This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. 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.
The London Sanctuary
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/298/1000035238.jpgWe are foster based.
jacksonvilleFloridaUS
Beagle, Puppy, Senior dogBeagle, Puppy, Senior dogTLS is an awesoe rescue. I have fostered a number of dogs for them and they were very good to me. I also adopted a beagle from them and he was one of the best things that ever happened to me He lived to the age of 19.erika davis

The London Sanctuary
Beagle, Puppy, Senior dog
The London Sanctuary is a nonprofit exclusive hound rescue and sanctuary. TLS provides long-term care for dogs who are unable to be placed due to their advanced age or medical needs. We also work to place adoptable hounds in their forever homes who have been rescued from government-run shelters around the Southeastern U.S. or were abandoned forest hounds in more rural areas in
NE Florida.
"TLS is an awesoe rescue. I have fostered a number of dogs for them and they were very good to..."
— erika d.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"This group is steadfast in rescuing as many dogs as they possibly can. They travel all over to pull dogs..."
— sandy b.
Fan
Golden Rescue South Florida, Inc
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/297/77078e911ef7-GRSF_Blue.pngFoster based rescue, no physical location.
miamiFloridaUS
Golden Retriever, GoldendoodleGolden Retriever, GoldendoodleGRSF is the absolute best! They brought me my baby from Egypt and it was the most seamless process! It amazes me everyday what they do for their dogs and how much love, care, and support goes into it. I couldn’t be happier I found GRSF and am forever indebted to them for bringing me my boy!!!!Samantha Hausdorff

Golden Rescue South Florida, Inc
Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle
Since 2005, Golden Rescue South Florida, Inc. ‚'GRSF' a 501c3 non-profit registered charitable organization has been dedicated to rescuing and rehoming displaced Golden Retrievers and Golden at Heart Retrievers. We are all-volunteer and foster-based organization who place abandoned, unwanted, displaced, or abused, Golden Retrievers and "Golden At Heart" dogs with safe, loving forever families in South Florida where each dog will receive the second chance they so richly deserve.
"GRSF is the absolute best! They brought me my baby from Egypt and it was the most seamless process! It..."
— samantha h.
Adoptee
"My family I rescued two English cream golden retrievers. They were very responsive and were very helpful during the process...."
— jonathan s.
Adoptee
Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/299/639a4ea52b5b-newcircle_logos_02.pngGerman ShepherdGerman ShepherdThe owner of this rescue is a good friend of mine. They go above and beyond for their fosters and it just amazes me.Mckayla Rowe

Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines
Cash 4 Canines, Inc. dba Rescue Rebels' sole mission is to provide a better and improved life, essentially a "second chance", for working dog breeds that have been left at shelters, surrendered by their owners, or that have been abused and neglected.
Through Rescue Rebels, these companion animals are rescued, given the physical care necessary, spayed or neutered, and provided with behavioral guidance if necessary. Our TLC Transformation Project welcomes medically fragile companion animals, that have been left at shelters and provides funds for the medical care unique to each animal's needs, and then finds these animals foster homes or "fur" ever homes.
"The owner of this rescue is a good friend of mine. They go above and beyond for their fosters and..."
— mckayla r.
Supporter
"Truly a haven and ultimately heaven for the neediest of of the four -legged.
Care, compassion and concern is evident when..."
— marygrayce o.
Supporter
Fur Sisters - Furever Urs Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/300/a00598cdbd1b-FS_CIRCLE_5_Teal.pngWhat a wonderful organization, such a benefit for the community. Angels on earth!Julie A Bocchieri

Fur Sisters - Furever Urs Rescue
We are a foster based rescue group that pull dogs from small overcrowded shelters. These dogs are at risk of being euthanized due to lack of space. We provide all vet care - spay/neuter, vaccinations, monthly prevention, etc. We make sure all dogs are healthy and ready for their forever homes. Alot of the dogs we take in are Heartworm positive unfortunately so we make sure they get treatment and test negative before adoption.
We rescue by need not breed.
"What a wonderful organization, such a benefit for the community. Angels on earth!"
— julie a.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"Fir Sisters are one of Jacksonville Florida’s best rescues. Unless they are full they never hesitate to take a dog..."
— ujwala c.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
Animal Welfare League
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/315/5862215cd210-17122550140191157047555803780145.jpg3519 Drance Street. Port Charlotte
cape coralFloridaUS
Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County is doing amazing work in the face of over-crowding and record number of surrenders. In the face of these challenges, AWL is providing care, medical and safety to these animals awaiting their forever homes while maintaining a truly no-kill shelter policy.Lynda Hartman

Animal Welfare League
We are a no kill shelter. As a volunteer I see how dedicated the staff and volunteers are. Here the animals are loved, great care. They have many clinics that give a free first visit after adopting. AWL holds several events outside the facility a month to raise funds. I am proud to volunteer here. We are a 501-3c.
"Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County is doing amazing work in the face of over-crowding and record number of surrenders...."
— lynda h.
Volunteer / foster
"Animal Welfare League is the best Animal Shelter in Southwest Florida and beyond!"
— julie c.
Volunteer / foster
Humane Society Naples
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/301/6b85406be11f-humane_society_logo_horizontal.pngCaring staff!Melissa S

Humane Society Naples
Humane Society Naples serves thousands of animals in the community each year through our sheltering, fostering and adoptions programs as well as with medical care through the Humane Society Naples Veterinary Clinic and the Patty and Jay Baker Mobile Veterinary Clinic. We also help families with crisis boarding and behavioral training services as well as a community pet food pantry.
"Caring staff!"
— melissa s.
Supporter
"Humane Society of Naples is the best shelter. They always have fundraisers and they are the best staff I have..."
— dan h.
Supporter
Mercy Full Project
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/302/63c388c6037d-MFP_Image.jfif901 N. Fremont Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606
tampaFloridaUS
In July 2022, Mercy Full Project received an urgent call about 4 puppies living in deployable conditions in a backyard. They arrived to find these 5-week-old German Shepherd puppies living outside, with no water, severely underweight, malnourished and covered in fleas. As a volunteer, I helped to bathe the puppies and they were promptly given medical treatment, food, water and placed into foster homes to help them heal. Sadly, the puppies were in such poor condition, one of them did not make it through the night. I immediately fell in love with them and adopted one to become a part of my own family. I am happy to say they were all adopted and thriving in their new homes. Without Mercy Full Project, there is no doubt we would have lost all of them. Mercy Full Project rescues many unfortunate cases similar to this from backyard breeders that are commonly found in the Florida area. I have been volunteering with them for 3 years and am always amazed at the lives they save and the good work they do.Mary Jane Sowinski

Mercy Full Project
Mercy Full Project was founded in October 2019 as a Nonprofit organization located in the Tampa Bay Area.
We focus our efforts mainly in Animal rescue and helping the helpless animals in our community, We take in all animals from all different situations such as Medical Cases at the shelters that face euthanasia, Behavioral cases that need longer and special training sessions, Owner surrenders that come to us from multiple reasons and these owners cannot longer have them, Stray animals found all over Florida, Animals facing euthanasia at Overloaded shelters even outside of Florida as Georgia and Alabama, and Emergency cases when the animals are injured from accidents or Animal Abused.
We are a foster home-based animal rescue, and we are always looking for families to open the doors of their homes to help us help these pure souls in need. Being a foster does not require much as we provide all supplies needed and cover all vet expenses. All that Requires is a little more time and love to spend with an animal in need. Once the animal is ready for Adoption, we use all our tools to find their perfect match and these happy stories are what we call Happy Tails.
"In July 2022, Mercy Full Project received an urgent call about 4 puppies living in deployable conditions in a backyard...."
— mary j.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"I fostered 43 puppies before adopting Stormy. She's the love of my life. The group always made the best decision..."
— cindy m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services
https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.pngAnimal Care Protective Services has empowered volunteers with classes and education to make every volunteer more successful and has open and promoted Dog Day Out Program to involve the community on walking a dog for a day, Has implemented new strategies to reduce stress fear and anxiety for pets at shelter while waiting for their furever home. Staff and leaders at shelter are always friendly and available for problems or questions may ariseVanessa Seiglie Quinones

Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services
"Animal Care Protective Services has empowered volunteers with classes and education to make every volunteer more successful and has open..."
— vanessa s.
Volunteer / foster
"I have been fostering for Jax ACPS since 2018, a few months after my beautiful girl, Atenea, passed away. I..."
— heather c.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
Big Dog Ranch Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/305/059cae2298b2-BDRRBSpngb12apr20.png14444 Okeechobee BoulevardLoxahatchee Groves, FL 33470
port st. lucieFloridaUS
Interested in care and placement of dogsElliott Schiller

Big Dog Ranch Rescue
Big Dog Ranch Rescue was founded on the idea that every dog deserves to live and most importantly, to live a full and happy life.
We are devoted to creating a healing community for dogs, both big and small, who have been neglected, abandoned, and mistreated.
"Interested in care and placement of dogs"
— elliott s.
Fan
"Fur Sisters is truly an amazing operation that fosters so many pups, preventing death. If you adopt through Fur Sisters,..."
— liz t.
Adoptee
ADORE Pet Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/304/fa91bef46d10-IMG_4782.jpegI fostered 10 dogs with Adore Pet Rescue and all were awesome and found their forever homes. The last one I fostered was returned a few times because he snapped at people but that was strictly from fear, if they yelled at him, etc.When i was asked to
foster him after being in boarding and dog training, I picked him up and fostered him for 5 months after a few adoptions and returns.! I realize I loved that sweeet crazy boy and said “i do” to him. He’s a dream come true. Thank you Adore Pet Rescue!!Beverly Fisher

ADORE Pet Rescue
Adore Pet Rescue is an all volunteer based rescue in the Central Florida area committed to rescuing and finding forever homes for all types of dogs and cats. We do not have a physical location, instead all of our animals are in foster homes throughout the orlando area where they are treated like part of the family. After our inception in 2020 we have grown significantly, having over 1850 adoptions in our first four years of operation.
"I fostered 10 dogs with Adore Pet Rescue and all were awesome and found their forever homes. The last one..."
— beverly f.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"I adopted a dog from Adore and really loved the fact that the dogs were fostered in homes of foster..."
— janine m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/306/d3a6a1ee6962-IMG_4177.jpeg6521 carol st Loxahatchee fl 33470
miamiFloridaUS
Chihuahua, Dachshund, Jack Russell, Maltese, Pomeranian, Pug, Puppy, Senior dog, Shih Tzu, Small dog, YorkieChihuahua, Dachshund, Jack Russell, Maltese, Pomeranian, Pug, Puppy, Senior dog, Shih Tzu, Small dog, YorkieBarky Pines Animal Rescue and Sanctuary is a unique rescue because they rescue all types of animals, including farm animals. They also save the urgent pups from the local county shelter in Palm Beach. I am honored to have volunteered the last 3 years and will continue to do so. Please adopt don't shop.Micki Newman

Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
Chihuahua, Dachshund, Jack Russell, Maltese, Pomeranian, Pug, Puppy, Senior dog, Shih Tzu, Small dog, Yorkie
Barky Pines Animal Rescue is located in Loxahatchee Fl. Founded in 2014. We are a 5.5 acre farm and house dogs and farm animals. We also have a veterinary clinic
"Barky Pines Animal Rescue and Sanctuary is a unique rescue because they rescue all types of animals, including farm animals...."
— micki n.
Volunteer / foster
"despite the small-medium size organization, Barky Pines saves many animals from the county shelter. Opened a clinic two years..."
— elaine t.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter, Fan
DC Dogos Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/307/2a6fec87a82d-logo_2021.pngDc Dogo is one that’s not on your list I just rescued my Dogo from them. She is amazing seeing that this dog is being over breed every day there is another one or mother, father, and all their pups they are even just being left full litters of puppies, just being left behind putting someone’s back pick up truck in the middle of nowhere different places puppies are being found every day this dog was made to be the strongest, smartest, dog and protect the family people have abused and underestimated the power and care needed for such a fine member of the family, my first one I had for more than 13 1/2 years, and when I couldn’t live without her, I was able to adopt one from DC Dogo their work speaks for itself, the staff, poor as their life and dedication fully into the well-being of these animals watching their work on social media every day, I honor these dogs as they were made to be in the army search and rescue they are meant to work for us. I honor the work they do, hoping you will look into their caring ways, and help them please thank you Hero’s do you see Dogo’s rescue an Argentinian Dogo dogs? They are all heroes.
Thank you 🐾🐾💜💩Dawn Scafuri

DC Dogos Rescue
DC Dogos Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to Dogo Argentino rescue efforts. Our goal is to help this wonderful breed and educate owners and adopters so that every Dogo has a place to call home.
"Dc Dogo is one that’s not on your list I just rescued my Dogo from them. She is amazing seeing..."
— dawn s.
Adoptee
"My name is Ariane Duncan, and I am proud to be a part of DC Dogos Rescue since 2023. As..."
— ariane d.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
Orange County Animal Services
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/310/91aef4fcfd31-AnimalServicesHoriz_no_tagline.png2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL. 32839-2162
orlandoFloridaUS
Rescued my pup from there in December. The staff were so nice and helpful! The animals all deserving of love and support.Ginger Fuenty

Orange County Animal Services
Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) is a progressive animal-welfare focused organization that enforces the Orange County Code to protect both citizens and animals.
OCAS is the only open admission shelter in Orange County, which means that it does not turn away any animal and accepts all animals, regardless of their temperament or health. The health and well-being of the animals in the care of OCAS is of the utmost importance to Orange County and its community.
Most animals are ideal candidates for adoption, yet some come to the shelter suffering from long-term and profound health problems, as a result of being homeless, stray or abused. On average, the shelter receives approximately 50 animals each day, but these numbers can double during peak summer months.
"Rescued my pup from there in December. The staff were so nice and helpful! The animals all deserving of love..."
— ginger f.
Adoptee
"We need help! County won’t really step in with funding and these dogs suffer for it. Only one meal a..."
— erica s.
Volunteer / foster
South lake animal league
https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.pngI have adopted from both places and the staff was always professional and personable.Andrea MacDonald

Husky Haven of Florida Inc.
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/309/fabe8e2a2819-HuskyHaven_Color.pngP.O. Box 195066Winter SpringsFL 32719
deltonaFloridaUS
We have been fosters with Husky Haven for over a year and fostered 3 different dogs. Husky Haven is all based on volunteers and does not have a physical location, it is foster based inside volunteers homes. The influx of Siberian Huskys in Florida is continuing to grow and without rescues like Husky Haven they end up in kill shelters.Rachel D

Husky Haven of Florida Inc.
We, at the Husky Haven of Florida, strive to rescue homeless Siberian Huskies. We provide foster homes and medical care until a suitable new forever home is found.
"We have been fosters with Husky Haven for over a year and fostered 3 different dogs. Husky Haven is all..."
— rachel d.
Volunteer / foster
S.A.F.E Pet Rescue Inc
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/311/05d610f33b73-SAFE_Logo_70x84.jpg1250 Co Rd A1A, St. Augustine, FL 32080
jacksonvilleFloridaUS
This rescue works hard to save many dogs from horrible backyard breeding situations and other issues. We were so lucky to find our sweet darling dog with them. They could really use some support as the problem of backyard breeding in Florida is rampantStephanie Means

S.A.F.E Pet Rescue Inc
SAFE was founded in 2008 with the goal of rescuing animals from kill shelters when they are facing euthanasia. To date, SAFE has rescued over 28,000 wonderful, precious pets who, through no fault of their own, became homeless. Each has a story, a heart, and feelings, and deserves a chance to have the home they want so desperately.
"This rescue works hard to save many dogs from horrible backyard breeding situations and other issues. We were so lucky..."
— stephanie m.
Adoptee
Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/308/3376088b3fa0-f58124b9b8c7b2fdbe444e1bcef8e761.jpg26920 Gopher Hill Road.Myakka City, Florida, 34251
lakelandFloridaUS
I adopted my new rescue, Odin, this past October from the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. Despite being a handful, high energy dog with special needs, they went above and BEYOND to care for him and get him the medical care he needed. Odin only has one eye and is mostly blind, but was clear to me that he “saw” how much the staff and volunteers loved him - wagging tail, slobbery kisses, and all! They do amazing work to take in these animals that need rehab, training, extra TLC and fight hard to get them a perfect home, even going above and beyond.Chelsea Hudlow

Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch
The HSLWR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides a safe haven for companion animals in need until a loving, forever home can be found.
"I adopted my new rescue, Odin, this past October from the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. Despite being a handful,..."
— chelsea h.
Adoptee
SPCA Tampa Bay
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/313/fb839f7acb69-SPCA_logo_horiz_1331_.jpeg6035 Sisson RoadTitusville, FL 32780
lakelandFloridaUS
Our yellow Labrador retriever, Tucker, whom my husband and I adopted Thanksgiving weekend 2023, has been a constant source of joy and adventures.
We went to the shelter as soon as we saw the 5-year-old pup’s pictures on the SPCA website, and were lucky enough that he was still available. The staff was very patient, despite it being a holiday weekend, and answered all our questions — including follow-up ones we had days later.
Tucker is the second pet I’ve adopted here. The first was an orange cat I got when I first moved to the Tampa Bay area — in 1977! I never forgot this shelter and didn’t hesitate to return.Linda Ross

SPCA Tampa Bay
The SPCA of Brevard, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization with the mission of ‚protecting and providing a voice to the homeless animals.‚ Founded in 1979 in Titusville, Florida, the SPCA is the largest private no-kill animal rescue group in Brevard, finding homes for more than 2,600 animals a year. It is the first adoption facility with free-roaming cat rooms in the County, allowing adopters to interact with the cats in a more home-like setting. The SPCA of Brevard also has performed more than 60,000 low-cost spay/neuter surgeries since 1999.
"Our yellow Labrador retriever, Tucker, whom my husband and I adopted Thanksgiving weekend 2023, has been a constant source of..."
— linda r.
Adoptee
Good Karma Pet Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/328/860bcac613d7-nav_logo.jpgGreat rescue who takes great care of their fosters. I have worked with their volunteers via the animal hospital I used to work for and they are all fantastic!Laura Carranza

Good Karma Pet Rescue
Good Karma was started by Stacey Tollackson in 2011 after experience volunteering and fostering for other local organizations.
We have grown from just a couple of foster parents to a network spanning hundreds of caring folks from Kendall to Port Saint Lucie with over a dozen partner veterinarians. We are now the largest foster-based rescue in Florida and saved over 2,000 dogs & cat in 2022.
We rescue dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, breeds, and medical conditions. As long as we can find safe, appropriate placement with one of our foster parents, we welcome them into our program.
"Great rescue who takes great care of their fosters. I have worked with their volunteers via the animal hospital I..."
— laura c.
Supporter
Rescue Garage
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/352/e600f7c71384-ChezMalinoisRescue.jpg3133 Ulman Ave
North Port, Florida 34286
north portFloridaUS
I’ve been doing a lot of research as I’m looking for a German Shepard. I officially decided I’m going with rescue rebels. They’re responsive, kind and really care for their dogs there. I will be pulling the trigger in the next few months and I am looking forward to using them. Several friends of mine adopted from here!Kristy Lynn

Rescue Garage
Having owned and trained Belgian Malinois dogs, a specialized working breed, a need was recognized for a dedicated organization to support the rescue and rehabilitation of this breed; Chez Malinois (House of Malinois) was formed. While our primary focus was on the working breeds, it became apparent that Southwest Florida was overpopulated with all breeds in need of rescue, veterinary care, foster, training, and just a new chance at a better life. While we continue to dedicate capacity to the Malinois, working breed dogs, and their specialized training and rehabilitation, we have expanded our services through Rescue Garage to include all breeds of dogs in need.
Chez Malinois, dba Rescue Garage, is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization whose rescues are mostly pulled from high kill rate shelters in the surrounding communities of southwest Florida, while others are rescued directly from adverse living conditions. We evaluate and address any medical conditions, spay or neuter, microchip and provide training to all the animals in our care.
"I’ve been doing a lot of research as I’m looking for a German Shepard. I officially decided I’m going with..."
— kristy l.
Supporter, Fan
Welcome to the 2025 Florida Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Florida chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
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