This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New Jersey. 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.
#12 in United States, #1 in New Jersey
Trenton
MatchDog Rescue MatchDog is a personal foster-based canine rescue community in South Jersey with a vision to save abandoned dogs of all ages from unwarranted euthanasia. We rescue, match, and rehome these loving souls as companion animals in an effort to end overpopulation and abuse.
"Our adoption for our dog, Millie, was so smooth from start to finish. Matchdog helps rescues so many dogs and..."
— adriene f.
Adoptee
"I love Matchdog Rescue. They have saved thousands of dogs since I started volunteering for them."
— geralyn t.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#39 in United States, #2 in New Jersey
There are an estimated 500,000 stray dogs in Puerto Rico, a US Commonwealth about the size of Connecticut. Back in October of 2018 four team members went to the island to see if they could help. Throughout the week, the team saved over 30 dogs. Within the next 8 months, the team visited the island 3 more times and continued to save another 50 Satos and placed them in loving homes. They volunteered at The Spayathon for Puerto Rico, doing everything they could to make a difference, but it still was not enough. This is when Save the Satos was formed. We have made it our life's mission to not stop until we make a difference in the stray population on this beautiful little island.
"We rescued our sweet boy “Kimi Raikkonen” from Save The Satos 3 years ago (4/9/2021).. We worked with Amy..."
— erin e.
Adoptee
"Anyone can rescue but traveling to another country to rescue is admirable and that to me shows the true meaning..."
— gisela a.
Supporter
#130 in United States, #3 in New Jersey
Trenton
Placing homeless animals in loving, forever homes while providing shelter, socialization, medical care and enrichment, since 2010
"Sammy’s Hope works to provide support to local municipal shelters and their pets in need. Their volunteers work tirelessly..."
— kim s.
Supporter, Fan
"Sometimes goodbye is a second chance. For recently homeless animals in need of a fresh start you cannot find..."
— t. b.
Adoptee
#266 in United States, #4 in New Jersey
Pit Bull
Trenton
Pitties and Pals Rescue, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit animal rescue group. Our mission is to rescue dogs and educate the public. Although our main focus is the bully breed, we are committed to all dogs in need. We believe RESCUE involves a multitude of approaches that includes liberating dogs from at risk situations, whether in a shelter or with an owner in need of assistance. While adoption is always the ultimate goal, we believe transitioning into foster care allows for socialization and training that are key components to a successful placement.
"My favorite rescue...bully breeds are often musunderstood and/or overlooked. These folks do all they can to rescue, rehab and either..."
— pamela w.
Volunteer / foster
"Pitties and Pals Rescue is dedicated to pulling high risk pits and some “pals” from the shelter. They truely pull..."
— theresa h.
Volunteer / foster
#361 in United States, #5 in New Jersey
Southern Paws Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit dog rescue based in Northern New Jersey. We collaborate with fellow rescues to rehome dogs facing euthanasia due to overpopulation. Additionally, we offer education, training, networking, disaster relief response, and shelter crisis management to support other animal organizations in their rescue endeavors. Our mission is to advocate for the voiceless and offer hope to the hopeless, guided by our motto: "Teamwork makes the Dreamwork".
"This is a wonderful rescue that takes in dogs with medical problems & injuries. No expense or work is spared..."
— marcia d.
Supporter
#361 in United States, #5 in New Jersey
Trenton
WISE is a foster-based rescue in New Jersey dedicated to rescuing animals of all ages and breeds from places where they are no longer wanted or are not being properly cared for. By partnering with veterinary practices that support our work, we are able to save animals lives and restore them back to health.
"Wise does a phenomenal job savings dogs that would be put down if left in the shelter. They often take..."
— lynn n.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#361 in United States, #5 in New Jersey
Trenton
The Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded in 1945 to care for the community's homeless, neglected and abused animals. The MCSPCA is not affiliated with any other shelter or welfare organization. We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive our funding from the Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, or the Associated Humane Societies, Inc.
"I have worked for, volunteered with, and adopted from both of these organizations. They are truly phenomenal and always have..."
— raquel r.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member
#361 in United States, #5 in New Jersey
Boxer
Trenton
NJBR is a non profit, 501 C3 organization that provides complete surrender and adoption services. We provide a full range of rescue services including the intake of boxers from shelters or owners, a thorough interview and adoption process and continuous follow-up with our adoptive homes, as well as providing assistance to any boxer home or other rescue that reaches out to us.
"NJ Boxer rescue shows diligence in saving life of the dogs in their care with careful selection of their foster..."
— jen y.
Supporter
#361 in United States, #5 in New Jersey
Trenton
For more than 80 years, St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center has been dedicated to helping animals in need, regardless of species, size, or temperament. With a people-focused, community-based approach, we treat every animal as an individual and emphasize specialized care for both animals and their families.
"St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center is a top notch organization that has mobilized an army of animal care providers to..."
— jonathan y.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#361 in United States, #5 in New Jersey
Trenton
For more than 50 years, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter has been providing exceptional care for homeless animals, working tirelessly to find a permanent, loving home for every cat and dog we serve. Our priority is to save abandoned animals within our community; however, our efforts don't end there. We also partner with shelters around the country to save at risk animals from being euthanized. Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter never euthanizes any animal for time or space reasons. Adoptable animals reside with us until they find their forever home. We become their loving family until they become a part of yours. Mt. Pleasant animal shelter is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that is solely funded by contributions, grants and bequests.
"Mt. Pleasant works tireless to saves dogs from throughout the country while providing support to the local community. Through..."
— michele g.
Staff member
#361 in United States, #5 in New Jersey
Pit Bull
Jersey Pits Rescue, Inc. is a foster based animal rescue group located in New Jersey.
"They often take in pregnant mamas from the shelter. And they always make sure the mama dog gets adopted..."
— ashley r.
Supporter
#361 in United States, #5 in New Jersey
German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) are an energetic, loving, stubborn, but fiercely loyal breed of dogs often given up or abandoned for just these qualities. In many cases, people do not understand a GSP's energy level or need for companionship before getting the dog. This can lead to surrender or abandonment. nySNOW8rm6Luckily, we are an energetic, loving, stubborn, but fiercely loyal bunch of volunteers dedicated to finding forever homes for abandoned, neglected, abused and unwanted purebred GSPs. As part of our mission, we also educate the public about the breed and requirements of dog ownership in general. We also assist GSP owners as needed in order to prevent abandonment or surrender. Most members are current or past GSP owners; all share a love of this magnificent breed. The collective knowledge and dog experience in our group is a tremendous asset that differentiates us from many other rescue groups. It also enables our record of success. Our deep understanding of the breed helps us to match the right dog to the right
"The rescue goes above and beyond helping every dog that comes into our program as well as doing everything possible..."
— karlyn w.
Volunteer / foster
#600 in United States, #13 in New Jersey
Peyton's Safe Haven is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer organization. We have a dedicated team of fosters, vets, and volunteers that care for each animal as their own until they find a forever home. We started in 2018 in hopes of creating a family of fosters, adopters, donors, and volunteers and bringing everyone together for animals in need in NYC and surrounding counties. To date, Peyton's Safe Haven has rescued over 1,000 animals.
#600 in United States, #13 in New Jersey
Trenton
The Voorhees Animal Orphanage is a 501-c-3, non-profit Municipal Animal Shelter dedicated to providing shelter, food and medical care to stray and unwanted animals until permanent homes can be found. We are an open-intake animal shelter serving 25 municipalities in Southern New Jersey, 21 of which are in Camden County. Although the Voorhees Animal Orphanage serves more than half of Camden County, NJ, we do not receive any operational or financial support from the County. The only income we receive are the monthly fees we receive from the municipalities that we serve, and adoption fees. Otherwise, we rely very heavily upon the generosity of charitable donations to help us meet our budget. We are also an Adoption Center. That means when space allows, we are able to rescue cats & dogs from over-crowded, high-kill shelters and rescues. We work with local, regional and national shelters and rescue groups, saving lives wherever and whenever we can. In 2023 we were able to save the lives of over 2,100 cats and dogs that made their way to our shelter. We have saved over 40,000 lives since our inception in 1988. We do not discriminate against any breed, nor do we turn an animal away due to medical conditions or age. Each and every animal in our shelter receives individual consideration and attention, regardless of the number of animals we may have in our care. We believe that every animal has the right home and family waiting for them. Our goal is to operate to meet or exceed a 90% live release rate (a.k.a., No-kill). In 2023, our live release rate was 94.3%! We strive to be an exemplary shelter and adoption center through collaborative partnerships, responsible business practices, and exceptional customer service. It is our firm belief that working together, we can save more lives!
#600 in United States, #13 in New Jersey
We are a non-profit group of volunteers dedicated to rescuing dogs, puppies and other animals that are doomed due to overcrowding in shelters, abandonment, or unwanted pets. We provide immediate medical attention as well as loving foster homes. Each animal is socialized and evaluated in a family setting.
#600 in United States, #13 in New Jersey
Hounds in Pounds was founded in 2015 by a small-town girl expecting to save a few dogs. Since our inception, we have saved countless lives and have become a lifeline for shelters all over the southeast. We do not discriminate against ANY breed; that's because we are a real rescue, and we will help as many dogs as we can. Our primary goal is to get them into loving homes. We hope that someday all of them make it out, but we will never forget the ones who do not. If we can help save a life, we will. If we save a litter of puppies, we save the moms; mama dogs are often bred for their puppies and left behind with a grim future ahead of them; if we save a male, we save a female. If we rescue a puppy, we save a senior; if we rescue a purebred, we save a mix. We do not discriminate- no life, no matter what, is unworthy of love and a second chance. Each dog we pull to safety is a family member treated with the utmost love and respect. Many dogs we rescue are cases no one else will take; our motto at HIP is to never say never. We take on cases that others have deemed hopeless and help rewrite their futures. To be clear, we are working for them. These dogs are our heroes, and we look to them for hope, inspiration, and sometimes the strength to keep going. We also consider our followers, donors, adopters, rescue partners, and the rescue community a direct extension of our team. Without these moving parts, Hounds in Pounds wouldn't be able to do what we do.
#600 in United States, #13 in New Jersey
Trenton
Welcome to our new website Brendan's Meadows Rescue is an all volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit, no kill dog rescue and placement organization incorporated in 2009. We are comprised of a small group of devoted volunteers who are committed to giving dogs a second chance in life. Our mission is to find an optimal forever home for all the dogs that cross our paths.
#600 in United States, #13 in New Jersey
Trenton
NJSH Pet Rescue is a foster based 501(c)(3) dog and cat rescue located in Chester, New Jersey. We provide our dogs and cats an abundance of love and patience, the highest level of veterinary care and positive reinforcement training. We believe these principles give our adoptable dogs and cats the best opportunity to have a smooth and successful transition to their forever home. We promote our belief that a healthy, well-trained dog and educated adopter has the greatest chance of successful adoption. We primarily rescue New Jersey dogs and place them ONLY within 90 minutes of our home base in Chester New Jersey. We do this so we can continue to be a resource for our adopters well after the adoption happens.
#600 in United States, #13 in New Jersey
Trenton
The mission of Rescue Haven Foundation is to save dogs and give them a chance at a new life. We do this by providing foster homes that will nurture their physical and emotional health, help locate their ideal forever homes while providing support and training to help assure that their stay in their new homes will be a permanent and positive experience.
#600 in United States, #13 in New Jersey
Trenton
Wag On Inn Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue that was founded in 1998. We are a foster-based rescue, and primarily care for dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, and rats in foster homes with love and care from our amazing volunteers. We pair with sister rescue groups in Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina and North Carolina to save animals victim to pet overpopulation in the South. We also take local owner surrenders and assist shelters in NY, NJ and PA. Each animal is fully vetted prior to adoption, and all animals, with the exception of guinea pigs, are spayed/neutered prior to adoption in an effort to curb the pet overpopulation crisis. In recent years, through the efforts of an amazing group of volunteers, we have grown our team allowing us to save even more animals! In 2018 we had a total of 225 adoptions. In 2019 we doubled that number to 458 adoptions. In 2020, the year of the pandemic, we celebrated 941 adoptions, an amazing accomplishment.
MatchDog Rescue MatchDog is a personal foster-based canine rescue community in South Jersey with a vision to save abandoned dogs of all ages from unwarranted euthanasia. We rescue, match, and rehome these loving souls as companion animals in an effort to end overpopulation and abuse.
Placing homeless animals in loving, forever homes while providing shelter, socialization, medical care and enrichment, since 2010
Pitties and Pals Rescue, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit animal rescue group. Our mission is to rescue dogs and educate the public. Although our main focus is the bully breed, we are committed to all dogs in need. We believe RESCUE involves a multitude of approaches that includes liberating dogs from at risk situations, whether in a shelter or with an owner in need of assistance. While adoption is always the ultimate goal, we believe transitioning into foster care allows for socialization and training that are key components to a successful placement.
Welcome to the 2024 New Jersey Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in New Jersey 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 New Jersey dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
MatchDog Rescue Adoption Application Powered by Petstablished in association with Wagtopia Your Personal Information Have an Account? Log inFIRST NAME First Name LAST NAME Last Name HOME PHONE Home Phone CELL PHONE Cell Phone EMAIL ADDRESS Email Address CONFIRM EMAIL ADDRESS Confirm Email Address GENDER FEMALE MALE BIRTHDATE * CURRENT ADDRESS Current Address * CITY City STATE ZIP CODE Zip Code COUNTRY United States PLEASE UNCHECK THIS BOX IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO RECEIVE FURTHER INFORMATION FROM WAGTOPIA.COM I HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. BY CHECKING THIS BOX I AM CONFIRMING THAT I AM 13 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
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.