This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Orlando, FL. 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.
#39 in United States, #3 in Florida, #1 in Orlando
#2 in german Shepherd
German Shepherd
Orlando
Cash 4 Canines, Inc. dba Rescue Rebels' sole mission is to provide a better and improved life, essentially a "second chance", for working dog breeds that have been left at shelters, surrendered by their owners, or that have been abused and neglected. Through Rescue Rebels, these companion animals are rescued, given the physical care necessary, spayed or neutered, and provided with behavioral guidance if necessary. Our TLC Transformation Project welcomes medically fragile companion animals, that have been left at shelters and provides funds for the medical care unique to each animal's needs, and then finds these animals foster homes or "fur" ever homes.
"Rescue Rebels is such an awesome rescue. They came to our aid when we were begging for help in..."
— paul w.
Supporter
"I have been volunteering with Rescue Rebels for over 2 years. I am proud to be part of an organization..."
— paige d.
Volunteer / foster
#97 in United States, #10 in Florida, #2 in Orlando
Orlando
Adore Pet Rescue is an all volunteer based rescue in the Central Florida area committed to rescuing and finding forever homes for all types of dogs and cats. We do not have a physical location, instead all of our animals are in foster homes throughout the orlando area where they are treated like part of the family. After our inception in 2020 we have grown significantly, having over 1850 adoptions in our first four years of operation.
"I volunteer with Adore Pet Rescue I foster kittens, do Vet Checks and interview potential adopters I have enjoyed helping all..."
— claudia j.
Volunteer / foster
"I fostered 10 dogs with Adore Pet Rescue and all were awesome and found their forever homes. The last one..."
— beverly f.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
#98 in United States, #11 in Florida, #3 in Orlando
Orlando
Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) is a progressive animal-welfare focused organization that enforces the Orange County Code to protect both citizens and animals. OCAS is the only open admission shelter in Orange County, which means that it does not turn away any animal and accepts all animals, regardless of their temperament or health. The health and well-being of the animals in the care of OCAS is of the utmost importance to Orange County and its community. Most animals are ideal candidates for adoption, yet some come to the shelter suffering from long-term and profound health problems, as a result of being homeless, stray or abused. On average, the shelter receives approximately 50 animals each day, but these numbers can double during peak summer months.
"Rescued my pup from there in December. The staff were so nice and helpful! The animals all deserving of love..."
— ginger f.
Adoptee
"We need help! County won’t really step in with funding and these dogs suffer for it. Only one meal a..."
— erica s.
Volunteer / foster
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
Seminole County Animal Services was established in the early 1970's to have local ordinances to prevent domestic animal nuisances and to have a safe place to take stray and homeless pets. Today not only do we enforce ordinances, we provide such services as rabies vaccinations and microchipping as well. We ask that you 'Adopt- Don't Shop' and come to the shelter and adopt your next family pet. We also have plenty of volunteer and foster home opportunities if you would like to help the homeless pets in our community. As our mission statement says ‚'We strive to preserve the lives of all animals'.
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
About Us Happy Trails Animal Rescue is a 501c3 Non Profit Animal Rescue Group located in the Central Florida area. Our organization was founded in 2013. After five years of rescuing and rehabilitating dogs in need from local area shelters, we started to realize that we have to get to the source of the issue rather than only trying to clean up the mess. We opened a brand new Community Resource Center for pet owners in 2019 that services Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties that provides free and low cost training assistance, educational programs, youth programs, a pet food pantry, help with emergency veterinary expenses, free grooming, and other assistance. Our mission is to provide the resources and support pet owners in our community need to create a better community for the animals in Central Florida and help reduce overpopulation and keep existing pets in their homes. As always, we will still be taking in and rehabilitating shelter dogs in need and appreciate all of the support we have received from Central Florida in our rescue endeavors.
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
Since our formation in 2006, we have successfully rehabilitated, spayed/neutered, and placed over 20,000 animals with warm, loving families!
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
#3 in greyhound
Greyhound
Orlando
We provide transport and accommodations for greyhounds ‚and sighthounds alike ‚ to assist them on their journey to their forever homes. Many hounds are brought from overseas into the United States and driven to their adopting family with the help of volunteers. With many miles behind us, our mission is to get as many dogs into loving homes as possible
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
As the go-to pet experts across Central Florida, Pet Alliance does good things for dogs and cats and the people who love them. Formerly the SPCA of Central Florida and Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, our goal is to provide compassionate and knowledgeable services for pets and to be leaders in innovative animal care and sheltering.
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
Pet Rescue By Judy is a non-profit "NO KILL" organization dedicated to the rescuing and rehabilitation, of companion animals. Many of them come to us with medical needs. They are doctored to the best of our ability and resources.
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
We are a foster-based, non-profit dog rescue, based out of Hunter's Creek (SW Orlando), Florida. The rescue's story began with a lost dog in our community, Hunter, a 2-year-old German Shepherd. Poor Hunter was abandoned by his owners, left to fend for himself alone on the streets of Hunter's Creek. Based on sightings, the community knew he was alone for at least a month, and speculated he was probably roaming for 2-3 months total. The community came together on a mission to save Hunter, and shared photos and updates on the community Hunters Creek/Southchase Rants, Raves & Reviews Facebook page. Despite countless efforts from the community, Hunter was terrified and would not allow anyone approach him (and story has it this boy can gain speed FAST!) Multiple homes throughout several Hunter's Creek neighborhoods graciously set out feeding stations for him to help assure he stayed fed while on his journey. The community stepped up to bring volunteer trappers from East Orlando, and the traps were monitored with a live feed, but Hunter still managed to evade any attempts to catch him. Volunteers in Hunter's Creek came day and night to refresh and reset the trap and release any wildlife that ventured in the trap meant for Hunter. The trap was even relocated 3 separate times, based on patterns determined from the sightings shared on the Facebook page. On December 27th, Hunter was so hungry that he finally entered the trap - he was instantly caught on camera and the trappers sent an SOS so the local community could get to him quickly while the trappers made the long commute. A group of about 8 neighbors showed up to transfer the trap into a community member's van. Hunter's Creek Veterinary Hospital was called, and they kept their doors open and remained in the office late for us to arrive as they had also been following Hunter's journey. Hunter was terrified but never showed aggression while being scanned for a microchip. A chip was located, and the rescuers were hopeful. Voicemails were left and Hunter was transferred to a temporary foster home until his owners could be located. Hunter was very overwhelmed and shy after his long journey - he always wanted to have his back in a corner, he was unable to make eye contact with anyone and his tail was stuck between his legs. His foster mom spent the first night sleeping on the couch with him and he started to get a taste of what love is all about. Hunter's owners were finally located, but they shared that they didn't want him. But there was a happy ending after all - Hunter found his forever home right here in Hunter's Creek! He now has a fan page with over 400 followers following his journey, along with other dogs in need. Hunter now lives with his new mom, dad, teenage brother, college sister and fur sister. He is learning to trust more every day and even learned what it's like to play! He loves to be outside and lounge by his new pool or run in the yard with his fur sister. After Hunter's successful adoption, a handful of the community members united through his journey decided to start a rescue mission, named after the pup who started it all, and Hunter's Village Rescue (HVR) was born! The community has been incredibly supportive of us from day 1, and we truly could not have made the difference we've made without their support.
Welcome to the 2024 Orlando, FL Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Orlando, FL chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 10 private dog parks in the Orlando area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Orlando dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
Adoption ProcessAn applicant must be 23, or older, to apply for adoption of a companion animal.Download and Complete Rescue Rebels' application. Please make sure it is completed fully; signed; and returned to Rescue Rebels via email at rescue.rebels@yahoo.com. Upon receipt of the application, Rescue Rebels will do a vet reference check and a personal reference check. Rescue Rebels works hard to process all applications as fast as possible. It can take up to 7 to 10 days to receive an initial call from Rescue Rebels. Please be sure your application is filled out COMPLETELY prior to submitting to Rescue Rebels.Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will be approved.To adopt an animal under the age of 6 months old, it is required that the potential adopter work 4 hours or less a day or work from home in order to provide proper training for the animals. Once the application is approved a rescue representative will contact you directly to schedule a home visit. All family members must be present during this scheduled home visit.If the home visit is a success, Rescue Rebels will schedule a meet and greet with all family members and resident pets. You will be required to travel to the location where the pet is being fostered.Additional Points of InformationCurrent companion animals in the home must be spayed or neutered. All animals in the home must be up-to-date on required vaccines, flea and tick preventatives as well as heartworm preventatives.
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. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular 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. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.