The Best Phoenix, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

Sky Sanctuary Rescue

Sky Sanctuary specialize in the humane capture and rescue of stray, fearful and injured animals from the streets of Phoenix, Arizona, the surrounding desert areas and local shelters. We often rescue the abandoned, lost and forgotten animals. Fiercely advocating for the animals in our care. Often our animals have extensive and complex medical needs that require a profound level of specialty medical care. Not only do we invest in our animal's physical health, we utilize a trusted group of trainers to build confidence, empower and improve our animal's mental well-being in order to live peaceful, happy lives in family homes. We are very different from other animal rescue organizations. We are "boots on the ground" in our community while passionately fight for the dogs and animals no one else has the courage to take on. We have a knack for finding ourselves in pretty breathtaking scenarios- some call it divine intervention, others call it luck. We live by the mantra "if not me then who?". We are funded solely by public donations through social media. We are grateful for the opportunity to help these animals. We would go to any length to #SAVETHESTREETDOGS

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue

My name is Geri Hormel and I am the founder of Almost There Rescue. What do we do at ATR? We save bitches. No, we don't go around seeking out malicious, unpleasant women and try to convince them to change their ways (although someone should!). We save dogs. Specifically, homeless, pregnant, large-breed dogs. We scoop those gals up from less than ideal situations and give them a place to birth and raise their pups. We work our tails off to give our pups the medical help, enrichment, socialization, and love that they need on their journeys to finding forever homes.

Puppy Luv Animal Rescue

Foster based, all breed, all size dog rescue.

Cavalier Rescue Foundation

The Cavalier Rescue Foundation of Arizona is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We are a small team of volunteers dedicated to rescuing neglected and/or unwanted Cavaliers and placing them in qualified and loving homes throughout the Valley. All of our Cavaliers are owner turn-ins, breeder surrenders, or rescued from puppy mills. Our mission is to help every beloved Cavalier find a forever home where they will receive the lifelong care and attention they deserve. A majority of our dogs come from puppy mills found throughout the Midwest. A puppy mill is a large scale breeding facility where female dogs churn out puppies for a profit with little to no true care for the health and welfare of the dogs. These dogs are left to live in kennels for their entire lives with minimal human contact. The females are bred every heat starting at 6-10 months of age, and their puppies are sold either locally, online, or at pet stores nationwide. Our rescue is unique in that we often have to pay for our Cavaliers at puppy mill auctions. These events are held in states such as Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma where hundreds of dogs are tagged with a number, listed in a catalog, and one by one brought up to the auction block where they are simply sold to the highest bidder. We concentrate on purchasing Cavaliers from complete kennel sellouts. This means a breeder is selling everything; all their dogs, their buildings, kennels, equipment, etc. The money that we pay the breeder to rescue these Cavaliers will typically go to the person's retirement, and not be reinvested in other dogs. Also, this keeps the Cavaliers that we save from going to other breeders where they will use them again and again as money making machines. Cavaliers are an amazingly resilient breed, and no matter how they are previously treated they learn to trust and love their human companions. Rescued Cavaliers make wonderful pets, and the bond that forms between them and owner is indescribable.

VJ Ranch

VJ Ranch is a quiet, peaceful horse boarding and leasing facility in New River, Arizona. We border the Tonto National Forest for miles of trail riding! We provide a safe and comfortable environment for your horse and all the necessary accommodations for you. We are here to offer a helping hand if one is needed. We are also home to a dog rescue and always have wonderful dogs available for adoption! VJ Ranch is home to a dog rescue as well! We rescue all of our dogs and puppies from shelters when they are in immediate danger of euthanasia. All of our dogs live here at the ranch as part of our family until they find their forever home. We spay/neuter, vaccinate, deworm and microchip all of our dogs and puppies prior to them going home. We also work on housebreaking, crate training and socialization with them. Our goal is to find loving, forever homes for as many homeless animals as we can. Please schedule an appointment to come out and meet the gang.

Heart2Heart Animal Rescue

Heart2Heart Animal Rescue is dedicated to lowering the euthanasia rate in Maricopa County by rescuing dogs from the shelters and finding them adoptive homes. Many dogs do not show well when in a shelter, but will often blossom and become a whole different dog when they're no longer in that scary environment. Heart2Heart will give these dogs a chance to shine and show who they really are. Heart2Heart is a foster based rescue, which means the dogs in their care stay in homes and not cages. I believe this helps prepare dogs for their adoptive home by allowing them to learn house manners and introducing them to things they'd never experience in a shelter. Heart2Heart also has limited resources to take in pocket pets and birds to adopt out.

Airedale Terrier Rescue

This website is a cooperative effort of volunteers living in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. We are a small group of volunteers who came to know one another through one common interest – saving the lives of Airedale Terriers. Each volunteer is solely responsible for the Airedales under their control, but we network together to find the best home for each Airedale we rescue. Each volunteer takes great care in the placement of the Airedales we rescue. We are passionate about what we do and take pride in the care given to our dogs. We carefully screen every home with a veterinary reference, interview and home inspection prior to approval. Placement of our Airedales happens only when the correct match for the particular Airedale Terrier is found. Each of the Airedales we foster is spayed or neutered, brought up-to-date on appropriate vaccinations, heartworm tested and microchipped prior to being adopted.

Rusty's Angels Sanctuary

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe and caring environment for senior and special needs canines. Through rescue, foster, adoption, education and hospice; we create secure nurturing homes for them to live out their twilight years. Most of our rescues come to us because their owner has passed away or has moved into a nursing home situation. As long as the dog is healthy enough to handle a transition into a new home then we do our best to find the perfect forever home. If the dog is not healthy enough then they live out whatever time they have left here at our sanctuary knowing unconditional love until the very end. Our Goals Here at rusty’s angels sanctuary, our purpose is to ensure that senior and special needs canines get the love and respect they deserve. 1. Rescue We house senior and special needs canines that have been displaced from their home until they are adopted or reside at the sanctuary. 2. Foster We build a foster home network to help us rescue and house more senior canines until they find their forever homes. 3. Educate We provide education to the public on the benefits that come with adopting and caring for aging canines. 4. Adopt We find loving homes that will care for senior canines to live out the rest of their lives in the company of other human and animal companions. Rusty was my first rescue, I adopted him at the age of “ancient”. He was pulled from the euthanasia list at the local county pound. He was skin and bones, deaf, going blind, had a mouth full of rotten teeth and so lost and scared. I fostered him for a while and ended up adopting him because I knew no one else would. He taught me that animals don’t deserve to die alone after loving us for all their lives. He is why I want to give these dogs the ending they deserve and have earned. They deserve the unconditional love to the very end that they give to us from the first moment they meet us. I remember what an amazing “mess” Rusty was and how much he loved me because I saved him when no one else would. And I promised him that I would continue to help those just like him live out their twilight years knowing that same feeling.

White German Shepherd Rescue

Partnered with Southwest German Shepherd Rescue (an Arizona 501c3 tax exempt corporation) and a participating member rescue of CABRA (Coalition of All Breed Rescue of Arizona, also a 501c3 organization), we are a small group of individuals dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming white German Shepherd Dogs into their forever homes. First and foremost, we are all about the DOG. We do not place a dog into a home just because we need to make space for a new rescue. We put the dog's best interest at heart at all times and will not place a dog into a home that is not suitable.

SOUL An Animal Rescue

Our amazing team of volunteers and fosters are committed to helping animals in our community. Our roots are in the veterinary medicine community and many of our fosters are veterinary students! Think you would be a good addition to our team? See our "Get Involved" page for more information on how to become a foster or volunteer! We are a foster-based organization operated out of Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding cities. We started as a small group of veterinary students with the hopes of offering a few kittens a second chance. We've grown considerably since then, all thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community

Help A Dog Smile

Help A Dog Smile is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. We find loving homes for stray dogs and dogs on euthanasia lists at kill shelters throughout the state of Arizona. Have you ever seen a dog running down the street with its tongue hanging out, its body too skinny, and its paws battered? We have too. And we couldn’t turn away. Which is why we started Help A Dog Smile. HADS, as we fondly call it, is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. We find loving homes for stray dogs and dogs on euthanasia lists at kill shelters throughout the state. Once we determine that the animal has no owner (if it is a stray) we place the dog in a boarding facility or foster home where the dog can receive the tender loving care he or she desperately needs. This always requires a veterinary check up, vaccinations, and usually a spay or neuter surgery. Once the animal is healthy, we seek a loving home where he or she can live out their life in happiness.

Living the Dream Rescue

Living The Dream Rescue is created and managed by people who care deeply for animals. We don't just want to save them, we love them, and we want to help them find lifelong happiness. Our staff and fosters give endlessly from their own pockets to ensure that our furry friends are cared for and comfortable up to and even post adoption.

Adopt A Dog Rescue

We are a non profit 501c (3) dedicated to rescuing homeless and abandoned animals, primarily dogs from high-kill shelters and owners who can no longer care for them. We put our heart and soul into giving these sweet innocent souls the love and care they deserve until they find their forever homes. We are a volunteer-based non-profit rescue dedicated to dogs and puppies left homeless for whatever reason. Our dogs come from the euthanasia list at MCACC but we accept dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances and those in danger of abuse or neglect. We place dogs in loving, responsible, permanent homes and take considerable care in finding good matches. Animals in our care are spayed or neutered, microchipped, receive all appropriate veterinary care and treatment, and placed in nurturing foster homes while they await placement in their permanent homes. We assist dogs in distress without regard to age, breed or ease of placement.

Sun Valley Animal Shelter

Sun Valley Animal Shelter, Inc., is an Arizona nonprofit corporation with 501(c)3 status which operates a No-Kill shelter in Glendale, Arizona, generally serving the western portion of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The organization was founded in 1991 by a group of Sun City area residents as a foster-based program to provide adoption opportunities for homeless and abandoned dogs and cats. The current facility was built in 1995 and can house 70+ dogs and 70+ cats. The organization receives no government funding and is supported by income from our thrift store profits, adoption fees, membership dues, donations and bequests. We recently received a grant to assist in the construction of a new medical/surgical center at the facility. The animals taken into our care are housed in a clean, secure environment and are spayed/neutered, microchipped, given all necessary shots and a physical exam. Dedicated volunteers are invaluable in assisting with the daily care and nurturing of our dogs and cats prior to finding a loving home. We are proud to note that in the last several years we have increased adoptions from approximately 150 animals per year to over 700 animals per year. Our History The organization was incorporated under the name of Sun Cities Animal Rescue (SCAR) on April 11, 1991 by its Founders, Karin Brittin and Virginia Hall of Sun City Arizona. Prior to incorporation, these ladies had been rescuing lost cats and finding homes for them. A group of Sun City volunteers was formed, and the goals were expanded to include both cats and dogs that had been abandoned or lost. This group of volunteers solicited enough seed money to contemplate the construction of a bona fide animal shelter which was a massive undertaking necessitating an immense effort. Meanwhile, SCAR established a voluntary network of foster homes to care for animals until permanent adoptive homes could be found for them. A Sun City bank fortuitously extended SCAR two loans in order to construct our present facilities which were completed for occupancy in 1995. What started out as two caring ladies in Sun City rescuing stray cats has evolved to an exceptional shelter facility that finds homes for over 1,000 cats and dogs every year. The name was changed to Sun Valley Animal Shelter in 2007. We are very fortunate to have wonderful volunteers who help our staff with the day to day operations. We don’t get any federal or state funding, and we rely upon 70% of our funding for our shelter from the generosity of the public.

Regal Dane Rescue

Established in March of 2019, Regal Dane Rescue has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed a number of dogs, that without our help would not have survived. The dogs in our rescue are often pulled from high kill shelters in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Mexico. Another large number of dogs come from owner surrenders or are abandoned dogs. Many of the dogs we intake have medical or behavioral needs that go above the standard vaccinations, wellness checks and spays/neuters. Regal Dane Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We rely solely on the donations and partnerships of the community to fund the cost of the Great Danes in our care. All funds raised through raffles, fundraising events and donation drives go towards the medical, training and care of the Danes. Without the support of the community the rescue would not be able to save the lives of these “Gentle Giants”.

Saving Orphan Souls Rescue

My name is Ro Perez and I am the CEO/Founder of Saving Orphan Souls Rescue, a 501c3 Non-Profit Cat/Small Dog Rescue based out of Glendale, Arizona. My goal, along with my volunteers and fosters, is to make a difference in each and every life that comes through our doors by showing them what LOVE and being cared for is all about. As a rescue, we cut no corners and provide extensive medical care, high quality food, supplements, toys, socialization and lots of time and love for each and every animal. Saving Orphan Souls Rescue is a no kill organization, and all our animals are placed into foster care while they await their "furever homes". All our foster homes are thoroughly screened, and unannounced home checks are done to ensure our animals are being well taken care of at all times. Our animals are introduced to other dogs, cats and children to ensure there are no behavioral issues, and we can place them with the correct adopters. Any animal that comes into our rescue is thoroughly assessed, vet checked and given ample time to adjust to their new surroundings so we can properly evaluate them. Our fosters provide a ton of love and compassion to these animals to ensure they become well rounded, and will make an outstanding family pet. Saving Orphan Souls Rescue is passionate about the homeless animals on the streets of Arizona. However, that same passion extends to members of the human community and we are glad to extend a helping hand to anyone in need by providing much needed supplies and owner education. Our rescue efforts extend beyond the borders of Arizona and we will take in animals from other states who are in dire need of rescuing. We partner with affiliates in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Utah and other surrounding states. Our goal is to get animals out of hoarding situations, puppy mills, off the streets of Mexico, and to give cats from Puerto Rico a chance to find a forever home. Without rescue from the island, they would only have a 10% likelihood of finding a loving home. No matter the situation, we are always ready, willing and able to help these innocent lives. RESCUE DOGS AND CATS MAKE THE ABSOLUTE BEST FAMILY COMPANIONS!

Rescue Street

Since Tiffany Street was kid she has rescued anything from loose dogs to uncaged iguanas. In 2022 she finally made it official (and following her life long passion) by founding Rescue Street in Glendale, AZ in 2022 with her husband Adam. There are so many adoptable dogs and cats that are lost, abandoned, mistreated, and put to sleep that don’t have to be. Rescue Street was founded to rescue and find loving homes for adoptable pets.

Arizona Golden Rescue

Arizona Golden Rescue is organized as an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation. We are a charitable organization whose mission is to rescue displaced Golden Retrievers and mostly-Golden mixes that have been abused, abandoned, neglected or unwanted and find new, permanent homes for them. Rescued dogs are given a complete veterinary exam and their vaccines are updated; they are also microchipped, spayed or neutered, and tested for Valley Fever and Heartworm. AGR provides emotional and medical rehabilitation and will pay for medications and for necessary surgeries. Through education at public appearances, AGR seeks to educate the public about the Golden Retriever breed and about responsible dog ownership, in order to help reduce the unwanted dog population."

Pepper's Pals Rescue

“Pepper” is the name lovingly given to the female AmBully adopted by the Langley family in 2013. Never having rescued a dog before, the Langley family were introduced to the world of dog adoption through Pepper. Birth of Advocacy After bringing home Pepper, the Langley family underwent training and research to become well-versed in canine physical/mental health, all-breed advocacy, and rescue dog ownership. Legacy Lives On This little AmBully awakened a love for helping rescue dogs find their forever homes. The need for a foster-backed rescue in the Northwest Phoenix was realized in Pepper’s Pals Rescue.

Arf-Anage Dog Rescue

All About Animals Rescue

All About Animals Rescue is incorporated in Arizona and has received 501(c)3 designation from the IRS. Our EIN is 27-5410456. We are a no-kill rescue that works with dogs and cats in Maricopa County and beyond. The majority of our animals are from the local euthanasia lists as we recognize that these animals are in the most dire condition. Vision All About Animals believes that it is our moral responsibility to protect and improve the lives of abused, abandoned, and homeless dogs and cats. We aim to bring together individuals who are passionate about creating a better future for our companion animals. We are committed to provide these volunteers with high quality training in order to work together in the most efficient way to ensure the well being of our animals. Goals Finding forever homes • Through providing all animals we work with a safe and secure haven. • Through assisting in finding responsible caretakers for homeless pets. Educating the Public • Through developing a network of supporters and volunteers who endorse our mission and support our goals. • Through working in alliance with local animal shelters, rescue groups, county facilities, and humane society organizations. • Through promoting kindness to animals and building animal-friendly communities by way of education and by example. Values • Through advocating responsible pet ownership. • Through supporting spay/neuter of domestic pets, as well as feral cats, thereby reducing pet over-population. • Integrity • Respect • Compassion • Balance • Cooperation • Enthusiasm • Enjoyment • Inspiration • Loyalty • Flexibility • Persistence • Resilience • Warmth

Dawgz, Tailz & Wagz

Dawgz, Tailz & Wagz (DTW) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) volunteer-based animal welfare organization dedicated to providing resources for dogs in need and to support the local animal rescue community. Through a network of caring foster homes, volunteer advocates, veterinarians and trainers, our goal is to ensure that no dog in Maricopa County is left behind by an overburdened system

Community Paws

We have been a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in Buckeye, Arizona since 2014. We are completely dependent upon local volunteers and rescue organizations to foster animals in need. We hold numerous events throughout the year to generate donations to help local animals and individuals in need. ​ One of our proudest achievements is partnering with Chewy.com since 2018 to redistribute pet food deemed unacceptable for resale to animal rescues and charities in need. To date we've provided hundreds of thousands, if not millions of pounds of pet food, one bag at a time.

Paws 4 A Cause AZ

Paws 4 A Cause AZ is a 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer-based organization dedicated to rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters, the streets, abusive environments from the surrounding areas of Central Arizona. We operate through a network of foster homes in the area of Phoenix Arizona and surround cities.

Hoof and Paw Rescue Inc

We are a nonprofit 501c3 horse & dog rescue located in Cave Creek, Arizona.

Sunshine Dog Rescue

Sunshine Dog Rescue became a 501(c)(3) non-profit in May 2015. Long before, our passion for dogs encouraged us to help the dogs in our county shelter, so we did.

Mayday Pit Bull Rescue & Advocacy

The primary focus of Mayday Pit Bull Rescue is the rescue of dogs from county situations of extreme neglect, cruelty, abuse, hoarding and dogfighting. Our secondary focus is rescuing injured strays. We do not accept owner turn-ins. We are a small organization that is entirely run by volunteers. Due to demand, we often run very full. We unfortunately do not have the capacity or resources to respond to every emergency or injured stray request.

KD's Husky Rescue AZ

KD’s Husky Rescue AZ was formed in 2022 by a group of dedicated volunteers with 30+ years of combined experience in rescuing abandoned, abused, and neglected huskies. We are dedicated to finding loving homes for these huskies by giving them a second chance at a life well-deserved!

Chi Town Rescue

We are a dog Rescue located in Phoenix, Arizona. Chi Town" is short for "Chihuahua Town," which is our nick-name. Chi Town Rescue saves small dogs, some who require a little extra TLC. Many of these dogs are Chihuahuas or Chi mixes, hence our name! These dogs may not be doing well for a variety of reasons - fear, fear aggression, anxiety, or have medical needs to name a few. Dogs that have no other outlet make up most of our residents. After our dogs are medically cleared and/or their behaviors have improved and we’ve learned how to manage the behaviors, we make them available for adoption. Our dogs leave Chi Town Rescue fully vetted and as well adjusted as possible.

Arizona Beagle Rescue

Arizona Beagle Rescue (AZBR) is a statewide 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization comprised of volunteers dedicated to beagle rescue and community education. Incorporated in Arizona in 2002, AZBR works in cooperation with animal shelters and humane agencies throughout AZ to reduce the euthanasia of adoptable animals by providing foster homes, veterinary services and training for all of the beagles in our care. AZBR offers breed specific resources and training referrals to promote lifelong relationships between beagles and their companions. AZBR operates solely on donations and has no shelter of its own; instead a statewide network of volunteers open their homes and hearts to provide foster care for rescued dogs until qualified, loving forever homes are found.