The Best Denver, CO Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

Summit Dog Rescue / Pod To The Rescue

We are a small volume rescue with a huge focus on humane education. We rescue dogs and cats and work with our adopters/fosters and the general public to educate about how to best support our companion animals so that their placements can be successful. Unwanted pets is at epidemic levels, and without education we won't make progress. Our rescue is unique in that we are run by multiple certified dog trainers and behavior professionals. We have a podcast called Pod To The Rescue, which is produced with the goal of providing evidence based behavioral support to adopters and fosters.

Jailbreak husky rescue

Jailbreak Husky Rescue is a 501(C)(3) and PACFA licensed organization based out of Colorado that aims to rescue, rehabilitate, transport, rehome and advocate for Siberian Huskies and other northern breeds that are at risk of being euthanized, abandoned, or in neglectful or abusive situations. Our mission has a specialized focus on pregnant or nursing northern breeds, including pre-natal and postpartum care, whelping, bottle, syringe and tube feeding, and breed-focused litter care and development.

Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue

Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue is a non-profit, all volunteer group in Colorado. We have been active and engaged in our community since 1972.

My Fairy Dawg Mother Rescue LLC

The Fairy Dawg Mother works with trusted partners in Colorado and nearby states to bring dawgs to the Denver Metro area, where they will have a better chance at adoption. We do our best to select dogs that will be highly successful candidates for placement with a new furever family, but change can be stressful for even the most easy-going dawg. Because of this, we work with foster families to start getting them stabilized, learn about each dawg's individual temperament, and provide training and guidance to the dawg.

PawsCo

PawsCo is a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization based in Denver, Colorado. PawsCo is dedicated to reducing pet homelessness by partnering with animal shelters and other rescues in order to help the most in-need animals ‚ those animals not thriving in a shelter setting.

Soul Dog Rescue

Soul Dog is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization founded with the mission to spay/neuter and protect animals. Soul Dog is proactive in animal welfare, advancing the need for spaying and neutering our pets to reduce overpopulation. We travel to rural communities on Native American reservations, where spaying and neutering will only happen if it is nearly free or very convenient. Soul Dog works with volunteer veterinarians to provide the spaying and neutering service at no cost to the public. Donations are used to defray the costs associated with medications, supplies, and the operating cost for clinics.

Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue

Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was founded in 1997, all volunteer organization dedicated to the rehoming of unwanted, abandoned, and abused Saint Bernards and Saint Bernard mixes.

RezDawg Rescue

RezDawg Rescue collaborates with several rescues in NM, AZ and CO to ensure the safe and comfortable transport of unwanted animals to rescues, shelters and fosters where they will have a chance at a forever home. We relocate dogs and cats from high-intake shelters, animal control facilities, and reservations in the Four Corners area to animal rescue partners and forever homes in Colorado. We provide transportation to foster homes and other partner organizations, offer medical care and low/no cost spay and neuter services, manage a network of foster homes for temporary shelter, and run adoption events so that these animals can find forever homes.

Mamco rescue dogs

Our mission is to ensure that all rescued animals are treated as valuable members of society through quality veterinary care, regular grooming, and excellent nutrition. We are a foster based, 501c3 non-profit rescue, dedicated to the health and wellbeing of mother dogs and cats and their litters. We see our rescue dogs and cats through pregnancy, birth (whelping), nursing, weaning, and adoption. In addition to providing necessary care, we also work to socialize, train, and evaluate each animal to ensure that they find permanent forever homes. This involves establishing close and trusting relationships with our volunteers, adopters, and the community.

NOCO Humane

Welcome to NOCO Humane, your community partner for comprehensive animal welfare services in Larimer and Weld counties. We have expanded our reach and our impact, taking on the sheltering and care of animals in Weld County in light of the dissolution of the Humane Society of Weld County. Join us as we heal, nature, and protect more than 10,000 animals in the year to come!

Harley's Dream

Harley's Dream was established in 2016 in honor of Harley, a senior one-eyed puppy mill survivor who became the face and voice of the puppy mill dogs, earning the distinction of being the 2015 American Hero Dog for his work. Our mission is to create awareness and educate the public about the cruel commercial dog breeding industry (also known as puppy mills) and to rescue and rehome senior dogs in need.

Taysia Blue Rescue | Siberian Huskies & Alaskan Malamutes

Taysia Blue Rescue is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. We are a family of volunteers and advocates dedicated to helping local Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and their guardians. We are funded solely and supported by, the generosity of individuals and corporations in our communities. All our dogs are located in approved foster homes in the metro areas of Omaha, Lincoln, Kansas City, Des Moines and Denver. Taysia Blue does not have a physical building and does not have set hours of operation.

Foothills Animal Shelter

Foothills Animal Shelter is an open admission facility serving Jefferson County in the state of Colorado and is a member of the Metro Denver Animal Welfare Alliance. We are driven to make lives better for animals and people in our community. We are a Socially Conscious Animal Welfare Organization, creating the best outcomes for all animals that enter our care. We place every healthy and safe animal for adoption. We assess the medical and behavioral needs of homeless animals and ensure these needs are thoughtfully addressed. And, we alleviate suffering through thoughtful euthanasia.

Dumb Friends League

One of the ways the Dumb Friends League can fulfill its mission to end pet homelessness and animal suffering is to influence the laws and policies that protect animals and enhance their welfare. Our Advocacy team works with policymakers, animal welfare agencies, law enforcement and the community to drive the policies that make Colorado a leader in protecting our furry family members. We hope to help you stay informed on issues in Colorado and across the country that impact animal sheltering and welfare and continue to make systemic changes that benefit animals and the humans that love them, now and in the future

Colorado Corgis and Friends

Colorado Corgis and Friends is a 501c3 Dog Rescue specializing in Corgis and other lowrider breeds. Established in late 2019 by a group of Corgi-loving people who love and understand the Corgi breed and love all other dogs as well. The founding members have over 100+ years of experience owning Corgis and 50+ years in Rescue. It is our pleasure and passion to help homeless dogs in need, help struggling owners rehome their pets, and offer advice on training issues typical of this herding breed.

A Friend of Jack Rescue

A Friend of Jack Rescue is a Colorado, foster-based 501(c)3 non-profit rescue dedicated to finding loving, lasting homes for unwanted dogs and puppies.

Fureverdog Rescue and Boarding

We are a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization focused on helping stray, abandoned, homeless or owner surrender dogs to have a better life. We provide medical, spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccinations, food, water, a warm place to stay and lots of love. These pups are waiting for a second chance with a loving family.

Brighter Days Dog Rescue

Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation

The path to form a national Italian Greyhound Rescue began in 1997, when consistent fundraising dedicated to covering rescue expenses was implemented. At this time, various national humane organizations were beginning serious campaigns to educate the public about breed rescue, and rescue was receiving more and more inquiries to rehome dogs. The Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation was incorporated, and was granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS in October 2004. Our volunteers have grown from a core of dedicated breeders to a national network of over 500 foster homes and rescue representatives. We routinely vet dogs, rehabilitate problem behaviors, screen potential adopters, hold awareness events, transport animals for specialized care, and raise funds to pay our vet costs. We have a structure in place to support our volunteers and recruit and train new ones. We are very proud of our past and look forward to an even more productive future. In 1998, IGRF reported 86 dogs had been placed in the previous calendar year. Today, we typically handle between 900 and 1000 dogs annually, and as of 2015 have placed over 8000 dogs since the advent of current record keeping methods. We run the very popular Biggy Iggy Auction once a year to raise money to support our program. Additionally, local volunteers manage the Iggy 500 fundraising event in Indianapolis, participate in area Care Days, and take part in countless pet festivals and "Meet and Greet" events sponsored by pet stores and humane societies. We also directly offer items for sale through as a continuous fundraising operation. Our state Rescue Representatives are also instrumental in partnering with animal control facilities and other humane and rescue groups to coordinate pre-adoption home visits, transports, and shelter outreach. Italian Greyhound Rescue also manages the Canine Recovery Program, an ID tracking program utilizing numbered tags and an hotline where lost and found dogs can be reported at any time of the day or night. All foster dogs that come through our program are assigned a tag and enrolled for their lifetime at no charge to our adopters.

Longmont Humane Society

Originally a branch of the Boulder County Humane Society, Longmont Humane Society was established as an independent non-profit animal shelter in 1972. What once began as a small shelter established by a compassionate group of individuals has since grown to become a sanctuary dedicated to profound change, firmly devoted to the overall welfare of each animal that passes through our doors. After 10 years in a small facility on the edge of town, it became clear that a new shelter was required to house the ever-increasing need in our community. In 1985 ‚'the dome' shelter building was constructed on land provided by Boulder County, ushering in a new era of care for pets. Longmont Humane Society was even recognized by The American Humane Association (AHA) Standards of Excellence program ‚ one of the few shelters in the nation to receive that honor.

Mile High Canine Rescue

Lola's Rescue

L.O.L.A.'S Rescue is a non-profit animal rescue organization. We are based in Colorado, providing services for Colorado and surrounding states. Our rescue was founded on the idea of being able to save as many at risk animals as possible from uncertain futures, while upholding the highest regard and values for animals in our care. Our concentration is on animals from high kill shelters and at-risk animals in abuse, neglect, and abandonment situations, reducing the number of euthanasia (due to overcrowding) in our shelters and surrounding areas. We rehabilitate these animals so they can be placed in amazing, loving homes without the threat of an uncertain future.

Colorado Shiba Inu Rescue

Colorado Shiba Inu Rescue (COSIR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of Shiba Inus, and Shiba Inu mixes, in Colorado. While in rescue, all our dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, given heartworm prevention, and any/all veterinary care necessary to ensure they are healthy and ready for their forever homes. We also provide post-adoption training for our younger dogs, and maintain a lifelong relationship of support with our alumni. We have an all volunteer staff who donate their free time to saving Shibas because of their love and appreciation for the breed. The Shiba Inu is a very unique breed with very strong personality traits, and they are not for everyone! People often decide they want a Shiba because they are cute, without doing any research first, and don’t know what they are getting into. For this reason, many Shibas end up in shelters, surrendered by their owners, or abandonded. COSIR understands and appreciates the uniqueness of this quirky and difficult breed, and has the expertise to ensure each dog finds the right forever home. This challenging of a breed warrants an in-depth screening process for adopters, and our goal is to find each dog their FOREVER home, not just their NEXT home. COSIR takes in Shibas from animal shelters or other rescues, as well as from owners looking to surrender their Shiba in order to give them a better life. Shibas typically do not do well in shelter environments and are often deemed un-adoptable and euthanized. COSIR prioritizes taking in Shibas from local shelters and places them in foster homes. By doing this, we not only relieve the shelter load, so they can help other dogs, but we give a deserving dog a chance at life. We do not have a shelter facility for you to visit and meet our dogs. All of our dogs are cared for in loving foster homes. An adoption application must be submitted, reviewed, and pre-approved prior to scheduling a home visit to meet our dogs.

Gray Muzzle Society

Gray Muzzle Society was founded by Kayson Cooper and Molly Dawson, who met while working at an animal shelter. Their shared compassion for senior, special needs, and often overlooked animals inspired them to create a rescue dedicated to giving these deserving creatures a second chance at life. Our vision is to create a community where every animal is valued and cherished, no matter their circumstances. By focusing on those who are often left behind, Gray Muzzle Society offers hope and a bright future to animals who need it most. Join us in our mission to make a difference. Whether through adoption, fostering, sponsorship, or volunteering, your support helps us continue our vital work and change the lives of animals in need.

Humane Society of the South Platte Valley

The Humane Society of the South Platte Valley (HSSPV) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established to serve the communities of south Denver. Our humane society offers shelter, care, and compassion for lost, stray, and unwanted animals, until they are reclaimed by their families or adopted into a new home.

Pet Association of Estes Park Inc.

The Pet Association of Estes Park was created in 1973. It was founded with the goal of helping the area homeless animals in need and to educate youth and the community about the humane care of animals. We are the only local agency committed to this goal. We serve Estes Park, Allenspark, Pinewood Springs, Big Elk Meadows, Rocky Mountain National Park, Drake, and Glen Haven. We provide shelter, care and veterinary services to stray and surrendered animals until we can place them in loving homes. One of our founding and very important goals, are spay and neuter. We hold a spay and neuter clinic every Fall. Our donations help assist the community in this very important endeavor. What the Pet Association has accomplished in 2023 This has been a rough year for animals, Shelters and rescues were over-run by surrendered dogs, possibly a backlash from adoptions during the pandemic when many people began working from home and adopted dogs for companionship. There was also a lack of spay and neuter resources at this time and not enough vet techs and staff to keep up with the needs. The Pet Association received pleading calls every day from facilities who were desperate to move dogs out in order to make room for more incoming surrenders and strays. We helped whenever we could. We cared for more homeless pets this year than ever before in our 50 years of service to Estes and the surrounding areas. To date 60+ dogs, 46+ cats, 3 mice and one gecko have found wonderful loving homes. When we get an animal, we provide a medical examination and treatment for any problems, which frequently includes dental care. All dogs and cats are sterilized and microchipped before adoption. We also pay to board many of them, although our impressive foster-care network reduces our boarding expenses. We re-homed several dogs who were abandoned in Estes, including a couple purebred ones. And we found loving families for several senior pets. We currently have several cats, puppies, and dogs available for adoption, all of whom became homeless through no fault of their own. We want to thank everyone who donated and attended our fundraisers. You are a wonderfully supportive community. But because of the increased needs and the soaring costs, donations equaled only 70% of our expenses in 2023. Your ongoing support will continue to allow us to perform our mission. With the year end, we ask our community to consider the fates of the animals when making end-of-year donations. We are a 501c3 nonprofit, and we are your only local humane society. Taxpayers may also have an option to donate tax refunds to nonprofits. Another way to assure ongoing support is through a charitable bequest, which is a gift or donation designated in one’s will or trust. Such a gift can represent a percentage of one’s estate, or it can be a lump sum or non-monetary assets.

Thunder Puppy K9 Rehabilitation and Rehoming

Thunder Puppy K9 Rehabilitation and Rehoming is a nonprofit (501c3) organization in located in Colorado that is focused on bringing (mostly) Siberian Huskies back to balance and finding them loving homes where they can live in safety with an enriched quality of life. OUR PURPOSE A. To bring at-risk dogs in our community and the surrounding area to safety. B. To help educate dog guardians what it means to be a responsible, loving pet owner. C. To provide an environmentally enriched sanctuary for dogs while helping them navigate the rehoming process. D. To rehabilitate said dogs through behavior modification, Pack Therapy, Canine Psychology, and Human Education E. To find only the best and most suitable forever homes for each animal based on his or her needs and the capabilities of their potential custodians.

Humane Society of Boulder Valley

It is the mission of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals by promoting healthy relationships between pets and people. The Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV) is a trusted source for services and information related to companion animals in Boulder and Broomfield counties. Founded in 1902, HSBV is the longest-serving, continuously operating humane society in the state of Colorado! Today, we provide a safety net to animals in need in our community and beyond. Each year, HSBV impacts more than 16,000 animals, helping them find their new beginnings in the Boulder community or working to protect happy and healthy relationships, and supports thousands of existing pet-guardian relationships in our community through our Safety Net services.

Safe Harbor Lab Rescue

Safe Harbor Lab Rescue was co-founded by Leslie Brown and Lauren Immel to honor the memory of Les’ first Lab, Tess. Part of the vision was to help senior Labs, Labs that may need hospice care, and special needs Labs all of whom have little hope of placement while in shelters. Leslie had many special needs Labs, including Owen who was born hydrocephalic and given no more than a year to live. Owen lived to the ripe old age of 11! Chocolate, a blind dwarf Lab, and Gypsy, a deaf and blind Lab mix were some of the others that followed Owen and began Safe Harbor’s legacy. After 30 years with Jefferson County Courts, Les retired to focus on Safe Harbor Lab Rescue. At the same time she went to work part time at Arvada West Veterinary Hospital, Safe Harbor’s first veterinary care provider and continues to provide care for our Labs.

Life is Better Rescue

Everyone who is passionate about rescuing has a story about how they got where they are, or why they do what they do. It is often reflected in the name of the organization – either in dedication to a specific animal that has moved them, or a breed that they are passionate about supporting. You will notice that we are not in the business for one animal, one breed, or one species. We are Life is Better Rescue. The name seems self explanatory – what animal isn’t facing a better life after rescue before euthanasia? For us, it’s not just about saving life – it’s about creating a quality life and making sure that the impact is felt across the board. It’s about spaying and neutering so that we can reduce the adoptable euthanasia population before it starts. It’s about working with municipal shelters to increase transfers so that disease is minimized. It’s about making sure that each rescue has profound meaning for the adopter as much as the adoptee. It’s about giving animals and people the chance to connect and form a lifelong loving relationship. This rescue is not just about preventing needless death. It’s about creating a life worth living. To us, being a rescuer to means more than just saving lives. It means making things better, for the animal as well as the owner. Our goal is simple. We would like to enter the rescue community to serve as many animals as we are able. To have volunteers with the same motivation, who can independently work to save lives and find homes. To give an infrastructure to self-sufficient rescuers so that they can assist as they are able. Most importantly, we want to help teach behavior that helps with permanent adoption. To save animals at any stage and prepare them for a life well lived. To impart the message that for them, life is better, and will only get better from here on out. Financial or in-kind support helps directly with animal care. Life is Better Rescue is an IRS 501(c)(3) recognized charity, and all donations are tax deductible.