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The Best Salt Lake City, UT Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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.

    Arctic Rescue
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    No physical location open to the public
    salt lake cityUtahUS
    HuskyHusky
    Arctic Rescue was thorough in their evaluation of us as adopters of one of their pups. They have ongoing events and really help so many dogs :)
  • Arctic Rescue Logo

    Arctic Rescue

    #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


  • Community Animal Welfare Society (CAWS)
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Community Animal Welfare Society (CAWS) Logo

    Community Animal Welfare Society (CAWS)

    #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.


  • Second Chance for Homeless Pets
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Second Chance for Homeless Pets Logo

    Second Chance for Homeless Pets

    #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.


  • South Jordan Animal Services
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    10882 S Park Rd South Jordan, UT 84095
    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • South Jordan Animal Services Logo

  • Hearts 4 Paws
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Hearts 4 Paws Logo

    Hearts 4 Paws

    #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.


  • West Valley City Animal Shelter
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    4522 W 3500 S West Valley City, UT 84120
    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • West Valley City Animal Shelter Logo

  • Utah Animal Adoption Center
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    8465 S 700 E Sandy, UT 84070
    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Utah Animal Adoption Center Logo

    Utah Animal Adoption Center

    #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.


  • Cavalier Crazy Rescue
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Cavalier Crazy Rescue Logo

    Cavalier Crazy Rescue

    #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!


  • Salt Lake County Animal Services
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    511 West 3900 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84123
    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Salt Lake County Animal Services Logo

    Salt Lake County Animal Services

    #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.


  • Wasatch Canine Camp
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Wasatch Canine Camp Logo

    Wasatch Canine Camp

    #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.


  • Heber Valley Animal Services
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    635 W Airport Road Heber City, UT 84032
    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Heber Valley Animal Services Logo

    Heber Valley Animal Services

    #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.


  • Best Friends Animal Society
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    2005 South 1100 East Salt Lake City, UT 84106
    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Best Friends Animal Society Logo

    Best Friends Animal Society

    #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.


  • Lorelei's Legacy
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Lorelei's Legacy Logo

    Lorelei's Legacy

    #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.


  • Great Pyrenees Rescue Resources Utah Montana
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Great Pyrenees Rescue Resources Utah Montana Logo

  • The Utah Animal Advocacy Foundation
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • The Utah Animal Advocacy Foundation Logo

    The Utah Animal Advocacy Foundation

    #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.


  • Rescue Rovers Dog Adoptions
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Rescue Rovers Dog Adoptions Logo

    Rescue Rovers Dog Adoptions

    #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.


  • Herding Haven
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Herding Haven Logo

    Herding Haven

    #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


  • Utah Friends of Basset Hounds
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Utah Friends of Basset Hounds Logo

    Utah Friends of Basset Hounds

    #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.


  • Paws for Life Utah
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    89 North 100 East Heber City Utah
    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Paws for Life Utah Logo

    Paws for Life Utah

    #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.


  • Canines With a Cause
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Canines With a Cause Logo

    Canines With a Cause

    #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.


  • Humane Society of Northern Utah
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Humane Society of Northern Utah Logo

    Humane Society of Northern Utah

    #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.


  • Animal Care of Davis County
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    1422 E. 600 North Fruit Heights, Utah 84037
    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Animal Care of Davis County Logo

    Animal Care of Davis County

    #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™


  • Nuzzles & Co.
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    6699 N Landmark Dr, Suite B-103 Park City, UT 84098
    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Nuzzles & Co. Logo

    Nuzzles & Co.

    #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.


  • Rocky Mountain Dachshund Rescue
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
    DachshundDachshund
  • Rocky Mountain Dachshund Rescue Logo

    Rocky Mountain Dachshund Rescue

    #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.


  • Happy Tails at Pegasus
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    salt lake cityUtahUS
  • Happy Tails at Pegasus Logo

    Happy Tails at Pegasus

    #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


What's the Sniffspot Salt Lake City Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

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.

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Salt Lake City


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

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


Sniffspot Salt Lake City Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Salt Lake City?

There are 25 in Salt Lake City. Outside of Salt Lake City, there are 20 located in Utah.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Salt Lake City?

There are many reputable rescues in Salt Lake City, the top 3 on our list are: Arctic Rescue, Best Friends Animal Society, Humane Society of Northern Utah.

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Salt Lake City offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Salt Lake City is Dachshund with 1 focusing on it. The second most common specialization is Husky with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Salt Lake City?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Salt Lake City. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
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.

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Salt Lake City?

Yes! Salt Lake City has the following types of breed-specific dog rescues and shelters: Dachshund Husky

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Salt Lake City that specialize in senior dogs?

We do not have any record of senior dog rescues and shelters in Salt Lake City, but these are the closest cities with senior dog rescues and shelters: Ogden

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David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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