Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Rhode Island Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Rhode Island. 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.

Great Dane Rescue of New England
#98 in United States, #1 in Rhode Island
#5 in great Dane
Great Dane
Great Dane Rescue of New England, Incorporated is a diverse, volunteer group of experienced Great Dane owners who united in March 2013 to more effectively assist Great Danes in need, as well as the families who surrender, foster and adopt them. GDRNE is tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization under of the Internal Revenue Code.
"7 adoptions with great support"
— roger a.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"We've adopted 3 wonderful Danes that have entered our home as puppies and have grown into treasured members of our..."
— erin w.
Adoptee

The Hotel for Homeless Dogs
#98 in United States, #1 in Rhode Island
The Hotel is an unparalleled animal care facility and adoption center situated in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Complementing our central facility, we maintain foster homes across New England. We constitute a devoted collective of animal enthusiasts dedicated to rescuing creatures facing euthanasia in overcrowded county shelters, as well as abandoned animals, litters discovered in fields, those enduring inhumane conditions, and other homeless animals in distress. Our primary objective is to provide unwavering care to these rescues until they secure their forever homes. In tandem with our rescue efforts, we are resolute in our commitment to public education on responsible pet care. Every animal under our guardianship undergoes comprehensive vetting and is spayed or neutered, without regard for age, breed, or medical expenses. Notably, The Hotel operates independently, receiving no state funding or government assistance. Our existence is sustained through the generosity of compassionate individuals, fundraising initiatives, and adoption fees. Your support is vital in our collective mission to make a lasting impact in the lives of these deserving animals.
"I've been volunteering with The Hotel for Homeless Dogs since last Fall and have had a great experience with them!..."
— rachel k.
Volunteer / foster, Fan
"I foster and am the adoption coordinate for both hotel for homeless dogs and paws ne. GREAT orgs. I wouldn’t..."
— laudine k.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

Rhode Home Rescue
#99 in United States, #2 in Rhode Island
Rhode Home Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization whose volunteers have many years of rescue experience. Our mission is to identify and rescue all types of dogs from overwhelmed euthanasia shelters and abusive situations and place them in secure, loving homes. We are a foster-based program, consisting of all volunteers, and have decided to branch out on our own in order to fulfill our mission. Prior to a Rhode Home Rescue dog being adopted, each dog undergoes an examination by a veterinarian, is updated on all age appropriate vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and micro chipped. At Rhode Home Rescue we firmly believe that a healthy, well trained dog is the key to the successful integration of a rescued dog and ensures a wonderful, loving companion for years to come.
"I had a very smooth and easy experience adopting my dog!"
— lexi w.
Adoptee

Potter League for Animals
#99 in United States, #2 in Rhode Island
The Potter League for Animals is Rhode Island's go-to animal care and resource center, where we provide shelter, veterinary care, behavior training, spay & neuter, owner assistance programs, humane education, and the opportunity for thousands of animals to find loving homes each year.
"Bunnies buddy's rescues dogs from the horrific meat trade in Asia. I can't think of a better mission so..."
— debbie m.
Supporter, Fan

Save A Lab Rescue
#100 in United States, #3 in Rhode Island

Save One Soul Animal Rescue League
#100 in United States, #3 in Rhode Island
Save One Soul Animal Rescue League (SOSARL) is a non-profit volunteer-driven dog rescue organization based in Rhode Island and serving the Southern New England area. We are dedicated to rescuing homeless, neglected, abandoned and otherwise at-risk dogs that have found themselves in distress, and re-homing them permanently. Our dogs primarily come from overcrowded high-kill shelters in the South and/or our extensive foster home network in the Southern US. Re-homing a dog follows a detailed and extensive adoption process which includes taking the time to help ensure that the dog is a good match for the home, and vice versa. We also provide education for prospective adopters about the responsibilities of, and resources to successfully support, the addition of a dog to their families. Dogs in our care are spayed or neutered and receive all necessary veterinary care and treatment, including shots like rabies and distemper; Dogs will also receive heartworm disease preventatives while they are in our care. We endeavor to promote and support life-saving initiatives that enable responsible pet guardianship while treating each animal and adopter as an individual, as we continue our mission to create a No-Kill Nation.

WAGS of Monroe County
#100 in United States, #3 in Rhode Island
Wonderful Animals Get Saved (WAGS) is a labor of love! We take in stray, abused and neglected animals with the goal of finding them a loving forever home. We help the animals in our community who have no one to care for them. It started with just a few animals but we now have around 100 dogs and 45 cats that we take care of every day! We also care for many feral cat colonies and trap, neuter, return (TNR) feral cats to reduce the number of kittens born on the streets. One of our many projects - a kitty house. This is a safe shelter for some of the animals who have no home of their own - YET!! Our goal is to build more of these houses to provide these animals a safe place to live. Please contact us if you are willing to contribute to more of these temporary homes - we appreciate your help!

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

Welcome to the 2024 Rhode Island Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization

Sniffspot Rhode Island Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Rhode Island?

There are 7 in Rhode Island. 0 are located in Providence with 7 are located in other areas of the state.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Rhode Island?

There are many reputable rescues in Rhode Island, the top 3 on our list are: The Hotel for Homeless Dogs, Great Dane Rescue of New England, Potter League for Animals

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Rhode Island offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Rhode Island is Great Dane with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Rhode Island?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Rhode Island. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
At the Hotel, we try to make the adoption process as streamline and simple as possible. That said, it is still our responsibility to make sure we match these dogs with the right home. We understand at times, that may disappoint some people. That is not our intention, but not every dog is a fit for every home. Please try to understand this during the process. A few things worth noting:Homes with cats. We do not have the means to cat test dogs here at our facility. It is very rare that a dog MIGHT be in foster with a cat. If the dog you are interested in is over 6 months old, please email our adoption team and ask our thoughts prior to you completing an application. We will also note it on their Petfinder profile if they are cat friendly. We will not adopt an untested dog into a home with a cat. Your cat thanks us for this one.If you lease/rent, please check with your landlord/lease prior to completing an application. Most people are unaware of the breed restrictions they have in place. Breed restrictions stink, but we have to follow the rules. We will need a copy of this in writing prior to approval.We do not adopt adult dogs (6+ months old) to homes with children under 13 years old. We just do not have the ability to test our dogs on young children. We refer homes with young children to foster based organizations as these dogs are in homes and they tend to see a bit more than we can in a facility. Please note, this is not about how your children will respond to the dog, but how the dog will respond to children.We do not require a fenced yard as a general rule, but we do for homes on main roads. Most of our dogs are a flight risk.If you complete an application and do not hear from us please check your spam! We find this happens more than we would like.All of that said, thank you for considering one our of dogs in need for your best friend. Please note, once you adopt from the Hotel, you are part of a family. These dogs become a part of each of us. We love photos and updates happy-ever-afters make our days just a bit easier. For additional questions please contact our adoption team at adoptions@HotelforHomelessDogs.com. Lastly, thank you for considering The Hotel for your new companion.

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

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Rhode Island, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby states, including New Jersey, Utah, Illinois.

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Rhode Island that specialize in senior dogs or special needs animals?

We do not have any record of senior dog rescues and shelters in Rhode Island, but these are the top senior dog rescues from nearby states: The London Sanctuary, Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary, Reed's Rescue, Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue, Adopt a Golden Atlanta, Misspits Rescue, Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland, Inc., Animal Farm Foundation, Over the Hill Senior Dog Sanctuary, Frosted Faces Foundation, Laramie Animal Welfare Society, Old Dogs Go To Helen, Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Muttville, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, Young At Heart Senior Pet Adoptions, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, Home Free Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Hound Haven of Lone Pine, Living Grace Canine Ranch, Tails of Gray, Sunny Sky's Animal Rescue, Senior Pet And Animal Rescue, Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, Leashes End Senior Pet Sanctuary, Sammie’s Senior Dog Sanctuary, The Golden Bark Foundation, Camp Golden Years, Thulani Senior German Shepherd Rescue, Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary, Charlie's Foundation, Daisy Senior Dog Foundation aka DaisyLu Ranch, Silver Linings Rescue Ranch, Lionel's Legacy, Rusty's Angels Sanctuary, Gray Muzzle Society, Colorado Senior Dog Rescue and Hospice, Grand-paws Senior Sanctuary, Angels For Sara Sanctuary

Can you recommend any reputable dog rescue organizations that focus on specific regions or communities within Rhode Island?

Yes! The top rescue and shelter in Providence is . The top specialized rescue and shelter in Rhode Island is Great Dane Rescue of New England.

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.

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

Most recent articles

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

Explore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
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.
Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
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.
How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?
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.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
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?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
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!

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States
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.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)
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?
Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
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.
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Signs, Causes, and How to Handle It
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.
Dog Reactivity Chart: Understand and Fix Dog Reactivity
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.
How to Socialize Your Reactive Dog
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.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States
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.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States
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.
The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks
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.
The Best United States Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
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.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

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 Rhode Island Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Great Dane Rescue of New England

The Hotel for Homeless Dogs

Rhode Home Rescue

Potter League for Animals

Save A Lab Rescue

Save One Soul Animal Rescue League

WAGS of Monroe County

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization

Sniffspot Rhode Island Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Rhode Island?

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Rhode Island?

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Rhode Island offer?

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Rhode Island?

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

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Rhode Island that specialize in senior dogs or special needs animals?

Can you recommend any reputable dog rescue organizations that focus on specific regions or communities within Rhode Island?

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii