This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Reno, NV. 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.
#361 in United States, #1 in Nevada
Reno
Since 2003. Dog Town Rescue has focused on saving dogs from the absolute worst situations. Dogs abandoned by humans, dogs coming from survival situations fending for themselves in the desert, and feral dogs living on the fringes of civilization. Many of the dogs we have saved needed to be caught in a humane trap in order to safely bring them to our shelter. The dogs we rescue are not vaccinated. We have taken in dozens of dying puppies with Parvo. They are not fixed, which is a huge contributor to unwanted and neglected dogs. They are not fed properly, so most are full of tapeworms from eating rabbits and roadkill. Loose dogs get into fights, hit by cars, have untreated injuries with infections. We've rescued dogs with buckshot and/or .22 bullets in them that our vet removed while they were being spayed/neutered. We also serve our local Indigenous communities by providing free of charge dog spay/neuters for Tribal members. Most of our neighboring Colonies and Reservations are located in remote areas, and have little to no animal services. City and County animal control are jurisdictionally limited as to what they can provide, but as a non-governmental organization, Dog Town goes where the need is.
"Taking care of those most vulnerable among us is a service to God!"
— amy p.
Supporter
#361 in United States, #1 in Nevada
Reno
We are, and will continue to be, a strong advocate for animal welfare in our community and beyond. We believe that maintaining the highest standards and best practices in managing our clinic and Adoption Center are critically important, and we strive to achieve that goal every day. We are a wholly independent organization. We are not directly affiliated with any other SPCA, the national ASPCA, nor any other animal welfare organizations. Please explore our website for more information on our adoptions and community programs. You can also learn more about us on Guidestar.com.
"This organization does wonderful things for the animals in Northern Nevada."
— debbi b.
Supporter
#600 in United States, #4 in Nevada
Reno
Res-Que is located in Reno Nevada, we have foster homes throughout the Reno and Carson City area. Our goal is to take dogs from our local and surrounding area shelters and owner surrenders when we are able. Many of the dogs we pull from the shelters are at risk for euthanasia. We are proud to help keep our euthanasia rate low in Northern Nevada and to work with our shelters as often as possible. We do not have a facility, our dogs go into foster homes until they are ready for adoption. Res-Que does not receive large grants like bigger shelters and we depend on smaller donations, fund raisers, and adoption fees to run our rescue.
#600 in United States, #4 in Nevada
Reno
High Sierra Animal Rescue is a no-kill rescue that opened in May of 1999. We have 17 rescue kennels, 21 boarding kennels, and have placed over 4,500 animals into loving, permanent homes. Animals that are taken into our care receive love and attention from our trained personnel, medical help as required based on their previous environment or living conditions, behavioral assessment, socialization and obedience skills if needed, and a safe temporary home. We work with 16-20 dogs at a time and do a complete assessment as part of our screening process. We focus on how the animals react to their environment, children, other animals, and life style. After the assessment is complete, we develop a plan and begin training. Our animals are not released for adoption until they have successfully completed this process. Everyone associated with the facility is an animal lover and experienced animal professional or trained volunteer. Most of our crew and board members have adopted animals from the rescue. Some of our volunteers become Foster Parents and take animals home on a temporary basis as part of the re-integration program for neglected or abused animals. We provide responsible adoption services to those seeking pets to insure compatibility between animal and owner. As a non-profit organization, we pride ourselves in providing exemplary care that is balanced with fiduciary responsibility. The kindness and generosity of our volunteers, members, adopters, and donors is the key to our success. Our goal is to increase our ability to help more animals so DONATIONS from animal loving, caring people are always needed and appreciated. When animals find a loving permanent home, we know we have made a difference. Our gratitude goes to all our Donors. They make it possible.
#600 in United States, #4 in Nevada
Reno
WARF focuses on saving the animals that fall through the cracks in shelters and other facilities and find themselves truly out of time. We don't discriminate due to age, disability, breed, behavior, size, color, etc. We take in those that others will not, and we never give up on our animals. We are completely volunteer-run, so every penny donated goes directly to the animals. Our sanctuary has been a true lifesaver, as it offers a safe place for animals to decompress and recover at their own speed and with their own space, contrary to a traditional shelter environment.
Welcome to the 2024 Reno, NV Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Reno, NV chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 16 private dog parks in the Reno 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 Reno dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
Please plan on allowing adequate time to be matched with a pet, have relevant conversations with our adoption counselors, and complete all necessary paperwork. This can take 1-2 hours.You must be at least 18 years of age.You must complete an adoption application and meet with an adoption counselor.You must show a picture ID with a current address. If this isn't available, a picture ID with a current utility bill will be accepted.A staff supervised meet-and-greet with current household dogs and children is required for most adoptable dogs.
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.