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The Best Richmond, VA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Richmond, VA. 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.

Lu's labs
#51 in United States, #1 in Virginia, #1 in Richmond
#2 in labrador
Labrador
Richmond
Lu's Labs is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit, foster-based rescue for labrador retrievers and lab mixes. Our mission is to assist dogs who are in need of shelter, food, and medical care with the ultimate goal of finding them permanent, loving homes. We primarily intake from high-kill shelters throughout the southeast and rehome within 300 miles of Alexandria, Virginia. Since our founding in 2015, Lu's Labs has matched more than 1,600 dogs with their forever families.
"Lu’s Labs truly cares about the dogs. They fully vet each one and treat them like their own. They also..."
— jessica d.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"These awesome folks do such great work ! They helped me get a severely neglect pup into a great new..."
— christie w.
Supporter

Richmond SPCA
#87 in United States, #6 in Virginia, #2 in Richmond
Richmond
The Richmond SPCA, founded in 1891, is central Virginia's oldest full-service humane society. Each year the organization serves more than 18,000 pets across the community in its shelter, veterinary hospital, spay and neuter clinic, training programs and pet retention services. Since becoming no-kill in 2022, the Richmond SPCA has found loving adoptive homes for more than 71,800 dogs and cats.
"The Richmond SPCA is the best shelter to adopt from. I adopted my very best furry friend from there..."
— brenda n.
Adoptee, Staff member, Fan
"The Richmond SPCA rescues and rehabilitates more than 4000 homeless animals each year and delivers crucial programs to help pets..."
— tamsen k.
Adoptee, Staff member, Supporter, Fan

Richmond Animal Care and Control
#99 in United States, #10 in Virginia, #3 in Richmond
Richmond
Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) was established as the first city pound on June 5, 1902. Since then, it has served as the only open-admission public animal shelter in the City of Richmond. We provide humane care for more than 3,000 stray, sick, injured, and relinquished pets per year. Our focus is on keeping owned animals out of the shelter environment and instead offering pet owners a variety of rehoming options and resources to find placement for their pet(s). With such a great need for immediate intervention with stray, sick, and injured animals in our area, our ability to take in surrendered animals is limited, and we operate on a case-by-case basis when the space and resources are available in this regard. While we seek to help every pet that comes into our care, there are instances where humane euthanasia is the only option. When an animal is considered a danger to the community or is suffering due to a severe medical condition, we believe the most responsible and compassionate option is humane euthanasia. First and foremost, our commitment is to public safety and ending unnecessary suffering. RACC is not considered a "no-kill" animal shelter and does not subscribe to this label. However, we never humanely euthanize animals due to space or length of stay. Our Animal Control unit investigates animal cruelty, enforces humane laws, and issues pet licenses/permits. These services include the enforcement of City ordinances related to animals, removal of killed or injured animals/wildlife, impoundment of stray pets, and investigation of animal-related neglect, cruelty, nuisance, and bite cases. The RACC Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is committed to championing the success of our agency. The Foundation works hand in hand with RACC, diligently contributing to the expenses of vital emergency care, while simultaneously elevating marketing and outreach initiatives through strategic fundraising and volunteer coordination. United in their passion for saving lives, RACC and The Foundation are thrilled to unveil a tapestry of heartwarming stories, showcasing unwavering compassion for our City's most vulnerable animals.
"We have adopted two of the most wonderful pups. We adopted Bacon three years ago after one of our pups..."
— james r.
Adoptee

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) Foundation
#99 in United States, #10 in Virginia, #3 in Richmond
Richmond
The Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is committed to championing the success of the agency. As the sole open-admission animal shelter in the City, RACC tirelessly tends to the needs of over 3,000 animals annually, requiring urgent care. The Foundation works hand in hand with RACC, diligently contributing to the expenses of vital emergency care, while simultaneously elevating marketing and outreach initiatives through strategic fundraising and volunteer coordination. United in their passion for saving lives, RACC and The Foundation are thrilled to unveil a tapestry of heartwarming stories, showcasing unwavering compassion for our City's most vulnerable animals.
"RACC is doing amazing work in the Richmond community and beyond everyday."
— christie a.
Supporter

Richmond animal league
#100 in United States, #11 in Virginia, #4 in Richmond
Richmond
Richmond Animal League (RAL) has been committed to saving the lives of animals and finding loving homes for pets for over 45 years. Since 1979, we've worked with area shelters to provide temporary housing, medical treatment, vaccinations, spay/neuter, and loving care to tens of thousands of pets who were then adopted into new homes.

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

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

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 5 private dog parks in the Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Cities Near Richmond

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

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

Sniffspot Richmond Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Richmond?

There are 5 in Richmond. Outside of Richmond, there are 6 located in Virginia.

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

There are many reputable rescues in Richmond, the top 3 on our list are: Lu's labs, Richmond SPCA, Richmond Animal Care and Control.

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Richmond offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Richmond is Labrador with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Richmond?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Richmond. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
We adopt within 300 miles of Alexandria, VA

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

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Richmond, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby metro, Lu's labs, Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue, Margaret's SAving Grace Bully Rescue

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 Richmond, VA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Lu's labs

Richmond SPCA

Richmond Animal Care and Control

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) Foundation

Richmond animal league

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

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Sniffspot Richmond Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Richmond?

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

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Richmond offer?

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Richmond?

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

David Adams

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