This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Maryland. 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.
#16 in United States, #1 in Maryland
Baltimore
Established in 2016, Canine Humane Network is a non-profit dog rescue, shelter, adoption and training organization here in Highland, Howard County, Maryland. We are substantially operated by volunteer staff and many big-hearted volunteer foster families. Here at Canine Humane Network, we are dedicated to saving the lives of homeless dogs and providing a safe haven, humane care, and adoption programs for rescued dogs. We are deeply invested in the lifelong happiness of the dogs and owners we serve. We strive to build a humane environment for animals and people by providing excellent resources and training including humane education and therapy dog programs.
"It had been such a great experience to open our doors to fosters which ultimately lead to a foster fail...."
— kathryn w.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"Canine humane network saves lives!"
— jordan.
Staff member
#53 in United States, #2 in Maryland
Senior dog
Baltimore
Reeds Rescue is a non-profit volunteer dog rescue organization serving Baltimore County and surrounding areas. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs of senior age or deemed to be terminally ill from area shelters, dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances, and those in danger of decompensating in the shelter environment. Reeds Rescue will provide nurturing foster homes while they await placement in their permanent homes. Reeds Rescue, the board, and the volunteers will strive to work with area shelters, the community, and other rescues to develop a network of supporters to create a better world for the elderly and terminal pets in need.
"So many senior dogs have been given a 2nd chances thanks to Reed’s Rescue. It’s easy to place puppies in..."
— stephanie h.
Supporter
"Being part of Reed’s Rescue for the past 20 months has been amazing! The rescue is 100% volunteer and ..."
— carrie m.
Volunteer / foster, Staff member
#53 in United States, #2 in Maryland
Pit Bull, Puppy
Baltimore
Key to Lion's Heart Rescue was founded in January 2018 in honor of Lion, a dog who made a tremendous impact on so many lives. Lion was dumped at a very high kill shelter where his time was up. Without knowing his past, he was pulled by a rescue and placed into a home. Lion was then moved nine times over the course of one year in an effort to find the right home. Unfortunately, the second to last move was that one that forever changed his soul. Just like people, dogs have a breaking point, and Lion had reached his. He had been through more in one year than any dog should ever have to go through in a lifetime. His last move was to a home where he was loved and cared for by a handful of people, his advocates for many months. Unfortunately, it was too late. The pain and suffering he had endured in some of his previous places was more than Lion could overcome. The light in his eyes was gone and he was suffering. In the arms of the people who loved him dearly, we whispered our goodbyes and told him how much we loved him. Humans had failed him. As we kissed him goodbye, we promised Lion that we would do our best to ensure no dog would ever have to endure what he had in his last year. At that moment, we dedicated ourselves to unlocking hope for all dogs by giving a little piece of our hearts to every single one that we can save.
"We drove 3 hours to adopt from this rescue. They do not just allow anyone to rescue, they are diligent..."
— leah w.
Adoptee, Supporter
"Key to Lion's Heart makes adopting do easy while making sure the best matches are made. We have adopted two..."
— jennifer s.
Adoptee
#55 in United States, #4 in Maryland
Senior dog
Frederick
A senior dog rescue working to raise awareness of the dangers of puppy mills and backyard breeding
"Best place ever"
— lynnette m.
Adoptee
"I follow on FB and participate in Fundraisers when I can. This group is helping the ones that are forgotten...."
— janet l.
Supporter
#141 in United States, #5 in Maryland
Senior dog
Baltimore
SDS provides a safe haven for senior dogs who cannot be cared for by their owners, are abandoned or abused, or face euthanasia. Our sanctuary has provided a safe, loving home for over 900 dogs since 2016. Our staff and volunteers supply residents with expert-level care and rehabilitation until they are adopted. We also provide long-term homes to seniors who aren't currently adoptable.
"Giving older dogs a chance at love before crossing the rainbow bridge"
— amanda s.
Supporter
"I began volunteering at the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland because I wanted to get more exercise in a meaningful..."
— jacquelyn j.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#162 in United States, #6 in Maryland
Baltimore
The SPCA of Anne Arundel County is the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in the county.
"I first started volunteering with the SPCA of Anne Arundel County in 2016. A year later I began fostering puppies..."
— cheryl g.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"I have been a volunteer for more than ten years with the SPCA of Anne Arundel County because of their..."
— cheryl s.
Volunteer / foster
#182 in United States, #7 in Maryland
Baltimore
BARCS is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization operating Maryland's largest animal shelter and pet adoption center. We are an open admission shelter, granting refuge to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost or surrendered animal that comes through our door. A staggering 30 or more animals are surrendered to BARCS every day. No matter what the circumstance, we do not turn away any animal in need of shelter, food, medical care and a loving touch. Yearly, this equates to 11,000-12,000 dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, and even wildlife and exotic animals that need care and placement. Each year, BARCS is growing, evolving and working to implement new innovative programs that benefit animals in need and the neighborhoods that support them.
"We adopted a small poodle from BARCS 13 yrs ago. They were wonderful!!!"
— robert c.
Adoptee
"BARCS does amazing work for dogs in need of a home in MD."
— ronin f.
Adoptee
#235 in United States, #8 in Maryland
Baltimore
We are a small, foster based rescue operating in Maryland and Michigan. We specialize in deaf and blind dogs, specifically double merles.
"Keller’s Cause is an amazing rescue that specializes in blind and/or deaf dogs. Not only do they willingly and selflessly..."
— kelli p.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"Keller's Cause is an amazing organization that takes in deaf and/or blind dogs and helps them find their forever homes...."
— laura m.
Adoptee
#266 in United States, #9 in Maryland
Baltimore
Knine Rescue is a small non-profit 501(c)3 organization, dedicated to animal care and protection. Founded in 2005, we assist shelters and other rescues (both in our local community and beyond) by finding loving forever homes for neglected, abandoned and homeless animals. Our goal is to promote responsible animal ownership by educating the wider public on the importance of spay/neuter, positive training and pet health care. Last year, we helped save more than 600 dogs from euthanasia.
"Wonderful rescue with great network of volunteers. They truly care about their dogs"
— valerie c.
Volunteer / foster
"They never say no to a dog in need and have changed so many lives; humans and animals! They once..."
— gabrielle b.
Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter
#266 in United States, #9 in Maryland
German Shepherd
Baltimore
We are a non-profit rescue dedicated to German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes. If you are looking to add a new family member to your loving home in the Mid-Atlantic area
"This rescue has wonderful, caring volunteers. We adopted from them in 2014 and had seven wonderful years with our pup..."
— erica b.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"I have personally visited MAGSR's facility and they truly are a wonderful group of people. Volunteers of some of their..."
— tricia a.
Supporter
#361 in United States, #11 in Maryland
Baltimore
Almost Home Dog Rescue is a non-profit, foster-based, all volunteer rescue organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilating dogs at risk and in danger of an untimely death. We all share the passion of helping these homeless dogs who don't have a voice, who won't have a chance, without organizations such as this one, helping them to a new beginning. It is our mission to seek out dogs where there is need, to bring them to us where they are placed in loving foster homes and prepare them for their forever families. It is also our mission to prepare our adoptive families for a smooth transition and a better outcome. Our community outreach program will offer New Adopter classes whether you adopt from us or not.
"This small rescue goes way above and beyond putting in 1000’s of miles every weekend to make sure doggies have..."
— monica v.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
#361 in United States, #11 in Maryland
Frederick
The Baltimore Humane Society was founded to protect our region's pets and to address and prevent their suffering. Since our first day we've developed a set of tenets that represent our commitments to the pets we care for. All of our efforts are centered around one word ‚'humane'.
"I volunteer walking dogs at Bhs They are always making decisions based solely on the animals. ..."
— rebecca f.
Volunteer / foster
#361 in United States, #11 in Maryland
Baltimore
Pitties and Purrs Rescue Inc. is a small, foster-based rescue in Baltimore, MD. Our rescue dogs come from all over the country in order to be rehabilitated and to ultimately find their forever homes. Because we are a foster-based rescue, we completely rely on our incredible volunteers to care for & to temporarily welcome the dogs and cats into their homes to prepare them for adoption. All donations are tax deductible as we are a 501c(3) non-profit! You will receive a donation receipt. If you donate to our vet or through Amazon, please drop us a line to let us know so we can thank you!
"Pitties and Purrs!"
— meredith k.
Supporter, Fan
#361 in United States, #11 in Maryland
Baltimore
PetConnect Rescue was founded in 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and has evolved into a vibrant animal rescue organization. Our mission is to save the lives of abandoned dogs and cats and place them in loving and permanent homes. Each day, we respond to desperate email and phone pleas to rescue dogs and cats imminently slated for euthanasia. We pull these animals into rescue from over-extended shelters between Maryland and Georgia. PetConnect Rescue is a non-breed-specific organization, and we are committed to stepping forward whenever we can and wherever there is the greatest need. We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
"We adopted Toosie 5 years ago from PetConnect Rescue! Since then, we've been using her doggy powers for the good..."
— tammy m.
Adoptee
#361 in United States, #11 in Maryland
Frederick
Petey and Furends is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit no-kill animal rescue organization that is dedicated to reducing instances of neglect, abuse, and homelessness in companion animals. To do this, we use research- and evidence-based practices to facilitate a matchmaking experience that will increase the rate of successful adoptions.
"We’ve worked with several rescues and Petey and Furends is such a gem. Their approach to finding the best match..."
— ally b.
Volunteer / foster
#361 in United States, #11 in Maryland
Frederick
We are a non-profit volunteer organization that rescues, fosters, and finds forever homes for abused, neglected, and abandoned Labrador Retrievers in the states of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. We provide our Labs with veterinary care, spay or neuter services, and placement with foster families where they are loved while they await adoption.
"At almost 5 years in existence, Southwest Oasis Lab Rescue (SOLR) has recued over 1100 labradors and lab mixes (and..."
— carol l.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#361 in United States, #11 in Maryland
Frederick
FCAR is a small, locally-run 501(c)(3) non-profit charity dedicated to saving dogs from high-kill shelters and other dangerous or unhealthy situations. We operate through a network of volunteers and foster homes in the DC Metro area. Our efforts are funded by tax-deductible contributions from compassionate people and organizations who want to make a difference in our community. We can't save every dog, but every dog we save is forever changed.
"I can't say enough good things about this rescue organization and my experience with them has been nothing short of..."
— holly r.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
#361 in United States, #11 in Maryland
Baltimore
We are an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue. As a rescue, it is our mission to end the neglect of animals across the east coast by rescuing them and helping find their forever home. We want to save the lives of pets and enhance the lives of people by finding the perfect new fur-baby for each family! We do not have a facility, our fosters accept these rescue dogs and cats into their homes out of their love for animals.
"I discovered the Sanctuary through a friend of mine who has 5 dogs of her own. I was looking for..."
— darlene m.
Supporter, Fan
#361 in United States, #11 in Maryland
Frederick
Our animal shelter works to improve the lives of pets and people in the communities of Baltimore City and the surrounding areas.
"Utilizes only positive reinforcement training methods, provides behavioral help to the animals in their care"
— kathy f.
Fan
#361 in United States, #11 in Maryland
German Shepherd
Baltimore
All Shepherd Rescue is a group of German Shepherd lovers who work to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused, abandoned, surrendered or other wise homeless German Shepherds and find them forever homes. We are 100% volunteer and rely on fundraisers and donations to fund the Veterinary care and other needs of our dogs, to prepare them for their adoptive families.
"All Shepherd Rescue is a group of dedicated dog lovers devoted to helping rescue homeless , abused, surrendered or stray..."
— candice k.
Volunteer / foster
Established in 2016, Canine Humane Network is a non-profit dog rescue, shelter, adoption and training organization here in Highland, Howard County, Maryland. We are substantially operated by volunteer staff and many big-hearted volunteer foster families. Here at Canine Humane Network, we are dedicated to saving the lives of homeless dogs and providing a safe haven, humane care, and adoption programs for rescued dogs. We are deeply invested in the lifelong happiness of the dogs and owners we serve. We strive to build a humane environment for animals and people by providing excellent resources and training including humane education and therapy dog programs.
Key to Lion's Heart Rescue was founded in January 2018 in honor of Lion, a dog who made a tremendous impact on so many lives. Lion was dumped at a very high kill shelter where his time was up. Without knowing his past, he was pulled by a rescue and placed into a home. Lion was then moved nine times over the course of one year in an effort to find the right home. Unfortunately, the second to last move was that one that forever changed his soul. Just like people, dogs have a breaking point, and Lion had reached his. He had been through more in one year than any dog should ever have to go through in a lifetime. His last move was to a home where he was loved and cared for by a handful of people, his advocates for many months. Unfortunately, it was too late. The pain and suffering he had endured in some of his previous places was more than Lion could overcome. The light in his eyes was gone and he was suffering. In the arms of the people who loved him dearly, we whispered our goodbyes and told him how much we loved him. Humans had failed him. As we kissed him goodbye, we promised Lion that we would do our best to ensure no dog would ever have to endure what he had in his last year. At that moment, we dedicated ourselves to unlocking hope for all dogs by giving a little piece of our hearts to every single one that we can save.
Reeds Rescue is a non-profit volunteer dog rescue organization serving Baltimore County and surrounding areas. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs of senior age or deemed to be terminally ill from area shelters, dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances, and those in danger of decompensating in the shelter environment. Reeds Rescue will provide nurturing foster homes while they await placement in their permanent homes. Reeds Rescue, the board, and the volunteers will strive to work with area shelters, the community, and other rescues to develop a network of supporters to create a better world for the elderly and terminal pets in need.
A senior dog rescue working to raise awareness of the dangers of puppy mills and backyard breeding
Petey and Furends is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit no-kill animal rescue organization that is dedicated to reducing instances of neglect, abuse, and homelessness in companion animals. To do this, we use research- and evidence-based practices to facilitate a matchmaking experience that will increase the rate of successful adoptions.
The Baltimore Humane Society was founded to protect our region's pets and to address and prevent their suffering. Since our first day we've developed a set of tenets that represent our commitments to the pets we care for. All of our efforts are centered around one word ‚'humane'.
Welcome to the 2024 Maryland Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Maryland 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 Maryland dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
An application helps us make sure we're making a good match. We make every effort to communicate to new families the breed and age of their dog as well as any behavior or medical problems that we are aware of, we do not make any representation or guarantee about the behavior, health, breed or age of any rescue dog.Once you complete the application, one of our hard-working volunteers will contact you as soon as possible. Please be patient with us as we are going as fast as we can!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in San Diego? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and off-leash dog areas, and plan for your next adventure on California’s coast.
Have you been looking for a new and interesting way to exercise your dog? You might be a good candidate for bike dog sports! Read on for an introductory complete guide to learn about what bikejoring is and how you can get started.
Discover the Jack Russell Terrier, a breed celebrated for its intelligent and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Jack Russell Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fox hunting and vermin control starting in the 19th century.
Discover the Dalmatian, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, trainable, and loyal nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Dalmatians have their origins in Croatia, where they were initially bred for coaching (running along carriages), guarding, and hunting starting in the 16th century.
Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.
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.