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The Best Philadelphia, PA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Philadelphia, PA. 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.

All 4 Paws Rescue
#235 in United States, #8 in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
All 4 Paws Rescue is a non-profit, foster-based, all-breed, no-kill animal rescue based in Malvern, PA that offers rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary to animals in need. Our goal is to offer each and every one of these animals a safe, permanent and loving home. All 4 Paws Rescue was founded in May, 2009. Since inception, All 4 Paws Rescue has saved over 15,000 needy animals and continues to grow and save lives daily. For most of the animals rescued by All 4 Paws, we are their last chance. Many reside in shelters that are not even open to the public but are instead holding facilities where the animals go to die. Many come from commercial breeding facilities that throw them away like trash when they are no longer useful for breeding purposes or not fit for sale. Puppies, purebreds, family pets - these are animals you would never expect to end up in these horrible situations but it is a sad reality. Through our extensive rescue network, All 4 Paws has developed relationships nationwide that allow us to save countless lives that would otherwise have been ended. As a foster based rescue, our animals live in homes with our families and our personal pets so we are able to learn a great deal about them and work on preparing them for their forever home. There is no greater feeling than releasing these wonderful animals into a safe yard and watching them run and play as they should. They sleep curled up in soft beds in our homes when hours before they laid on concrete floors. They feel grass beneath their feet when many have never experienced the outdoors. Having never known freedom or a full belly, they are so very thankful. This is why we at All 4 Paws Rescue do what we do - because they all deserve a home.
"This organization is doing amazing work! Entirely foster based, all of the dogs are in homes before their adoption, meaning..."
— emily m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"All 4 Paws Rescue is TRULY for the dogs! The organization, staff, and volunteers care deeply about the mission and..."
— krista j.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter, Fan

ACCT Philly
#361 in United States, #20 in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
ACCT Philly is the region's largest animal care and control service provider, serving the City of Philadelphia by contract. ACCT Philly manages the city's animal shelter facility in North Philadelphia handling nearly 18,000 animals, from dogs and cats, to small animals, reptiles, birds and wildlife, annually.
"I always advocate for them because their volunteers work tirelessly for these dogs. Pit bulls are the best breed. I..."
— andrea s.
Adoptee

Wet Nose Rescue
#361 in United States, #20 in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
We are an all breed dog rescue, founded in 2008 in Southampton, Pennsylvania. Wet Nose Rescue is a 100% foster based rescue meaning that while we have an adoption center, we do not kennel dogs there. Instead our adoptable dogs and puppies are kept in local foster homes which allows them to become socialized with families and not kept in a kennel while waiting to be adopted. We aim to match adoptable dogs with loving and caring families, while making the adoption process simple and straight forward.
"I love the Sanctuary and I love watching all the videos of animals that were rescued and live in their..."
— karen h.
Fan

Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
#361 in United States, #20 in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
PAWS comprehensive programs save and serve Philadelphia's most vulnerable pets: pulling at-risk animals out of the city's shelter and placing them in loving adoptive and foster homes, giving struggling pet owners the help they need to keep their pets as cherished family members rather than face abandonment, and preventing the birth of unwanted litters.
"PAWS is amazing. They made sure my puppy came to me well-looked after and happy, and gave me advice to..."
— samara a.
Adoptee

KittenSnatchers
#600 in United States, #26 in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
WE'RE A VOLUNTEER-LED NONPROFIT DEDICATED TO RESCUING PHILADELPHIA'S STRAY CATS AND KITTENS!

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

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

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 3 private dog parks in the Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Philadelphia

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States Near Pennsylvania

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list

Sniffspot Philadelphia Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Philadelphia?

There are 3 in Philadelphia. Outside of Philadelphia, there are 7 located in Pennsylvania.

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

There are many reputable rescues in Philadelphia, the top 3 on our list are: All 4 Paws Rescue, Hinde S Animal Rescue Team, KittenSnatchers.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Philadelphia?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Philadelphia. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
We do our best to keep the adoption process straight-forward and simple in an effort to get our available pets into a permanent, stable and loving home in a timely manner. You will be asked to fill out an adoption application giving All 4 Paws Rescue information about yourself, your family and your experience with pets. We will ask for your vet (if you have/had a pet) and landlord/property manager information (if applicable), along with 3 personal references. Be sure to include what you are looking for in your new pet as it helps us with the matchmaking process! It generally takes our team about 3-5 days to complete an application. This timing may vary based on how quickly and easily your references are reached and how many applications are pending at that time. Please give all of your references a heads up to help us speed things along. Our goal is to find our animals the best possible home and if multiple applications are received, All 4 Paws Rescue will make the decision as to which home would be best for that particular pet.

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

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Philadelphia, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby metro, Peace Love and Poms Rescue, CHAR WILLS GERMAN GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE, 3 Husketeers Rescue

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Philadelphia that specialize in senior dogs?

We do not have any record of senior dog rescues and shelters in Philadelphia, but these are the closest cities with senior dog rescues and shelters: Pittsburgh

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Philadelphia, PA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

All 4 Paws Rescue

ACCT Philly

Wet Nose Rescue

Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

KittenSnatchers

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Philadelphia

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States Near Pennsylvania

Sniffspot Philadelphia Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Philadelphia?

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

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Philadelphia?

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

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Philadelphia that specialize in senior dogs?

David Adams

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