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The Best Detroit, MI Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Detroit, MI. 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.

A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue
#32 in United States, #2 in Michigan, #1 in Detroit
Detroit
Here at ARAR, we see our shelter as a safe transition point for many animals in need. Our goal is to keep animals in our shelter for the least amount of time possible. It is just a place for them to crash before their next step into a foster or adoptive home. Currently, we have about 30 cats and 10 dogs in our shelter. We do our best to make the animal's time here the best it can be. When they are in their kennels we play calming doggie music and they get enrichment actives. As we do not have a fenced in yard area outside, on nice days we schedule SniffSpots for our shelter residents! It is a great way that they can explore a new space and get some energy out.
"A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue is and has been an amazing place for less fortunate animals or animals that have seen..."
— amy k.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"May 1st of 2023 I lost my Tequila ( a Polydactyl Grey Tabby) who was 2 months shy of 18...."
— christie v.
Adoptee

Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue
#47 in United States, #3 in Michigan, #2 in Detroit
Detroit
Rescues are frequent. Re-homings are more frequent. Re-homings differ from rescues in the fact that we will have a history of the dog and its need. Puppies don't normally need to be placed until they get bigger than the owner had intended and therefore are not as common in rescue. Please keep in mind that most ‚rescue/rehome dogs, are placed because of behavioral problems, most, but not all. Many of the dog's issues were due to lack of training and socialization. Most problems can be addressed and corrected in a stable and loving home. If you really want a Berner, do tons of research. Our advice is to attend shows, join a BMD club and research breeders. If you would like to be considered for a rescue or re-homing, please read our policy's on the Adopting page. The mission of the HMBMD Rescue program is to take in dogs of Bernese Mountain Dog parentage that are in shelters, surrendered by their owners, or that have become lost and abandoned, and to place them in permanent pet homes in order to help provide a safe harbor that they might otherwise be destroyed or abandoned.
"We got our sweet Berner girl, Shine from Heart of Michigan. They have been so great at following up with..."
— brenda h.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"The Heart of Michigan rescue has been picking up the slack that other shelters left behind. They are extremely dedicated..."
— hanne j.
Supporter, Fan

I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven
#82 in United States, #6 in Michigan, #3 in Detroit
Detroit
Dianne Reeves and Andrea Sesi met in 2012 while volunteering at a local rescue. They bonded over their love for the underdog and dog training, and they decided to use their energy, passion, and resources to create their own brick and mortar shelter focused on continuing the needed and important life saving work. I Heart Dogs Rescue became an IRS approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity in February 2013, and officially opened its shelter doors on November 13, 2015.
"I have been a volunteer at I Heart since October 2023. This is a great rescue. Not only..."
— kim o.
Volunteer / foster
"I volunteer at this shelter and see how much they love their animals and how well they care for them...."
— mary m.
Volunteer / foster

District 5 Animal Alliance Detroit
#88 in United States, #7 in Michigan, #4 in Detroit
Detroit
We are solely operated by Volunteers and empowered by Community. We are Foster based, meaning we are everywhere our Fosters are and are not rooted in one location. Last year in 2023, we rescued over 200 Dogs, our biggest year yet. We have big dreams and big hearts, believing individual people CAN make a difference.
"Thank you for saving my now tripod puppy from an uncertain future in Detroit and providing him with the love,..."
— michelle k.
Adoptee
"District 5 helped save my dog from euthanasia when no one else would. They are true, selfless lifesavers. I am..."
— chelsea t.
Adoptee

Detroit Dog Rescue
#95 in United States, #9 in Michigan, #5 in Detroit
Detroit
Our nonprofit organization focuses on raising awareness of the mounting homeless and stray dog epidemic in Detroit, along with advocating for humane rescue alternatives such as no-kill sheltering, foster care and adoptions, pet identification and healthy pet population control through spay and neutering. Detroit Dog Rescue also specializes in community outreach, and we work closely with local, city and statewide organizations in order to educate and involve people in this cause. We also respond to calls to assist the Detroit Police Department, Highland Park Police Department, Hamtramck Police Department, Fire Departments, the City Administration, as well as hundreds of residents who have asked for our help.
"10/10"
— lea k.
Adoptee
"The dedication of this rescue is inspiring. Selfless energy for the good of so many animals."
— veronica g.
Supporter, Fan

Bottle Babies Rescue
#98 in United States, #11 in Michigan, #6 in Detroit
Detroit
Bottle Babies Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit foster based animal rescue that covers most of Southeast Michigan. We have fosters, adopters and supporters across Wayne, Washtenaw, Monroe, Livingston, Oakland, Lenawee counties and many more. We have a continued special interest in neonate care, bottle feeding and providing critical care for the smallest of paws.
"Fabulous place that helps animals we love"
— sharon c.
Fan
"Love working with this organization! They are 100% dedicated to finding pets their forever homes."
— lisa p.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

Great Lakes Dog Rescue
#99 in United States, #12 in Michigan, #7 in Detroit
Detroit
Great Lakes Dog Rescue was founded in 2022 by those dedicated to helping dogs find their forever homes. There are so many dogs in need, and we work closely with adopters to help find them the best fit for their family. It's an honor to help unite dogs with families while also allowing us to save another dog in its place.
"I see the work they do on the news"
— mary a.
Fan

P.O.E.T. Animal Rescue
#99 in United States, #12 in Michigan, #7 in Detroit
Detroit
We are primarily a foster based rescue with a small kennel to house animals awaiting foster, medical treatment and/or temperament testing. We have around 100 foster homes all over the Metro-Detroit/Tri-County area for dogs and puppies. Our foster homes allow the animals to learn being with a family, in a home and for us to find out what type of forever home environment is best for each animal. Our animals receive medical care, love and training while until they can find their forever homes. Our address for mail is: POET Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 606, Garden City, MI 48136
"My sister volunteers for Rescue Rebels so I know they do excellent work with matching pups to their forever homes...."
— heather c.
Fan

Friends of Detroit Animal Control
#99 in United States, #12 in Michigan, #7 in Detroit
Detroit
Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control (FoDACC) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that supports the daily operations of Detroit Animal Care & Control (DACC), which is Detroit's municipal shelter for stray pets. FoDACC is active in the areas of volunteer management, fundraising, donations, community outreach, foster programs, adoptions, in-shelter enrichment, and medical care for the animals.
"We adopted our sweet boy from here in 2022! He’s the best dog we have ever had or known. All..."
— alison h.
Adoptee

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

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

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 9 private dog parks in the Detroit 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 Detroit dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Detroit

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

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

Sniffspot Detroit Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Detroit?

There are 9 in Detroit. Outside of Detroit, there are 15 located in Michigan.

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

There are many reputable rescues in Detroit, the top 3 on our list are: A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue, Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue, I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Detroit?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Detroit. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
We start our adoptions with an adoption application. The foster will review the application to make sure that placement is successful. The foster will do a vet check to make sure that any resident animals are fixed, UTD on vaccines, and on preventions. The foster will also complete a home check with any potential adopter. This is to make sure that the environment will be a safe one for any animals. The last step for approval is to do a meet and greet. This is where the potential family will meet the foster pet. If everything goes well then we fill out our contact.In our contract, we have many requirements for adopters to agree to. For example, one of our policies is that should they need to rehome the pet, they need to contact us. And for any of our animal s, only positive reinforcement training should be done and all animals should live indoors. For all cat contracts, we have a section that states that they should never be declawed.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

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 Detroit, MI Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue

Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue

I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven

District 5 Animal Alliance Detroit

Detroit Dog Rescue

Bottle Babies Rescue

Great Lakes Dog Rescue

P.O.E.T. Animal Rescue

Friends of Detroit Animal Control

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Detroit

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Sniffspot Detroit Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Detroit?

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

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Detroit?

David Adams

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