Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Indianapolis, IN Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Indianapolis, IN. 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.

Helping Paws, Inc.
#83 in United States, #2 in Indiana, #1 in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Helping Paws is a foster-based rescue run 100% by volunteers. We do not have a facility, so all pets are fostered in loving homes until they find their forever families! We deal in all breeds and ages of pets, but we do have a soft spot for medical cases.
"Helping Paws is amazing to work with on all fronts. I love that they are so passionate about what they..."
— amanda m.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"Where do I start to say how appreciated and wonderful the staff and fosters are at Helping paws INC.I adopted..."
— kimberly g.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue
#98 in United States, #3 in Indiana, #2 in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
"NLSDR is an amazing rescue. They kept our boy Rufus safe for 3 years before we adopted him! The adopters..."
— amy m.
Adoptee
"I have no personal experience, but have seen their name many times as a rescuer at a kill shelter...."
— teressa b.
Fan

Medical Mutts Service Dogs
#98 in United States, #3 in Indiana, #2 in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Our Mission: Training Shelter Dogs as Service Dogs As a leading authority in medical alert assistance dogs, Medical Mutts is dedicated to training rescued dogs to be service dogs and to promoting collaboration between dogs and people through science, education, and ethical training. Originally, Medical Mutts was a business, but became a non-profit in 2019. We rescue approximately 90 dogs per year and 30 of them graduate to become service dogs. The other 60 are adopted out to loving homes. Over the course of 11 years, we have graduated 131 service dogs and rescued over 460 shelter dogs.
"Medical mutts is an amazing organization. They rescue dogs and give them a new life by learning to by a..."
— keelie b.
"I personally have no experience with this group, but consistently see their name as a rescuer pulling dogs from a..."
— teressa b.
Fan

Indianapolis animal care services
#99 in United States, #4 in Indiana, #3 in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Animal Care Services protects and promotes the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County. The agency works with animal rescue organizations both locally and nationally. If you are thinking about surrendering your pet, please consider using our rehoming resources to help find a new home for your four-legged friend. Rehoming your pet on your own keeps it from entering the stressful shelter environment and keeps a kennel open for pets who need it the most. IACS works with Rehome by Adopt-a-pet.com to promote animals available for adoption that are not in the shelter. Visit this link to create a quick and easy profile and share your pet's story with thousands of potential adopters.
"IACS needs this help the most. They are bombarded daily with animals and could desperately use the resources. The public..."
— meagan.
Supporter

Humane Society for Hamilton County
#99 in United States, #4 in Indiana, #3 in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
The Humane Society for Hamilton County is one of very few open-admission, truly no kill shelters in the country. We believe every animal deserves a chance to live, love and be loved regardless of age, breed, special medical needs, or disabilities.
"Hamilton County Humane Society is one of the few rescues that are truly no kill. They pull animals from other..."
— teresa b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

IndyHumane
#100 in United States, #5 in Indiana, #4 in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Committed to helping central Indiana's pets in need since 1905. Find your new best friend today.

Leann's Animal Rescue
#100 in United States, #5 in Indiana, #4 in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
All of our rescues are rehabilitated for behavioral issues as well as all medical needs taken care of so that they may have the greatest opportunity for success with their new family. If at any time the family decides that the new addition is not working in their family they are able to bring them back to the rescue, we understand life happens & the animal always has a safe place to be returned. I do however strive for life long homes. I keep in contact with all previous adopters to offer support if needed or just to share in the joy that adoption brings to the animals as well as the new families. I’m trusted in the area & have the animals well being and best interests at heart.

Rushville Animal Shelter
#100 in United States, #5 in Indiana, #4 in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
We are a small, rural, city-funded shelter located in Rush County, Indiana. We approach each potential adoption with an open mind and focus on informing and educating adopters. We may say no if we feel the shelter animal, another animal, or human being is at unreasonable risk of serious injury or death. Our goal is to provide animals with a quality life with freedom from hunger, thirst, discomfort, pain, injury, disease, or stress.

Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside
#100 in United States, #5 in Indiana, #4 in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
FIDO is a non-profit, animal advocacy organization formed in 2005 that works with dog owners to improve the quality of life for their outside dogs with a focus on dogs living isolated on the end of a chain. FIDO partners with Indianapolis residents to find alternatives to continuous chaining as a method of dog containment while promoting the Indianapolis Dog Care & Treatment ordinances. One of our goals is to make it easier and more convenient for owners to bring their dogs inside the home to be part of the family. Our areas of focus are the marginalized, under-served neighborhoods of Indianapolis. The citizens we meet often just need information and access to available resources to provide a more humane level of care. Many of the dogs we help have never been to a veterinarian and spend most of their lives outside. Outreach and sharing humane education is a large part of the work we do at FIDO. We offer supplies and services to residents who are interested in working with us to improve their dogs' quality of life. FIDO partners with other organizations to provide spay/neuter assistance, which we require, for the dogs we serve. Our services are provided for free or at a nominal fee.

Roo's Relief
#100 in United States, #5 in Indiana, #4 in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Non Profit Animal Rescue for the Mistreated and Misunderstood Founded in 2022, Roo's Relief is a pet rescue that has made tremendous impact thanks to the help of members and volunteers in the community. The rescue takes pride in helping animals that need a second chance. Roo's Relief also strives to help the community with providing education and tools to best care for their pet and others.

Sketchy Mutts and Underdogs Rescue
#100 in United States, #5 in Indiana, #4 in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
We moved into our new location in Haughville in December and currently have 12 dogs there The location has 3 outdoor play yards, an indoor play yard, and each dog has his/her own bedroom (or might share with a good friend). We have started incorporating volunteers into our daily schedule and are busy putting our Field Trip policies in place.

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

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

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 10 private dog parks in the Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

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

Sniffspot Indianapolis Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Indianapolis?

There are 10 in Indianapolis. Outside of Indianapolis, there are 4 located in Indiana.

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

There are many reputable rescues in Indianapolis, the top 3 on our list are: Helping Paws, Inc., Medical Mutts Service Dogs, Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Indianapolis?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Indianapolis. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
Potential adopters need to fill out an adoption application that needs to be approved by our adoption coordinator. We also require home visits to ensure the pets are going to be living in safe conditions. All current pets in the homes must be spayed/neutered and up to date on regular vetting - including vaccines and heartworm prevention (for dogs).

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Indianapolis?

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Indianapolis, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby metro, Fort Wayne Pit Bull Coalition (FWPBC)

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.

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

Most recent articles

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

Explore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
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.
Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
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.
How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?
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.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
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?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
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!

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States
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.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)
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?
Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
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.
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Signs, Causes, and How to Handle It
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.
Dog Reactivity Chart: Understand and Fix Dog Reactivity
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.
How to Socialize Your Reactive Dog
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.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States
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.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States
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.
The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks
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.
The Best United States Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
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.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
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.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

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 Indianapolis, IN Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Helping Paws, Inc.

Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue

Medical Mutts Service Dogs

Indianapolis animal care services

Humane Society for Hamilton County

IndyHumane

Leann's Animal Rescue

Rushville Animal Shelter

Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside

Roo's Relief

Sketchy Mutts and Underdogs Rescue

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

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Sniffspot Indianapolis Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Indianapolis?

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

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Indianapolis?

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Indianapolis?

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia