The Best Phoenix, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Sky Sanctuary Rescue

Sky Sanctuary specialize in the humane capture and rescue of stray, fearful and injured animals from the streets of Phoenix, Arizona, the surrounding desert areas and local shelters. We often rescue the abandoned, lost and forgotten animals. Fiercely advocating for the animals in our care. Often our animals have extensive and complex medical needs that require a profound level of specialty medical care. Not only do we invest in our animal's physical health, we utilize a trusted group of trainers to build confidence, empower and improve our animal's mental well-being in order to live peaceful, happy lives in family homes. We are very different from other animal rescue organizations. We are "boots on the ground" in our community while passionately fight for the dogs and animals no one else has the courage to take on. We have a knack for finding ourselves in pretty breathtaking scenarios- some call it divine intervention, others call it luck. We live by the mantra "if not me then who?". We are funded solely by public donations through social media. We are grateful for the opportunity to help these animals. We would go to any length to #SAVETHESTREETDOGS

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue

My name is Geri Hormel and I am the founder of Almost There Rescue. What do we do at ATR? We save bitches. No, we don't go around seeking out malicious, unpleasant women and try to convince them to change their ways (although someone should!). We save dogs. Specifically, homeless, pregnant, large-breed dogs. We scoop those gals up from less than ideal situations and give them a place to birth and raise their pups. We work our tails off to give our pups the medical help, enrichment, socialization, and love that they need on their journeys to finding forever homes.

Puppy Luv Animal Rescue

Foster based, all breed, all size dog rescue.

Lucky Dog Rescue

Lucky Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals and educating the community on responsible pet ownership. Lucky Dog does not have its own facility. Instead, our dogs stay with temporary fosters and boarding partners while they wait to find their forever home. What makes us very different from other rescues is that we are dedicated to training and what happens after the dog is in his new home. We offer basic obedience raining classes to all our adopters. All our dogs are completely checked over and must be cleared by our vet for adoption. All dogs are altered, fully vaccinated, micro chipped, registered with county had a blood test to make sure we are not missing anything. You can be confident you are adopting a healthy, well adjusted dog from Lucky Dog Rescue. We hold adoption events where you can meet our Lucky Dogs and their foster, but more commonly we arrange private meetings for adopters. Our volunteers are more than just volunteers, and our dogs are more than just dogs. We are a family. And we welcome you to become a part! Lucky Dog Rescue came into existence after one individual (Lisa, founder) started saving one dog at a time back in late March of 2004. It began as a Dalmatian rescue, originally named Dalmatian Station. After seeing so many nice, highly adoptable dogs sitting in concrete cells in the county shelters, being put to sleep when no one came to the rescue, it quickly evolved into an all breed commitment, and we began saving several other breeds and mixes too! We are now a growing group of dog lovers who help all breeds and are committed to giving dogs a second chance at finding a forever home. We function solely on donations and volunteer help. If you’d like to be a part of this fun, growing group of dog lovers, please don’t hesitate to call us or email us with any questions! We’d be happy to have you design your own job description based on your talents and areas of interest. We always need volunteer help! Foster homes are always needed and essential to the foundation of the rescue program. Please consider opening your heart and home to save a homeless dog!

Ruby Ranch Pet Rescue and Sanctuary

It all started with one little old dog... While delivering blankets to the East Maricopa County shelter, I walked past what appeared to be an empty kennel. However upon closer inspection, I noticed a tiny, white, shivering little dog huddled in the corner. Her kennel plaque stated “Stray”, although I couldn’t imagine how this little girl could possibly have gotten lost, as I was pretty sure she was around for the Last Supper. When her stray period was up and no one came for her, I adopted her. Through some intense detective work, I discovered this little girl’s owner had passed away, and my senior friend had celebrated EIGHTEEN birthdays. Wow! She came complete with rotten teeth, a grade 5 heart murmur, and failing kidneys. Despite her poor prognosis, I decided to find a vet who would take a chance and remove those painfully abscessed teeth; amazingly enough she survived the surgery, and was the proud owner of 3 whole teeth. This little angel became known as Ruby and was a regular fixture at adoption events, often being carried around in her little wicker basket. All good things must come to an end, and 10 months after coming into our lives, little Ruby’s heart gave out a few days before her 19th birthday. Although with me for just a short period, it was worth the expense, heartache…as I was able to provide a loving home for my little friend in her golden moments, instead of ending her life in a shelter on a cold cement floor. I have had the pleasure over the years of fostering hundreds of animals including many seniors and those with special needs. I have decided to focus primarily on these wonderful animals…so in honor of little Ruby, Ruby Ranch Pet Rescue and Sanctuary was born. Ruby…the little dog who inspired a revolution

Arf-Anage Dog Rescue

White German Shepherd Rescue

Partnered with Southwest German Shepherd Rescue (an Arizona 501c3 tax exempt corporation) and a participating member rescue of CABRA (Coalition of All Breed Rescue of Arizona, also a 501c3 organization), we are a small group of individuals dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming white German Shepherd Dogs into their forever homes. First and foremost, we are all about the DOG. We do not place a dog into a home just because we need to make space for a new rescue. We put the dog's best interest at heart at all times and will not place a dog into a home that is not suitable.

Pets Return Home

Pets Return Home is a nonprofit organization providing canine behavior modification, training and convalescence support to municipal shelters, animal rescue organizations, and the Verde Valley community. Our mission: Save lives, enrich welfare and build adoptability of homeless animals, drives our every action. ​ Our team has extensive knowledge and hands-on experience working with hundreds of dogs with behavior, training or medical needs. ​ We are located near Clarkdale, AZ on a four-acre ranch bordering national forest, a canyon and the Verde River. Many of the dogs “free-range” on the fenced four-acre parcel. We have a 400 square foot (sq. ft.) medical clinic, six fenced play yards totaling over 4000 sq. ft., a 3000 sq. ft. agility/work yard and a 2100 sq. ft. kennel facility with ten 100 sq. ft. luxury kennels. ​ The location and facility layout enable dogs to socialize, exercise, overcome fears, build confidence & trust and earn adoptable status. ​ We welcome adopters, volunteers and visitors by appointment and are supported primarily through donations. ​ Our Behavior Development Philosophy Pets Return Home primarily accepts dogs with behavior or medical issues from reputable animal rescues, municipal shelters and the Verde Valley community as space permits. These dogs usually are saved from the kill-list at shelters, the unadoptable list for rescues or by owner surrenders. Our work involves ‘resetting the behavior’ of a dog using a variety of methods. We verify recognition of audible and/or hand commands, reinforce known commands and expose the dog to unknown commands. One driving philosophy of our work is that the dog’s new family must work with the dog to earn and build the bond, leadership and respect necessary to keep the dog stable, manageable and part of the family. ​ This is why every family adopting a dog from our facility receives post adoption training and instruction tailored for the dog they have just adopted and has been in our care for weeks, months or even years. ​ Every dog that arrives at our facility is placed in a three-day quarantine. During this time, they see, smell, hear and feel the surrounding environment without fear. The routines of the humans, other dogs and external influences are presented to them without their involvement. This initial observation time allows them to determine the rank of each dog in each pack on the property. In addition, they learn which humans are their primary caregivers and leaders. Likewise, the humans and other dogs on the facility have the opportunity to assess the ‘new student’. This introduction period is paramount to the success of our programs. ​ Pets Return Home currently uses three dog-packs that assist in helping behavior challenged dogs learn canine manners, discover trust, build confidence and implement acceptable behavior patterns. The pack members each have their own contribution to help guide the dog through its behavior growth. Our behavior development experts work with each dog individually and with the packs to increase predictable behavior. ​ After the initial assessment, each dog has continuous assessments to customize the behavior development program. There is no “cookie cutter” approach to behavior development at Pets Return Home. Each dog has a unique program customized to its needs. Socialization, exercise and challenge are other key components of our programs. ​ Each dog is taken off property for 1-5 mile hikes and swims (weather permitting) at least three times a week. The dogs are taken as a pack and individually, depending upon their level of development and needs. We have multiple ‘courage’ courses on the river and cliffs. We challenge the dog in pack and solo outings to help build trust and confidence. This by far is the most visible sign of a dog’s improvement. ​ All of the people handling the dogs have a deep understanding of dogs, their nature, behavior, operant conditioning, classical conditioning, punishers, reinforcers, and much more. We use methods to help dogs in the most humane ways possible, taking into account the dog’s psychological needs and natural ways of learning. We work with the dog so she can learn a new and more instinctual way of behaving.

Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue

We are a foster based dog rescue for the benefit of the Dogue de Bordeaux in the United States and Canada. Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue was originally founded in 1997 when a female Dogue de Bordeaux, later named Meg was found wandering the streets of New York and taken to a shelter. Since founded, Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue has gone through major changes. We have gone from being a 501(c)7 under the wing of the Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America, to being our own entity registered as Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue, Inc. With 501(c)3 charitable status in 2008. The rescue started as a smaller group of fanciers of the breed and one coordinator that handled a few dozen Dogues a year throughout the United States and Canada, to having hundreds of volunteers and followers who assist on average a hundred Dogues a year. We have grown to have a Board of Directors and Regional Directors each handling their areas of the country. We have established committees to handle different aspects of rescue such as fundraising, events, websites, and social media. Since our conception, we have remained 100% volunteer based and welcome other fanciers to join our team.

Paw Placement

Paw Placement is a non-profit 501(c)(3), no-kill organization. Our mission is to reduce euthanasia of dogs and cats through rescue, adoption, and education about responsible pet ownership. Paw Placement is an all-breed rescue, which means that we save everything from Pitbulls to Papillons! Our dogs are all in loving foster homes, we don't have a boarding facility. You can rest assured that every one of them is safe and loved until we find the perfect forever home. We know our pups very well, and we do everything we can to make sure they go to a home that is correctly equipped to handle the unique needs of each particular dog.

Desert Dogs Rescue Inc.

Peteys Playground

AZK9 Rescue

Starting Rover Rescue

Alone No More Dog Rescue

Alone No More Dog Rescue was founded in the Fall of 2020 by a group of animal advocates in Maricopa County to assist local shelters inundated with a high volume of stray and surrendered animals. After receiving our 501(c)(3) status in August of 2020, we partnered with MCACC as a New Hope Partner to work with behavioral, medical, and otherwise well-deserving dogs at highest risk of euthanasia. EIN 85-2503276

Stealing Hearts Rescue

Stealing Hearts Rescue was founded with the goal of making a difference in the lives of large breed shelter dogs. It is our mission to save the lives of many stronger breed dogs that are often overlooked and provide them with the opportunity to become loved and cherished companions. Stealing Hearts strives to save dogs from euthanasia, dogs that other shelters are unable to adopt including sick, pregnant, nursing moms and breeds of dogs often ignored by our communities. We feel as we educate people about these amazing breeds not only do we save that dog’s life, the new knowledge acquired by the owner is shared and we are able to reach many more. By saving one, we save many.

Stay With Me Animal Rescue

Established In 2022, Stay With Me Animal Rescue Is A No-Kill Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Dog Rescue That Primarily Operates Within The State Of Arizona. We Are A Small, Foster-Based Organization Who Prides Itself On Quality Over Quantity, Educating The Public On Issues Surrounding Dog Ownership/Rescue, And Simply Helping Our Community Of Animal Lovers In Any Way We Can. We Save Canines Regardless Of Their Color/Breed/History, And We Base Our Ability To Intake An Animal Solely On Our Ability To Give That Animal What It Needs To Thrive.

Adopt A Dog Rescue

We are a non profit 501c (3) dedicated to rescuing homeless and abandoned animals, primarily dogs from high-kill shelters and owners who can no longer care for them. We put our heart and soul into giving these sweet innocent souls the love and care they deserve until they find their forever homes. We are a volunteer-based non-profit rescue dedicated to dogs and puppies left homeless for whatever reason. Our dogs come from the euthanasia list at MCACC but we accept dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances and those in danger of abuse or neglect. We place dogs in loving, responsible, permanent homes and take considerable care in finding good matches. Animals in our care are spayed or neutered, microchipped, receive all appropriate veterinary care and treatment, and placed in nurturing foster homes while they await placement in their permanent homes. We assist dogs in distress without regard to age, breed or ease of placement.

The Pet Knot

The Pet Knot was forged to combine efforts of like-minded rescues and volunteers humbly striving to make a dent in the urgent pet over-population crisis. Our talents and strategies promote animal adoptions through online, in-store, and boutique-like options for adopters. All animals receive the highest level of medical care and grooming. Animals also receive appropriate adjustment time and basic social skills in foster homes in preparation for a new home environment. We help all animals including seniors, special needs, and those seemingly 'unadoptable' cases and work diligently to place each in the most appropriate permanent home possible no matter how long it takes. We call ourselves The Pet Knot because not only do we connect people with pets, we keep people with pets.

Cavalier Rescue Foundation

The Cavalier Rescue Foundation of Arizona is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We are a small team of volunteers dedicated to rescuing neglected and/or unwanted Cavaliers and placing them in qualified and loving homes throughout the Valley. All of our Cavaliers are owner turn-ins, breeder surrenders, or rescued from puppy mills. Our mission is to help every beloved Cavalier find a forever home where they will receive the lifelong care and attention they deserve. A majority of our dogs come from puppy mills found throughout the Midwest. A puppy mill is a large scale breeding facility where female dogs churn out puppies for a profit with little to no true care for the health and welfare of the dogs. These dogs are left to live in kennels for their entire lives with minimal human contact. The females are bred every heat starting at 6-10 months of age, and their puppies are sold either locally, online, or at pet stores nationwide. Our rescue is unique in that we often have to pay for our Cavaliers at puppy mill auctions. These events are held in states such as Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma where hundreds of dogs are tagged with a number, listed in a catalog, and one by one brought up to the auction block where they are simply sold to the highest bidder. We concentrate on purchasing Cavaliers from complete kennel sellouts. This means a breeder is selling everything; all their dogs, their buildings, kennels, equipment, etc. The money that we pay the breeder to rescue these Cavaliers will typically go to the person's retirement, and not be reinvested in other dogs. Also, this keeps the Cavaliers that we save from going to other breeders where they will use them again and again as money making machines. Cavaliers are an amazingly resilient breed, and no matter how they are previously treated they learn to trust and love their human companions. Rescued Cavaliers make wonderful pets, and the bond that forms between them and owner is indescribable.

Love For Dogs

Love For Dogs is a rescue that consists of a system of volunteers and foster homes located in and around Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ. We focus on small dogs with medical needs, undersocialized as well as fospice. We are non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to rescuing dogs in need from our surrounding communities. These dogs may be shy, sick, injured, orphaned, or just old... all are at risk of euthanasia. We bring these dogs into loving and skilled foster homes where they receive the love and care needed to be adopted into wonderful forever homes, or to spend their final days. We also serve our community by providing resources and help on responsible dog ownership. We believe no dog should die in a shelter or be unloved - they have so much love to give. From the puppy to the hospice dogs, every dog deserves their own loving family. Our founder started fostering over a dozen years ago and fell in love with each and every dog that passed through their home. She helped run a rescue in California and now runs this one in Arizona. Our founder has a special place in her heart for fospice and under-socialized dogs.

Heart2Heart Animal Rescue

Heart2Heart Animal Rescue is dedicated to lowering the euthanasia rate in Maricopa County by rescuing dogs from the shelters and finding them adoptive homes. Many dogs do not show well when in a shelter, but will often blossom and become a whole different dog when they're no longer in that scary environment. Heart2Heart will give these dogs a chance to shine and show who they really are. Heart2Heart is a foster based rescue, which means the dogs in their care stay in homes and not cages. I believe this helps prepare dogs for their adoptive home by allowing them to learn house manners and introducing them to things they'd never experience in a shelter. Heart2Heart also has limited resources to take in pocket pets and birds to adopt out.

Humane Society of Wickenburg

From a humble beginning in 2004, of volunteers taking care of lost and abandoned animals in a few barn stalls in downtown Wickenburg, a dream was born to have a local shelter facility house the animals to provide exceptional care for them. Construction began and the shelter opened in February of 2009. The Humane Society of Wickenburg’s 6,707 square foot facility anticipated that the multi-room plus kennel facility would meet the needs of the community, and that the community would continue to donate generously to the facility’s day-to-day operation. That dream became a reality of those volunteers and is still going strong! The Humane Society of Wickenburg is proud to serve the animals of the community and surrounding rural areas both with shelter space and community services.

Community Paws

We have been a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in Buckeye, Arizona since 2014. We are completely dependent upon local volunteers and rescue organizations to foster animals in need. We hold numerous events throughout the year to generate donations to help local animals and individuals in need. ​ One of our proudest achievements is partnering with Chewy.com since 2018 to redistribute pet food deemed unacceptable for resale to animal rescues and charities in need. To date we've provided hundreds of thousands, if not millions of pounds of pet food, one bag at a time.

Heart of Infinity

Living the Dream Rescue

Living The Dream Rescue is created and managed by people who care deeply for animals. We don't just want to save them, we love them, and we want to help them find lifelong happiness. Our staff and fosters give endlessly from their own pockets to ensure that our furry friends are cared for and comfortable up to and even post adoption.

SOUL An Animal Rescue

Our amazing team of volunteers and fosters are committed to helping animals in our community. Our roots are in the veterinary medicine community and many of our fosters are veterinary students! Think you would be a good addition to our team? See our "Get Involved" page for more information on how to become a foster or volunteer! We are a foster-based organization operated out of Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding cities. We started as a small group of veterinary students with the hopes of offering a few kittens a second chance. We've grown considerably since then, all thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community

K9 Konnection

K9 Konnection is a 501 (C) (3) Not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the rescue, shelter, re-uniting, and re-homing of dogs in need.K9 Konnection is committed to a “NO KILL” philosophy. In addition, we strive to assist dog owners in being able to properly care for their dogs that prevent them from needing to be removed or surrendered to an Animal Shelter by providing informational resources and a food bank for those struggling financially. If you live in Wickenburg or the surrounding area you probably know some of the individuals currently working at K9 Konnection. Open hours to the public are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or by appointment. On the weekends we are normally at adoption events. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 928-232-2611.

All About Animals Rescue

All About Animals Rescue is incorporated in Arizona and has received 501(c)3 designation from the IRS. Our EIN is 27-5410456. We are a no-kill rescue that works with dogs and cats in Maricopa County and beyond. The majority of our animals are from the local euthanasia lists as we recognize that these animals are in the most dire condition. Vision All About Animals believes that it is our moral responsibility to protect and improve the lives of abused, abandoned, and homeless dogs and cats. We aim to bring together individuals who are passionate about creating a better future for our companion animals. We are committed to provide these volunteers with high quality training in order to work together in the most efficient way to ensure the well being of our animals. Goals Finding forever homes • Through providing all animals we work with a safe and secure haven. • Through assisting in finding responsible caretakers for homeless pets. Educating the Public • Through developing a network of supporters and volunteers who endorse our mission and support our goals. • Through working in alliance with local animal shelters, rescue groups, county facilities, and humane society organizations. • Through promoting kindness to animals and building animal-friendly communities by way of education and by example. Values • Through advocating responsible pet ownership. • Through supporting spay/neuter of domestic pets, as well as feral cats, thereby reducing pet over-population. • Integrity • Respect • Compassion • Balance • Cooperation • Enthusiasm • Enjoyment • Inspiration • Loyalty • Flexibility • Persistence • Resilience • Warmth

Mini Mighty Mutts

Mini Mighty Mutts is a nonprofit, 501(C)(3), all volunteer, limited admission small dog rescue organization funded by private donations and adoption fees. We are a group of individuals who are dedicated to rescuing small breed dogs who have been abandoned, abused, neglected or left behind by their former owners. Our belief is that companion animals are living beings who are not merely "pets" but family members. We strive to find homes for them who share this view. We are committed to providing them with a temporary home where they receive veterinary care, including spay or neuter, socialization, exercise, love and good nutrition until their forever home can be found. We do not discriminate against small dogs based on breed or physical disability. Mini Mighty Mutts is a limited admissions rescue. We can only take in as many animals as our foster homes can safely and responsibly care for. We do not euthanize animals to make room for more. We simply stop taking in new animals until we have room. Each homeless dog will remain in our care until he or she finds a new home.