This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Fresno, CA. 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.
#600 in United States, #69 in California
Fresno
Each year thousands of adoptable pets will die in overcrowded shelters in the Central San Joaquin Valley, located in California. Animal Compassion Team is dedicated to saving as many of those lives as possible. We help many rural shelters that have no adoption programs and depend on rescues to help save unclaimed pets. We also take in owner surrenders when there are truly no other options for pet owners. With so many homeless pets in our community we encourage pet owners to make every effort to find a great home for their own pets or find a way to keep them. We are not an open intake shelter, and space is limited. We DO NOT take in stray pets. It's important that a good effort is made to find the owner of stray pets. Our goal is to provide wonderful families with wonderful pets and build bonds that will last for a lifetime. You can help us save lives by adopting your next best friend from ACT. There is really no better feeling than adopting a homeless pet and changing its life forever. Our adoption process is geared to assist you in picking the very best fit for your family. It's important that all family members are happy with their new arrival, this includes existing pets. It's wonderful when all pets in the home get along well and enjoy each other's company. Here at the Sofia center we can assist you with the initial introductions to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
#600 in United States, #69 in California
Fresno
Stonecliffe is a 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter that has saved the lives of over 7,000 dogs and puppies since 2003. Operated by volunteers and located in Lemoore, CA, we specialize in the rescue of both large and small breed puppies and dogs, whelping mothers and emergency cases. We are very proud of the work we do on behalf of abandoned animals. Before being placed with adoptive families our dogs are pack-socialized, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and are given a clean bill of health.
#600 in United States, #69 in California
Fresno
David McDonald adopted Miss Winkles and her brother, Rocky, in October of 2005 when they were ten weeks old. They both loved to run and play in David’s spacious, fenced yard. Miss Winkles was faster than Rocky, and enjoyed chasing him and tackling him from behind as they both would tumble across the grass.
#600 in United States, #69 in California
Fresno
Since 2017, our amazing staff (of 2) has worked tirelessly as the lead volunteers at the City of Sanger Animal Shelter to save nearly 1,400 dogs and more than 100 cats from euthanasia. In addition to housing 15 dogs and farm animals at the future Sunshine Rescue Ranch, our staff will continue to serve the essential 12 kennel City of Sanger shelter. Help us build Sunshine Rescue Ranch and save more animals in Sanger, CA: Between 2017 and 2021, Sunshine Rescue Ranch founders, Morgan Shafer and Kim Reed have dedicated their lives to save abandoned, abused, injured and neglected animals in the City of Sanger. Their partnership with the Sanger Police Department and the City of Sanger have resulted in nearly 1,400 dogs and more than 100 cats saved from euthanasia. Nearly every day, Morgan and Kim take time away from their lives to walk, feed, and take general care of all dogs in the City shelter and work to get them into foster homes. They also coordinate the vet care, including spaying and neutering. The Sanger Animal Shelter Facebook page is also run by Morgan and Kim where they work to educate the public, network and adopt animals out, or return them to their owners. Additional volunteer service by the founders of Sunshine Rescue Ranch, include, but are not limited to: -Networking and transporting dogs across California as far as Oregon to rescues and new homes. -Hosting adoption events at area businesses. -Partnering with local shelters to provide affordable vaccination clinics. -Educating schools and the general public about the importance of spaying and neutering. -Participating in the Sanger Police Department Open Houses and the Sanger Christmas Parade.
#600 in United States, #69 in California
Fresno
ARF began its operations out of a small facility on Belmont Ave and Highway 99. ARF moved to its current location on Dakota Avenue in 2005. From its humble beginnings, ARF has grown quickly, so that more and more dogs each year can be rescued and adopted out to loving forever homes.
Welcome to the 2024 Fresno, CA Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Fresno, CA chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 12 private dog parks in the Fresno 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 Fresno dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
Apply We appreciate you wanting to bring a animal into your home. In order for us to find the right pet for you, we need you to submit an adoption application. Review We will review your application upon receipt. If we have any questions or concerns, we will contact you for clarity. Finding Your Pet Once approved to adopt, the search for your animal begins. Volunteers will begin to evaluate pets currently in our foster care program who may be a good fit for you and your family. We would also be open to discussing animals in our care that you are specifically interested in.
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.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a 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.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.