The Best Colorado Springs, CO Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

National Mill Dog Rescue

NMDR's mission is to RESCUE, REHABILITATE and RE-HOME discarded breeding dogs and to educate the general public about the cruel realities of the commercial dog breeding industry.

Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado

DRC is a designated 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization, it is not a shelter. Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado, Inc. has been operating since 1996, and is dedicated to locating permanent, loving homes for unwanted or abandoned Dalmatians and Dalmatian mixes. We are always looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of rescue.

All Points West German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue

We are a volunteer operated 501(c)3 non-profit organization passionate about the welfare of German Shorthaired Pointers.

From Forgotten to Forever

From Forgotten to Forever Rescue & Transport started in 2015 with a mission of transporting dogs and cats out of high kill shelters in New Mexico north to Colorado. The transport side of the operation is responsible for assisting dozens of rescues in rescuing thousands of animals from Death Row over the years. In August of 2018, the rescue operation opened and since then has been responsible for the creation of hundreds of happy families through direct placement adoptions and expanded intake areas to include parts of Texas and remote areas of Colorado. FFTF accepts all breeds, sizes, and ages of dogs and cats. We do not shy away from major medical cases and have invested thousands of dollars into saving the life of a single dog or cat on more than one occasion.

Teller County Regional Animal Shelter

TCRAS is based in Divide, Colorado. TCRAS is a 501c3 non-profit, limited access shelter serving communities throughout the Pikes Peak region. We do not receive state or federal funding, but rely on the support of donors, fundraising events, grants, individuals, and corporate donors. What does ‘limited admissions’ mean? (Formally known as ‘no-kill’.) We select animals we feel fit our programs and recourses, and will be able to be adopted. Due to our size and giving the extra time and attention to each animal we do have a wait list. We concentrate on special needs and work with tough cases, that other shelters may not have the time or resources to care for. We transfer pets from shelters with high euthanasia rates to help the overall animal welfare community. We do not euthanize animals due to lack of space or time. However, there are some cases in which an animal is too sick, too injured, or too dangerous for our community and we have to make the hard decision to euthanize. It is a very rare occurrence for us. Less than 1%. We have many programs that help our community with the needs of the animals. We have a program to help low income households in Teller County spay and neuter their pets. We are working hard to assistance the rural parts of the county with low cost vaccination clinics to ensure the animals of Teller County are happy and healthy.

PAWS For Life Animal Welfare & Protection Society

PAWS For Life Animal Welfare & Protection Society began in 1978 with the collective actions of eight individuals who saw the need in Pueblo to provide help and aid to abandoned, abused, and unwanted companion animals. The objective was to place each of these animals into a loving home. In its beginning there was no shelter facility. Care for animals was provided strictly through a foster home system, but it quickly became obvious that the foster home system was limited. Large numbers of adoptable animals were still left to die in the streets or were subject to disposal at taxpayers’ expense. Thankfully, in March of 1980 Albert O. Pritz donated land at 3420 West 8th Street (off Pueblo Boulevard and 11th Street) and a shelter facility was built. This is where currently both shelters are located. In 1981 the PAWS For Life – Animal Welfare and Protection Society was incorporated in the state of Colorado as a non-profit organization and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. PAWS For Life soon established a policy based on population control and adoption as alternatives to euthanasia and the organization began a campaign to focus public awareness on the increasing needs of helpless and homeless animals. In response to this, contributions from the public enabled us to construct a small, 10 run kennel. The shelter later expanded to 16 indoor access runs and four outside runs. In 2001 the shelter underwent a renovation project that made the shelter safer and healthier for dogs and staff and brought it into compliance with PACFA regulations. Our old shelter has 26 runs and housed between 50 and 60 dogs at any one time. With donations from individuals and businesses, fundraising activities and an occasional grant as our only means of support we have been able to care for and adopt out several thousand animals into good homes.

Southern Colorado Spay and Neuter Association

The Southern Colorado Spay and Neuter Association (referred to as “SoCO” by the community) is a low-cost, non-profit, veterinary clinic that provides affordable, preventative care to the homed and unhomed pets of southern Colorado. As a well-established clinic, this non-profit has worked out of the same building, on the south side of Pueblo, since 1997; we have sterilized over 93,000 pets and provided hundreds of thousands of vaccines to community pets without restrictions on income. In addition to our core mission, “to promote and provide for the humane treatment of animals through affordable population control,” SoCO operates an animal shelter and specializes in special-needs and hard-to-adopt rescue dogs and cats. Over the years, our programs have expanded to offer a variety of assistance, based on our understanding of the community’s needs. These programs include: 1) SoCO’s Bottle Feeding program has saved hundreds of orphaned neonatal puppies and kittens since its creation in 2018. The program offers other local shelters training courses, which provides the tools and knowledge our partners and volunteers need in order to establish successful bottle-feeding programs of their own. Our outreach and no-cost training increases life-saving opportunities and simultaneously decreases the strain that the infux of these fragile orphans have on area shelters. 2) SoCo provides sponsored TNR (trap-neuter-return) clinics throughout the year to help sterilize stray cats. Food is also provided to colony managers who are responsible for feeding the colonies for which they care. 3) Our SoCO Paw Responder team exists to provide the safe capture of scared or hard-to-catch dogs. The team has volunteered countless hours, dedicating themselves to safely bringing dogs home after they have endured horrific situations, including: surviving car accidents, getting lost from their families, or being abandoned. The team utilizes state-of-the-art tools and hand-crafted humane traps to safely return owned dogs to their families, or to get unowned dogs into the safety of our shelter where they are evaluated, vetted, and placed for adoption. The SoCO Paw Responder team has been called upon to assist all over the state of Colorado, and, in the last two years, our expertise has been requested from bordering states. 4) The SoCO Buddy Program was introduced as a way for individuals or businesses to sponsor some of our special-needs dogs and cats. A sponsor fee goes directly to the care of these rescues, which includes medications like insulin for our diabetic rescues, prescription food, treats, or enrichment toys. 5) The SoCO Barn Cat Program matches up feral, or semi-feral cats with area ranches/farms, providing free pest control and to also provide a safe place for these shy kitties to thrive. All barns are pre-approved to ensure the safety of the cat. SoCo boasts an incredibly dedicated staff of nine, which includes our staff veterinarian Dr. Kristin Ballotti, a hand-full of volunteers who want to help fulfill SoCo’s mission, and a supportive Board of Directors.

White Rose Sanctuary

At White Rose Sanctuary, every dog is given a chance to change lives. Just like the one dog that helped a girl survive a dark past, another dog gave her the strength to keep going, and yet another saved her life and gave her purpose. We believe that every dog deserves that chance, regardless of their background. Our sanctuary is built on the principle of “no animal left behind,” where we value every life equally. From ex-fight ring survivors to abused and neglected souls, from pit bulls to golden retrievers and chihuahuas, we take the time to help these animals heal, both physically and mentally. Whether it takes weeks or years, we ensure that they find love and care in a home-like setting, not a kennel. We invest our time and money, freely giving our most precious commodities, to shower these animals with the love, patience, and family they deserve. Once an animal enters our sanctuary, they become part of “The Pack” for life, even after they find their forever homes. At White Rose Sanctuary, we are more than just a nonprofit 501c3 organization; we are a family, a home. Founded by a woman with a dream, who was saved by her soul dog from abuse and addiction, we strive to “be the person your dog thinks you are.” We welcome everyone, especially those with disabilities, as our founder herself battles Multiple Sclerosis. Our goal is to provide hope, love, and growth to both animals and people alike. Join our compassionate family at White Rose Sanctuary and witness the transformative power of love.

Great Pyrenees Rescue And Sanctuary

PYRescue is a Sanctuary for Pyrenees while awaiting Adoption. Great Pyrenees Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc., located in Peyton, Colorado run by Judy Dole and Dr. Michael Heffron

Grey Ghost Weimaraner Rescue

Whimpers to Wags Rescue, Inc.

Denver Dachshunds Rescue and Transport

Denver Dachshunds Rescue and Transport is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping dachshunds and small breed dogs nationwide. Fourteen years ago a friend called asking if I could help with a dog her neighbor had and no longer wanted. I agreed to take in the dog. When I pulled up she came out with something wrapped in a towel handed it to me, mumbled something and went back in her house. The towel held a tiny dachshund so scared she was biting anything in reach. She was covered in her own excrement and smelled of urine. A trip to an emergency Vet revealed she had had cigarette burns on her nose, her tail was broken in two places and she had three broken ribs. I called the lady thinking this little girl had to have been hit by a car. I was told her sons never liked the dog and sometimes teased it. This is when the fire began. The drive to try to help stop so many enduring needless pain and suffering. For years I helped where I could but it was never enough to make a difference. Too many die in shelters and ditches unwanted, alone and afraid. In 2013, we formed Denver Dachshunds Rescue and Transport in hopes of helping more dachshunds in need. In that time we have helped over 1000 dogs find loving arms and families of their own.

Paws N Hooves

We are a team of volunteers that have a passion for animals and their plight to be respected and loved as a part of a family. We bring most of our animals in from right here in Colorado.​ We have a lost & found team to assist the community in helping bring their lost pets home. We work to provide community outreach when possible by helping to provide food, vet care and training. We will do anything we can for animals and their people.

Majestic Canine Rescue

Majestic Canine Rescue is a non-breed-specific dog rescue dedicated to providing sanctuary and rehabilitation to abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs. All dogs at Majestic Canine Rescue are spayed or neutered. All adoptable dogs are evaluated for temperament and personality to ensure accurate and appropriate placement in new homes. We are one of the few rescues that will take in and work with dogs that have aggression issues and bite history. Majestic Canine Rescue is a no-kill shelter, and provides sanctuary here at the ranch to any unadoptable dog to guarantee a long, fulfilling life.

Colorado Bullies & More Rescue

At Colorado Bullies & More we are dedicated to rescuing pitbull type dogs from high-kill and overcrowded shelters, as well as from abusive and neglectful situations. As a committed small rescue and shelter, we are passionate about educating the public on the unique challenges these dogs face, combating breed prejudice, and raising awareness about euthanasia statistics. Through comprehensive training, socialization, and a nurturing environment, we strive to transform lives and advocate for a brighter future for every dog in our care.

The Misfits Dog Rescue

At our dog rescue, we embrace the Misfits – gentle, vulnerable souls left abandoned, frightened, or awaiting an uncertain fate in shelters or on the streets. We open our hearts and homes to these dogs, providing compassionate care, medical attention, and nurturing to rebuild their spirits. Our mission extends beyond mere rescue; we are dedicated to restoring their trust and confidence. With each Misfit's recovery, we diligently seek out loving forever homes, striving to ensure every match is harmonious and enduring. Together, we transform misfortune into a lifelong bond of love and companionship. Prior to adoption all of our Misfits are spayed or neutered , vaccinated, microchipped, behaviorally evaluated, and treated for any medical issues, including routine teeth cleaning. We are a Colorado foster-based rescue. We do not have a shelter as all our dogs are in private foster homes until adopted. All of our members are strictly volunteers. We do not do out-of-state adoptions. We are located in Penrose (between Colorado Springs and Canon City). We require home visits, so we only adopt to homes in or near by Penrose , Canon City , Colorado Springs, and Denver.

Colorado/Wyoming Vizsla Rescue Group, Inc.

Colorado/Wyoming Vizsla Rescue Group, Inc. (CWVRG) started in the late 1990s with a group of dedicated people wanting to help out Vizslas in need. In 2007 a Board of Directors was created and CWVRG became incorporated as a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit rescue organization. While the Board of Directors and other individuals played a part in the beginnings of CWVRG it is really the many Vizslas who started this group. Without Jesse, Wendy, Wilson, Faith, Chewy, Simon, Eureka and the many other Vizslas we have taken in and helped this organization would not exist. We exist for them and for the Vizslas who are still in need and have yet to find their way to us. The main goal of CWVRG is to match Vizslas in need of a home, with loving families wanting to adopt a Vizsla. We are dedicated to providing rehabilitation and foster care for abandoned or abused purebred Vizslas or Vizsla mixes; to educate the community in regards to responsible dog ownership, including the spay/neuter of companion animals; assisting shelters by promoting awareness and working with shelter managers/directors in our areas, and accepting or adopting shelter dogs as quickly as possible. Our coverage area includes: Colorado, Wyoming, western Kansas, western Nebraska, and New Mexico. While we are an independent Vizsla rescue group, we support and assist the Vizsla Club of America (VCA) and other Vizsla rescue organizations around the United States. Our purpose is to help the Vizsla and the people who love and support the breed. As necessary, we offer support to humane shelters that handle stray or surrendered Vizslas or need assistance due to natural disasters. We are a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation. Our funding comes through individual donations, adoption donations, and participation in fund raising projects. Org financials available upon request.

Blue Lion Animal Rescue

Humane Society of Fremont County Inc.

The Humane Society of Fremont County is an independent, private, and non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential animal services to the cities of Cañon City and Florence, the towns of Coal Creek, Westcliffe, and Silver Cliff and to Custer County, Colorado. Our open-admission animal shelter welcomes all animals in need, regardless of their background, breed or medical condition, and our mission is to provide them with the best possible care, compassion, and love. As an independent and private organization, we operate separately from the Fremont County government or the city of Cañon City. We are not affiliated with the National Humane Society of the United States and do not receive any funding from them. We are an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) corporation governed by a dedicated board of directors. This means that we are a non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Our independence allows us to provide specialized and tailored care for our animals in a compassionate and loving environment. We are committed to providing the best possible care for the animals in our shelter and to serving our community in a transparent, honest, and accountable way. Open-Admission Animal Shelter As an open-admission animal shelter, we are dedicated to helping every animal in need. We never turn away an animal, and we work tirelessly to provide them with a safe and loving home until they find their forever home. We believe that every animal deserves a chance at happiness, and we are committed to making a difference in their lives. Our dedicated board of directors provides us with leadership and guidance, ensuring that we remain true to our mission and values. We are committed to transparency and accountability, and we welcome feedback from our community to improve our services and operations. We take great pride in being an independent, private, and non-profit organization. It allows us to put the welfare of our animals first and to provide them with the care, compassion, and love they deserve. It also allows us to remain true to our mission and values, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the animals and our community. A Little History Since 1950 Incorporated on December 26, 1950 by Cañon City businessman and animal advocate, Ralph J. Wann, his wife Hazel, and close friend Grace Green, the Humane Society of Fremont County (aka Cañon City Humane Society) was established as an independent, nonprofit organization with a mission to "provide refuge for the hurt and homeless, to prevent neglect and cruelty, to promote humane education and, by doing so, to enrich our own lives." Thanks to the generous support provided by Mr. Wann during his lifetime, and later through the Ralph J. Wann Foundation, the Humane Society of Fremont County has been able to provide shelter and care to thousands of homeless and stray animals since 1950. The shelter was founded in memory of Mr. Wann's dog, Tippy, who lived to be 21. Tippy became depressed and refused to eat during a trip Mr. Wann took to Europe. Distressed, Mr. Wann cut short his trip and returned home. The idea to build an animal shelter took root during that time frame.

All Breed Rescue & Training

All Breed Rescue & Training (ABRT) is a nonprofit dog rescue and training organization based in Colorado Springs. Since 1994, we’ve been rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding forever families for dogs deemed unadoptable and facing euthanasia. Our 98% adoption success rate proves that our positive reinforcement- and relationship-based training works. And we offer this training to the whole community—our many on-site, certified, trainers can help make your canine a happy member of your family, always.

One Dog at a Time Colorado

Saving Dobermankind Animal Rescue

Saving Dobermankind Animal Rescue (SDAR) is a volunteer ran rescue out of Fountain, CO, originally founded by animal lover Lauri Filar in 2014. SDAR pulls Doberman Pinschers from high kill shelters in Colorado and surrounding states. SDAR rescues Dobermans, Doberman Mixes, and other breeds of dogs on a case by case basis. SDAR is a registered rescue in the State of Colorado under PACFA.

Rocky Mountain Collie and Sheltie Rescue

4 Paws 4 Life Rescue

Founded in 2012 by a compassionate group of animal-loving women, 4 Paws 4 Life Rescue & Boarding was formed. Located in the beautiful mountainside town of Sedalia, CO, 4P4L has emerged as a beacon of hope for animals in need. What began as a humble initiative has blossomed into a remarkable non-profit animal shelter, with a goal to make a profound and lasting impact in Colorado. With unwavering dedication and a shared passion for animal welfare, our founder, executive team and staff has dedicated the last decade (plus) to saving lives and provide a lifeline for animals facing dire circumstances. Over the years, we have tirelessly worked to rescue, rehabilitate, and find loving homes for tens of thousands of animals across the country, sparing them from high kill shelters, euthanasia, and the heartbreaking reality of abandonment. Our journey is fueled by compassion, love, and a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference in the lives of these innocent creatures. And it’s all made possible thanks to our adopters and donors who have helped provide such a strong voice to the abandoned, orphaned, abused and forgotten animals we care for.

No Hound Unhomed

Who we are: We are a nonprofit dog rescue operating out of the Camp Bow Wow in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Since we are a nonprofit, we survive on our donations and adoption fees and the goodwill of all our supporters. Prior to housing dogs in the rescue, we have worked with other local rescues to help rehome dogs. In 2015, we were able to create our own rescue and since then have adopted out over 1000 dogs! These dogs were all considered not adoptable because they didn’t pass their initial evaluations at the shelter or they were on a euthanasia list because the shelter was too full. What we do: We bring in dogs that need a chance to recover from the traumatic experience of being left by their family and put into the shelter system. These dogs would normally fall through the cracks and be euthanized just because there is no room in the shelters or because they are too afraid to pass their evaluations upon entry. We provide an alternative by rehabilitating, retraining and providing a safe and comfortable environment for our dogs so that they can reach their full potential as your loving companion. How we do it: Most of our dogs are socialized in small groups and we work with basic training. We give them love and affection to rebuild their trust in people and give them a safe, comfortable environment so that they have a chance to turn back into the loving, faithful family members that we all want. With the help of our staff and volunteers we walk, socialize and train all our dogs to give them the best chance at success in their new home.

Karl's Canine Krew

Karl’s Canine Krew is a 501c3 nonprofit, PACFA licensed, foster based rescue located primarily in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We bring animals that are awaiting euthanasia or struggling to find homes in shelters locally in Colorado as well as shelters out of state in New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas into our foster’s loving homes. All animals receive any necessary medical care, as well as a microchip before they find their fur-ever family!

Safe Place for Pets

Safe Place for Pets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pet placement organization that provides care, support and rehoming services for pets of terminally ill people. For more than 20 years, Safe Place for Pets has compassionately served pet owners diagnosed with terminal illnesses. We have found forever homes for over 1,300 of their beloved pets while also providing needed veterinary care and support. At Safe Place, we place a heavy emphasis on making sure our pets receive quality veterinary services when placed in our care. All of our pets undergo a veterinary examination and are up-to-date on vaccinations, spay/neutered and undergo a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment when recommended by a veterinarian, ensuring that each pet is happy, healthy and ready for their new forever homes.