The Best Phoenix, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

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.

Arizona Small Dog Rescue

At Arizona Small Dog Rescue, we’re proud to be a nonprofit, no-kill dog rescue shelter in Phoenix. We’re a team of passionate volunteers and staff committed to saving the lives of small dogs across the Valley. We take in owner surrenders, small dogs, large or small breed puppies, moms and pups, and save countless dogs from kill shelters and overcrowded organizations. Our team also helps find forever homes for our sheltered animals, and facilitates fostering, volunteering, and handles many different veterinarian services for the dogs in our care. About Us: • Run by committed volunteers and staff • Member Alliance of Arizona NonProfits • Named a 2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great NonProfits • Nonprofit, registered 501(c)3 • No-kill shelter Committed Small Dog Rescue From pet microchipping to socializing and caring for the animals in our shelter, we accomplish quite a bit for our furry friends! Finding a forever home is of course the ultimate goal for each dog in our care, but all of the steps leading up to it need to be handled as well. That means finding foster homes when necessary, needed medical care no matter the cost for the dogs in our care, feeding, bathing, and all of the other little chores that go into keeping the animals in our care safe and happy while being up for adoption. Our main functions are: • Adoption • Fostering • Pet Microchipping Without the support of generous donations from caring individuals like you, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish what we do. We stretch your donations as far as possible and practice good stewardship of our finances to be as effective as we can be. If you’re interested in donating either financially or with supplies, we’re eternally grateful to receive your support. Dog Rescue in Phoenix and Across the Valley Saving the lives of small dogs and finding the perfect families to pair them with is what we’re passionate about! Our team of volunteers and staff works around the clock to save as many animals as we can, and we’re always more than happy to answer any of your questions

Rachel's Rescue

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedidcated to rescuing dogs and puppies as Rachel loved to do Founded June 1, 2023 in her honor

Four Peaks Animal Rescue

Four Peaks Animal Rescue is predominately driven by the commitment of volunteers to minimize, if not eliminate the suffering of animals who, by virtue of their domestication and subsequent abandonment, are completely dependent upon others for their care and sustenance. We are a no-kill rescue organization seeking to accommodate all species of domestic pets. While many rescue services are reactive to the problem of animal abandonment, Four Peaks Animapic_dogandcat.jpgl Rescue is proactive in providing the education to the consumer designed to help break the cycle of abandonment. We are passionate in our belief that animal care education is the foundation for a rewarding interaction and lasting relationship. Education provides better communication and understanding between a guardian and a companion animal. Aspects of a prospective owner's education should include (without being limited to) an animals proper feeding, grooming, and medical care as well as its introduction to family and other pets, housebreaking, and obedience training.

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

Heart of Infinity

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”.

Alone No More Dog Rescue

Alone No More Dog Rescue was founded in the Fall of 2020 by a group of animal advocates in Maricopa County to assist local shelters inundated with a high volume of stray and surrendered animals. After receiving our 501(c)(3) status in August of 2020, we partnered with MCACC as a New Hope Partner to work with behavioral, medical, and otherwise well-deserving dogs at highest risk of euthanasia. EIN 85-2503276

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.

Ruby Ranch Pet Rescue and Sanctuary

It all started with one little old dog... While delivering blankets to the East Maricopa County shelter, I walked past what appeared to be an empty kennel. However upon closer inspection, I noticed a tiny, white, shivering little dog huddled in the corner. Her kennel plaque stated “Stray”, although I couldn’t imagine how this little girl could possibly have gotten lost, as I was pretty sure she was around for the Last Supper. When her stray period was up and no one came for her, I adopted her. Through some intense detective work, I discovered this little girl’s owner had passed away, and my senior friend had celebrated EIGHTEEN birthdays. Wow! She came complete with rotten teeth, a grade 5 heart murmur, and failing kidneys. Despite her poor prognosis, I decided to find a vet who would take a chance and remove those painfully abscessed teeth; amazingly enough she survived the surgery, and was the proud owner of 3 whole teeth. This little angel became known as Ruby and was a regular fixture at adoption events, often being carried around in her little wicker basket. All good things must come to an end, and 10 months after coming into our lives, little Ruby’s heart gave out a few days before her 19th birthday. Although with me for just a short period, it was worth the expense, heartache…as I was able to provide a loving home for my little friend in her golden moments, instead of ending her life in a shelter on a cold cement floor. I have had the pleasure over the years of fostering hundreds of animals including many seniors and those with special needs. I have decided to focus primarily on these wonderful animals…so in honor of little Ruby, Ruby Ranch Pet Rescue and Sanctuary was born. Ruby…the little dog who inspired a revolution

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!

K9 Konnection

K9 Konnection is a 501 (C) (3) Not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the rescue, shelter, re-uniting, and re-homing of dogs in need.K9 Konnection is committed to a “NO KILL” philosophy. In addition, we strive to assist dog owners in being able to properly care for their dogs that prevent them from needing to be removed or surrendered to an Animal Shelter by providing informational resources and a food bank for those struggling financially. If you live in Wickenburg or the surrounding area you probably know some of the individuals currently working at K9 Konnection. Open hours to the public are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or by appointment. On the weekends we are normally at adoption events. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 928-232-2611.

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.

Medical Animals In Need (M.A.I.N.)

The M.A.I.N. Team is an Arizona based, all volunteer group focused on identifying, transporting, aiding and promoting animals from Arizona shelters who need immediate and often costly medical attention the shelters are unable to provide. M.A.I.N. works very closely with shelters around Arizona. In order for our relationships to stay strong, for the animals, no negativity of any kind will be tolerated on our site. We are seeking positive solutions to the current overpopulation problem we face in Maricopa County.

Arizona Border Collie Rescue

The purpose and main function of Arizona Border Collie Rescue (AZBCR) is to promote humane treatment through rescue, rehabilitation, education and the re-homing of neglected, abandoned and unwanted Border Collies. Learn about our functions and activities as a rescue organization. These are all the projects and endeavors that we are presently engaged in and that can and will be expanded on in the future. Rescues & Relinquishments We are contacted by private individuals who are no longer able to retain ownership of their dog(s), and provide availability to take possession of those dogs. We canvas state and local shelters and remove those dogs that are at risk of euthanasia. We are also contacted by other rescue organizations seeking help with placements. We do not limit ourselves solely to Arizona, but are also available for nationwide networking. Health Care AZBCR is very health-oriented and we do our best to verify health status of all our dogs. These dogs are rescues and adopters should understand that a complete and verifiable health history is typically unavailable to us (as in the case of stray dogs or shelter dogs). All dogs adopted from AZBCR will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and any dog suffering illness or injury will receive necessary treatment and medication. Our fosters typically provide grooming for the health and comfort of each dog, and necessary treatment is provided for internal and ectopic parasites. Every AZBCR dog wears an ID tag attached to his/her collar while in foster care and we recommend that adopting families keep the tag on the dog. In addition, we microchip every dog and ask that you keep the registration information updated. Transportation Volunteers network to provide means of transport in both emergency and non-emergency situations. This includes retrieval of dogs coming into AZBCR, transport to and from veterinary facilities for medical attention, transport to and from training and socialization activities, and shared travel to meet prospective new families. Foster Homes We advertise and interview for foster homes and guardians for incoming rescues, initiate training programs for new foster families in the appropriate care and handling of the dogs, and arrange meetings between foster care homes and adoption applicants. Counseling and Education We provide counseling on training and behavior to our foster homes, potential homes, new homes and those contacting us regarding placing their dog with us due to problematic behavior. Opening Your Home to a Border Collie If you would like to open your home to a Border Collie rescue, please contact us for information regarding current Border Collies available for Adoption.

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.

Poverty's Pets

Phoenix Animal Welfare Solutions (P.A.W.S.) consists of a group of concerned citizens who believe the state of animal welfare in the City of Phoenix to be inconsistent, insufficient and neglectful. Animal abuse continues to go unchecked in our underserved communities. We are advocating for cost effective changes regarding how the City of Phoenix addresses animal abuse, neglect and suffering in these communities. Our objective is simple: pet-owners must be held accountable, but this is only possible with adequate laws, enforcement, and joint efforts across departments. Poverty’s Pet was founded in 2006 by Kate Sivolella. As its name indicates, Poverty’s Pets aims to improve the lives of companion animals in low-income and under served communities. With a focus on free spay and neuter clinics, Poverty’s Pets continues to work to bring an end to animal suffering. In 2008, “The Columbus House” was established, earning its name after Kate’s first rescue dog, Columbus. This safe- house has seen nearly 1200 dogs pass through as they made their way to forever homes. Today every dog is cared for by Connie and Josh, who live at the house and love each dog as their own as they transition from stray to being adopted. Once castaways, to a beloved family member.

Lucky Dog Rescue

Lucky Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals and educating the community on responsible pet ownership. Lucky Dog does not have its own facility. Instead, our dogs stay with temporary fosters and boarding partners while they wait to find their forever home. What makes us very different from other rescues is that we are dedicated to training and what happens after the dog is in his new home. We offer basic obedience raining classes to all our adopters. All our dogs are completely checked over and must be cleared by our vet for adoption. All dogs are altered, fully vaccinated, micro chipped, registered with county had a blood test to make sure we are not missing anything. You can be confident you are adopting a healthy, well adjusted dog from Lucky Dog Rescue. We hold adoption events where you can meet our Lucky Dogs and their foster, but more commonly we arrange private meetings for adopters. Our volunteers are more than just volunteers, and our dogs are more than just dogs. We are a family. And we welcome you to become a part! Lucky Dog Rescue came into existence after one individual (Lisa, founder) started saving one dog at a time back in late March of 2004. It began as a Dalmatian rescue, originally named Dalmatian Station. After seeing so many nice, highly adoptable dogs sitting in concrete cells in the county shelters, being put to sleep when no one came to the rescue, it quickly evolved into an all breed commitment, and we began saving several other breeds and mixes too! We are now a growing group of dog lovers who help all breeds and are committed to giving dogs a second chance at finding a forever home. We function solely on donations and volunteer help. If you’d like to be a part of this fun, growing group of dog lovers, please don’t hesitate to call us or email us with any questions! We’d be happy to have you design your own job description based on your talents and areas of interest. We always need volunteer help! Foster homes are always needed and essential to the foundation of the rescue program. Please consider opening your heart and home to save a homeless dog!

Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue

We are a foster based dog rescue for the benefit of the Dogue de Bordeaux in the United States and Canada. Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue was originally founded in 1997 when a female Dogue de Bordeaux, later named Meg was found wandering the streets of New York and taken to a shelter. Since founded, Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue has gone through major changes. We have gone from being a 501(c)7 under the wing of the Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America, to being our own entity registered as Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue, Inc. With 501(c)3 charitable status in 2008. The rescue started as a smaller group of fanciers of the breed and one coordinator that handled a few dozen Dogues a year throughout the United States and Canada, to having hundreds of volunteers and followers who assist on average a hundred Dogues a year. We have grown to have a Board of Directors and Regional Directors each handling their areas of the country. We have established committees to handle different aspects of rescue such as fundraising, events, websites, and social media. Since our conception, we have remained 100% volunteer based and welcome other fanciers to join our team.

Kira's K9 Rescue

Kira’s K9 Rescue was founded in 2018 as a foster-based, non-profit organization located in Phoenix, Arizona that provides shelter for stray, abandoned, and surrendered dogs, regardless of age, breed or temperament. We focus on rehabilitation in the preparation of finding them suitable and permanent homes; for however long that may take. In addition, we select particular dogs to be trained in becoming therapy / emotional support dogs for special needs children and adults.

Arf-Anage Dog Rescue

Starting Rover Rescue

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.

The Pet Knot

The Pet Knot was forged to combine efforts of like-minded rescues and volunteers humbly striving to make a dent in the urgent pet over-population crisis. Our talents and strategies promote animal adoptions through online, in-store, and boutique-like options for adopters. All animals receive the highest level of medical care and grooming. Animals also receive appropriate adjustment time and basic social skills in foster homes in preparation for a new home environment. We help all animals including seniors, special needs, and those seemingly 'unadoptable' cases and work diligently to place each in the most appropriate permanent home possible no matter how long it takes. We call ourselves The Pet Knot because not only do we connect people with pets, we keep people with pets.

Humane Society of Wickenburg

From a humble beginning in 2004, of volunteers taking care of lost and abandoned animals in a few barn stalls in downtown Wickenburg, a dream was born to have a local shelter facility house the animals to provide exceptional care for them. Construction began and the shelter opened in February of 2009. The Humane Society of Wickenburg’s 6,707 square foot facility anticipated that the multi-room plus kennel facility would meet the needs of the community, and that the community would continue to donate generously to the facility’s day-to-day operation. That dream became a reality of those volunteers and is still going strong! The Humane Society of Wickenburg is proud to serve the animals of the community and surrounding rural areas both with shelter space and community services.

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.

Hoof and Paw Rescue Inc

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

Fedwell Farm Rescue

Fedwell Farm Rescue Inc, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, specializes in the rescue, adoption and rehabilitation of the Herding Dogs, with the occasional hound included.Fedwell Farm Rescue has moved to South East Arizona. Formerly we were located in North Scottsdale (Rio Verde), we are keeping our North Scottsdale address for mailing purposes only. Fedwell Farm Rescue, has been saving dogs since 2004 and has adopted out over 1800 dogs over the years. Our dogs come from shelters throughout Arizona, most from the euthanasia lists of county shelters. Typically, a county employee calls and asks for help with one of our breeds. If we have space, we send transport immediately and bring the dog to safety. We have picked up dogs in Nogales, Douglas, Wilcox, the Navajo Reservation, Yuma, Page, Kingman and Winslow for example.Once the dogs arrive, we treat any physical or psychological issues, spay/neuter and do whatever is necessary to prepare the dog for his or her forever home. Fedwell Farm does not "kennel" dogs and and they learn to socialize. Our dogs are ready for their forever home when they leave our care. We believe in a low stress environment and a low key adoption. Our motto is a happy adopter means a happy dog. We do everything in our power to help even after the the adoption. Every Fedwell Farm Dog will always be a Fedwell Farm Dog and we will work with the adopter to remedy any issue. If things don’t work out, we ALWAYS take our dogs back.