Spotlight on Local Shelters and Rescues!
Since August is all about clearing the shelters (have we mentioned that Clear the Shelters Day is August 18th yet?), we want to take a minute to shine a spotlight on some of the local rescues and shelters we are proud to work with! If you’re looking to add a furry addition to your family, we encourage you to take a look at some of the places listed below. And even if you can’t adopt right now – consider donating or volunteering!
After you’ve read all about our favorite rescues and shelters, decided on your perfect new furriend, and made it official, check out our new pet checklist to ensure you have everything you need to make your new pet’s transition as seamless as possible!
Rescues and Shelters Kriser’s Loves
COLORADO
Mile High Dachshund Rescue: Mile High Dachshund Rescue has been a 501(c)(3) non-profit Colorado corporation since 2015. Surrendered, abused, and abandoned Dachshunds, and discarded commercial breeding dogs are sheltered in temporary foster homes and given medical treatment, including spaying and neutering, as needed. The shelter works with other rescues and humane organizations to develop a volunteer network, and provides education on pet health and wellness issues, pet overpopulation, puppy mills, and other topics of interest to pet owners. Both an application and a home visit must be completed and approved prior to adoption. There is a fee to adopt. The rescue also has volunteer and foster opportunities. Dachshunds are the only dogs available.
Colorado Pug Rescue: Colorado Pug Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that was established in 1995. The rescue cares for Pugs that are unwanted, sick, injured, stray, abandoned, or ones that can no longer be cared for by their owners. The dogs, from Colorado and surrounding states, are kept in foster homes prior to being adopted. An application is required along with a home check completed by a rescue volunteer. Ifhere are opportunities to foster or volunteer. Pugs are the only dogs available.
ILLINOIS
One Tail at a Time: One Tail at a Time is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, no-kill, all-breed dog rescue formed in 2008. It is committed to lowering the number of dogs euthanized through rescue and adoption, support of adopters, vaccine clinics, humane education programs, and assistance for disadvantaged and low-income families. An application must be completed, and there is a fee to adopt. You will also need to provide a valid photo ID, landlord approval, and all residents living the home must come in to meet your new potential furry friend. Only dogs are available for adoption from this rescue.
The Anti-Cruelty Society: The Anti-Cruelty Society has been around since 1899. They offer many services including a behavior hotline, end of life services and pet loss support groups, help with giving your pet up for adoption, pet food pantries, a place to report abuse, and other services. In addition to dogs and cats, they also have rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, and other small animals available for adoption. The dogs and cats they have for adoption are classified based on the owner’s experience level that is best suited for both the animal and the family.
DC/NOVA
Blue Ridge Greyhound Adoption: Greyhounds are great – and Blue Ridge Greyhound Adoption wants everyone to know it! This racing-neutral, non-profit greyhound rescue and adoption organization serves Northern Virginia and adjacent areas east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is dedicated to finding responsible, loving homes for retired racing greyhounds. They know what wonderful pets this breed makes, so they work closely with other rescue organizations to ensure that retired racing greyhounds find a loving home off the race track.
D.C. Paws Rescue: Need a new best friend? Let D.C. Paws Rescue set you up with a furry BFF. An all-volunteer, non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., they rescue homeless animals from high-kill animal shelters. A foster-based rescue, D.C. Paws Rescue rely on foster homes and donated boarding space for housing until each dog or cat is adopted into its fur-ever home.
Southern California
Los Angeles
NKLA: NKLA (No-Kill Los Angeles), a 501(c)(3), is a coalition of shelters, animal welfare organizations, and enthusiastic people who care about dogs and cats; all of whom wish to end the killing of thousands of pets in Los Angeles each year. Led by the Best Friends Animal Society, the percentage of pets killed has been reduced by 82% between 2012 and 2016. NKLA provides spay and neuter services in needed areas and eagerly works to increase adoptions. Those who wish to work with this passionate group can foster a pet, especially kittens who usually don’t thrive in a shelter situation, or volunteer in another capacity.
Dr. Doghouse Bully Crew Rescue: The Dr. Doghouse Bully Crew Rescue was founded by Damon Andres (the ‘D’ in Dr) and Robin Russell (the ‘R’) with the goal of rescuing, training, and finding homes for bully breed dogs who need help. Because the bully breeds, especially Pit Bulls, are the focus of so much anger and fear, educating the public about these dogs is also an ongoing part of this dedicated group’s efforts. Although focused primarily on bully breeds, the group will take in a dog of any breed, size, and shape if that particular dog needs help. Supported solely by donations, the Bully Crew is a 501(c)(3). Volunteers are also needed.
Wags & Walks: Wags & Walks was founded in 2011 and since that time has rescued more than 3676 dogs; 740 in 2017 alone. Leslie Brog was appalled by the number of dogs euthanized each year in Los Angeles shelters and founded Wags & Walks to lowering that number. Her mission was simple: save as many dogs as possible and teach people that shelter dogs are not damaged goods. The committed and hardworking organization has recently opened its own adoption center in West Los Angeles. Enthusiastic volunteers are always needed in a variety of capacities, including walking and feeding dogs, cleaning, taking photos of adoptable dogs, and cuddling dogs who need some reassurance. The group is a 501(c)(3) and donations are always welcome.
Orange County
Orange County Humane Society: The Orange County Humane Society goals are, as stated on their website, “We make every effort to nourish the starved, nurse the sick, accept the unwanted, heal the wounded, and endear the abandoned.” Taking in dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, and other pets, the OCHS’s goal is to find lifelong homes for all of these pets and to provide rehabilitation for those who need it. OCHS also assists other shelters when they become overwhelmed; taking in pets facing potential euthanasia and working to find them permanent homes. Founded in 1949, OCHS is a pillar of the animal community in Orange County.
Recycled Love Dog Rescue: Recycled Love Dog Rescue has its home base in Corona, CA but this dedicated and enthusiastic group takes in dogs from all over the United States, sometimes even flying them to their home base. Not only do they take dogs facing euthanasia in crowded shelters, but will also rescue dogs whose owners can no longer care for them. Using a network of volunteers, foster homes, veterinarians, trainers, pilots, and boarding facilities, they provide for the rescued pet’s every need. A 501(c)(3), RLDR is supported solely by donations. If you would like to adopt, foster, volunteer in another capacity, or donate, please contact them through their website.
Texas
San Antonio
Diamond Dachshund Rescue: It’s hard to imagine that an adorable Dachshund would ever need to be rescued but Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas rescues, rehabilitates, and finds homes for 100 to 200 dogs every year. The group consists entirely of volunteers who are dedicated to their breed and additional volunteers, especially those who can foster a Dachshund, are always welcome. If you can’t foster, other volunteers are needed, too. Transporters who are willing and able to pick up a Dachshund who is being given up, needs rescuing from a shelter, or who is in an unsafe situation are always welcome. These freedom drivers are the unsung heroes of many rescue groups! Diamond Dachshund Rescue of TX is a 501(c)(3) and is supported by donations and adoption fees.
Houston
Pup Squad: The Pup Squad Animal Rescue fills a unique niche in canine rescue. Focusing on puppies and nursing mothers in precarious situations, the Pup Squad takes in these fragile canines from the streets, shelters, and other potentially life-threatening scenarios. Nursing moms and their pups are given veterinary care, nourishing food and lots of love and affection until they are ready to be adopted into a permanent, life-long home. The Pup Squad is a 501(c)(3) and welcomes any and all donations. Foster homes and volunteers are also needed.
Austin
Austin German Shepherd Rescue: German Shepherd Dogs were bred to be working dogs. Intelligent, active, and needing a job, they can be unsuitable pets for people who don’t understand their needs. This, unfortunately, means German Shepherd rescue groups are usually busy. The Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue has the city of Austin in its name, but this dedicated group is as loyal and hardworking as the dogs they rescue and will, when needed, take in German Shepherds from across the state of Texas. Volunteers who are passionate about the breed are always needed as more dogs can be rescued when more foster homes are available. Each dog is provided with veterinary care, grooming, training, and any other needs. Donations are also welcomed.