This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Salt Lake City, UT. 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.
#73 in United States, #1 in Utah, #1 in Salt Lake City
#5 in husky
Husky
Salt Lake City
Arctic Breeds Rescue has been rescuing animals in Utah and the surrounding states for over 20 years. We specialize in rescuing Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. Many of the dogs we take into rescue are deemed "unadoptable" by shelters or local government and have no other options other than to come to a breed specific rescue who can find them a home where they can be set up to succeed. The purpose of the Organization shall be: To rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome arctic breed dogs in need, including but not limited to breeds such as Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and mixed breeds of the aforementioned. To provide basic medical care, spaying/neutering, and vaccinations to rescued dogs. To educate the public about responsible dog ownership, including breed-specific needs, training, and the importance of spaying/neutering. To positively impact the community through community and/or youth outreach by sharing the inspiring stories of rescued canines.
"Arctic Rescue was thorough in their evaluation of us as adopters of one of their pups. They have ongoing events..."
— allie n.
Adoptee
"Being involved with Arctic Rescue over the past 5 years I have seen firsthand the passion of everyone involved. It..."
— jenny d.
Volunteer / foster
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
CAWS is a no-kill, volunteer, and foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to work with the community to help animals. As Utah’s oldest animal rescue group, our ongoing rescue, foster, education, and adoption programs help animals whose time is up at shelters, those who are abandoned, and as our resources allow, those whom their owners can no longer keep. We are committed to saving the animals that are often overlooked and under-appreciated at local shelters; this includes, the sick, injured, senior, and neonatal kittens, and their mothers. CAWS is dedicated to helping those special needs animals to find their forever homes. Our rescue and adoption process is sustainable, innovative, and effective. We have rescued and adopted over one thousand dogs and cats from shelters throughout the state of Utah every year since 2015.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
At Second Chance our priority is finding the best match for each animal. Like people, animals are individuals and have different needs for a successful adoption, according to their personalities. Acting in partnership with many animal controls across the state; Second Chance acts as an extension of local shelters, providing the extra time and resources needed in re-homing animals, therefore reducing the need for euthanasia. Second Chance rarely takes owner releases. Instead we prefer to use our resources for the animals in danger of being "put down"at open admission shelters/Animal Controls. Second Chance for Homeless Pets was created in 2000 when its founder, Rhonda Greenhalgh (DeMars-Hughes), who at 19 years old, drove all night to save a deaf Boxer from being euthanized at a High-Kill Los Angeles shelter. At the time no one was interested in adopting a deaf dog. The Boxer, who was named Storm, was adopted and resided in the home that Rhonda found for her until she past due to old age. Since 2000 Second Chance for Homeless Pets has gone on to rescue over 6,000 animals (and counting) from high euthanasia shelters in Utah and adopted them out to loving families in the Salt Lake and surrounding areas. That was the labor of love Rhonda began at the age of 19 and continues to be the mission of Second Chance and its dedicated volunteers. Second Chance for Homeless Pets is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and relies on private donations to operate its shelter with all proceeds going to rescue and care for unwanted animals. It does not receive money from any government entity or local and national animal rescue organizations. The animals are cared for by volunteers until they are adopted into a good home, regardless of the time involved. Second Chance has a small foster network who provide bottle feeding and foster care for infant animals. With the rest of the animals for adoption being housed at the Second Chance for Homeless Pets Adoption Center in Salt Lake City. All animals are examined by a local veterinarian, who donates her services. Second Chance also pays for vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchips prior to adoption, along with any other medical care the animal may need. These services are included in the adoption fees. Food and other supplies for the shelter are either donated by individuals or purchased with donated funds. The shelter’s funding is acquired through individual donations as well as participation in various local fundraising events. See our “Events Page” for more information and dates. We encourage you to donate what you can on our “Make a Donation” page. Second Chance also offers low cost vaccination days and education programs to help the public.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Established in February 2012, Hearts 4 Paws is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization committed to rescuing, providing sanctuary, and facilitating the adoption of abandoned, stray, and neglected animals. Our unwavering dedication transcends health, age, and breed biases. By engaging and educating communities, we raise awareness about homeless animals’ challenges and advocate the rewards of adopting animals in need. Our diligent care includes thorough examinations, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and comprehensive medical attention before placing animals in meticulously screened homes. Hearts 4 Paws operates as a 501(c) non-profit organization. Hearts 4 Paws operates with a profound belief in lifelong adoption commitment. For us, this principle encompasses two essential aspects. Firstly, to ensure our animals find environments where they can thrive throughout their lives, we rigorously assess potential adoptive owners and reserve the right to halt the adoption process if needed. Just as we commit to our animals indefinitely, we ask the same of our adopters. Secondly, our adoption process is designed to ensure seamless placements that suit both the animal’s temperament and the new home’s environment. We consider factors like age, condition, and even family members’ ages and long-term expectations. With the animals’ and new owners’ best interests in mind, we strive to prevent misplacements that could lead to disappointment. We appreciate your understanding should we determine that a specific animal isn’t the right match for you. All our adoption applicants must agree to return the animal to Hearts 4 Paws Rescue should they be unable to care for it in the future.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Utah Animal Adoption Center (UAAC), a Utah 501(c), is a non-euthanizing animal shelter that rescues and finds homes for an average of 1,000 dogs and cats each year. Since 1983, we have dedicated ourselves to reducing the tragedies of pet overpopulation and the euthanasia of healthy adoptable pets. Our dogs and cats come from local and regional shelters. We partner with these shelters, rescuing pets from their euthanasia lists. Individual donors, corporate supporters, and private foundation grants fund our mission to save lives by supporting animal rescue and providing medical attention.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Cavalier Crazy Rescue was founded in 2010. It started with one Cavalier that needed a home, and has just grown from there! As of 2015 we are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Talk to your accountant about your donations. We are dedicated to helping Cavaliers in need in Utah. All of our dogs live in foster homes, we do not have a shelter. We have our dogs health checked for heart and knee problems, they are spayed or neutered and are up to date on shots, have microchips and dentals are given when needed before they go to their new homes. We will adopt to out of state adopters, but only if you are willing to come to Utah. You must come to Utah to meet the dog you are interested in. We do not ship or transport. If you are in state we require a home visit, if you are out of state we require photos and/or videos of your yard, and may require a home visit if we have a volunteer in the area. We do not adopt to homes without a fenced yard! Adoptions to adopters in apartments and condos are on a case by case basis depending on the dogs needs. Adoptions to families in apartments depend on the dogs needs. We believe that adoptions are on a case by case basis and will work to find the right home for the dog. We require that our dogs come back to us no questions asked if things do not work out or your circumstances change. It is important for us that our adopters stay in touch and feel free to contact us with questions or concerns!
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake County Animal Services is dedicated to providing consistent, reliable, and professional solutions for animal related issues.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
When Bethany was younger, she knew she needed to do something with animals. When she was 14 she got her first dog Jake, a German Shepherd. She had so much fun training him and working with him. He helped her to realize that working with dogs was what she was wanting to do with her life. After working every job she could in high school to save up and learn how to become a trainer, she finally was able to become certified. Shortly after she graduated high school, she was certified by Heather Beck. Bethany immediately opened Wasatch Canine Camp in the fall of 2007. She never imagined that her small dream of becoming a trainer would grow into such a full time business with a training center and staff. She is beyond grateful for every opportunity she has had to learn and grow, to help gain any knowledge possible in regards to dogs and dog training, as well as sharing that knowledge with her staff and her clients. Bethany’s goal when working with dogs is to communicate with them in the most clear and gentle way possible so that she can help them become the best dog they can be! Bethany met her husband Alan in high school, and they were married in 2009. In 2013, Alan joined Bethany full time at Wasatch Canine Camp.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
The Heber Animal Shelter is a municipal shelter serving the residents of Wasatch County. Contact the main office at 435-654-5727 for more information about animals. HVAS only accepts animals into our shelter, that are from within the Wasatch County Boundaries. We are not accepting owner surrenders at this time. All others will be turned away. Heber Valley Animal Services will not accept any animal that has been adopted from a rescue. If you need to surrender an animal that was adopted from an established rescue group, please contact them to return the animal back to their organization. Most rescues have a clause in their adoption contract requiring the animal to be returned to them if the adopter is no longer able to care for it.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Best Friends, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, operates the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless animals and provides adoption, spay/neuter, and educational programs.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
We first met Lorelei when a local No Kill Rescue group took her in from an animal shelter that needed help with her care and placement. She was scared, malnourished, and had a bad case of kennel cough. She needed more care than she could receive at the kennel so she came to one of our board members as a "foster" puppy. Within 24 hours she was showing signs of Parvovirus-vomiting, diarrhea, depression, loss of appetite- all this on top of the kennel cough. She was one sick girl. Her foster family and the rescue worked with our vet to save her. She had antibiotics, a nebulizer and was being force fed. As she began to respond to treatment she had a bad reaction to one of the medications. The skin on her side started to die and slough off. Daily washing and bandage changes were added to her routine. All through this Lorelei would wag her tail when anyone came into her room. She was finally on the road to recovery when we noticed her abdomen was bloating. Back to the vet! After testing and an ultrasound she was diagnosed with an inoperable liver shunt. With the help of the vet and the rescue group we were able to find a treatment routine that stabilized her. Her foster family adopted her so they could deal with her ongoing care. All of this was expensive and time consuming. The rescue, the foster family, the veterinarian clinic and several very kind people contributed to help cover the costs. All of it was worthwhile when you watched Lorelei running with her doggy "siblings" and playing with her new "Mom and Dad". We lost Lorelei in the spring of 2013. She was 4 1/2 years old. She had a short life but she was a happy girl filled with fun and love. We all miss her. She was loved. We want to help more animals in similar situations. We want them to have a chance to have a loving home and a joyful life.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Since its founding in 2002, the Utah Animal Advocacy Foundation has helped over 2,000 animals find loving forever homes! UAAF believes that every animal deserves a home, regardless of age or disability. We often take on challenging animals including orphaned newborns, senior animals, injured animals, and animals with ongoing health problems. Since our founding in September 2002, we have successfully placed hundreds of these deserving animals into loving homes. The Utah Animal Advocacy Foundation (UAAF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of homeless animals. UAAF is an active participant in the No Kill Utah (NKUT) coalition and is working closely with other coalition members to help end the euthanasia of homeless pets. We are an all-volunteer organization and rely entirely on public support for our continued success.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Since our inception in February 2013, Rescue Rovers has saved over 10,000 dogs Rescue Rovers is an all-volunteer foster-based rescue. Our fosters volunteer their homes, their time and their hearts to care for dogs of all breeds and ages. We pull dogs from high kill shelters in Utah and surrounding states. Occasionally we take dogs from further away. We’ve been lucky enough to rescue dogs from as far away as Kansas! How do we get our dogs? When a shelter is full or when dogs are approaching their “due out” date a shelter contacts a rescue for help. Rescue Rovers has a strong working relationship with many shelters and we often pull up to 100 dogs in a month. The dogs are placed in crates and driven (sometimes flown) to safety. Those trips range from one hour to 15 hours or more, and sometimes the dogs arrive a mess. They are often stressed, exhausted, carsick and disoriented…but they are also aware that they are now SAFE. The dogs lean into their rescuers, gaze at them with those classic puppy-dog eyes, and trust them almost immediately. Love and Rehabilitation Each foster picks up the dog(s) that they have committed to and takes them home to bathe them, feed them, comfort them and begin rehabilitating them. We clean and sooth small sores, remove ticks, scratch behind ears. The first night in a foster home is the first sleep many of these dogs have had on a soft bed in a quiet home in weeks or months…or ever. Most of the dogs we pull were strays, picked up by animal control. Many of them were someone’s pet at some point, abandoned or run away. Some come from hoarding situations or were bait dogs. All of them need someone to love them, care for them, and work on behaviors that will make them a suitable family pet. Over the next few days we take care of them medically. Vaccinate, microchip, spay or neuter. We pull dogs that have mange and need medication, dogs that need eye surgery, amputations, tumors removed and biopsied. Some of our dogs require more medical work. Whatever their issues are, we make sure they are in good health before they are available for adoption. In the weeks following we work on behavior. Since our dogs live in foster homes we are able to potty train and crate train most dogs almost immediately. Then we begin working on behaviors such as jumping up or resource guarding. Dogs that have more difficult issues are placed with our more experienced fosters and work with trainers. Eventually they are ready for adoption. Some will always have quirks, but there’s a family out there for all of them. We advertise them online and take multiple applications for each dog, then we choose the family that’s the best fit. What’s really amazing is to pull a dog that was literally hours from death in a shelter and have 2 or 3 families vying to be the one that gets to take him home.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Herding Haven provides refuge and rehabilitation for herding dogs with special needs so that they may become more adoptable. Vision To rescue and rehabilitate herding dogs with physical, emotional and behavioral limitations and help them find forever homes. Guiding Principles •Kindness •Compassion •Leading by example •Understanding •Transparency
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Utah Friends of Basset Hounds started in the fall of 2002 by a group of five, Peggy Chudd, Jennifer Heighton, Toni Moore, Shawn Blaser, and John Nish. In the first two years, we had 15 adoptions. In the last two years, UFBH has had 175 Basset Hound adoptions and we continue to grow. We currently have over 75 dogs in our care, many of those permanent Forever Fosters who will remain with us until the end of their lives. Purpose Statement Serving our local and statewide communities, Utah Friends of Basset Hounds, Inc. provides: • Education to the public and prospective homes about the Basset Hound breed. • Shelter and care for homeless Basset Hounds. • Assistance, when needed, to anyone owning a Basset Hound so as to keep the dog in a good environment. • Placement in suitable foster and permanent homes for all dogs taken into our care. • Financial and emotional support, when needed, to our foster and adoptive homes using the dogs’ best interest as a guide. • Fundraising events in order to care for all dogs taken in by our rescue. • Education about spaying and neutering in order to decrease pet overpopulation and random breeding. • Placement assistance to state and local animal shelters for Basset Hounds and mixed breeds.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Paws For Life Utah is a publicly recognized non-profit organization pursuant of IRS Section 501(c)3. Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. We respect and are committed to protecting your privacy. Personal information will not be shared with any individuals or organizations. We will not sell your personal identifiable information to anyone.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
We are a registered 501c3 nonprofit that pairs rescued dogs with military veterans living with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Military Sexual Trauma (MST) to become psychiatric service or assistance dogs. Thanks to our generous donors, CWAC is able to provide training classes to veterans completely free of charge. Our classes are designed to give veterans the confidence to not only train their dogs but become experienced handlers. Canines With a Cause (CWAC) is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Service Dog Providers (ASDP). Classes are currently being offered in Salt Lake City area, Northern Nevada, and Northern Idaho.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
The Humane Society of Northern Utah was started in 2008 as the Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary. Over the years our focus expanded and we became the Humane Society of Northern Utah. We are a 501(c)3 non profit organization.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Animal Care of Davis County is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and compassionate animal care by fulfilling three goals: To serve and educate our community, to find homes for our homeless pets, and to support public safety Vision Find homes for homeless animals and educate the community about responsible pet ownership Values Davis County residents and their pets are our highest priority. We are proud to be a Socially Conscious Animal Welfare Organization™
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
We’re Nuzzles & Co., a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) no-kill organization located in Summit County, Utah. In 1990, a group of volunteers founded our organization, originally known as Friends of Animals Utah, so we could come together to find homes for animals in need. Since then, we have found homes for over 25,000 pets. In 1990, when a group of animal lovers in Park City, Utah, discovered that the county’s only resource for unwanted pets was a shed holding eleven dogs (with no room for cats), they decided to lobby for a new shelter and form a rescue group that would foster and find homes for abandoned dogs and cats. Starting with only twelve people, the group quickly grew by raising money with bake sales, selling t-shirts, putting donation jars in stores on Main Street, and the start of what was to become their signature fundraiser, The Barking Ball. With media support from The Park Record and radio station KPCW, which showcased dogs and cats in the shelter and foster care, adoptions increased and membership in this new organization expanded. Deer Valley Ski Resort employees hailed Summit County Friends of Animals (FOA), now Nuzzles & Co., as it’s favorite charity and many local businesses contributed to its burgeoning success. FOA successfully lobbied Summit County to build an animal control shelter and in 1995, Summit County opened the county-run shelter in Wanship, Utah. FOA supported the shelter, finding loving forever homes for the cats and dogs housed at the county shelter. In 1998, FOA was named the first, local non-profit Citizen of the Year by Park City Rotary. A year later, FOA joined the newly formed No More Homeless Pets in Utah Coalition. The Humane Society of Utah and Best Friends Animal Society also provided invaluable support and practical information on starting and operating a rescue organization. In 2003 Summit County Friends of Animals was presented with the opportunity to open “Furburbia,” a retail pet center, in the outlet mall at Kimball Junction. Furburbia forever changed the nature of FOA by giving the organization a permanent face and place in the local community. It propelled the group into a full-time rescue organization with paid employees. Having a permanent facility also gave FOA a place to showcase its cats and dogs. Cats were able to be housed at Furburbia at night, but FOA still had to move dogs back and forth to kennels at night because dogs were not allowed to stay overnight due to zoning requirements. By 2005 FOA moved the community closer to its goal – which was to make strides in preventing healthy, adoptable pets from being euthanized at both the Summit County and Heber shelters. By 2007, over 800 dogs and cats were adopted from Furburbia in that year alone. We were saving animals from Summit County and all over Utah. So, we changed our name from Summit County Friends of Animals to Friends of Animals Utah (FOAU). Additional programs were added for the first time, including dog obedience classes, youth camps, and a feral cat trap, neuter, and release program. While all these changes were positive, it became evident that the facilitating foster homes and kennels for dogs each night were becoming a challenge; it was clear that a full-time facility was needed. And then came the rescue ranch In 2006 and 2007, FOAU acquired 100 acres of land in Brown’s Canyon. By 2010, FOAU completed a 16,000 square foot multi-use building and named it the Rescue and Rehab Ranch. The Ranch had space to build out a state-of the-art medical suite and was built to house up to 85 dogs and 60 cats. The building also incorporated an education and outreach center, as well as a large relief area that could serve as ‘ground zero’ in the event FOAU was asked to care for a large number of animals in a disaster situation. This new facility allowed a 28% increase in adoptions to nearly 1,000 animals a year. It also provided a place for our dogs that were not in foster homes to stay at night. The educational area also allowed for new therapy programs, as well as the popular Critter Care youth summer day camps. More than 600 cats each year enjoyed a sunny, healing environment with cat condos and pampered care from “Kitty Socializers” who prepared them for their forever homes. One of the most important additions was next installing a state-of-the-art surgical suite and quarantine area where spay-and-neuter procedures, vaccinations, micro-chipping, and even dental treatments are performed.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
#2 in dachshund
Dachshund
Salt Lake City
OUR HISTORY — Rocky Mountain Dachshund Rescue (RMDR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with a mission to assist dachshunds in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the surrounding Rocky Mountains region, in finding loving homes. Originating in Utah, RMDR is dedicated to being a no-kill rescue, ensuring that every dachshund they rescue has a chance at a bright future. We operate with the support of devoted volunteers and fosters who provide compassionate care to the dogs in need. These fosters become the temporary families of the dachshunds, showering them with love and attention, taking them to veterinary appointments, enjoying walks and outings, and providing comforting cuddles. Their unwavering dedication plays a crucial role in helping these furry companions adapt to their new circumstances and embrace the positive changes in their lives. Our focus centers on dachshunds as a unique dog breed, and we are dedicated to providing the best possible support for them. RMDR works with most doxie mixes (small sizes), standard and miniature dachshunds, encompassing smooth, wire-haired and long-haired dachshunds. We actively share our knowledge with fosters and adopters who collaborate with our dachshund rescue. In our commitment to each doxie (or bonded pair), we work to find the best foster family, take care of their medical needs, and, when the time is right, help them find forever families! How Can You Help Our Dachshunds? By Adopting, Fostering, Volunteering or making a Donation. Today, Dachshunds Are Family — Once a hunting dog, the dachshund dog breed has shifted seamlessly into the role of family pet. With their charming personalities, expressive eyes, unwavering loyalty, and protective nature, these dachshunds also carry the endearing traits that once made them skilled hunter dogs. These traits include an amazing sense of smell, sweet & squishy paws that are great for digging, and a big bark. With these lovable features, dachshunds are here to stay! Together, we can help them stay on their paws.
#100 in United States, #4 in Utah, #2 in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
We are dedicated to assisting animals in need with transitional housing and when necessary permanent sanctuary
Welcome to the 2024 Salt Lake City, UT Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Salt Lake City, UT chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 25 private dog parks in the Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
1) We are a Utah-based rescue. While we do adopt out of state, we only adopt to states near Utah, and all potential adopters must come to Utah and meet the dogs. We don't transport dogs.2) Our adoption process typically takes anywhere from a few days to two weeks. We process applications in the order they are received. If several applications come in for a single dog, we will try to let applicants know where they are at in the process.‚3) We want to make sure that your home is the perfect fit for one of our dogs and vice versa. Because of the special breeds we work with, we require a home inspection prior to adoption. We want to make sure all members of the family to be happy and well matched with each-other.4) We ask for a minimum adoption donation of $250 for adult dogs (altered dogs over 5 months of age) and $350 for puppies (younger than 5 months and unaltered). 5) If the dog you are applying for is not on our available dogs page, we do NOT have that dog.
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. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular 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. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.