The Best Los Angeles, CA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Tofu's Dream World

Tofu’s Dream World is a foster-based dog rescue located in Los AngeleS, CA. We rescue dogs from high-kill shelters throughout California and place them in loving, qualified foster homes until a perfect, forever home is found. All medical care is provided and every dog is vaccinated, rehabilitated, and spayed or neutered before leaving our rescue. Tofu’s Dream World was founded by JEN DODARO, a freelance ART DIRECTOR and animal advocate. After years of volunteering with local rescues and regularly visiting and networking dogs at high-kill shelters, it became evident that the shelter crisis in california is far from over. with tofu’s dream world we will do everything in our power to bring awareness to this crisis, while helping as many dogs as we can in the process.

Wags & Walks

Wags and Walks is focused on advocating for wrongfully stereotyped bully breeds, medical dogs, and mamas + puppies that are often overlooked and at-risk due to overcrowding. We do not select dogs based on their size, age, or breed. We select our dogs on a case-by-case basis, factoring in our ability to help and their likelihood of thriving when placed in the right home. We know that, like amazing dogs, loving families come in all shapes and sizes. Our goal is to find every pup an adopter whose home, family, and lifestyle are a perfect fit for a lifetime of love and happiness.

Angel City Pit Bulls

Angel City Pit Bulls is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a better future for pit bulls by promoting their positive image as loving family companions through education, public advocacy, adoptions, and owner support.

Paws For Life K9 Rescue

Paws For Life K9 Rescue saves and transforms the lives of animals and people through innovative canine-centered programs that provide purpose, support, and opportunity through the Prison/Re-Entry, People & Pet Innovation Center, First Responder and PTSD Support, Adoptions, Transports, and Vet Tech Program.

LaBelle Foundation

A beacon of hope in the realm of animal welfare. Our foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through responsible pet ownership education, spaying, and neutering initiatives, vaccination advocacy, and comprehensive dog training. We confront the challenges within the rescue community head-on, driven by a resolute mission to put an end to dog homelessness. Aligned with our mission, we champion accessible veterinary care. Our support has extended to sponsoring spay and neuter clinics across California and Mexico, with ongoing plans to broaden our reach. Our unwavering commitment includes partnering with affordable specialty veterinary clinics and addressing the critical need for accessible and affordable care through advocacy and legislation. As we continue to evolve, our unwavering focus remains on the core tenets that define us. Our journey is built upon the principles of rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for dogs, particularly with neonatal orphans needing intensive care, medical/special needs animals, and nursing mother-and-babies. Our foundation stands upon pillars that encompass rescuing animals in need, educating the community on responsible pet care, facilitating forever homes, fostering a supportive community, and prioritizing the overall well-being of animals.

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing purebred German Shepherd Dogs that have no where else to turn.

Pasadena Humane

Pasadena Humane is more than an animal shelter; we are a community-supported animal resource center providing compassion and care for all animals. Since 1903, Pasadena Humane has offered lifesaving programs and services for animals and the people who love them in the Greater Los Angeles Area. At our Pasadena campus, we provide shelter, dedicated care and new beginnings for thousands of our community's most vulnerable animals every year. In addition to pet adoptions and foster, we focus on programs and services aimed at helping people care for and keep their pets, such as free and low-cost spay/neuter and vaccines, a pet food pantry, and an animal support call center. In 2022, Pasadena Humane helped nearly 40,000 animals through adoptions, wildlife rehabilitation, lost & found, veterinary services, and surrender prevention assistance.

Downtown Dog Rescue

Bichon Rescue of Orange County

Bichon Rescue of Orange County, California is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of neglected, abused, or otherwise homeless senior Bichon Frises, bichon mixes and other small non-shedding breeds, placing them into permanent, stable, and caring forever homes. We believe in the value of our senior citizens as adopters as well as fosters and are committed to their advocacy and support through our “Seniors for Seniors” focus. We believe in promoting awareness of the need to spay and neuter pets, and of the importance of proper medical, dental and nutritional care. We believe in cultivating a volunteer spirit in our youth and educating them about the importance of pet advocacy.

Victor Valley Animal Protective League

Victor Valley Animal Protective League (VVAPL) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) serving the Victor Valley Communities and beyond. We are the contracted animal shelters for the cities of Victorville and Adelanto providing shelter to homeless animals relinquished by their guardians, rescued from abuse or neglect, and stray or abandoned animals. VVAPL provides and maintains a safe, clean and humane environment for the unwanted animals in our shelter. All animals are treated with the utmost care and respect, making their stay as comfortable as possible. Our goal is to find homes for as many animals as possible. No abuse will be tolerated. Our services, programs and community education are available to anyone, regardless of where you reside. Our funding is provided through donations, fundraising, grants, endowments, foundations, and service fees.

C.A.R.E. aka: Cat/Canine Assistance, Referral & Education

For every pet cherished in a secure home, one hundred more roam homeless, hungry and frightened until they succumb to malnutrition, disease, speeding vehicles or worse fates. A lucky few are rescued by caring humans who work at what can be a lonesome, stressful job. C.A.R.E. was born in 1992 when a few such people came together to help homeless animals and their human rescuers. We began as 5 women who all volunteered at a San Fernando Valley "no-kill shelter“ although there were certain exceptions to that rule, on occasion. So, we decided to form our own little group to especially look out for the less adoptable animals and to offer support and guidance to individuals who might contact the shelter for assistance in their attempts to rescue abandoned cats and dogs. After much deliberation, we voted on the name Cat Assistance, Referral & Education with the acronym C.A.R.E. In a year or so, things changed at the shelter for us, so we left and began fostering cats and dogs in our homes and finding them homes at local adoption fairs. All that changed in 1998 when a Valley private shelter went out of control and was shut down by the Dept. of Animal Regulation. There were over 600 cats and 20 some dogs; half of the cats were euthanized by the Dept. right on the spot. One of C.A.R.E."s Board members located a wealthy lady who wanted to help and promised she'd always have our backs right! So, we were able to bail out the remaining cats and dogs and located a properly zoned property in the high desert near Palmdale to set up our Sanctuary. It was a little old house on an acre of land next to the California Aqueduct but the zoning was right and so we rented it and with some handy-females (and a handy male or so) we set it up to house the cats in the house and the dogs in outside runs. We took on the name C.A.R.E. aka: Cat/Canine Assistance, Referral & Education. Remember we said "right!" about that wonderful lady who pledged to never let us down? In about six months, she decided that animals weren't really her mission and moved on. But somehow we survived. It was a really tough row to hoe - we started out totally backwards - many animals and little funding - where most rescues start out with few animals. But with a lot of blood, sweat, tears and sleepless nights , we kept on keepin' on. It's through our wonderful supporters , people like you, reader , who made it possible. We were and continue to be especially concerned for animals who are not the most adoptable, older, manageable health conditions, FeLV, feral kitties, etc.. Thus, we have many animals who will never be adopted but we also have many who are and so we constantly look for forever loving homes for them via internet adoption sites, adoption programs, etc.. But it doesn't matter. They are all welcome with us for as long as they need - 7 weeks, months, years, life. We never euthanize except to end unrelievable pain and suffering and only via our veterinarian with staff or board members standing by to comfortable the little one as they cross the Rainbow Bridge. Our Sanctuary is run by our Board of Directors, who are entirely uncompensated, and a crew of dedicated Sanctuary staff who care for the animals 24/7 - 2 vet techs, 3 maintenance and 1 "dog man". These people are truly dedicated and love all the Sanctuary "fur folk" like family. We welcome visitors to tour the Sanctuary by appointment. You can take a virtual tour here . By operating our cage-free, no-kill sanctuary for orphaned cats and dogs, C.A.R.E. demonstrates that humane alternatives exist to address the pet overpopulation problem. Community leaders across the nation are encouraging people to spay/neuter, adopt from the shelters and sponsor feral cat colonies, all of which certainly contribute to a solution. But even when successful, these strategies take time. And for so many innocents, their time is now, before long-term solutions can take hold. For these animals who are "in-between" solutions, responsible sanctuaries, such as C.A.R.E.'s, present the most humane response to the problem of pet overpopulation. A rescuer's dream is to one day open a cage-free shelter, where abandoned pets can live, well-fed and well-loved until the right adopter comes along. We had done that but we always had that niggling insecurity of being tenants and having our fur folks' home sold out from under us!! In 2012 a miracle occurred. Thanks to a wonderful lady's bequest, we were finally able to purchase our Sanctuary property and the adjoining acre!! Our fur folks' home is now as safe as we can make it! Only more funding, new housing and volunteers can make it safer! We have now embarked on a capital campaign to build two new large buildings on that adjoining acre complete with air conditioning and heating for both cats and dogs. The current buildings were built in the early 1950s and the dogs currently have no A/C or heating. They have do-gloos, loafing sheds for shade, misters in the summer, wading pools, rubber maid sheds but still, it gets over 100 F degrees in the summer and snows in the winter up in the desert. We have a campaign going on at GofundMe.com but donations can be made towards that project in any fashion-.PayPal (see link in the left column), checks, donations in kind, donations of materials, your know-how-.anything! C.A.R.E. has now been in existence over 25 years and our Sanctuary for 20 in 2018. In addition to homes for our little ones, new housing for them, volunteers to play with the animals, help out at the Sanctuary, promote us on the internet, do public outreach and, of course, funding to keep on keepin' on, we are seriously looking for people who share our vision, who are on the same page, to join C.A.R.E.; to become part of the heart and soul of the organization; new energetic people to help carry it on into the future. Could you be one of those?

Rescue From The Hart

Rescue From The Hart is a 501c3 Los Angeles dog rescue founded by Annie Hart and her husband - James Hart, after years of advocacy and animal rescue. We have dedicated our lives to saving abandoned and abused animals from local shelters and the streets and ultimately finding them loving forever homes. We provide each of our rescues with top-notch medical and emotional care through trusted vets, trainers and foster homes. We believe that these efforts - coupled with spay/neuter programs and educating the public - are the three key elements to eliminating pet overpopulation problems across the world. The first step to solving any problem is acknowledging that you have one. By sharing the stories of those we save, Rescue From the Hart demonstrates how countless animals are victims of circumstance and thrive when given a second chance - thus inspiring others to join our efforts and effect change.

Trained Dogs for Adoption, Inc

TDFA was formed to fill a void in the greater Southern California rescue community for hard to place German Shepherds. To our knowledge, no local rescue had ever specialized in the rehabilitation of high-drive and sometimes mischievous working shepherds residing in public animal shelters. TDFA advocates on behalf of these dogs because they epitomize the unique beauty of the breed. We have special expertise in the evaluation, taming and rehabilitation of German Shepherd Dogs with temperament histories that preclude them from placement at most animal shelters. Rather than stand by and allow them to languish and die in animal shelters, TDFA provides them with an opportunity to flourish and find the love and security of a qualified and permanent home. When an animal shelter contacts TDFA and requests the assessment of a dog, the dog has generally already been marked “rescue only”. This typically means that the shelter has determined that the dog’s temperament is too challenging for the average shelter adopter searching for a new family pet. Therefore, the shelter does not make those dogs available for adoption to the general public. TDFA frequently becomes their last resort. When assessing dogs for our program, TDFA does not rely on information provided by other parties. TDFA performs an independent assessment of each dog prior to acceptance into our program. Experience has taught us that owner surrender stories are frequently inaccurate and unfairly blame the dog for the owner’s own carelessness. TDFA specializes in the placement of adult dogs that have no other options. TDFA understands that the placement of some of these dogs may be difficult and may not occur for extended periods of time. Our philosophy is to wait for the right home, rather than approve an adoption to an unqualified or fickle adopter. Once a dog is accepted into the TDFA family, we remain committed to the welfare of that dog to the very end. We would rather decline multiple applications than knowingly approve a single adoption to the wrong home.

American Bullmastiff Rescue

The American Bullmastiff Association is the AKC recognized breed club for the bullmastiff. ABA members are dedicated to the education, training, care and overall well-being of the bullmastiff. The membership community includes experts with decades of experience and new members with their first bullmastiff all with the common goal of protecting and preserving the breed.

Helping Out Pets Everyday

Cage To Couch

LA ADOPT

Lovebugs Rescue

Dachshund Paws & Pals

Beach Dog Rescue

Samoyed Rescue Of Southern California

Samoyed Rescue of Southern California is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization founded in 1989 to assist Samoyed dogs. The organization concentrates on saving and rehoming Samoyeds from animal shelters and individual homes where the dogs are no longer wanted. SRSC operates solely from donations and volunteer help. SRSC serves the Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and San Diego.

OC Pom Rescue

OC Pom Rescue is a breed-specific 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog rescue based in Southern California. Created by women in 2020, the rescue strives to educate about responsible dog ownership and the Pomeranian breed.

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

Annenberg PetSpace is a unique community space that facilitates pet adoptions, hosts community events, and offers learning opportunities. Annenberg PetSpace focuses on the mutually beneficial and dynamic bond between people and their pets. Annenberg PetSpace is another extension of Wallis Annenberg’s philanthropic work, which has long supported organizations and projects dedicated to improving the wellbeing of people and communities in Los Angeles, surrounding regions and throughout the world. “This initiative couldn't be closer to my heart,” said Wallis Annenberg. “The purpose of Annenberg PetSpace is to strengthen the bonds between us and all animals and pets, and to form innovative new policies and partnerships — to save animals' lives through adoption and education, and to help make our communities more animal-friendly.”

Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care and Adoption Center

Welcome to the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center (RCAC). Our Center cares for thousands of animals annually including dogs, cats, small pets and wildlife. Our department is a part of the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s public safety team which includes Police, Fire, Animal Services and Community Improvement. Vision, Mission & Values Mission: Creating PAWsitive impact by enriching the lives of animals and people. Vision: Inspiring a compassionate community where animals and people thrive together. Values for RCAC: R-Resilience to overcome obstacles to rescue, rehabilitate, reunite and rehome animals. C-Compassion to provide above and beyond care for the animals and people we serve. A-Achieve goals to lead, advance, and promote the highest standards in animal welfare. C-Commitment to enhance community partnerships, public safety and humane education. How do we “Create a PAWsitive Impact”? We are Creative and Innovative. We are creative, innovative and driven to go the extra mile to help the animals in our care. Close to 90% of Dogs and Cats Have a Positive Outcome. While we are proud of those statistics, our goal is to continue to explore responsible ways to advance animal care and save more lives. We have a Foster and RC academy Program. In 2015 the RC Animal Center opened a 24-hour neonatal kitten nursery to care for kittens 1 day old to 8 weeks old. The Kitten Nursery was the 2016 recipient of the Helen Putnam Award of Excellence in the category of Public Trust, Ethics and Community Involvement. In 2021, because of great community support and an enhanced foster program for neonates, the RC Kitten Nursery was replaced with the RC academy. The academy’s focus is a safe place for weaned kittens and cats that need extra assistance adjusting to a shelter environment so they can find new homes. This program is largely funded from donations and volunteer support. CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA We Value Volunteers! The Animal Center has a robust volunteer program. Volunteers over the age of 18 assist with clerical duties, participate in animal socialization and enrichment programs, attend outreach and community events, and intern with our Veterinary Services Division. The Pet Cadet Program provides opportunities for volunteers ages 12 to 18 to volunteer with their parent or guardian during summer months in the RC aCATemy. Visit our website to learn more about the volunteer positions we are currently recruiting for. We Promote Public Safety. Our Animal Service Officers work 24/7 to rescue, protect and provide for animals in need. The Animal Services Officers take pride in making a difference in the lives of people and pets in the community. We Fundraise! Established in 2016, the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care Foundation raises funds to offset the cost of animal care, provide additional support to help animals get adopted, and saves funds for the long-term success of the Center. Euthanasia Philosophy The Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center is an open admission municipal shelter. Unlike other shelters that may turn animals away that do not meet their adoption criteria, the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center accepts and cares for all animals residing in the City regardless of the animal’s health, behavior, or adoptability. The decision to humanely euthanize an animal is not taken lightly and is based upon many factors including public safety, the animal’s known history, observed behavior, medical concerns and prospect for a good quality of life. The Animal Center takes a team approach to look for opportunities for each individual animal prior to euthanasia, including partnering with many 501c3 rescue groups to aid us in animal placement. The staff and volunteers consider euthanasia as an outcome of last resort when all other options are exhausted. Animal Center History: The Animal Center was built in 1993. However, due to an unstable economy and reduction of revenue from the state to local government, the City postponed the opening of the Animal Center as a City run department and continued its contract for services with the County of San Bernardino. In 2005, a number of concerned citizens began discussions with the City Council to take direct management of animal services and institute a more progressive program. The City hired Nathan Winograd of No Kill solutions to provide consultation services and help transition the animal services program from a contract service to a city operated animal services program. In early 2006 staff were hired, and a training program was instituted. The Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care and Adoption Center was officially opened on May 1, 2006, with Field Services following on July 1, 2006.

Pedro Pet Pals

Pedro Pet Pals was founded in 2009 by Theresa Sardisco to support homeless animals through the programs of the City of Los Angeles Harbor Animal Shelter and the SPCA. Donations were received to add a misting system at the Harbor Shelter to keep the dogs cool. When the City announced it would be funding the misting system, donors wanted their money to be used for other efforts to help animals. And so, Pedro Pet Pals was born. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, run by a team of volunteers. Pedro Pet Pals actively raises funds to supports our local animal shelters with supplies, medical equipment, and other items that the city cannot afford. Pedro Pet Pals is also committed to the community by providing spay/neuter programs, and community educational outreach to pet owners. Pedro Pet Pals is not a rescue organization, but we are committed to providing comfort and support to wayward animals in the Los Angeles area. Money raised by Pedro Pet Pals has been used to fund the following: • blood machine • anesthesia machine • kennel beds • leashes and harnesses • dog pools and canopies • dog and cat toys • grooming table and supplies • cat room improvements • cat/kitten health supplies • adoption fee vouchers • spayed and neutered over 900 pit bulls from Watts to San Pedro In addition, Pedro Pet Pals has: • organized a volunteer dog walking program • provided community outreach and education

Earth Angels Rescue

Earth Angels Rescue was born of two sisters, Jessica and Molly, both saddened by the sheer number of pitbulls killed everyday. Molly works out of NYC and Jessica from LA, two cities notorious for killing more pits than most. Their mission is to rescue pit bulls; as well as other dogs overlooked and in need of help; who have entered a shelter through no fault of their own, and to find loving, forever homes for these dogs. Jessica is a renowned makeup artist turned dog trainer. The first dog Jessica rescued was Sam from the Carson shelter. Truth be told, Sam rescued Jessica and opened her heart to the amazing, unconditional love we receive from these animals. Unbeknownst to her, the journey as a rescuer had begun and her life was changed forever. Jessica has a well known reputation as a certified and compassionate trainer both for her fur clients and their parents. Here is the link to her training page. Molly is a flight attendant and a pilot. She began with one rescue pit mix, Daisy in 2001. At the encouragement of Jessica, she became a foster mom to Abby, who at the time, was a one year old throwaway mama pit slated to be killed in NYC. Abby became a member of her family, and started Molly on her journey in rescue. Their primary focus is on pitbulls, the most grossly misunderstood breed of dog, and the dog most likely to never walk out of a shelter, but they are committed to rescuing as many dogs as they can,

The Dog Rescuers

Pups and Pals

Pups and Pals Rescue is a small group of volunteers in the Orange County and LA County areas who focus on rescuing dogs and cats in need and placing them into appropriate homes. We do have an occasional pocket pet or a bird, but we do focus primarily on dogs and cats. We are classified as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. We typically rescue pets from county pounds but we also accept those surrendered by owners who are no longer able to care for their pets. Before a pet is placed for adoption they are given vaccinations, vet checked, spayed/neutered, dewormed, microchipped. We do not have a kennel so we are not able to accept walk in visits. Our rescues are typically in foster homes or occasionally in boarding. Please submit our application prior to asking to visit a rescue pet.

Rescue Bae

Animals do not have a voice, so I am here to speak up for them. I take in the unwanted, the abandoned, the sick, the injured, the old, and the young, making a promise to each and every one of them that I will find the life they deserve. A life full of unconditional and forever love and care. A life that so many animals haven’t gotten the chance to experience. It is my top priority to find that family that each animal is meant to be with. I do not care how long it takes to find their forever home. I never settle for anything less than the best. I rescue to make a difference in not only animals’ lives, but for those that adopt them. ”Saving one animal will not change the world, but surely for that one animal, their world will change forever.” I am set to change many worlds, one animal at a time.

TREAT Pet Rescue