammie’s Senior Dog Sanctuary, The Golden Bark Foundation, Camp Golden Years, Thulani Senior German Shepherd Rescue, Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary, Charlie's Foundation, Daisy Senior Dog Foundation aka DaisyLu Ranch, Silver Linings Rescue Ranch, Lionel's Legacy, Rusty's Angels Sanctuary, Gray Muzzle Society, Colorado Senior Dog Rescue and Hospice, Grand-paws Senior Sanctuary, Angels For Sara Sanctuary

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

Yes! The top rescue and shelter in Richmond is Lu's labs. The top specialized rescue and shelter in Virginia is Lu's labs.

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

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.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

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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.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
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?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
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!

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States
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.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Ultimate Guide: Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
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?
Daily Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Truth vs. Myth
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.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Guide to Understanding Reactivity
So: Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (cars, bikes, skateboards, and other fast-moving objects are also common triggers) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling not only feels embarrassing for you — it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
How to Socialize a Reactive Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
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.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

Top 10 Indoor Dog Parks: A US Guide
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.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States
Searching for the best off-leash dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for public dog parks with open spaces or private, fully-fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover top-rated parks across the country, plus essential tips on what to bring and what to expect for your next adventure.
Best Dog Parks Near Me in Las Vegas
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
The Best United States Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
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.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Virginia Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

Lu's labs

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue

Green Dogs Unleashed

Margaret's SAving Grace Bully Rescue

Richmond SPCA

Friends of Homeless Animals

Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic

Animal Welfare League of Arlington

Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue

For the love of poodles

Save Our Herders Outreach

Roanoke Valley SPCA

Loudoun County Animal Services

Village Dog Resource

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) Foundation

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue

Richmond Animal Care and Control

Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center

See More Dog Rescues & Shelters In Virginia

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

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

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Sniffspot Virginia Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Virginia?

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Virginia?

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Virginia offer?

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Virginia?

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

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Virginia 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 Virginia?

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