This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Columbus, OH. 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.
#30 in United States, #2 in Ohio, #1 in Columbus
Columbus
Cabin Critters Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in Scioto County, Ohio, that is focused on animal rescue and education. Started in February of 2019, we have rescued over 1000 dogs and cats (plus many other types of animals). Our primary focus is to find loving homes for our animal friends where they will thrive and be loved for the rest of their lives. We also care much about the humans behind the animals, therefore we are also really big in educating and providing awareness, as well as help to those who seek it.
"Cabin Critters really cares for all of their animals n nurses them back to good health if needed. Also the shelter..."
— cindy m.
Fan
"In October I adopted a long time rescue resident from Cabin Critters Rescue. I drove 2 1/2 hours to adopt..."
— amy f.
Adoptee
#46 in United States, #3 in Ohio, #2 in Columbus
Columbus
CHA Animal Shelter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter in northeast Columbus, Ohio. CHA is funded solely from adoption fees, donations from the public, and our own fundraising efforts.
"I have volunteered for CHA since 2015. My wife and I have also fostered many dogs and puppies. It..."
— louis b.
Volunteer / foster
"CHA Is such an amazing shelter. I have recommended them to friends and family and got my cat from there..."
— miranda g.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#88 in United States, #6 in Ohio, #3 in Columbus
Columbus
We are a 501(c)3 breed specific rescue that specializes in rehabilitating and rehoming basset hounds .
"I’ve been with Buckeye Basset since the beginning!! There is not any hound that they wouldn’t take in and..."
— jessica r.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"Buckeye Basett Rescue is an amazing rescue because they rescue dogs from all walks of life. Mostly bassets but..."
— laurel b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#98 in United States, #10 in Ohio, #4 in Columbus
Columbus
STS (Stop the Suffering) is volunteer run animal rescue based in Columbus, Ohio. We rescue dogs from all over Ohio, northern Kentucky and West Virginia. We house dogs through foster homes and strive to connect each one with their perfect forever family. STS is a 501(c) 3.
"STS is such a wonderful organization. They help so many animals be safer from poor rural shelters that would not..."
— lynn s.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"N/a"
— tracy s.
Supporter, Fan
#98 in United States, #10 in Ohio, #4 in Columbus
Columbus
We're Tri-State Collie Rescue (TSCR), a 100% volunteer- and foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been dedicated to Collies, Shelties, and mixes thereof for over 40 years now. Our mission is simple: Rescue Restore Rehome
"Pack lyfe has not only gave me my 3rd rescue jumping jax but has helped me to foster with support..."
— kristen b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"Adopted a beautiful tri collie girl from them. When they got her she was heartworm positive. They went..."
— felicia r.
Adoptee
#99 in United States, #11 in Ohio, #5 in Columbus
Columbus
Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has rescued hundreds of dogs since its inception in 2003. Donations and fees go directly to supporting the care and placement of our rescued dogs. AHDRO is a 100% volunteer organization. AHDRO's mission is to provide homeless collies, shelties, and mixes of both breeds a safe haven where they will receive medical care, nutrition, and love until their forever homes are found
"We are the most fortunate family who adopted the most wonderful collie from Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio ...."
— larry a.
Adoptee
#99 in United States, #11 in Ohio, #5 in Columbus
Columbus
Our approach to advancing animal welfare is based on the belief that innovation should be constant. And that moving forward with thought-leading programs that enrich, fulfill and, yes, save lives is more than a goal. It's a given.
"CHA is the most caring animal shelter I have ever been to. Volunteering there, I got to see behind the..."
— brynley p.
Volunteer / foster, Fan
#99 in United States, #11 in Ohio, #5 in Columbus
Columbus
Welcome to Gigi's! We're a nonprofit regional care organization that provides homeless dogs with access to quality shelter, veterinary, behavior, and adoption services at our state-of-the-art campus in Columbus, Ohio. We give homeless dogs in rural shelters the love and support they need to be ready for a home -- just like yours! Whether you're looking to adopt a pet, make a difference as a foster or volunteer, or give to save shelter dogs, we're excited you're here!
"I recently adopted my dog through Gigi's and was so pleased with the process. I was nervous about adopting another..."
— emily p.
Adoptee
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
Help Save Pets was originally founded as the Humane Society of Plainfield in 2000. Since then we have placed over 16,000 animals into loving homes. Each one of these animals was given shelter, food, medical aid and vaccinations and time to find the right home. Our doctors mended mutilated limbs and cured many illnesses so that these animals could get a second chance at good lives. We have grown and now operate out of 10 locations, 8 in Illinois and 2 in Ohio. In 2008, we changed our name from the Humane Society of Plainfield to Help Save Pets, still HSP.
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
Colony Cats is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose primary mission is to address cat overpopulation in central Ohio through public awareness and spay/neuter efforts. Since 2002, our organization has facilitated spay/neuter of nearly 26,000 cats and dogs, and placed more than 21,000 pets in homes. We have a cage-free cat adoption center and a network of foster homes for friendly, adoptable cats and kittens (as well as dogs/puppies we encounter while assisting cats) that have been rescued. We are also in partnership with area pet supply stores that help us by showcasing our adoptable cats at offsite locations throughout central Ohio (click here to see a list of offsite locations). Specialized help for feral, stray and abandoned cats is a core element of our programs. We assist compassionate caregivers who are feeding and watching over homeless cats by providing TNR (trap-neuter-return) and other support services including food, shelter, vaccines and additional vet care for injuries/illness, as well as educational resources. Experts estimate that there are more than one million feral and stray cats in this area; animal shelters can't accommodate such a vast number due to lack of space. Sadly, thousands of cats in the region are being euthanized each year. Through Colony Cats' humane, non-lethal programs, homeless cats can have the decent, healthy quality of life they deserve and better co-exist with their feline and human neighbors.
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
Must Love Corsos Rescue is a section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, incorporated in 2018, with over 97 years of breed and rescue experience among our volunteers. Governed by an active Board of Directors, Must Love Corsos Rescue is facilitated in its entirety by compassionate professionals who volunteer their time and resources to save the lives and to care for Cane Corsos who are in need across the nation.
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
We are excited to share the future vision of animal welfare in Delaware County. The vision includes a public-priviate partnership to develop an animal-centric complex, appropriately named ARF (Animal Resource Facility), From adoption, veterinary care, training, boarding, or grooming, ARF represents a holistic approach to meeting the needs of the animal and its human family. The building complex will be anchored by the 22,000 sq. ft. facility housing the Humane Society of Delaware County. Several private businesses will also be incorporated to provide a variety of services related to animal care, needs, and wellness. An ARF committee is being formed to help address a variety of activities that will need to be completed to bring this vision to reality. If you would like to sign-up to help us build the future of animal welfare in Delaware County, please sign up here. We'd love to have you participate!
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
We are dedicated to providing responsible enforcement of dog laws in our community, compassionate treatment of the dogs in our shelter, and on-going education for our citizens. Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center is committed to saving lives. Our shelter is the largest county shelter in Ohio. Last year we took in 9,819 dogs and puppies, including all stray dogs in the county as well as owner surrenders and unwanted litters of puppies.
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
Purebred Rescue Organization of Ohio has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming companion animals for over twenty years. What started as a small foster-based rescue in Dayton, focused on purebred puppy mill releases and owner surrenders, has grown into a multi-city effort, and now includes the PUPP Prison Dog Training Program and partnerships with shelters across the State of Ohio to help save hundreds of dogs each year. Contrary to our name, we rescue dogs of all breeds, mixes, shapes, and sizes! We provide standard vetting for them while they are in our care - all of our dogs are fixed, heartworm tested, vaccinated, and microchipped before they are placed in adoptive homes.
Welcome to the 2024 Columbus, OH Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Columbus, OH chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 14 private dog parks in the Columbus 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 Columbus dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
If at any point, in the animal's life, you need to rehome or can no longer keep the animal you must return them to Cabin Critters Rescue.All Adoptions are finalized once the animal is spayed or neutered.All animals should be vet-checked at your earliest convenience.Any animals adopted come from unknown circumstances. Cabin Critters Rescue cannot be held accountable for any issues arising from the animal's history before Cabin Critters Rescue takes possession of them.Any animals not fully vaccinated (four (4) shots for puppies, one (1) shot for adults) should never be allowed on the ground due to the risk of disease.The adoption fee is considered a donation and therefore, is not refundable.
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.
So: Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (cars, bikes, skateboards, and other fast-moving objects are also common triggers) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling not only feels embarrassing for you — 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.