This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in South Dakota. 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.
#146 in United States, #1 in South Dakota
Almost Home Canine Rescue (AHCR) was founded in Madison, SD. In Early 2018, the group was reestablished in the Sioux Falls, SD area by a group of passionate animal lovers. While we will now be based in Sioux Falls, we will continue to have a large presence in Madison through community events and assisting the Madison Animal Shelter. Our continued presence will not only fulfill our mission, but also assist in reducing the overpopulation of animals in our area and the surrounding communities. Controlling overpopulation is the foundation in which our organization was established on. AHCR is a 501c3 non-profit organization that is 100% volunteer-run and serves to help abandoned animals find new homes. Any of our board members would be glad to answer any questions at info@almosthomecaninerescue.com. Almost Home Canine Rescue recognizes the need for diversity and inclusion so that we may carry out our mission to serve unwanted, homeless, abused or neglected pets in South Dakota and the surrounding area. Just as every dog and cat has needs that our mission works to fulfill so do our donors, volunteers, fosters and adopters. All involved play a vital role in the success of our mission no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability. All are valued and respected and we work to ensure all voices are heard.
"I have been a foster at Almost Home Canine Rescue for about a year. The entire organization is run on..."
— katie u.
Volunteer / foster
"Workers tirelessly give of their time and pour their hearts into helping dogs from all over the state. They celebrate..."
— maija d.
Adoptee, Supporter
#361 in United States, #2 in South Dakota
Our first transport was in November of 2014 after the death of Jayla Rodriguez. Dogs were being rounded up with a horse trailer to be disposed of, so many rescue groups got involved to help save as many of the gentle dogs as possible. We loaded our suburban to head to Hot Springs, SD to pick up a load of puppies from KC Willis of LightShine Canine. When we arrived we were nothing short of a hot mess, missing many of the necessary supplies, not quite sure how best to assemble kennels, and fumbling around with the dogs as we loaded them for their ride to safety. I remember feeling discouraged like I had no business in the rescue transport world. I apologized to KC saying that they sent the B-Squad to work with her today. She turned to us and said that the dogs didn't care that we weren't the most organized transport in the world. What mattered was that we were there, doing what we could to help get them to safety. The name B-Squad stuck, and we've transported well over 9,000 dogs to safety since that time. B-Squad Dog Rescue is 100% volunteer-driven. All of our volunteers have full-time jobs, we are hockey moms, photographers, dance moms, professionals, students, etc. We all have busy schedules, but find time to do what we can to help make a difference in the lives of others. B-Squad's motto is you don't have to be perfect to start making a difference today! We aren't professionals‚ we aren't the A-Squad‚ we are just ordinary people doing what we can to help make a difference. We are B-Squad Dog Rescue!
"Summit dog rescue is small and helps dogs. Careful to get dogs good homes"
— gloria j.
Volunteer / foster
#600 in United States, #3 in South Dakota
Rapid City
The Western Hills Humane Society is a no-kill, non-suffering pet shelter that protects, saves and enhances the lives of abused, neglected, forgotten or lost animals. We rely on donations, fundraisers, and generous grants we receive to keep this safe haven for precious animals around. Since we are a no-kill shelter some animals wait years to find their forever home but we will willingly keep them for as long as we need. We will accept responsibility as guardians and protectors of each animal and promote a compassionate vision of the way companion animals are valued. We believe it is time to move past the format of simply managing the animal population by euthanization. No animal should die for want of a loving home, making life an option for every animal.
#600 in United States, #3 in South Dakota
Rapid City
The Sturgis/Meade County Animal Shelter is financed by the City of Sturgis and is operated as a division of the Sturgis Police Department. The Police Department has full-time Animal Control Officers (ACO), who are assigned to enforce animal laws, are responsible for the shelter operations, adoptions and the care and welfare of the animals.
#600 in United States, #3 in South Dakota
Rapid City
Located in the beautiful Black Hills and just one-hour from Badlands National Park, The Humane Society of the Black Hills (HSBH) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has worked with the community to provide shelter and care for lost and abused animals for more than 50 years. Incorporated on November 29, 1968, the HSBH currently operates the only major animal shelter west of the Missouri River in South Dakota. Each year, our humane society rescues about 4,000 animals. Because of the shortage of shelters, animals are picked up and brought to our shelter from as many as 20 different counties. We are an open admission shelter – no animal is turned away from our doors regardless of species, medical status, or behavior. The HSBH also provides animal welfare services and humane law enforcement to Rapid City and Pennington County governments as an independent contractor. Our Animal Services and Enforcement officers uphold Rapid City codes, Pennington County ordinances, and the State of South Dakota laws pertaining to domestic animals, educating our community to help animals alongside us. We are not affiliated with any other humane societies and rely on public funding and donations from our community to keep the doors open. Donations to national groups do not reach the pets that stay with us; if you’d like to support community animals and families who need it most, please support your local Humane Society of the Black Hills!
#600 in United States, #3 in South Dakota
Founded in 2011 by community based volunteers at Pine Ridge who had been helping rez pets for many years, the Oglala Pet Project (OPP) helps community members and their pets through education, spay/neuter support, pet health resources, and the re-homing or networking of abandoned, abused or unwanted pets on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Animals have played an important role in Lakota history. Dream catchers also have significance and most Native Americans believe the dream catcher holds the destiny of the future. Many people have a dream catcher above their bed to sift their dreams and visions. The good is captured in the web of life and carried with the people, but the evil in their dreams drops through the hole in the web and are no longer a part of their lives. The OPP logo captures the good of our animal friends. Pine Ridge is one of the poorest communities in the country, with an 85% unemployment rate, an even higher alcoholism rate and some homes have no electricity or running water. Some families are overcrowded in homes caring for each other and most pets live their entire lives outside. It is our goal to work through community member volunteers to enhance the quality of life for pets through education, spay/neuter support, pet health resources, and the re-homing of abandoned, abused or unwanted pets.
The Western Hills Humane Society is a no-kill, non-suffering pet shelter that protects, saves and enhances the lives of abused, neglected, forgotten or lost animals. We rely on donations, fundraisers, and generous grants we receive to keep this safe haven for precious animals around. Since we are a no-kill shelter some animals wait years to find their forever home but we will willingly keep them for as long as we need. We will accept responsibility as guardians and protectors of each animal and promote a compassionate vision of the way companion animals are valued. We believe it is time to move past the format of simply managing the animal population by euthanization. No animal should die for want of a loving home, making life an option for every animal.
The Sturgis/Meade County Animal Shelter is financed by the City of Sturgis and is operated as a division of the Sturgis Police Department. The Police Department has full-time Animal Control Officers (ACO), who are assigned to enforce animal laws, are responsible for the shelter operations, adoptions and the care and welfare of the animals.
Located in the beautiful Black Hills and just one-hour from Badlands National Park, The Humane Society of the Black Hills (HSBH) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has worked with the community to provide shelter and care for lost and abused animals for more than 50 years. Incorporated on November 29, 1968, the HSBH currently operates the only major animal shelter west of the Missouri River in South Dakota. Each year, our humane society rescues about 4,000 animals. Because of the shortage of shelters, animals are picked up and brought to our shelter from as many as 20 different counties. We are an open admission shelter – no animal is turned away from our doors regardless of species, medical status, or behavior. The HSBH also provides animal welfare services and humane law enforcement to Rapid City and Pennington County governments as an independent contractor. Our Animal Services and Enforcement officers uphold Rapid City codes, Pennington County ordinances, and the State of South Dakota laws pertaining to domestic animals, educating our community to help animals alongside us. We are not affiliated with any other humane societies and rely on public funding and donations from our community to keep the doors open. Donations to national groups do not reach the pets that stay with us; if you’d like to support community animals and families who need it most, please support your local Humane Society of the Black Hills!
Welcome to the 2024 South Dakota Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in South Dakota 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 South Dakota dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Are you at least 18 years of age?Is everyone in the household on board to ADOPT?Are all of your current resident animals up to date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered?Do you meet all of the ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS for the dog you are applying for? (Adoption requirements can be found on each individual dog's profile.)Are you prepared to move forward with an adoption within the next 7 days should this dog be a match?Will you be home for the next 3 weeks to allow the new dog to settle in to your life and household?
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in San Diego? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and off-leash dog areas, and plan for your next adventure on California’s coast.
Have you been looking for a new and interesting way to exercise your dog? You might be a good candidate for bike dog sports! Read on for an introductory complete guide to learn about what bikejoring is and how you can get started.
Discover the Jack Russell Terrier, a breed celebrated for its intelligent and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Jack Russell Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fox hunting and vermin control starting in the 19th century.
Discover the Dalmatian, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, trainable, and loyal nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Dalmatians have their origins in Croatia, where they were initially bred for coaching (running along carriages), guarding, and hunting starting in the 16th century.
Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.