Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Iowa Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Iowa. 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.

Dogs Forever of Iowa (DBA DOGS FOREVER)
#72 in United States, #1 in Iowa
Dogs Forever is dedicated to rescuing homeless, abused, and neglected dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages with a special emphasis on those deemed ‚hard-to-place. As an Adoption Guarantee shelter, all dogs will stay in our care until we have found their forever homes.
"Dogs Forever is a fantastic shelter that does a lot not just for the dogs, but for the community as..."
— brody s.
Supporter, Fan
"Dogs Forever is a hard working group that dedicates themselves to many needy dogs. They work tirelessly to provide the..."
— susan r.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter

A Purposeful Life Animal Rescue
#91 in United States, #2 in Iowa
A Purposeful Life Animal Rescue & Sanctuary is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit volunteer-based animal welfare organization dedicated to rescuing homeless dogs and cats directly within our community, overcrowded shelters and other unforeseen circumstances. We were founded in 2022 by a small group of animal advocates in Iowa, after recognizing the need to support not only strays and relinquished animals in our area, but areas all across the country. Our startup mission is to offer support to the many local animals in need of homes, by partnering with area shelters and rescues. In addition, we are committed to providing behavioral, medical and low cost resources to people who are considering surrender, in an effort to keep their pets in their homes and out of the shelter system
"All I have to say is they are simply the most considerate and selfless people I’ve ever met and I..."
— anthony j.
Adoptee
"This rescue is doing amazing things in our area!!! I am happy to be aprt of saving animals lives"
— meliah r.
Volunteer / foster

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc
#99 in United States, #3 in Iowa, #1 in Des Moines
Des Moines
The ARL serves people and pets from across the state of Iowa through its programs, which include pet adoption, humane education, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal cruelty intervention and much more. The Animal Rescue League is dependent on individual and corporate contributions to care for its animals.
"Love Sky Sanctuary!!"
— amy s.
Supporter

AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport
#99 in United States, #3 in Iowa, #1 in Des Moines
Des Moines
AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport, Inc. is a 501(c)3, non-profit, foster-based animal rescue organization, headquartered in De Soto, IA. Our main purpose is to care for the homeless companion animals in our community and surrounding areas. We also provide much needed services to the pet owners in our area thru food assistance, low cost spay/neuter clinics, and TNR services. In addition to our own community, we strive to bridge the gap between traditional animal shelters and no-kill rescues throughout the central United States in 2 different ways: 1) By pulling dogs out of traditional shelters that are on death row and placing them in foster homes and forever homes through our organization; and 2) By providing free transportation for dogs from traditional shelters to other no-kill rescues all over the Midwest and Canada
"Wonderful rescue!"
— desiree s.
Supporter, Fan

Safe Home Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #2 in Des Moines
Des Moines

Heartland Pet Hospital & Mobile Practice, P.C.
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #2 in Des Moines
Des Moines
The Heartland Pet Hospital location has been a veterinary office for more than 40 years. Drs. Bright and McClatchey purchased the practice in 1998 and added Dr. Bright's house-call service to the business at that time. In 2007, the building was enlarged and remodeled to better serve our clientele. High quality in-house lab and x-ray provide results right away so treatment can be started immediately. In January of 2015, Dr. Bright became the sole owner of Heartland Pet Hospital.

Marion County Humane Society
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #2 in Des Moines
Des Moines
The Marion County Humane Society is an animal shelter located in Knoxville that serves the entire Marion County area. The purpose of MCHS is to give shelter to stray, lost or abandoned dogs and cats until either their owners are found or they are adopted to new homes. Since being founded in 1986 the MCHS has always required their adoptees to be altered to help the pet overpopulation. Part of the goal of the MCHS is to educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets.

Heavenly Pet Sanctuary
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa
Heavenly Pet Sanctuary’s 34-acre oasis of peace and tranquility set amidst the Midwest’s Heartland in southeast Iowa. Founded in 2000, the shelter is home to over 100 dogs and cats living in various locations on the property. The main cat shelter is a remodeled country home with three floors; the secondary building nicknamed the kitty cottage is smaller and divided into four areas. All rooms have access to the outdoors via spacious, large cat runs with grass and trees. All cats are housed without cages except for those that are newly admitted or ill and have free roam of their areas. HPS is a long-term care facility and that means that our commitment and care to each dog and cat extends throughout their entire life, if for some reason they do not find their own special home. The dog kennels are a smaller part of the shelter at present, but plans are underway to raise money to construct an all-new dog building and storage area. Presently a number of dog kennels exist outside with large fenced in areas and insulated doghouses; indoor housing for the dogs is available on a limited basis. The shelter property has lots of potential for additional dog and cat housing. Several mobile homes were donated that need remodeling and could be used to house more cats. HPS prides itself on its clean, friendly environment and its pet care, which takes into consideration each individual animal’s needs. Fresh food is made up daily for all of the cats and dogs and combined with commercial food for all levels of need and age groups. Natural health care has always been a special focus for the shelter and a preventative approach which includes the use of herbs, homeopathy, supplements and diet is utilized to strengthen the animal’s immune system and to treat illness and disease whenever possible. Traditional medication is also used in conjunction with veterinary consultation and all of our dogs and cats are vaccinated, neutered and spayed. HPS offers adoption services to the public and posts its pets online at petfinder.com. Potential adopters are carefully screened to determine their suitability and follow-up with house visits carried out whenever possible. Our main concern is to provide adoptions that benefit both the adopters and the pets so that no dog or cat ever has to face the trauma of being homeless again. Adoption events are held monthly in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area hosted by the Petco stores. HPS has volunteer programs for all ages, humane education and provides food and pet supplies for low-income pet owners whenever possible.

Otter Creek Animal Shelter
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa
The Otter Creek Animal Shelter (formerly the Buchanan County Animal Shelter) was formed by a group of dedicated volunteers who professionally and passionately were concerned about what to do with pets in need. Our initial goal was to build a no-kill animal shelter to take in pets who had owners that were no longer able or willing to care for them in Buchanan County. Also, we needed a place for our residents to take animals who had been abandoned by the owners in rural areas. The shelter became a 501c 3 on April 22,2011 and the project took off with the donation of 10 acres of land that same year. The shelter is located at 400 North Main Street in Hazleton, Iowa on Hwy 150. The board has been overwhelmed by the support we have received in Buchanan County. Our location is just miles from the Buchanan-Fayette County Line and due to the outpouring of support from Fayette County the shelter grew to serve residents from both counties. In 2017,the name was officially changed to the Otter Creek Animal Shelter. Otter Creek not only runs through Buchanan and Fayette Counties, but also through the woods near our shelter. The Otter Creek Animal Shelter is the result of many residents donating their time, talent and financial resources. The shelter is owned by all the volunteers that have worked so hard to make this dream a reality

Last Hope Animal Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa
Last Hope Animal Rescue was founded in 2004 by a group of likeminded and caring individuals who saw the need to form a collective that could help local animals in need. We have evolved in many ways in our 20 years as a rescue organization, and are proud to serve the needs of animals in Eastern Iowa! We are a 100% volunteer run organization and receive no state or federal funding. Last Hope relies on the generosity of our donors and supporters to continue our life-saving work! In 2015, with the help of a capital campaign, Last Hope purchased a commercial property in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to grow our footprint and capacity to offer urgent care for those animals most in need. Our adoption center serves as an intake facility for animals who may need medical or behavioral care before moving into foster or forever homes. The Last Hope adoption center is not a shelter open to the public, but serves as a central location for our volunteers. Last Hope Animal Rescue is a foster home-based rescue, so many of our adoptable pets are in loving foster homes!

Des Moines County Humane Society
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #1 in Davenport
Davenport

One Dog Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #1 in Davenport
Davenport
One Dog Rescue is an IRS-recognized 501c3 organization. Our EIN is 30-1365288. Every dollar you donate to our life-saving rescue is tax-deductible, and every dollar goes directly to our mission. We are entirely foster-based and all-volunteer. One Dog Rescue emphasizes the rescue of sick, orphaned, abandoned, and emaciated animals. We pull animals specifically from euthanasia lists, and particularly animals in shelters where heart stick euthanasia is practiced. We literally strive to save both animals' lives and the emotions of shelter staff who must perform euthanasia.

Clinton Humane Society
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #1 in Davenport
Davenport
”WE BELIEVE … in the Clinton Humane Society and its ongoing mission to care for the less fortunate animals in our community. It’s 75 years of experience makes a difference and provides a vital service to the community. WE BELIEVE … that no animal is disposable and that they are all valuable. All animals deserve a good home with loving and caring owners. WE BELIEVE … that we must provide a voice for the animals that cannot speak out and ask for help themselves. WE BELIEVE … that the Clinton Humane Society is a place of hope and compassion. Its mission to provide and care for suffering and homeless animals, to prevent cruelty to all animals, and to advance humane education, is as vital today as it will be one week, one month or one year from now. Our greatest reward is when an animal is reunited or adopted to go home to a loving family. We are an open admittance shelter. This means we will never turn away a stray or an injured animal from citizens or members of the police departments in our area. This does mean that if an owner is wanting to surrender their pet, we do have a waiting list. We try to allow owner surrenders as often as we can, but it really all depends on how full we are from strays that are brought in by citizens. Being an open admittance shelter, this means we unfortunately are not a “no-kill” shelter. A “no-kill” shelter is one that publicly announces that they will not euthanize a pet at their facility. Most of the time, they are also a selective admittance shelter. This means that they can pick and choose which animals they allow to come in. We cannot help but question what happens when a “no-kill” shelter is full, what do those owners or citizens do with the pets they have found, or no longer want? Do they search for alternate shelters? Turn their pet loose? What alternatives does that person have? By the Clinton Humane Society being an open admittance shelter, we can feel confident that we are serving our area to the best of our means. This means that we have guidelines that our potential adoptable pets have to meet before being put on our adoption floor. We require all adoptable dogs to pass our Behavior Assessment and Reactivity Checklist (BARC test), along with being a happy, healthy, adoption prospect

Homeward Bownd Siberian Husky Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #1 in Davenport
#7 in husky
Husky
Davenport
Homeward Bownd is a non-profit Siberian Husky shelter and rescue located south of Dubuque, Iowa. We pride ourselves in the well-being of huskies and finding them a ‘forever’ home.

K9 Kindness Rescue, Inc.
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #1 in Davenport
Davenport
K9 Kindness Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit organization started in April, 2004. All of our dogs are up to date on shots, on heart worm preventative, flea and tick preventative and are altered. Any other veterinary care that they need is done before the dogs are placed in homes. There are many ways to help K9 Kindness and the dogs! If you are interested in becoming involved with our rescue group, please email us for more information! And we always need more people to help care for our dogs until they find their forever homes. For information on this program, email us, too! We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and are licensed per State of Iowa Code 162. A Brief History K9 Kindness Rescue, Inc. was started in March of 2004 by founder Debbie Fraker who has now retired from rescue. The rescue was originally the size of a few friends and three foster homes in Davenport, De Witt, and Blue Grass. The rescue's name was a play on K9 Child Dog Daycare who worked closely with the rescue. In 2013, we placed our 1,000th dog in a furever home. In 2014, we pulled our first dog from Puerto Rico. We also celebrated 10 years of serving the Quad Cities and the Tristate region. Currently, the President is Kimberly Patterson and the rescue has around 20 foster homes.

It Takes A Village Animal Rescue & Resources
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #1 in Davenport
Davenport
It Takes A Village Animal Rescue & Resources is so much more than an animal rescue. Our organization is built around the idea of community, the belief that working together, we can be a force of goodness and positive change in the world of animal welfare. Founded in 2021, ITAVARR immediately began building a network of dedicated volunteers who would prove essential to our success. Our love of animals united us and inspired us to push ourselves to do more and to be more. With this amazing team backing us, we’ve grown and expanded to include a shelter and quarantine facility, we found loving forever homes for over 700 homeless pets in two short years. We’ve gone on rescue trips to save animals from hurricanes, from floods, from certain death in overcrowded high-kill shelters. Through it all, we’ve remained loyal to our name and our beliefs. We're not just a source of goodness; we’re a resource for doing good. We’ve held free vaccine and microchipping clinics and speak publicly on animal welfare topics, we feed hungry animals in our community and actively work to solve the animal overpopulation crisis by spaying and neutering stray and feral cats. We helped end the discriminatory breed ban in our city. We firmly believe that our village is changing the world, one animal life at a time.

Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #1 in Davenport
Davenport

Humane Society of Scott County
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #1 in Davenport
Davenport
The Humane Society of Scott County is a non-profit, open admission animal shelter in Scott County, Iowa. We serve Davenport, Bettendorf, and other cities in Scott County primarily, but we also adopt out and provide services to anyone in the Quad Cities area and beyond!

King's Harvest Pet Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #1 in Davenport
Davenport
It's estimated 600,000 families and 1.35 million children experience homelessness in the United States. 63% of those families and individuals have a pet. There are often impossible decisions pet-owners face when losing their homes. Do I give up my pet at a shelter or rescue? Do I leave my pet in a foreclosed house? Can I keep my pet and survive on the street while trying to provide food and shelter for myself, my family and my pet? Sadly, most shelters in the US are not pet friendly. Those who end up homeless with pets have trouble in giving up their pets because of the bond they have formed with them. There exists an unconditional love that pet guardians understand. Their pets are non-judgemental, offer comfort, provide an emotional bond of loyalty and in some cases they provide the homeless with protection and warmth. King's Harvest Pet Rescue's assistance programs provide free pet food, pet surrender opportunities, temporary homes for pets and low cost spaying/neutering for the homeless and low income families in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.

Friends of the Animals Shelter
#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa, #1 in Davenport
Davenport
Friends of the Animals (FOA) employees a limited number of employees and is mostly operated through a network of volunteers who work together to make sure that every animal receives a loving, lifelong home. Most of us are involved in animal work for our love of the animals and their well-being. We are a non-profit and the only shelter in Cedar County located in Tipton, Iowa. All the money and donations we take in are used to help canine and feline directly or to fund our organization (buying supplies, shelter expenses, supporting a website, medical funding for animals, a new facility etc.). FOA takes in animals from owner surrenders, strays. other shelters/rescues etc. We take in all ages of animals from adults, who have outgrown their puppy or kitty cuteness to animals with special needs and seniors in need of furever homes to live out their lives. After FOA accepts an animal, it is given a veterinary exam to make sure that it is healthy. We also update the animal’s immunizations, spay or neuter if the procedure hasn’t previously been done. Spaying and neutering not only prevents pet overpopulation, but also lowers the animal’s risk of contracting reproductive diseases later in life. Then we microchip the animal in FOA’s name. Typically, after the animal comes to the shelter it is kept at the shelter or placed in a foster home. The foster home provides temporary care for the animal until a new owner can be found. The foster home also evaluates the animal’s temperament and behavior, so we can find the right family that fits the animal. If the animal has special needs, we do our best to find them a foster home. We believe they need to be kept comfortable and have one-on-one attention to regain their health and/or help them to adjust to find what needs they may have and see that they are understood and met. That allows us to help the animal to find its new family and have a successful adoption. When an animal is being fostered only, we ask them to help assist FOA to find the adoptive family that fits the animal. The foster family will most like have a family, friend or person they know see the animal while they are fostering and have them apply for foster to adopt application. While we are searching through our applications, we have on file. Usually when a family comes into the shelter it is love at first sight! One of the Adoption Coordinators or the Facility Administrator will sit down with the potential family to talk to them about the fur baby and the steps to adoption. FOA requires most animals to be placed in a foster to adopt process before we will adopt them to the family. The process usually takes two (2) weeks, but this is guideline and if FOA feels more time is needed we will adjust this timeline. This process allows FOA to help the animal and family to adjust to each other and iron out questions you may have and provides guidance for the family and animal. Once the adoption is finalized, we will wait a few days and do a follow up with the adoptive family to provide support with any remaining questions you may have on your new family member. We want to make sure that both the family and animal are doing well. Our goal is to have a successful adoption that has a smooth transition for the animals and family.

See More Dog Rescues & Shelters In Iowa

The Best Des Moines, IA Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport
AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport, Inc. is a 501(c)3, non-profit, foster-based animal rescue organization, headquartered in De Soto, IA. Our main purpose is to care for the homeless companion animals in our community and surrounding areas. We also provide much needed services to the pet owners in our area thru food assistance, low cost spay/neuter clinics, and TNR services. In addition to our own community, we strive to bridge the gap between traditional animal shelters and no-kill rescues throughout the central United States in 2 different ways: 1) By pulling dogs out of traditional shelters that are on death row and placing them in foster homes and forever homes through our organization; and 2) By providing free transportation for dogs from traditional shelters to other no-kill rescues all over the Midwest and Canada
View profile

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc
The ARL serves people and pets from across the state of Iowa through its programs, which include pet adoption, humane education, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal cruelty intervention and much more. The Animal Rescue League is dependent on individual and corporate contributions to care for its animals.
View profile

Safe Home Rescue
View profile

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

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

Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Iowa 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 By City In Iowa

Des Moines, IA

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization

Sniffspot Iowa Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Iowa?

There are 8 in Iowa. 3 are located in Des Moines with 5 are located in other areas of the state.

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

There are many reputable rescues in Iowa, the top 3 on our list are: Dogs Forever of Iowa (DBA DOGS FOREVER), A Purposeful Life Animal Rescue, AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Iowa offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Iowa is German Shepherd with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Iowa?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Iowa. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
As an Adoption Guarantee shelter, we are committed to finding a loving forever home for all healthy and treatable dogs in our care. We strive to find the best match for all our dogs (and their adopters) no matter how long it might take.

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

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Iowa, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby states, including New Jersey, Utah, Illinois.

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Iowa that specialize in senior dogs or special needs animals?

We do not have any record of senior dog rescues and shelters in Iowa, but these are the top senior dog rescues from nearby states: The London Sanctuary, Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary, Reed's Rescue, Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue, Adopt a Golden Atlanta, Misspits Rescue, Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland, Inc., Animal Farm Foundation, Over the Hill Senior Dog Sanctuary, Frosted Faces Foundation, Laramie Animal Welfare Society, Old Dogs Go To Helen, Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Muttville, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, Young At Heart Senior Pet Adoptions, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, Home Free Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Hound Haven of Lone Pine, Living Grace Canine Ranch, Tails of Gray, Sunny Sky's Animal Rescue, Senior Pet And Animal Rescue, Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, Leashes End Senior Pet Sanctuary, Sammie’s Senior Dog Sanctuary, The Golden Bark Foundation, Camp Golden Years, Thulani Senior German Shepherd Rescue, Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary, Charlie's Foundation, Daisy Senior Dog Foundation aka DaisyLu Ranch, Silver Linings Rescue Ranch, Lionel's Legacy, Rusty's Angels Sanctuary, Gray Muzzle Society, Colorado Senior Dog Rescue and Hospice, Grand-paws Senior Sanctuary, Angels For Sara Sanctuary

Can you recommend any reputable dog rescue organizations that focus on specific regions or communities within Iowa?

Yes! The top rescue and shelter in Des Moines is AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport. The top specialized rescue and shelter in Iowa is German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Iowa.

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 Iowa Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Dogs Forever of Iowa (DBA DOGS FOREVER)

A Purposeful Life Animal Rescue

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc

AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport

Safe Home Rescue

Heartland Pet Hospital & Mobile Practice, P.C.

Marion County Humane Society

Heavenly Pet Sanctuary

Otter Creek Animal Shelter

Last Hope Animal Rescue

Des Moines County Humane Society

One Dog Rescue

Clinton Humane Society

Homeward Bownd Siberian Husky Rescue

K9 Kindness Rescue, Inc.

It Takes A Village Animal Rescue & Resources

Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center

Humane Society of Scott County

King's Harvest Pet Rescue

Friends of the Animals Shelter

See More Dog Rescues & Shelters In Iowa

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By City In Iowa

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization

Sniffspot Iowa Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Iowa?

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

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Iowa offer?

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Iowa?

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

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Iowa that specialize in senior dogs or special needs animals?

Can you recommend any reputable dog rescue organizations that focus on specific regions or communities within Iowa?

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