The Best Minnesota Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

Emotional Rescue LLC

Emotional Rescue specializes in homeless dogs that need medical care. We rehabilitate the body, mind and soul of dogs that had no one to care for them.

Warrior Dog Rescue

Warrior Dog rescue is a non-profit organization based in Savage, MN that is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding adoptive homes for dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. We are celebrating our 6th year in rescue and have saved over 3,400 dogs to date. When we reflect on that number we think that each one of those dogs had a foster hero that YES to saving them! We think about all the visits to the vet, the training, the full food bowls, walks, belly rubs, and all the healing that was given to each of them through the love and safety we were able to provide. Knowing that we were able to help them heal and be ready to love their forever family is a blessing beyond compare. Our storybook is filled with all the Warrior Dogs who have come into our lives and forever imprinted on our hearts. The Warrior Dog family continues to save these sweet souls because they all deserve to the know the gift of love and safety. There is still work to be done and by the grace and selflessness of our volunteer and foster teams, along with our generous donors we will continue. There are so many pups even as you read this that are alone and sick, abandoned in kill shelters and on roadsides, living a life filled with fear and abuse. We are steadfast in our commitment to continue to make a difference, one dog at a time.

Winona Area Humane Society

Since 1992, the Winona Area Humane Society (WAHS) has been dedicated to improving the lives of our community's companion animals by providing humane care to adoptable shelter dogs and cats, and offering public services to pet owners in need of support. Our no-kill animal shelter does not receive municipal or federal funding to carry out our mission. Thanks to fundraising, grants, and generous donations, our passionate hands-on staff & volunteers are able to care for at least 14 dogs and 50 cats at a time, and place an average of 227 cats and dogs in loving forever homes every year.

Northern Lakes Rescue

Our Vision is to be a voice for those who are voiceless. We hear them with our hearts and give them a voice. Looking into the eyes of a rescued animal will speak volumes; watching those eyes light up will have an everlasting impact on you and the rescued animals. We aren't a typical rescue as we don't take in dogs and put them in kennels until they're adopted. All dogs we rescue are placed in loving foster homes that teach them to be the best dog they can be. Our journey doesn't end with adoption, either. We are here for you to support you in integrating your new member into your home, cheer new triumphs, and help with struggles. You don't adopt a dog from us. You adopt a family.

Rescued Pets Are Wonderful

Rescued Pets Are Wonderful is a non-profit, no-kill, volunteer animal rescue organization serving the Twin Cities metro area. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats left homeless for whatever reason ‚focusing on the ones with major medical issues or of senior age. These are the ones that are usually overlooked because they are not ‚highly adoptable. They are also the ones that cost the most to the organizations. We believe they are the most in need of help!

The Rescue Crew

The Rescue Crew is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization that is 100% volunteer operated and foster-based. The Rescue Crew strives to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of companion animals by finding them loving forever homes.

Pet Haven of Minnesota

Pet Haven is Minnesota's very first foster-based rescue. We are dedicated to improving the lives of pets and the people who love them by rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and cats. Every dog and cat lives with a loving foster family until they find families of their own. We provide for all of their needs, high-quality food, the best possible veterinary care, and behavior support for emotional well-being. As individuals, we give the love, compassion, and patience needed to truly change their lives. We are also dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation by supporting spay and neuter efforts, providing resources to people and their pets, and doing the work needed to strengthen the relationships between people and pets, building foundations to last a lifetime.

Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue

We serve the animal community by providing foster homes, medical treatment, and behavioral assessments to Great Danes in need of forever homes.

All Dog Rescue

All Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue group. We work with local shelters, city governments, tribal partners and owner surrenders. All the dogs in our program live in a foster home until they are adopted. Our dogs are fully vetted and spayed/neutered prior to adoption. We commit to our dogs for their lifetime and we will always take our dogs back.

Marshmallow Animal Shelter

Our shelter began in 2006 with Cocoa and her 11 marshmallows. We have gone on to save hundreds of animals each year since.

The Bond Between

The Bond Between is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that focuses on the bond between humans and animals. We were founded in 2009 as Secondhand Hounds. Since then, we have rescued over 29,000 dogs and cats with the help of thousands of fosters, volunteers, and supporters in our community. Our organization has grown from a rescue to a first-in-its-class animal wellbeing organization... now The Bond Between! We continue to provide safe shelter, proper veterinary care, and daily necessities for animals while working hard to help them build a bond with humans. We also focus on supporting the bonds that already exist between people and pets with our pet food shelf, respite foster care program, and focus on social services. We wake up every morning saying YES to connecting people and animals, caring for them, and helping them fill each other's hearts. You can help support us today by donatin

Retrieve aa Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM)

"Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest" (RAGOM) is a non-profit organization based in Minnesota, that specializes in the rescue, fostering, and adoption of Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes. The organization serves the Midwestern region of the United States, including Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Wisconsin. RAGOM works to rescue Golden Retrievers from shelters, commercial breeders, and owners who can no longer care for them. They provide necessary medical care, foster homes, and behavioral rehabilitation as needed before finding suitable forever homes through their adoption program. Founded in 1985, Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest has become one of the largest and most well-known Golden Retriever rescue organizations in the United States. Their mission is to rescue and rehome as many Golden Retrievers as possible while also educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the importance of adopting from shelters and rescue organizations.

Crossroads Animal Shelter

Crossroads Animal Shelter was established in 1998 and at that time it was strictly foster based. In 2000, after major fundraising efforts we broke ground for a shelter in Buffalo, Minnesota and opened doors to the public in 2002. We have a lobby/reception area for adoptions and veterinary services. And dog and cat visitation rooms. There is also a Cat Colony room that can accommodate up to 12 cats. It also opens up to an airy "catio" space. Our building can house up to 30 dogs/puppies and 60 cats/kittens. In April 2023 we added veterinary services to the public. We offer affordable, quality spay/neuter services, vaccinations, dental and surgical procedures and other wellness needs. Crossroads is proud of our dedicated team of talented and compassionate animal care technicians, veterinary staff, adoption specialists, volunteers, and rescue partners. The work we do each day is often challenging and we are committed to making informed decisions to provide the best possible care for companion animals based on their individual needs and quality of life. We currently employ a staff of 15. Both Crossroads Animal Shelter and Crossroads Veterinary Clinic are registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organizations.

Wags n Whiskers

Formed in 2009, Wags & Whiskers Animal Rescue of MN is a volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals, and educating the community on responsible pet ownership. Wags & Whiskers has no facility or shelter. Instead, all our animals are housed in foster homes while they await their forever homes. With this approach, our foster parents become familiar with the personalities of his or her foster dog or cat and use this familiarity to match our animals to appropriate homes.

Safe Hands Rescue

The Safe House is located in Floyd County, Kentucky and will assist the communities in surrounding counties as well. It will be a safe place to house and care for at-risk homeless pets before they make their way to new lives and families to call their own. Here, animals will receive housing and the care necessary for their physical and emotional well-being. Animals like Truly can't wait another day for your help.

Ruff Start Rescue

Ruff Start Rescue is an extraordinary foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit companion animal rescue that radiates compassion and dedication. Our unwavering mission extends beyond borders, reaching communities throughout Minnesota and the southern states plagued by stray pet overpopulation. We fearlessly rescue the voiceless victims of neglect, abandonment, and despair dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and many other critters. Every single day, our tireless efforts are propelled by volunteers, fosters, and supporters who unite as a force of unwavering love, saving thousands of lives.

Heading Home K9 Rescue

Heading Home K9 Rescue was started in the Spring of 2011. We are a 501c3, non-profit dog rescue. We receive no government support. We have a soft spot for the dogs that others are most likely to pass over: puppy mills, seniors, big black mixed breeds, heartworm positive dogs, and animals who have been injured. We are 100% volunteer-based. We do not have paid staff or board members. All the money we bring in from donations and adoption fees goes directly back to the dogs. We do not have a central facility, all our dogs are fostered in individual foster homes. Because our dogs live in foster homes rather than a shelter, we know them well and are able to make sure that a perfect match is made between the dog and its new home.

Heart of Border Collie Rescue

Heart of a Border Collie Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with foster homes in the Twin Cities and outstate Minnesota. We are dedicated to the rehoming of Border Collies, Border Collie mixes and other herding breeds in need of help in Minnesota, the Dakotas and neighboring states. We provide temporary housing in approved foster homes, proper medical care, training, rehabilitation and education of prospective homes.

Tri-County Humane Society

Tri-County Humane Society is an independent, nonprofit animal shelter in St. Cloud, Minnesota, providing quality services to people and animals since 1974.

Minnesota Basset Rescue

Minnesota Basset Rescue (MNBR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog rescue based in Minnesota. Founded in July of 2017, MNBR rehomes dogs from owners who can no longer provide their care and rescues dogs from pounds, shelters, and breeders. As an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue we welcome anyone who loves dogs and wishes to help hounds and hound mixes live a healthy and happy life. Our organization provides safe, loving foster home, proper veterinary care, and daily necessities while working hard to find them a permanent, loving home! Please explore our website or contact us to learn more information about Minnesota Basset Rescue.

Faerieland Rescue, Inc.

FaerieLand Rescue provides essential care and adoption services to German Shepherds and Corgis. We strive to protect and promote these two breeds. FaerieLand Rescue Inc. is a foster-based rescue located in Minnesota. We welcome purebreds and mixes of German Shepherds and Welsh Corgis, including owner-surrendered, abused, neglected and stray dogs, as well as those from animal control. We educate the public on spaying and neutering of dogs and the importance of vaccinations, training and socialization. All dogs at the rescue are evaluated with the goal of rehabilitation and placement in a FUREVER home. Over 400 dogs have been saved since commencing operations.

Healing Hearts Rescue

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, foster-based rescue located in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota that is 100% funded through adoption fees and donations. We are excited for you to join us on this mission to save the lives of dogs in need. We believe every dog deserves to be loved as true members of a family and are committed to fulfilling that dream one dog at a time!

Save-A-Bull Rescue

We can't thank our volunteers enough for their dedication and hard work that make our organization possible. Without them and the many other volunteers and fosters who work tirelessly to support our mission, we would not be able to save and serve deserving pit bulls. Every single person brings a unique and invaluable contribution to the operation and we would be nowhere without them!

Rescue Network

In 2017 I fostered three mangy puppies from a reservation. At an adoption event, I saw their mama, Shasta. My husband was there with me, and I looked at him and said, we need to foster her‚. He proceeded to continue to say, no way. Well I won! We brought Shasta home to foster and I networked her for a couple weeks for someone to adopt. We already had two dogs and two cats, and mind you, Shasta did not like cats. Shortly after Christmas, I said we were adopting her. I have no idea where it came from, but it just happened. After lots of training, Shasta became best friends with our cats and really made our family feel complete. But it didn't end there. I was always very curious on her background. Her puppies were in horrible shape when we fostered them, and she looked like the saddest dog in the world when we got her. I came to find out that she was living outside with her six puppies on a reservation and was a stray that no one claimed. I saw the picture of her and her puppies on the mattress and that was the beginning of what eventually started Rescue Network. I couldn't believe that animals were just living outside like that. I was eager to learn more and help. We started helping the reservation where Shasta was from, and the need was huge. I was doing this with my own bank account, trying to raise money and it just wasn't feasible. In late 2019, we started Rescue Network. We have since grown to help three other reservations and have grown exponentially. I often tell Shasta she is saving so many lives. Without her, I can't say I would have had the motivation to start Rescue Network.

Midwest Animal Rescue & Services

Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS) is committed to serving both pet and parent, finding homes for animals that were once lost, left behind and forgotten, while bringing harmony and enhancing education in our community. Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS) is a dedicated and passionate group who rescues dogs and cats that are at risk and homeless through no fault of their own. Once in our care, these companion animals are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered. Special attention is provided for those animals that need additional time and medical care before going to a new home. MARS is committed to helping pets in need whenever possible, including all breeds and ages. MARS does not have a shelter facility for boarding. We are a foster-based rescue group that runs on the support and aid of dedicated volunteers and supporters. Our fostered pets live in homes, as family members, receiving all of the love and care they would in an adoptive home, until they are adopted. The adopters gain greater insight into the pets behavior and personality versus interacting with an animal who has been living in a kennel and the pet is more prepared for a loving home life. This helps produce the best match possible for the new families, resulting in a 98% success rate!

Spot's Last Stop

Spot's Last Stop (SLS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit canine rescue located in the Twin Cities. SLS matches local families with homeless canines in need of forever homes by following an adoption process that is easy and fair. Our rescue is made up of a team of dedicated volunteers and fosters who support our mission to save rescue dogs with love and support. Our foster and volunteer networks are considered family, and we all support and encourage one another while sharing the same passion of helping homeless dogs arrive safely to their forever homes.

Martin County Humane Society

We are the Martin County Humane Society - also known as the Carl Nettifee Memorial Animal Shelter. As an animal control officer in Fairmont many years ago, Carl pioneered the ideals of which we operate. The City of Fairmont and the Martin County Humane Society constructed the shelter in Carl's honor. We shelter stray and homeless animals in Martin County and take owner surrenders as space allows.

Rescue 55021

We are a small group of dedicated volunteers with varying skills and experience working with animals. We saw the need for local rescue in our community and united with our common interest and goal to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home. Proudly established November 26, 2016.

Humane Society of Otter Tail County

The Humane Society of Otter Tail County was started by Carol Schaaf and Pam Swenson. Stray animals had nowhere to turn and they created the solution. The first site was the Bob and Mary Swierzek farm south of Fergus Falls in 1979. The facility consisted of some dog houses and the use of a barn for shelter. The organization was formed and incorporated in the same year. Shortly after incorporation the State of Minnesota leased to the Humane Society a small building and a caretaker's house on the grounds of the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center. At that time the treasury consisted of $37.50, some donated materials, and dog food. All animal care was provided by volunteers. All funding was done through donations and fundraisers conducted by volunteers. Gradual growth and monies from government funding sources such as Otter Tail County, and CETA allowed the hiring of employees. This kept the Humane Society running. In 1985 the State of Minnesota decided that the building was needed for another venue, making a new site necessary. A veterinary clinic building on Pebble Lake Road became available. Mel Olson spearheaded a fund raising campaign that made purchasing the clinic possible. There was an addition built onto the clinic in 1988. Soon the Humane Society outgrew this building. It was decided that building new was a better option than remodeling the existing site. Once again a successful fund raising campaign and a small loan secured funding. Our current facility was constructed and opened in May 1994.

Pope County Humane Society

Pope County Humane Society Animal Shelter was established in 1985 and incorporated in 1987. Our organization was started by June Iverson, Lorraine Gandrud, and Willow Feigum in June's barn. In 2004, they raised enough money to build the beginning of our physical location that we have today with the help of many volunteers. We have had one expansion since then and are hoping to keep expanding. We We are a501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to caring for lost, abandoned, and stray animals. Our shelter is run by a crew of dedicated, hardworking staff, that put their hearts into caring for every animal that comes through our door.