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The Best Boston, MA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Boston, MA. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.

Last Hope K9 Rescue
#36 in United States, #2 in Massachusetts
Boston
LHK9 is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit all-breed dog rescue based in Massachusetts. We are dedicated to saving abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs from high-kill shelters in Central Arkansas and beyond. Though our rescue efforts are focused in the Central Arkansas area, we also serve as a resource for local dog surrenders, shelters, and special rescue efforts in other areas. We don't discriminate on the basis of age, pre-existing medical conditions, or breed, because every dog deserves to know love. As the literal ‚'last hope' of the dogs we serve, our southern fosters pull dogs and puppies from partner shelters in Arkansas. While in foster, each dog receives love, care, and medical treatment, then receives a health clearance and transports to New England. After a mandatory 48-hour quarantine stay and an additional health clearance, each dog is picked up and fostered by a northern foster family who serves as a gateway to his/her adoptive home, affectionately known as a FURever home.
"Best rescue to deal with from start to finish and adopted Dog of our dreams poppy aka Moxxy. Everyone was so..."
— meghan b.
Adoptee
"I adopted both of my dogs from Last Hope K9 Rescue and I cannot say enough great things about this..."
— benjamin w.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Fan

Buddy and Friends Animal Rescue
#43 in United States, #3 in Massachusetts
Boston
Buddy & Friends Animal Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization based in Pembroke, MA. We are NOT a shelter facility and rely solely on the backbone of our rescue which is fosters and volunteers.
"My family started fostering with BFAR 3 years ago when I was 10 years old and we’ve fostered over 20..."
— cameron m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"We have been fosters with BFAR since June of 2021 and adopted one of our 22 foster dogs since then...."
— brian m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM)
#76 in United States, #4 in Massachusetts
Boston
The Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM) is a 501(c)(3) education and outreach animal shelter serving Plymouth, Norfolk, and Bristol counties. Since 2009, we have placed over 10,000 animals into forever homes. Our Mission is to operate a managed admission animal care and adoption facility, with focus on prevention of cruelty to animals, education and outreach. The APCSM offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year and we encourage animal lovers of all ages to participate!
"I was surprised the first time I ever came to this shelter because of what a clean, comfortable, and nice..."
— kaitlyn v.
Volunteer / foster
"I’ve witnessed first hand how the staff genuinely care for the animals welfare and their community."
— claudia l.
Supporter, Fan

Ruff Tales Rescue
#87 in United States, #5 in Massachusetts
Boston
Ruff Tales Rescue is a dog rescue operating in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. We are dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned dogs and redirecting them to stable, loving environments that serve as their forever home or the bridge to their forever home. Ruff Tales rescues dogs from shelters in southern states, where they are at risk for euthanasia due to significant overpopulation. Before meeting us, these dogs have often been neglected, abused, or abandoned. Once pulled from the shelters, our dogs are fostered locally before moving to their northern fosters when they are ready for adoption.
"Ruff Tales Rescue is a wonderful organization with dedicated, committed volunteers. They are well organized, very prompt and clear in..."
— sumana c.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"I’ve been volunteering with them for two years now! Saved so many dogs!"
— amanda t.
Volunteer / foster

Animal Rescue League of Boston
#600 in United States, #12 in Massachusetts
Boston
For 125 years, The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has responded to the needs of animals and the people who care about them. In fact, we are often the first to respond. With over 1,200 dedicated volunteers and 100 staff members, ARL lends unwavering support to local animals, families, and neighborhoods. We provide outstanding veterinary care, adoption, and field services. We also confront the root causes of animal cruelty and neglect through special police investigation and advocacy aimed at strengthening the laws that protect animals.

What's the Sniffspot Boston Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Boston, MA Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Boston, MA chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 4 private dog parks in the Boston area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Boston dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States Near Massachusetts

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list

Sniffspot Boston Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Boston?

There are 4 in Boston. Outside of Boston, there are 0 located in Massachusetts.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Boston?

There are many reputable rescues in Boston, the top 3 on our list are: Last Hope K9 Rescue, Buddy and Friends Animal Rescue, Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM).

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Boston?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Boston. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
If you are interested in adopting, the first step is submitting an adoption application and reading through the below adoption information. We HIGHLY recommend getting fully approved to adopt before looking at specific dogs since many tend to get adopted quickly, especially puppies and small dogs. Our goal is to make sure we find the perfect match for you, your family, and each of our dogs. To help with this process, we carefully screen all of our potential adopters to ensure we are placing our dogs into the right homes. Applying does not mean you are required to adopt, it just lets us know you that are seriously considering adopting a dog. Please only fill out an application if you are serious about adopting! Our team of volunteers spend hours processing an average of 140+ applications each week. Please note that if you have already filled out an application and have been approved, you do not need to fill out a second application, you can email adoptions@lasthopek9.org.

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

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.

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About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Boston, MA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Last Hope K9 Rescue

Buddy and Friends Animal Rescue

Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM)

Ruff Tales Rescue

Animal Rescue League of Boston

What's the Sniffspot Boston Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States Near Massachusetts

Sniffspot Boston Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Boston?

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Boston?

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Boston?

David Adams

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