This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Massachusetts. 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.
#25 in United States, #1 in Massachusetts
Our goal at GBP is to make rescuing a dog stress free and interactive, while also setting our adopters up for success by thoughtfully placing the dogs we are adopting out. During the application process, our goal is to communicate and educate each person we talk to, so that when you find your perfect match and are ready to bring them home, you are prepared and ready for the next few weeks to come! We will continue to provide thoughtful advice and emotional assistance throughout the lifetime of each GBP adoption.
"We got our first dog from them, and they made a perfect match and made the transition smooth into adopting..."
— emilee m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"Gals Best Pal os a very thorough and genuine rescue. They truly want to match the best dog with you..."
— shailyn r.
Adoptee
#36 in United States, #2 in Massachusetts
Boston
LHK9 is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit all-breed dog rescue based in Massachusetts. We are dedicated to saving abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs from high-kill shelters in Central Arkansas and beyond. Though our rescue efforts are focused in the Central Arkansas area, we also serve as a resource for local dog surrenders, shelters, and special rescue efforts in other areas. We don't discriminate on the basis of age, pre-existing medical conditions, or breed, because every dog deserves to know love. As the literal ‚'last hope' of the dogs we serve, our southern fosters pull dogs and puppies from partner shelters in Arkansas. While in foster, each dog receives love, care, and medical treatment, then receives a health clearance and transports to New England. After a mandatory 48-hour quarantine stay and an additional health clearance, each dog is picked up and fostered by a northern foster family who serves as a gateway to his/her adoptive home, affectionately known as a FURever home.
"Best rescue to deal with from start to finish and adopted Dog of our dreams poppy aka Moxxy. Everyone was so..."
— meghan b.
Adoptee
"I adopted both of my dogs from Last Hope K9 Rescue and I cannot say enough great things about this..."
— benjamin w.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Fan
#43 in United States, #3 in Massachusetts
Boston
Buddy & Friends Animal Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization based in Pembroke, MA. We are NOT a shelter facility and rely solely on the backbone of our rescue which is fosters and volunteers.
"My family started fostering with BFAR 3 years ago when I was 10 years old and we’ve fostered over 20..."
— cameron m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"We have been fosters with BFAR since June of 2021 and adopted one of our 22 foster dogs since then...."
— brian m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#76 in United States, #4 in Massachusetts
Boston
The Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM) is a 501(c)(3) education and outreach animal shelter serving Plymouth, Norfolk, and Bristol counties. Since 2009, we have placed over 10,000 animals into forever homes. Our Mission is to operate a managed admission animal care and adoption facility, with focus on prevention of cruelty to animals, education and outreach. The APCSM offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year and we encourage animal lovers of all ages to participate!
"I was surprised the first time I ever came to this shelter because of what a clean, comfortable, and nice..."
— kaitlyn v.
Volunteer / foster
"I’ve witnessed first hand how the staff genuinely care for the animals welfare and their community."
— claudia l.
Supporter, Fan
#87 in United States, #5 in Massachusetts
Boston
Ruff Tales Rescue is a dog rescue operating in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. We are dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned dogs and redirecting them to stable, loving environments that serve as their forever home or the bridge to their forever home. Ruff Tales rescues dogs from shelters in southern states, where they are at risk for euthanasia due to significant overpopulation. Before meeting us, these dogs have often been neglected, abused, or abandoned. Once pulled from the shelters, our dogs are fostered locally before moving to their northern fosters when they are ready for adoption.
"Ruff Tales Rescue is a wonderful organization with dedicated, committed volunteers. They are well organized, very prompt and clear in..."
— sumana c.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"I’ve been volunteering with them for two years now! Saved so many dogs!"
— amanda t.
Volunteer / foster
#218 in United States, #6 in Massachusetts
Shultz's Guest House is a 501c3 dog rescue shelter located on 200 private acres in Dedham, MA. We offer a secure haven for dogs on their journey to finding the loving forever homes they deserve. Enveloped by lush forests and serene ponds alongside the Charles River, these pups enjoy a peaceful and picturesque environment while receiving lots of love and care from our amazing volunteers.
"We got our second pup from them. They were amazing."
— lizanne p.
Adoptee
"Wonderful rescues! Fighting the good fight!"
— dawn c.
Supporter
#218 in United States, #6 in Massachusetts
Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit, shelterless, all-breed rescue group headquartered in Massachusetts. Our group is comprised of volunteers from all over New England who love dogs and want to help those that end up homeless through no fault of their own. Loyal and loving dogs turn up every day in New England and Southern shelters, as owners turn them in or they're found roaming the streets after being dumped. To the best of our abilities, we evaluate all of our Great Dogs temperament and suitability for living with other dogs, cats, and children. A dog's health is checked, and we make sure they are up-to-date on all shots and are spayed or neutered. Then, we place them in loving foster homes until they find their very own family. Our goal is to meet the needs of each dog as an individual and to assure proper placement in a loving forever home.
"Great People ~ Great experience~ Great Dog!"
— heidi c.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"Great dog is where I rescued my girl"
— amanda t.
Adoptee
#218 in United States, #6 in Massachusetts
Sweet Paws Rescue (SPR) is a registered non-profit animal rescue based in Massachusetts. We are a grassroots, boots-on-the-ground, shelterless, foster-based, and volunteer-powered organization. We primarily work within two of the poorest counties in Mississippi and Alabama and since 2011, we have rescued close to 22,000 puppies, dogs, kittens, and cats that would not have a chance at life otherwise. We are also a New England resource for the abandoned and displaced, and animals seized in cruelty cases within our home state.
"Rescued our 2nd dog from Sweet Paws. An incredible team of people and volunteers."
— nadia d.
Adoptee, Supporter
"Sweet Paws Rescue is a giant family. We all work together to place dogs in the best possible homes. We..."
— kerri c.
Volunteer / foster
#361 in United States, #9 in Massachusetts
We may be the new rescue in town, but we are not new to rescue. We are seasoned and we are committed. Established in late 2019, we have a core leadership and consulting team with decades of combined rescue, corporate, and dog behavior experience. We are in the business of second chances. In addition to being a resource for local dogs, Rescue Inc. homes the displaced and abandoned dogs from the rural south that would not have chance at life otherwise. We partner with organizations in Mississippi, Alabama, and Massachusetts, that enhance the human-animal bond, and improve the well-being of an at-risk canine population. As a licensed and registered 501(c)(3) organization, we rely on your tax-deductible donations to support our rescue efforts. Every dollar is put to work supporting our mission to provide options for animals when there are none.
"I first became part of the Rescue, Inc. family in early 2020 after which I fostered multiple “difficult” dogs and..."
— caitlin a.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#361 in United States, #9 in Massachusetts
Greyhound
Greyhound Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and dog adoption shelter based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1983, we are dedicated to placing greyhounds and other dogs in responsible, loving adoptive homes, as well as educating the public about the greyhound breed and generally promoting animal welfare through educational & outreach programs.
"So happy to see their continued work all these years later after adopting our first grey!"
— jen c.
Adoptee
#361 in United States, #9 in Massachusetts
At The Dog House, our mission is to pave the way for dogs in need to find their forever homes. Our furry residents boast a multitude of backgrounds some have been entrusted to us by previous owners, while others have been rescued from various shelters. We take a tailored approach to each dog's journey, taking the time to intimately grasp their distinct personalities, strengths, and areas with potential. This comprehensive process empowers us to thoughtfully pair them with compatible forever homes, ensuring a harmonious and enduring companionship. By investing in the uniqueness of each dog, we're scripting narratives of heartwarming transformations and the joy of a new beginning in the embrace of a loving family.
"I have donated money to this shelter, mainly because of the devotion that Dalis gives to her shelter. Her life..."
— susan s.
Supporter, Fan
#600 in United States, #12 in Massachusetts
Second Chance Animal Services is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded in 1999. Second Chance began as an animal shelter and grew to help more pets in need. Today Second Chance operates Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester providing access to the highest-quality veterinary care for all. Subsidized rates are provided to underserved communities to ensure access to care for all pets in need. Last year Second Chance helped over 49,000 pets live better lives through full-service veterinary care, spay/neuter services, adoption services, community & educational outreach programs, training, and a pet food pantry. Second Chance is a 501c3 tax exempt organization EIN: 04-3490671
#600 in United States, #12 in Massachusetts
Dakin Humane Society is a 501 (c) (3) community-supported animal welfare organization that provides shelter, medical care, and spay/neuter services to more than 20,000 animals each year. Since its inception in 1969, Dakin has become one of the most recognized nonprofit organizations in the Pioneer Valley and a national leader in animal welfare.
#600 in United States, #12 in Massachusetts
We are an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 organization whose leadership brings decades of combined experience in animal welfare and rescue. At Lighthouse Animal Shelter we focus our efforts on helping homeless animals, with the main focus being adult and senior animals.
#600 in United States, #12 in Massachusetts
Brown Dog Coalition & Rescue is a 501(c)3, volunteer-run, foster-based, dog and cat rescue based in Hopkinton, MA.
#600 in United States, #12 in Massachusetts
Boston
For 125 years, The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has responded to the needs of animals and the people who care about them. In fact, we are often the first to respond. With over 1,200 dedicated volunteers and 100 staff members, ARL lends unwavering support to local animals, families, and neighborhoods. We provide outstanding veterinary care, adoption, and field services. We also confront the root causes of animal cruelty and neglect through special police investigation and advocacy aimed at strengthening the laws that protect animals.
#600 in United States, #12 in Massachusetts
Jet Wag helps rescues and shelters in heavily-burdened areas place at-risk adoptable dogs and cats with loving families.
#600 in United States, #12 in Massachusetts
New England Border Collie Rescue, Inc. (NEBCR) is a network of volunteers working to find homes for Border Collies in need within the Northeast US. Our dogs are all fostered in home environments, and we do not operate a central facility/shelter. NEBCR assists dogs in need regardless of age or health concerns. New England Border Collie Rescue originated as a group of eight concerned volunteers, led by Carole Presberg, in 1999 to help this special breed. Incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2000, we have spent 20 years rescuing dogs, educating the public, and assisting owners about living with this quirky breed. Our efforts include staffing booths at festivals, hosting events, and assisting owners with referrals to trainers, and new activities to try in their area.
#600 in United States, #12 in Massachusetts
Today we continue to make the rescue of local cats and dogs our first priority. Many of our animals arrive via owner surrender or from local overburdened animal control agencies, humane societies, and rescue groups. Due to effective spay and neuter in New England, we are also able to take in and find homes for animals from other areas of the country and beyond that are struggling with animal overpopulation issues.
#600 in United States, #12 in Massachusetts
We are a small shelter at less than 2000 square feet of indoor space, but what we lack in space we make up for in our dedication to the quality of care. We are fortunate to have a great adoption program and social media reach to get animals into their great forever homes as quickly as possible. We also leverage our robust foster network to get our more stressed-out cats and dogs into these temporary homes so we may gain more information to best place these pets. While the animals are in shelter our priority is to make their stay as stress-free and as enriching as possible through training, play, cuddle time, and general goofing around. Our dedicated staff in concert with our veritable army of volunteers sees to this each day.
LHK9 is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit all-breed dog rescue based in Massachusetts. We are dedicated to saving abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs from high-kill shelters in Central Arkansas and beyond. Though our rescue efforts are focused in the Central Arkansas area, we also serve as a resource for local dog surrenders, shelters, and special rescue efforts in other areas. We don't discriminate on the basis of age, pre-existing medical conditions, or breed, because every dog deserves to know love. As the literal ‚'last hope' of the dogs we serve, our southern fosters pull dogs and puppies from partner shelters in Arkansas. While in foster, each dog receives love, care, and medical treatment, then receives a health clearance and transports to New England. After a mandatory 48-hour quarantine stay and an additional health clearance, each dog is picked up and fostered by a northern foster family who serves as a gateway to his/her adoptive home, affectionately known as a FURever home.
Buddy & Friends Animal Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization based in Pembroke, MA. We are NOT a shelter facility and rely solely on the backbone of our rescue which is fosters and volunteers.
The Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM) is a 501(c)(3) education and outreach animal shelter serving Plymouth, Norfolk, and Bristol counties. Since 2009, we have placed over 10,000 animals into forever homes. Our Mission is to operate a managed admission animal care and adoption facility, with focus on prevention of cruelty to animals, education and outreach. The APCSM offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year and we encourage animal lovers of all ages to participate!
Welcome to the 2024 Massachusetts Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
If you are interested in adopting, the first step is submitting an adoption application and reading through the below adoption information. We HIGHLY recommend getting fully approved to adopt before looking at specific dogs since many tend to get adopted quickly, especially puppies and small dogs. Our goal is to make sure we find the perfect match for you, your family, and each of our dogs. To help with this process, we carefully screen all of our potential adopters to ensure we are placing our dogs into the right homes. Applying does not mean you are required to adopt, it just lets us know you that are seriously considering adopting a dog. Please only fill out an application if you are serious about adopting! Our team of volunteers spend hours processing an average of 140+ applications each week. Please note that if you have already filled out an application and have been approved, you do not need to fill out a second application, you can email adoptions@lasthopek9.org.
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.
Discover the Pomeranian, a breed celebrated for its friendly, intelligent, and loyal nature. Recognized as a small toy dog, Pomeranians have their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for herding starting in the 18th century.
Discover the Boston Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and intelligent nature. Recognized as a small dog, Boston Terriers are originally from the United States, where they were bred for fighting starting in the late 19th century. Today, Boston Terriers are popular companion dogs, beloved by their owners for their compact appearance and playful personalities.
Discover the Shih Tzu, a breed celebrated for its friendly, playful, and loyal nature. Recognized as a small dog, Shih Tzus have their origins in China, where they were initially bred for bred as companions for royalty starting in ancient times dating all the way back to 1,000 years ago.
Discover the Miniature Poodle, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, intelligent, and friendly nature. Recognized as a small dog, Miniature Poodles have their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for retrieving game from water starting in the 15th century.
Discover the Bull Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and alert nature. Recognized as a medium dog, Bull Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fighting and bull-baiting starting in the early 19th 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!
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.
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.