Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

David Adams

March 19, 2025

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Northern Lakes Rescue

#50 in United States, #4 in Minnesota, #3 in Minneapolis

1606 Mill Ave. Brainerd, MN 56401

https://www.northernlakesrescue.org

info@northernlakesrescue.org

Service areas:

We have fosters all over the state of Minnesota, but our primary locations are Duluth, Brainerd, St. Cloud, and suburbs of Minneapolis/St. Paul

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.

Mission and Vision

Our Mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in crisis. Ensure healthy pets through education, advocacy and affordable services. Inspire a community where the animal-human bond is celebrated and nurtured.

Adoption Policy

Any fees or contributions, adoption andother, are NON-REFUNDABLE. Each adoption fee not only aids in the cost of care for the pet that you are adopting, but helps to maintain a safe and healthy environmentfor other animals in our program, transportation to adoption events/promotional events, and to vet appointments, etc. Your adoption fee includes: age appropriate vaccinations along with age appropriate deworming for all animals, a heartworm test for dogs over 1 year, spay or neuter surgery, microchip, microchip registration, and detailed medical records.MEDICAL RELEASE: From the date of adoption forward, this dog health is the full and sole responsibility of the adopter. Adopter agrees to take the dog to a state licensed veterinarian whenever the animal is in need of medical attention, including rabies vaccines required by law, for the life of the dog. Adopter will arrange for immediate veterinary care in the event of serious illness or injury. In the event of euthanasia, the adopter agrees to release the related veterinary records to N.L.R. N.L.R. cannot guarantee the health of any animal and shall not be held responsible for any medical expenses which may be incurred, hereby excluding any implied or expressedwarranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, including, but not limited to, any warranties regarding health, temperament or whether the animal has been housebroken/litter trained.The ownership and responsibility for this dog belongssolely to the adopter. However, if adopter can no longer keep this dog or provide it with good care, including food, shelter or veterinary care, adopter will contact NLR and give the Organization the first right of refusal to re-accept the animal into the adoption program. The dog shall NOT be sold, given to, or adopted/transferred to anyone else, nor any firm, corporation, or organization, such as another rescue facility, or animal shelter without expressed written permission from NLR. Adopterwill allow NLR sufficient time (14 business days) to arrange for a suitable foster home.

https://www.northernlakesrescue.org/available-dogs

Testimonials

See all testimonials

"Northern Lakes Rescue is RELENTLESS in their quest to save and give AMAZING lives to dogs. Their support of their foster parents is top notch and I will be forever grateful for being able to adopt my fur baby from them!!"

— judith y.

Volunteer / foster

"In April 2021 I suddenly and unexpectedly had to say a final goodbye to my dog. I was still working from home due to COVID which made the loss almost unbearable. I began looking for another dog and came across Harper (aka Billie Rocks from the Magnificent Seven litter) at Northern Lakes Rescue. Due to COVID protocols, I spoke to the foster for Harper on the phone and did a video chat home visit. It was decided that Harper would be a good fit. She was almost 5 months old. She had been brought to MN from Texas, adopted, and returned to a foster due to the new owners unforeseen medical issues. I took a leap of faith and arrangements were made for her pickup. The day came and it happened to be the same day I was to pick up my previous dogs ashes. What a bitter sweet day. I picked up his ashes in the afternoon and met and brought Harper home that evening. Harper was so scared of everything and I was suffering from a broken heart. We immediately set up training classes so we could bond. Fast forward three years and she is a happy, outgoing little lady and my heart has been healed. I am so thankful to everyone involved along the way from Texas to Minnesota who were instrumental in bringing us together. I have met many others on our outings about town who also adopted through Northern Lakes Rescue. So many happy, successful adoption stories have been shared among us all."

— ginger j.

Adoptee

"I had a great experience adopting through NLR. After losing my dog of 5+ years I was eager to adopt another rescue dog. NLR made the process fun and I was able to add another family member fairly quick."

— jenna g.

Adoptee

"Adopting from Northern Lakes Rescue was perfect! They answered all my questions about the dog I wanted to adopt. They let me foster to adopt first because of his temperament. He was a dog rescued from dog fighting. They put a lot of work and resources into him. They even continue to be there for us 4yrs after adoption. My dog Wishbone and I love our Northern Lakes Rescue family and I will continue to support and adopt from them! Highly recommend!"

— amber k.

Adoptee

"Both my puppers are NLR rescues. Both are wonderful dogs 🐕 ❤️"

— christie p.

Adoptee

"Northern Lakes Rescue is a great place run by great people. I adopted my dog from them and it was an absolute pleasure the whole way!"

— cody b.

Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

"Northern Lakes Rescue was fantastic to work with, and their care for the animals really shows through in the whole process from vetting an adoptive to meeting and adopting a furry friend!"

— emma m.

Adoptee

"I have been fostering for 3 1/2 years and with all the ups and downs between dogs and humans, Northern Lakes Rescue remains strong. They are very helpful to help make the very best happy forever for every dog that comes into their care. They are very easy to work with and give and listen to everything that us fosters need to help these pups."

— jill s.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

"Northern Lakes Rescue has been pivotal in helping unwanted dogs find forever homes in both TX and MN for the last 7 years. Starting out as a very small rescue, it has grown so much in 7 years and I am proud to be able to be a part of their mission. My baby girl was rescued from them 5 years ago - Momma and Daddy were on the streets in TX. Momma delivered 11 babies. They were scheduled to come to MN and needed a foster. My husband and I stepped up. While waiting to come to MN, 9 of the puppies passed away leaving two baby girls. Momma and Daddy also managed to escape their fosters yard and Momma Rachel somehow degloved her back foot. Now this was a medical foster. We were still willing and gladly took Rachel and her two precious girls into our home. Daddy went with a different foster. Momma took some time to heal, Athena found a furever home as did momma Rachel. Ada was taking some time...and we eventually just adopted her ourselves. She is an excellent protector of her pack. Started as a foster with NLR 5 years ago and am now not only the office manager but also a Board Member. Due to some circumstances that reared their head, we are diligently working to dig ourselves out of a financial disaster that was created and left for the Board to deal with. We will not give up. We work hard every day to regain the communities, donators, supporters, volunteers and adopters trust with complete transparency. We are moving forward, even if it is baby steps."

— stephanie t.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter

"The organization is top notch. Facilities are great. But more importantly, they care and value their human fosters too! In my first foster experience I had a hard time picking a new home and navigating the emotional challenges in fostering. They were so supportive. We ultimately found an amazing home for our foster and they were really helpful in making that happen."

— sarah j.

Volunteer / foster

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Minneapolis

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Minneapolis

David Adams

March 19, 2025

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.

All testimonials

— judith y.

Volunteer / foster

— ginger j.

Adoptee

— jenna g.

Adoptee

— amber k.

Adoptee

"Both my puppers are NLR rescues. Both are wonderful dogs 🐕 ❤️"

— christie p.

Adoptee

"Northern Lakes Rescue is a great place run by great people. I adopted my dog from them and it was an absolute pleasure the whole way!"

— cody b.

Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

"Northern Lakes Rescue was fantastic to work with, and their care for the animals really shows through in the whole process from vetting an adoptive to meeting and adopting a furry friend!"

— emma m.

Adoptee

— jill s.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

— stephanie t.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter

— sarah j.

Volunteer / foster

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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Northern Lakes Rescue

Mission and Vision

Adoption Policy

Testimonials

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Minneapolis

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David Adams

About Sniffspot

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