This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Bridgeport, CT. 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.
#361 in United States, #3 in Connecticut, #1 in Bridgeport
Bridgeport
Danbury Animal Welfare Society, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our community and beyond. We promote responsible pet guardianship and the humane treatment of animals, and work toward ending animal overpopulation through education and a variety of programs. We take pride in the work we do ,working to keep homeless pets safe, happy and sheltered.
"There is not a more far reaching, hard working rescue in the world."
— cindy k.
Supporter
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut, #2 in Bridgeport
Bridgeport
Companion Pet Rescue & Transport (CPR) was founded in 2004 and rescues over 2,500 dogs per year thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers! CPR is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We have an adoption center in Southbury CT, as well as weekly events, and if your heart is set on a specific pup that has not yet arrived at our adoption center, you can pick up directly from our amazing transport! Please watch the video on the transport page to learn more about the transport process! Submitting an application is the first step.
Welcome to the 2024 Bridgeport, CT Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Bridgeport, CT chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 2 private dog parks in the Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
1. The adopter is taking possession of the dog to be responsible for it as his/her own dog and companion. The dog will be treated as a family member with loving care and affection.2. The dog will live inside the adopter's home. The adopter will not let the dog run loose or roam, never chain the dog, and never leave the dog outdoors when no one is home.3. The adopter will not have the dog attack-trained nor use it for any purpose other than companionship. The adopter will not have the dog's ears cropped nor have its tail docked.4. a) The adopter will take the dog to a licensed veterinarian within 2 weeks of adoption. The adopter will provide all required and needed veterinary care, including yearly wellness visits and prompt treatment by a licensed veterinarian for any illness or injury.b) Your adoption fee reflects costs that our rescue has already incurred on the dog (spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, transport, care). It is not an 'all inclusive' fee for the next year so be prepared that this fee is the first expense in a long line of expenses.c) If adopting a puppy: The adopter understands that puppies require a series of booster vaccinations, and the puppy has had a minimum of 2 under CPRs care. The puppy will need additional vaccinations which are the adopter's responsibility.d) All pets adopted from CPR need a Lymes vaccination after adoption unless noted otherwise.e) If your dog has visible stitches, they can be removed 14 days after spay/neuter date.5. The dog will be given heartworm preventative tablets every month, all year long, and will be heartworm tested annually.6. The adopter affirms that no member of his/her household has been convicted of an animal welfare law violation such as neglect, cruelty, abandonment etc.7. The adopter will ensure proper licensing of the dog and will attach the appropriate license tags and personal identification tag to a non-choke collar to be worn at all times.8. The adopter is adopting the dog for his/ herself and will not give away or sell the dog, even as a gift to a friend or family member. The adopter must notify CPR immediately if he/ she can no longer care for or keep the dog and agrees to work with CPR on re-homing the dog. If the dog is over five months old, CPR will require a trainer's report in order to help place the dog if the dog has been in the adopter's home for more than three months. We may move the dog to a foster home at our discretion, based on availability. If, many months or years post-adoption, you attempt to return an untrained and/or aggressive adult dog, please understand that it may not be possible to assist you. In some cases, when we can safely do so, we may be able assist your dog, but it is YOUR dog and was YOUR responsibility to train the dog and prevent issues. For this reason, we again encourage you to commit to professional training after adoption. Because you committed to the dog, you will be expected to foster the dog until adoption, bring the dog to events, and help us help the dog find a committed home.9. The adopter agrees to accept responsibility and ownership of the dog at his/ her own risk and releases CPR and its agents from any and all liability arising out of possession and ownership of the dog.10. The adopter agrees that he/ she is assuming total financial responsibility for the dog as of the date of taking custody of the dog. CPR and its agents will not be held responsible for any damages or expenses (veterinary or other, 'pre-existing' or other) incurred by the adopter.CPR provides a free 30 days of pet insurance with each adoption through Trupanion. Every adopter is REQUIRED to activate the Trupanion pet insurance by the date of adoption for the free 30 days. There is no wait period for accident or illness coverage once you have signed up. Trupanion coverage begins immediately upon registration by the adopter. You MUST line it up with 24 hours of adopting your new dog. You can contact Trupanion at 888.733.2685 or www.trupanion.com to sign up. The insurance plan is NOT active until you activate it. Adopters are not required to continue with insurance after the free 30 days are up, but it is strongly recommended.11. CPR is diligent in caring for the pups when they are rescued and we make our best guess as to breed mix and age, in conjunction with our vets. We rarely know for sure what breeds make up a rescued pup and often it's a mix of several. CPR makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee as to the health, age, breed mix or disposition of this dog. CPR makes no representation or guarantee that the dog does not bite.12. The dog is not to ride loose in the bed of trucks, convertibles, or left in a car for any excessive period of time, or in warm (over 70 degrees) or very cold weather.13. The adopter agrees not to leave small children unsupervised with the dog at any time, and not to allow children to ride, crawl on, or jump on the dog.14. The adopter agrees to permit CPR to inquire about and enforce any of the above conditions and requirements at any time after adoption. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE PROVISIONS MAY RESULT IN FORFEITURE OF THE DOG TO CPR.15. The adopter agrees that he/ she will bring no claim, action, demand, suit in law or equity against CPR, its agents or officers by reason of this adoption and hereby releases CPR, its officers, veterinarians or agents from any and all actions, suits, claims and demands arising from this adoption and this Agreement.16. By voluntarily signing this agreement, the adopter is entering into a legal and binding contract with CPR. Breach of any term(s) of this agreement is deemed actionable by CPR. In the event there is a violation of the agreement, the adopter agrees to pay a minimum of $750.00 in liquidated damages plus any court costs and attorney's fees. Payment of damages shall not excuse the adopter from returning the dog to CPR. The adopter agrees to waive any challenge to venue and agrees that the appropriate venue for this matter is the State of Tennessee, and the County of Madison. The adopter agrees to accept service of process by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address provided in this adoption contract, and specifically waives any right to receive personal service.17.THE ADOPTER MAY RETURN THE DOG WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF RECEIPT OF THE DOG FOR A COMPLETE REFUND OF ADOPTION FEE (MINUS $25 PROCESSING FEE, and minus the quarantine fee is a MA resident) FOR ANY REASON, INCLUDING HEALTH, TEMPERAMENT, APPEARANCE OR ANY OTHER REASON. AFTER THAT TIME, NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.