This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Bend, OR. 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.
#97 in United States, #12 in Oregon, #1 in Bend
Bend
The values we share at Street Dog Hero inspire the interactions we have with everyone*. We are committed to bettering the communities, people, and animals we serve. Each of us contributes to this effort in our own way, bringing passion to what we do best and committing to align with the following values. Act with integrity, empathy, and compassion Seek to understand those we serve Minimize suffering Provide appropriate transparency Safety first, in all its forms *four-legged and two-legged
"Street Dog Hero is one of the most well-known charities in Central Oregon. Over 5 years, they have helped place..."
— cory c.
Adoptee, Staff member
"The incredible rescue that saved our two Mexico street dogs!"
— sharon t.
Adoptee
#100 in United States, #15 in Oregon, #2 in Bend
Bend
Great Pyrs & Paws Rescue is a 501c3 organization with a network of volunteers across the United States. We rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome unwanted, displaced, and neglected Great Pyrenees along with other Livestock Guardian dogs in need throughout Texas and the Pacific Northwest. By placing them in caring and nurturing foster homes we are able to successfully adopt them to loving homes throughout the Western United States. Our mission is to engage community members to promote better treatment of these dogs and reduce euthanasia numbers through adoptions, education, and other resources. Great Pyrs & Paws Rescue is a partner with National Great Pyrenees Rescue (www.nationalpyr.org) and we strive to collaborate with other community members. Our vision is to be at the forefront of generating awareness concerning the mistreatment and over-population of Livestock Guardian Breeds, specifically in Texas. Our rescue focuses on finding forever homes for the Pyrs and other livestock guardian dogs in Texas and in the Pacific Northwestern states, by placing them with fosters in Texas, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and adopting them to loving families. We partner with multiple transport companies to safely get our Pyrs to their destinations. We also welcome and support other transport arrangements, such as air travel, if the adopters prefer.
#100 in United States, #15 in Oregon, #2 in Bend
Bend
There is a huge need in our community to help with animal overpopulation and medical needs. We saw this need growing and decided to help. After 8 years of rescue, foster and helping out these animals we knew we could do much more with your help.
#100 in United States, #15 in Oregon, #2 in Bend
Bend
At Herd U Needed A Home Rescue we are passionate about finding the best homes for our rescue dogs. We mainly work with herding type breeds (border collie, heeler, Australian shepherd, McNab), but we often rescue other breeds in need. We are a foster-based rescue, meaning we do not have a shelter. All of our dogs are placed in loving homes while they wait for their forever family to come along. If you are looking for an active, loving forever friend, please check out our adoptable dogs today!
#100 in United States, #15 in Oregon, #2 in Bend
Bend
Herding Dog Rescue of Central Oregon (HDRescue) was founded in May of 2023. Our mission is to help herding dogs who are abandoned, neglected and abused or simply in the wrong home into a loving appropriate home. We rely on foster homes, donations and volunteers. Every dog/puppy will be up to date on their vaccines, microchipped and if older than 6 months spayed/neutered. Any known health concerns will be addressed.
#100 in United States, #15 in Oregon, #2 in Bend
Bend
BrightSide is a high-save shelter dedicated to providing sheltering, placement and prevention services to reduce animal homelessness and unnecessary euthanasia.
#100 in United States, #15 in Oregon, #2 in Bend
Bend
We are a nonprofit 5013c in the Tumalo area of Bend, OR, that rescues and rehomes dogs and cats from urgent situations and shelters. We are a team of volunteers who are passionate about saving lives and addressing pet overpopulation.
#100 in United States, #15 in Oregon, #2 in Bend
Bend
Founded in 1995 as the inspiration and vision of former Prineville residents Gladys Logsdon and Donna Whitcomb. The Humane Society of the Ochocos has come a long way since then and and we have many of you to thank for that! The current shelter was constructed in 1996 as a temporary facility when the local population was just 17,000…it is now over 25,000 which represents a 47% increase! The needs of the County have outgrown the current shelter’s capacity. In 2006, HSO paved the way and became the first animal shelter in Central Oregon to adopt the no kill philosophy. HSO Vision: • Every companion animal in our community will be treated with respect. • Every adoptable animal in our care will be placed in a loving home. • Every lost animal in our care will be reunited with its owner. • Every dog and cat owner in our community will have access to affordable spay and neuter services.
#100 in United States, #15 in Oregon, #2 in Bend
Bend
At Rebel Souls , we feel advocating, bringing awareness and proper representation of the bully breeds is key to their success. I spend each day exercising, working on behavior issues, getting to know the dogs on a more personal level so that I am fully aware of their character traits prior to sending them off to their forever loving homes. Each dog will leave here crate trained, house broken and know most basic commands. I feel it is very important to know each dog as an individual to assure that when they are adopted their new owners are fully informed of their new companion's pros and cons. Rescue dogs will enrich your lives and show you unconditional love. We are always looking for fosters who are willing to take any of our rescues into their homes, continue training and help them become even better dogs than we already know they are.
#100 in United States, #15 in Oregon, #2 in Bend
#17 in senior dog
Senior dog
Bend
Sammie was our first family dog. She was our wild child, always ready to play soccer, chase down a ball, and run like the wind. Sammie loved all humans and was the best big sister to her dog siblings. She had back-to-back knee surgeries by the age of 3yo but recovered quickly and remained active for many years after. Over time, Sammie became deaf and blind. Her old bones started to choose a warm bed over playing ball, but her devotion to her family never wavered. She was truly our good ol’ girl! Sammie was 15yo when we held her for the last time. It was an honor and a privilege to care for our Sammie, especially in her golden years. Which is an act of love too many older dogs do not receive. The amount of dogs over the age of 7 that are abandoned or surrendered, solely for their age is truly heartbreaking. We established Sammie’s Senior Dog Sanctuary to care for those seniors. We know age is never an indicator of the love they have to give. We are dedicated to their well-being and making sure their time with us is safe, stress-free, and full of compassion. Robin is a registered veterinary technician (RVT) with several years of experience caring for all animals and is Fear Free certified. Our family has spent the majority of our lives loving our pets unconditionally until their remaining days.
#100 in United States, #15 in Oregon, #2 in Bend
Bend
Meet Rawley! The inspiration behind the mission. Growing up I have always had a passion for animals, dogs especially. Rawley and I were best friends in the truest sense. When he was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 9, I was devastated. We quickly sought out every medical expert, explored every option, nothing was too crazy or expensive to try. I was lucky enough to come across a group of doctors and staff who specialize in walking people through their end of life journey with their pets. It was this group of women who sat me down and said, “your passion for animals is special. You need to go do that.” I had always wanted to help, but frankly I was too scared. Too scared to go into a shelter and look into the eyes of dogs who needed, not necessarily me, but someone. Anyone. Too scared to interact with a homeless dog that may be begging for food. It just all seemed like it would hurt too bad. But after losing Rawley, the pain was so real that I didn’t think much could hurt more so I took the suggestion to go explore Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT. This is where it all changed for me… Not only did I come home with a new best friend (Willow) but I realized, I can do this! I can look into these dogs eyes, I can help. And so my journey in animal welfare began. I started volunteering at the local shelter in San Diego. When I moved back to Bend I volunteered at the local shelter here (and still do), became a Board Member, and got involved in other rescue organizations. Becoming an active member of my community helped me identify the areas in need. To help reduce the homeless pet population by providing low cost spay, neuter, vaccine and microchip resources to our community and working to find homes for dogs that otherwise do not have chance at adoption in their current situations. There is a lot of need but there are many who give. Together, we will make a difference in as many lives as possible.
Welcome to the 2024 Bend, OR Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Bend, OR chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 11 private dog parks in the Bend 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 Bend dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
Our Adoption Process There is a huge need for loving homes for rescued dogs. We always have wonderful dogs who are awaiting placement in a permanent home. Dog adoption is a match-making process: it is very important that the dog and the new owner are correctly matched. All of our dogs are placed in approved homes only. We have a waiting list of approved adopters. The first step for you is to fill out our Adoption Application on this web site. This will get the process started. Until we see your completed application we cannot begin working with you to find a new pet for you. The application is lengthy and detailed. Every question in it is intentional and important. The more complete your application is the higher the likelihood is that we will contact you and begin working with you to help you find your new pet. In particular, please be sure your references and veterinarian know that we are going to be calling them, and that you have given us their correct telephone numbers. We do have an adoption fee that covers all of the costs associated with making your dog ready for adoption, including the administrative costs associated with running a large and successful rescue and adoption program like ours.
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.