This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. 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.
#13 in United States, #1 in Washington
Spokane
Our mission to provide a safe haven for dogs in desperate circumstances within our community and surrounding area. We rehome these dogs with families that are a good fit for the dog. We seek to serve the humans that come to us ‚both our adoptive families and the people who need help rehoming dogs ‚but our priority is to act as advocates for our dogs at every stage of the rescue and adoption process. We commit to our dogs for life! We are a registered non-profit organization, headquartered in the Tri-Cities in south-central Washington State. We focus mainly on saving dogs that are at risk in our region and placing them with adopters throughout the Pacific Northwest. Most of our dogs come from shelters in Washington & Idaho, where they are facing the threat of Euthanasia. Others are released to us by private individuals who need medical help with their own dogs. Other dogs are strays, either dumped or abandoned, that need a chance at a new life.
"Mikey’s Chance helps with all kinds of situations and dinds fosters or adopters"
— michelle h.
Fan
"Mikey's Chance always goes above and beyond to take care of the animals."
— mackenzie s.
Supporter, Fan
#42 in United States, #2 in Washington
Seattle
Resilient Hearts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit rescue that rescues animals from high risk situations and unites them with their forever families in the Puget Sound area. As a queer led organization, we are committed to accessible and inclusive programs for our entire community, and maintain a community safe space for anyone to share our animals.
"Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary holds a special place in my heart. Since October 2023, my family and I have had..."
— felie h.
Volunteer / foster
"To me, dogs are about family. They aren't just members of the family but they improve the quality of our..."
— rob f.
Volunteer / foster
#76 in United States, #3 in Washington
Seattle
Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is the revolution of rescue. As a rock and roll-themed, foster-based, volunteer-powered rescue, we take in animals that have no one else. "Animals" primarily means dogs and cats, but as the name "zoo" implies, we take all kinds (as long as we have a foster home/ resources for that species). We work with shelters and owners who cannot keep their pets and through extensive veterinary care and training, we rehabilitate them and place them in loving, forever homes where the animals will never again be abandoned. More than 30% of the animals we take in are special or medically needy and require more extensive and expensive care. In all we work with all ages, breeds, many species and all different types of humans too- treating each as an individual so they can find the life and love they deserve.
"Great care and supporr of good homes for pets"
— sue b.
Adoptee
"I've been a follower and supporter of Motley Zoo for many years. I've continually been impressed by their efforts..."
— kerma j.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
#90 in United States, #4 in Washington
"As a new foster parent, the support I receive is unreal. The staff and volunteers are all amazing, kind, and..."
— jess a.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"As a staff member at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, I see the hard work and dedication..."
— stefanie c.
Staff member
#121 in United States, #5 in Washington
"After I adopted my retired racers from GPI, I decided to volunteer there as a thank you. I found that..."
— megan m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"I volunteered at different rescues and can honestly say that Greyhound Pets Inc is one of the best experiences I've..."
— sapphire r.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
#121 in United States, #5 in Washington
Seattle
AVHS is a local, independent 501(c)3 non-profit, which relies on pet licensing fees, vulnerable pet housing agreements with the City of Auburn, shelter services, spay and neuter services, Thrift Store sales, Cat Cafe Sales, and generous donations from the community to fund the shelter, clinic, and educational programs.
"AVHS is an amazing non-profit which provides a much needed service to our community. The care and compassion they provide..."
— regina h.
Volunteer / foster
"Ethics and care of people and animals is top notch"
— mer m.
Supporter, Fan
#124 in United States, #7 in Washington
"They help dogs in Mexico, find good homes, plus supplies food, blankets and medical needs"
— frances v.
Supporter
"I would like to nominate Juno's Den for two main reasons. 1. The dogs they rescue have the most incredibly sad..."
— macarena m.
Volunteer / foster, Fan
#137 in United States, #8 in Washington
Olympia
Founded 06/21 with a passion to help strays of the Yakima Valley and Yakama Reservation we take in pregnant or nursing strays with their puppies.
"I cannot imagine a rescue with staff so active, loving, dedicated and tireless as those at Caring Hearts for Dogs...."
— renee h.
Supporter
"Caring Hearts 4 Paws is a small rescue that is making a big difference in the lives of dogs! I..."
— melissa d.
Adoptee
#141 in United States, #9 in Washington
Great Dane, Pit Bull, Senior dog
Olympia
I started Misspits Rescue in 2013 to help advocate for pit bull type dogs. After adopting Dexter, a big, happy, pit bull that almost died simply due to his looks, I knew I had to do something. After years working with a local pit bull rescue and volunteering at a shelter, Misspits Rescue was born. In the last ten years we have grown and moved to larger property. We adding additional breeds over the years and help those that need us the most. Now that we have the space, we offer sanctuary to farmed animals as well. This created a perfect place to help struggling herding breeds as well.
"Melissa aka MissPits is one of the most thoughtful, ethical rescues I know of. I am a certified behavior consultant..."
— kristine a.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"Misspits is an amazing rescue and sanctuary. Volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the best care and life for adoptable animals..."
— wendy c.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#146 in United States, #10 in Washington
Spokane
At Path of Hope Rescue we strive to decrease the euthanasia rate of high risk dogs in the southern United States by transporting pregnant dogs and puppies to the Pacific Northwest to find adoptive homes. We are 100% foster based and rely on volunteers and fosters to help in our mission. The overpopulation of dogs in Texas is extreme. Because of a culture that does not value spay and neuter, there are simply too many dogs. And because of this, dogs are being euthanized merely for their existence. Shelters are forced to choose which dog to kill and which to save on a daily basis. There are an estimated 700,000 stray dogs just in the city of Houston alone. Dogs on the streets, dogs in shelters, dogs living on chains, dogs everywhere. Pregnant dogs and puppies are often euthanized because of the amount of resources they require or even more often, pregnant moms are spayed, aborting the puppies. Path of Hope Rescue believes that these dogs deserve a chance at life.
"We adopted our pup from Path of Hope Rescue four years ago. They did a great job throughout the..."
— lori w.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"Frank & Fiona (Lisa) were rescued from a kill shelter in Texas. She was pregnant and they were a bonded..."
— sophia a.
Adoptee
#153 in United States, #11 in Washington
Husky
We are a small but determined rescue. We are all in to save even 1 husky/malmute at a time. We are dedicated to quality care not quality. Every H4H dog is family.
"Hope for huskies has been trying really hard to battle over breeding and dumping of huskies in Washinton state. My..."
— charissa a.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"I was looking for a husky friend for my current husky and sure enough I found Hope 4 Husky in..."
— emily b.
Adoptee
#162 in United States, #12 in Washington
Since 2001, WAG has placed dogs into new, loving homes. Our rescues come to us in many ways: owner surrenders due to unplanned life changes, over-populated shelters, and strays found wandering streets and fields. Prior to adoption, all of our rescues are spayed/neutered, receive all vaccines, are micro-chipped, and all other medical needs are addressed.
"WAG is a special haven on the Olympic Peninsula that provides a safe and loving home for rescued and surrendered..."
— julie s.
Adoptee
"The entire crew at WAG work tirelessly 24/7 to help the dogs that are fortunate enough to come there. They..."
— susan h.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#184 in United States, #13 in Washington
Seattle
CHEW Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned dogs, dogs scheduled for euthanasia due to shelter space limitations, and other dogs who need us. We are always looking to find additional foster homes and acquire funding for other essential elements of dog rescue to allow us to help more dogs in need. We strive to place our dogs in safe and loving forever homes. Additionally, we promote responsible dog ownership through the facilitation of educational and recreational activities and events. CHEW (Canine Health Education and Welfare) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
"We were looking for an older dog to be a companion to our 12 year old, Waldo. CHEW holds regular..."
— judy m.
Adoptee
"CHEW does a fantastic job in finding the best home for its dogs."
— marybeth h.
Volunteer / foster
#218 in United States, #14 in Washington
Pit Bull
Seattle
We are an all volunteer rescue specializing in bully breeds. We are facility based and prefer our dogs experience the home environment with their foster homes because the care they receive is superior to a shelter environment. Spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, training, socialization and lots of love are critical for producing well balanced and well behaved dogs.
"They do so much with so little. Never hesitate!"
— es.
Supporter
"Pitbulls are not the easiest to pet out due to the breeds reputation but they still work with as many..."
— michelle m.
Supporter
#218 in United States, #14 in Washington
"Most caring rescue I have ever encountered."
— ellen h.
Supporter
"They never turn animals away even though they are overwhelmed, isolated, and often overrun. It’s a ground up, grassroots operation...."
— erin b.
Supporter
#235 in United States, #16 in Washington
"Great rescue!"
— gemma b.
Fan
"All the hard work they put into the rescue animals they save!"
— stephanie w.
Supporter
#235 in United States, #16 in Washington
"The work they do is amazing!"
— darlene j.
Supporter, Fan
"I have volunteered at several shelters in the area, and I can say without a doubt that Homeward Pet Adoption..."
— lori b.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#235 in United States, #16 in Washington
"Our neighbor adopted a senior dog from Animal Haven and gave it great end of life car. It was so..."
— olivia j.
Fan
"Old Dog Haven rescues senior dogs dumped at shelters (or who lose their homes for other reasons) and provides a..."
— margaret t.
Supporter
#235 in United States, #16 in Washington
"The staff and volunteers go above and beyond to care for the animals and match them with loving families. All..."
— kristen d.
Supporter, Fan
"The humane society of mason county has been hugely helpful to me in spaying my dogs and helping with a..."
— beck d.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#235 in United States, #16 in Washington
"I rescued a senior black lab mix that was 11 years old. She was sweet and loving and made..."
— kendal o.
Adoptee
"I’ve worked with rescues/humane societies to adopt before, but this was the first time I experienced an organization that was..."
— corey c.
Adoptee
Founded 06/21 with a passion to help strays of the Yakima Valley and Yakama Reservation we take in pregnant or nursing strays with their puppies.
I started Misspits Rescue in 2013 to help advocate for pit bull type dogs. After adopting Dexter, a big, happy, pit bull that almost died simply due to his looks, I knew I had to do something. After years working with a local pit bull rescue and volunteering at a shelter, Misspits Rescue was born. In the last ten years we have grown and moved to larger property. We adding additional breeds over the years and help those that need us the most. Now that we have the space, we offer sanctuary to farmed animals as well. This created a perfect place to help struggling herding breeds as well.
Resilient Hearts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit rescue that rescues animals from high risk situations and unites them with their forever families in the Puget Sound area. As a queer led organization, we are committed to accessible and inclusive programs for our entire community, and maintain a community safe space for anyone to share our animals.
Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is the revolution of rescue. As a rock and roll-themed, foster-based, volunteer-powered rescue, we take in animals that have no one else. "Animals" primarily means dogs and cats, but as the name "zoo" implies, we take all kinds (as long as we have a foster home/ resources for that species). We work with shelters and owners who cannot keep their pets and through extensive veterinary care and training, we rehabilitate them and place them in loving, forever homes where the animals will never again be abandoned. More than 30% of the animals we take in are special or medically needy and require more extensive and expensive care. In all we work with all ages, breeds, many species and all different types of humans too- treating each as an individual so they can find the life and love they deserve.
AVHS is a local, independent 501(c)3 non-profit, which relies on pet licensing fees, vulnerable pet housing agreements with the City of Auburn, shelter services, spay and neuter services, Thrift Store sales, Cat Cafe Sales, and generous donations from the community to fund the shelter, clinic, and educational programs.
Our mission to provide a safe haven for dogs in desperate circumstances within our community and surrounding area. We rehome these dogs with families that are a good fit for the dog. We seek to serve the humans that come to us ‚both our adoptive families and the people who need help rehoming dogs ‚but our priority is to act as advocates for our dogs at every stage of the rescue and adoption process. We commit to our dogs for life! We are a registered non-profit organization, headquartered in the Tri-Cities in south-central Washington State. We focus mainly on saving dogs that are at risk in our region and placing them with adopters throughout the Pacific Northwest. Most of our dogs come from shelters in Washington & Idaho, where they are facing the threat of Euthanasia. Others are released to us by private individuals who need medical help with their own dogs. Other dogs are strays, either dumped or abandoned, that need a chance at a new life.
At Path of Hope Rescue we strive to decrease the euthanasia rate of high risk dogs in the southern United States by transporting pregnant dogs and puppies to the Pacific Northwest to find adoptive homes. We are 100% foster based and rely on volunteers and fosters to help in our mission. The overpopulation of dogs in Texas is extreme. Because of a culture that does not value spay and neuter, there are simply too many dogs. And because of this, dogs are being euthanized merely for their existence. Shelters are forced to choose which dog to kill and which to save on a daily basis. There are an estimated 700,000 stray dogs just in the city of Houston alone. Dogs on the streets, dogs in shelters, dogs living on chains, dogs everywhere. Pregnant dogs and puppies are often euthanized because of the amount of resources they require or even more often, pregnant moms are spayed, aborting the puppies. Path of Hope Rescue believes that these dogs deserve a chance at life.
Welcome to the 2024 Washington Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Washington 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 Washington dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Our adoption process is detailed and comprehensive, because we want to ensure that the dog we entrust to you is a good fit for your lifestyle, home environment, needs and expectations. Our goal is not simply to place dogs in homes, but to create lasting, rewarding, happy relationships between our dogs and their humans. We will process your application as quickly as we can, but we ask you to be patient if it takes longer than you’d like. You are welcome to contact us at any time to ask about our progress.
Traveling with your dog can be a rewarding experience, but what do you do when adventure calls you to a place that’s a bit too far for a drive? If you're a pet-owner who want to jetset with your pup, then you’ll want to find the best dog-friendly airlines.
Discover the Great Pyrenees, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and independent nature. Recognized as a large dog, the Great Pyrenees have their origins in France where they were initially bred as livestock guardians starting in the roots back to 3000 BC century.
Discover the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a breed celebrated for its loyal, playful, and friendly nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Staffordshire Bull Terriers originated in the United Kingdom, where they were initially bred for bull-baiting and later for dog fighting starting in the early 19th century.
Discover the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a breed celebrated for its friendly and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have their origins in Wales, where they were initially bred for herding cattle, sheep, and horses starting in the 10th century.
Discover the Boxer, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and alert nature. Recognized as a large dog, Boxers have their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for hunting large game starting in the late 19th century.
Discover the Great Dane, a breed celebrated for its friendly, affectionate, and curious nature. Recognized as a large dog, Great Danes have their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for hunting and guarding starting in the 16th 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!
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.
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.