Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Nirvana Animal Rescue

#75 in United States, #7 in Pennsylvania, #1 in Harrisburg

https://www.nirvanaanimalrescue.org/

info@nirvanaanimalrescue.org

Service areas:

Cumberland, Perry, and Dauphin counties

Nirvana Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization committed to providing sanctuary to homeless, neglected, and abused animals. We rescue companion animals who are left behind, forgotten, neglected, thrown away, or abused and provide them with their own nirvana, free from suffering and pain. All our animals are behaviorally assessed and many receive professional training prior to being placed in their forever homes. Our emphasis is on the quality, not quantity, of animals placed to ensure successful, lifelong adoptions.

Mission and Vision

Adoption Policy

Our adoption policies are in place to ensure our adopted dogs have the best possible chance of success in their forever home. Please review the below policies and ensure you are able to follow them prior to applying to adopt! Adopters must be at least 21 years of age.Adopted dogs must live as indoor pets only.Adopted dogs must be taken to the veterinarian within three weeks of adoption. All Nirvana Animal Rescue dogs receive basic vetting upon intake to the rescue and will come to adopters up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, up to date on monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention, microchipped, and spayed/neutered if age-appropriate.If adopting a puppy under six months of age, the adopter is responsible for getting the adopted dog spayed/neutered by six months of age and providing proof to Nirvana Animal Rescue. Please note there are ZERO exceptions to this policy. Failure to follow this policy will result in Nirvana Animal Rescue taking the animal back under our care. All current animals in the home must be spayed/neutered, to date on their rabies and distemper vaccines, heartworm test, annual wellness exam, and receive monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention. Please ensure your animal is up to date PRIOR to applying to adopt, as failure to pass your veterinarian reference could result in denial of your adoption application.Adopted dogs must remain up to date on their rabies and distemper vaccines, heartworm test, annual wellness exam, and receive monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention in their adopted home. Nirvana Animal Rescue reserves the right to follow-up with adopters if we have any reason to believe the adopted dog is not receiving appropriate care. Nirvana Animal Rescue highly encourages adopters to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist within three months of adoption. Professional training is one of, if not the most, important factor in helping the adopted dog transition into its new home, and enrolling in training sets the adopted dog up for success. It also strengthens the bond between the adopted dog and its new owner in the first few months. We recommend training for everyone, from first-time adopters to repeat adopters! Nirvana Animal Rescue does NOT adopt littermates out together. We only adopt out one dog at a time, unless the dogs are part of a bonded pair.Nirvana Animal Rescue does not hold our dogs. Applying does NOT guarantee that you will adopt your dog of choice. We can't promise that the dog you applied for will be available at the end of the approval process. We will , however, work with you on identifying a good fit for your household! If approved, adopters must travel to our fosters in central Pennsylvania to meet and take home their new dog. We do not adopt to states that already have a massive pet overpopulation problem. If you live in one of the states listed below, we recommend checking out a local shelter or rescue to adopt from! CaliforniaTexasNorth CarolinaSouth CarolinaFloridaGeorgiaAlabamaLouisianaOklahoma ArkansasMississippiTennessee

https://www.nirvanaanimalrescue.org/available-dogs

Testimonials

See all testimonials

"Nirvana was amazingly supportive as we fostered a puppy. They provided everything and anything we needed to be successful. When we became “foster failures” & decided to keep our puppy, all of the paperwork was completed thoroughly and quickly. Nivana provides great foster support physically, with events and as well as through social media. Nirvana will do all that is necessary to have a rescued dog be at its highest potential for adoption. I will not go anywhere else for our next adoption."

— jean m.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"Nirvana is an absolutely wonderful rescue! K work with them from the shelter side of things and their team is extremely responsive, reliable, and thorough in all that they do. They treat every animal that they take in with care and love and never let human elements negatively impact an animal. They are small, but they are mighty and have a big positive impact! We are so grateful to Nirvana for all the dogs that they’ve saved from us."

— jessica a.

Supporter

"We love our little guy we got from Nirvana. They were so helpful every step of the way from fostering to final adoption! We still text with the head of the organization with questions and she had a wonderful recommendation for training as well. This rescue may be new on the block but not at all inexperienced. They have great doggie turnover, from shelter to loving homes without cutting corners."

— alanna b.

Adoptee

"We had a fantastic experience with Nirvana Animal Rescue. They are a friendly and super responsible rescue. We started out fostering, which turned into adoption. So glad we chose to adopt through Nirvana."

— el c.

Adoptee

"A wonderful organization with true Rescue Values!"

— sam y.

Supporter

"Nirvana is a wonder rescue with hard working and caring volunteers!!"

— erin l.

Supporter, Fan

"Mackenzie is caring, knowledgeable, meticulous, and outstandingly passionate about her work. I recommend her to anyone looking to foster or adopt. She’s the real deal."

— lauren w.

Fan

"The most caring and passionate people helping those who can’t help themselves"

— autumn f.

Supporter

"Nirvana Animal Rescue is amazing! They are extremely organized and responsive. I filled out applications for multiple dogs at multiple rescues. Nirvana was the first to contact me. They let me know what would happen step by step for our approval and were able to approve ud within 2 days (interview, background check, etc); all before any other rescues even contacted us. We drove 2 hours to meet and greet and bring home our pup. They have an awesome community Facebook page to post updates too. Highly recommend!"

— brooke h.

Adoptee

"As a follower of this organization, they are doing great things for dogs in need!"

— patience y.

Fan

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Harrisburg

Pit Bull

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Harrisburg

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Harrisburg

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

All testimonials

— jean m.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

— jessica a.

Supporter

— alanna b.

Adoptee

— el c.

Adoptee

"A wonderful organization with true Rescue Values!"

— sam y.

Supporter

"Nirvana is a wonder rescue with hard working and caring volunteers!!"

— erin l.

Supporter, Fan

"Mackenzie is caring, knowledgeable, meticulous, and outstandingly passionate about her work. I recommend her to anyone looking to foster or adopt. She’s the real deal."

— lauren w.

Fan

"The most caring and passionate people helping those who can’t help themselves"

— autumn f.

Supporter

— brooke h.

Adoptee

"As a follower of this organization, they are doing great things for dogs in need!"

— patience y.

Fan

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

All categories

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

German Shepherd Dog: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Most recent articles

The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near San Diego, California

Furry Co-Pilots Welcome: The Best Way to Travel in an RV with Your Dog

Australian Shepherd: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

My Dog Is Food Aggressive With Other Dogs: What To Do
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.
Scent Training for Dogs: A Beginner's Guide
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.
Service Dog Training Costs: DIY vs. Pro
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.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
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?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
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!

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States
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.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Ultimate Guide: Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
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?
Daily Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Truth vs. Myth
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.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Guide to Understanding Reactivity
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.
How to Socialize a Reactive Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
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.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

Top 10 Indoor Dog Parks: A US Guide
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.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States
Searching for the best off-leash dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for public dog parks with open spaces or private, fully-fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover top-rated parks across the country, plus essential tips on what to bring and what to expect for your next adventure.
Best Dog Parks Near Me in Las Vegas
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States
Searching for the best dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for off-leash public spaces or private, fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered.
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
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.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
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.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

Nirvana Animal Rescue

Mission and Vision

Adoption Policy

Testimonials

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Harrisburg

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Harrisburg

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Harrisburg

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota