The Best Phoenix, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Sky Sanctuary Rescue

Sky Sanctuary specialize in the humane capture and rescue of stray, fearful and injured animals from the streets of Phoenix, Arizona, the surrounding desert areas and local shelters. We often rescue the abandoned, lost and forgotten animals. Fiercely advocating for the animals in our care. Often our animals have extensive and complex medical needs that require a profound level of specialty medical care. Not only do we invest in our animal's physical health, we utilize a trusted group of trainers to build confidence, empower and improve our animal's mental well-being in order to live peaceful, happy lives in family homes. We are very different from other animal rescue organizations. We are "boots on the ground" in our community while passionately fight for the dogs and animals no one else has the courage to take on. We have a knack for finding ourselves in pretty breathtaking scenarios- some call it divine intervention, others call it luck. We live by the mantra "if not me then who?". We are funded solely by public donations through social media. We are grateful for the opportunity to help these animals. We would go to any length to #SAVETHESTREETDOGS

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue

My name is Geri Hormel and I am the founder of Almost There Rescue. What do we do at ATR? We save bitches. No, we don't go around seeking out malicious, unpleasant women and try to convince them to change their ways (although someone should!). We save dogs. Specifically, homeless, pregnant, large-breed dogs. We scoop those gals up from less than ideal situations and give them a place to birth and raise their pups. We work our tails off to give our pups the medical help, enrichment, socialization, and love that they need on their journeys to finding forever homes.

Puppy Luv Animal Rescue

Foster based, all breed, all size dog rescue.

Peteys Playground

K9 Konnection

K9 Konnection is a 501 (C) (3) Not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the rescue, shelter, re-uniting, and re-homing of dogs in need.K9 Konnection is committed to a “NO KILL” philosophy. In addition, we strive to assist dog owners in being able to properly care for their dogs that prevent them from needing to be removed or surrendered to an Animal Shelter by providing informational resources and a food bank for those struggling financially. If you live in Wickenburg or the surrounding area you probably know some of the individuals currently working at K9 Konnection. Open hours to the public are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or by appointment. On the weekends we are normally at adoption events. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 928-232-2611.

Alone No More Dog Rescue

Alone No More Dog Rescue was founded in the Fall of 2020 by a group of animal advocates in Maricopa County to assist local shelters inundated with a high volume of stray and surrendered animals. After receiving our 501(c)(3) status in August of 2020, we partnered with MCACC as a New Hope Partner to work with behavioral, medical, and otherwise well-deserving dogs at highest risk of euthanasia. EIN 85-2503276

Lucky Dog Rescue

Lucky Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals and educating the community on responsible pet ownership. Lucky Dog does not have its own facility. Instead, our dogs stay with temporary fosters and boarding partners while they wait to find their forever home. What makes us very different from other rescues is that we are dedicated to training and what happens after the dog is in his new home. We offer basic obedience raining classes to all our adopters. All our dogs are completely checked over and must be cleared by our vet for adoption. All dogs are altered, fully vaccinated, micro chipped, registered with county had a blood test to make sure we are not missing anything. You can be confident you are adopting a healthy, well adjusted dog from Lucky Dog Rescue. We hold adoption events where you can meet our Lucky Dogs and their foster, but more commonly we arrange private meetings for adopters. Our volunteers are more than just volunteers, and our dogs are more than just dogs. We are a family. And we welcome you to become a part! Lucky Dog Rescue came into existence after one individual (Lisa, founder) started saving one dog at a time back in late March of 2004. It began as a Dalmatian rescue, originally named Dalmatian Station. After seeing so many nice, highly adoptable dogs sitting in concrete cells in the county shelters, being put to sleep when no one came to the rescue, it quickly evolved into an all breed commitment, and we began saving several other breeds and mixes too! We are now a growing group of dog lovers who help all breeds and are committed to giving dogs a second chance at finding a forever home. We function solely on donations and volunteer help. If you’d like to be a part of this fun, growing group of dog lovers, please don’t hesitate to call us or email us with any questions! We’d be happy to have you design your own job description based on your talents and areas of interest. We always need volunteer help! Foster homes are always needed and essential to the foundation of the rescue program. Please consider opening your heart and home to save a homeless dog!

Arizona Border Collie Rescue

The purpose and main function of Arizona Border Collie Rescue (AZBCR) is to promote humane treatment through rescue, rehabilitation, education and the re-homing of neglected, abandoned and unwanted Border Collies. Learn about our functions and activities as a rescue organization. These are all the projects and endeavors that we are presently engaged in and that can and will be expanded on in the future. Rescues & Relinquishments We are contacted by private individuals who are no longer able to retain ownership of their dog(s), and provide availability to take possession of those dogs. We canvas state and local shelters and remove those dogs that are at risk of euthanasia. We are also contacted by other rescue organizations seeking help with placements. We do not limit ourselves solely to Arizona, but are also available for nationwide networking. Health Care AZBCR is very health-oriented and we do our best to verify health status of all our dogs. These dogs are rescues and adopters should understand that a complete and verifiable health history is typically unavailable to us (as in the case of stray dogs or shelter dogs). All dogs adopted from AZBCR will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and any dog suffering illness or injury will receive necessary treatment and medication. Our fosters typically provide grooming for the health and comfort of each dog, and necessary treatment is provided for internal and ectopic parasites. Every AZBCR dog wears an ID tag attached to his/her collar while in foster care and we recommend that adopting families keep the tag on the dog. In addition, we microchip every dog and ask that you keep the registration information updated. Transportation Volunteers network to provide means of transport in both emergency and non-emergency situations. This includes retrieval of dogs coming into AZBCR, transport to and from veterinary facilities for medical attention, transport to and from training and socialization activities, and shared travel to meet prospective new families. Foster Homes We advertise and interview for foster homes and guardians for incoming rescues, initiate training programs for new foster families in the appropriate care and handling of the dogs, and arrange meetings between foster care homes and adoption applicants. Counseling and Education We provide counseling on training and behavior to our foster homes, potential homes, new homes and those contacting us regarding placing their dog with us due to problematic behavior. Opening Your Home to a Border Collie If you would like to open your home to a Border Collie rescue, please contact us for information regarding current Border Collies available for Adoption.

Medical Animals In Need (M.A.I.N.)

The M.A.I.N. Team is an Arizona based, all volunteer group focused on identifying, transporting, aiding and promoting animals from Arizona shelters who need immediate and often costly medical attention the shelters are unable to provide. M.A.I.N. works very closely with shelters around Arizona. In order for our relationships to stay strong, for the animals, no negativity of any kind will be tolerated on our site. We are seeking positive solutions to the current overpopulation problem we face in Maricopa County.

Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue

We are a foster based dog rescue for the benefit of the Dogue de Bordeaux in the United States and Canada. Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue was originally founded in 1997 when a female Dogue de Bordeaux, later named Meg was found wandering the streets of New York and taken to a shelter. Since founded, Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue has gone through major changes. We have gone from being a 501(c)7 under the wing of the Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America, to being our own entity registered as Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue, Inc. With 501(c)3 charitable status in 2008. The rescue started as a smaller group of fanciers of the breed and one coordinator that handled a few dozen Dogues a year throughout the United States and Canada, to having hundreds of volunteers and followers who assist on average a hundred Dogues a year. We have grown to have a Board of Directors and Regional Directors each handling their areas of the country. We have established committees to handle different aspects of rescue such as fundraising, events, websites, and social media. Since our conception, we have remained 100% volunteer based and welcome other fanciers to join our team.

Rusty's Angels Sanctuary

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe and caring environment for senior and special needs canines. Through rescue, foster, adoption, education and hospice; we create secure nurturing homes for them to live out their twilight years. Most of our rescues come to us because their owner has passed away or has moved into a nursing home situation. As long as the dog is healthy enough to handle a transition into a new home then we do our best to find the perfect forever home. If the dog is not healthy enough then they live out whatever time they have left here at our sanctuary knowing unconditional love until the very end. Our Goals Here at rusty’s angels sanctuary, our purpose is to ensure that senior and special needs canines get the love and respect they deserve. 1. Rescue We house senior and special needs canines that have been displaced from their home until they are adopted or reside at the sanctuary. 2. Foster We build a foster home network to help us rescue and house more senior canines until they find their forever homes. 3. Educate We provide education to the public on the benefits that come with adopting and caring for aging canines. 4. Adopt We find loving homes that will care for senior canines to live out the rest of their lives in the company of other human and animal companions. Rusty was my first rescue, I adopted him at the age of “ancient”. He was pulled from the euthanasia list at the local county pound. He was skin and bones, deaf, going blind, had a mouth full of rotten teeth and so lost and scared. I fostered him for a while and ended up adopting him because I knew no one else would. He taught me that animals don’t deserve to die alone after loving us for all their lives. He is why I want to give these dogs the ending they deserve and have earned. They deserve the unconditional love to the very end that they give to us from the first moment they meet us. I remember what an amazing “mess” Rusty was and how much he loved me because I saved him when no one else would. And I promised him that I would continue to help those just like him live out their twilight years knowing that same feeling.

AZK9 Rescue

Kira's K9 Rescue

Kira’s K9 Rescue was founded in 2018 as a foster-based, non-profit organization located in Phoenix, Arizona that provides shelter for stray, abandoned, and surrendered dogs, regardless of age, breed or temperament. We focus on rehabilitation in the preparation of finding them suitable and permanent homes; for however long that may take. In addition, we select particular dogs to be trained in becoming therapy / emotional support dogs for special needs children and adults.

Starting Rover Rescue

Humane Society of Wickenburg

From a humble beginning in 2004, of volunteers taking care of lost and abandoned animals in a few barn stalls in downtown Wickenburg, a dream was born to have a local shelter facility house the animals to provide exceptional care for them. Construction began and the shelter opened in February of 2009. The Humane Society of Wickenburg’s 6,707 square foot facility anticipated that the multi-room plus kennel facility would meet the needs of the community, and that the community would continue to donate generously to the facility’s day-to-day operation. That dream became a reality of those volunteers and is still going strong! The Humane Society of Wickenburg is proud to serve the animals of the community and surrounding rural areas both with shelter space and community services.

The Pet Knot

The Pet Knot was forged to combine efforts of like-minded rescues and volunteers humbly striving to make a dent in the urgent pet over-population crisis. Our talents and strategies promote animal adoptions through online, in-store, and boutique-like options for adopters. All animals receive the highest level of medical care and grooming. Animals also receive appropriate adjustment time and basic social skills in foster homes in preparation for a new home environment. We help all animals including seniors, special needs, and those seemingly 'unadoptable' cases and work diligently to place each in the most appropriate permanent home possible no matter how long it takes. We call ourselves The Pet Knot because not only do we connect people with pets, we keep people with pets.

Paw Kindness Animal Rescue and Sanctuary

Paw Kindness is a 501(c)(3), no-kill organization. Our mission is to reduce euthanasia of homeless animals through rescue, adoption and education about responsible pet guardianship.

Desert Dogs Rescue Inc.

Rachel's Rescue

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedidcated to rescuing dogs and puppies as Rachel loved to do Founded June 1, 2023 in her honor

Community Paws

We have been a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in Buckeye, Arizona since 2014. We are completely dependent upon local volunteers and rescue organizations to foster animals in need. We hold numerous events throughout the year to generate donations to help local animals and individuals in need. ​ One of our proudest achievements is partnering with Chewy.com since 2018 to redistribute pet food deemed unacceptable for resale to animal rescues and charities in need. To date we've provided hundreds of thousands, if not millions of pounds of pet food, one bag at a time.

Heart2Heart Animal Rescue

Heart2Heart Animal Rescue is dedicated to lowering the euthanasia rate in Maricopa County by rescuing dogs from the shelters and finding them adoptive homes. Many dogs do not show well when in a shelter, but will often blossom and become a whole different dog when they're no longer in that scary environment. Heart2Heart will give these dogs a chance to shine and show who they really are. Heart2Heart is a foster based rescue, which means the dogs in their care stay in homes and not cages. I believe this helps prepare dogs for their adoptive home by allowing them to learn house manners and introducing them to things they'd never experience in a shelter. Heart2Heart also has limited resources to take in pocket pets and birds to adopt out.

Pepper's Pals Rescue

“Pepper” is the name lovingly given to the female AmBully adopted by the Langley family in 2013. Never having rescued a dog before, the Langley family were introduced to the world of dog adoption through Pepper. Birth of Advocacy After bringing home Pepper, the Langley family underwent training and research to become well-versed in canine physical/mental health, all-breed advocacy, and rescue dog ownership. Legacy Lives On This little AmBully awakened a love for helping rescue dogs find their forever homes. The need for a foster-backed rescue in the Northwest Phoenix was realized in Pepper’s Pals Rescue.

Ruby Ranch Pet Rescue and Sanctuary

It all started with one little old dog... While delivering blankets to the East Maricopa County shelter, I walked past what appeared to be an empty kennel. However upon closer inspection, I noticed a tiny, white, shivering little dog huddled in the corner. Her kennel plaque stated “Stray”, although I couldn’t imagine how this little girl could possibly have gotten lost, as I was pretty sure she was around for the Last Supper. When her stray period was up and no one came for her, I adopted her. Through some intense detective work, I discovered this little girl’s owner had passed away, and my senior friend had celebrated EIGHTEEN birthdays. Wow! She came complete with rotten teeth, a grade 5 heart murmur, and failing kidneys. Despite her poor prognosis, I decided to find a vet who would take a chance and remove those painfully abscessed teeth; amazingly enough she survived the surgery, and was the proud owner of 3 whole teeth. This little angel became known as Ruby and was a regular fixture at adoption events, often being carried around in her little wicker basket. All good things must come to an end, and 10 months after coming into our lives, little Ruby’s heart gave out a few days before her 19th birthday. Although with me for just a short period, it was worth the expense, heartache…as I was able to provide a loving home for my little friend in her golden moments, instead of ending her life in a shelter on a cold cement floor. I have had the pleasure over the years of fostering hundreds of animals including many seniors and those with special needs. I have decided to focus primarily on these wonderful animals…so in honor of little Ruby, Ruby Ranch Pet Rescue and Sanctuary was born. Ruby…the little dog who inspired a revolution

Arizona Beagle Rescue

Arizona Beagle Rescue (AZBR) is a statewide 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization comprised of volunteers dedicated to beagle rescue and community education. Incorporated in Arizona in 2002, AZBR works in cooperation with animal shelters and humane agencies throughout AZ to reduce the euthanasia of adoptable animals by providing foster homes, veterinary services and training for all of the beagles in our care. AZBR offers breed specific resources and training referrals to promote lifelong relationships between beagles and their companions. AZBR operates solely on donations and has no shelter of its own; instead a statewide network of volunteers open their homes and hearts to provide foster care for rescued dogs until qualified, loving forever homes are found.

Airedale Terrier Rescue

This website is a cooperative effort of volunteers living in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. We are a small group of volunteers who came to know one another through one common interest – saving the lives of Airedale Terriers. Each volunteer is solely responsible for the Airedales under their control, but we network together to find the best home for each Airedale we rescue. Each volunteer takes great care in the placement of the Airedales we rescue. We are passionate about what we do and take pride in the care given to our dogs. We carefully screen every home with a veterinary reference, interview and home inspection prior to approval. Placement of our Airedales happens only when the correct match for the particular Airedale Terrier is found. Each of the Airedales we foster is spayed or neutered, brought up-to-date on appropriate vaccinations, heartworm tested and microchipped prior to being adopted.

SOUL An Animal Rescue

Our amazing team of volunteers and fosters are committed to helping animals in our community. Our roots are in the veterinary medicine community and many of our fosters are veterinary students! Think you would be a good addition to our team? See our "Get Involved" page for more information on how to become a foster or volunteer! We are a foster-based organization operated out of Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding cities. We started as a small group of veterinary students with the hopes of offering a few kittens a second chance. We've grown considerably since then, all thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community

VJ Ranch

VJ Ranch is a quiet, peaceful horse boarding and leasing facility in New River, Arizona. We border the Tonto National Forest for miles of trail riding! We provide a safe and comfortable environment for your horse and all the necessary accommodations for you. We are here to offer a helping hand if one is needed. We are also home to a dog rescue and always have wonderful dogs available for adoption! VJ Ranch is home to a dog rescue as well! We rescue all of our dogs and puppies from shelters when they are in immediate danger of euthanasia. All of our dogs live here at the ranch as part of our family until they find their forever home. We spay/neuter, vaccinate, deworm and microchip all of our dogs and puppies prior to them going home. We also work on housebreaking, crate training and socialization with them. Our goal is to find loving, forever homes for as many homeless animals as we can. Please schedule an appointment to come out and meet the gang.

Sun Valley Animal Shelter

Sun Valley Animal Shelter, Inc., is an Arizona nonprofit corporation with 501(c)3 status which operates a No-Kill shelter in Glendale, Arizona, generally serving the western portion of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The organization was founded in 1991 by a group of Sun City area residents as a foster-based program to provide adoption opportunities for homeless and abandoned dogs and cats. The current facility was built in 1995 and can house 70+ dogs and 70+ cats. The organization receives no government funding and is supported by income from our thrift store profits, adoption fees, membership dues, donations and bequests. We recently received a grant to assist in the construction of a new medical/surgical center at the facility. The animals taken into our care are housed in a clean, secure environment and are spayed/neutered, microchipped, given all necessary shots and a physical exam. Dedicated volunteers are invaluable in assisting with the daily care and nurturing of our dogs and cats prior to finding a loving home. We are proud to note that in the last several years we have increased adoptions from approximately 150 animals per year to over 700 animals per year. Our History The organization was incorporated under the name of Sun Cities Animal Rescue (SCAR) on April 11, 1991 by its Founders, Karin Brittin and Virginia Hall of Sun City Arizona. Prior to incorporation, these ladies had been rescuing lost cats and finding homes for them. A group of Sun City volunteers was formed, and the goals were expanded to include both cats and dogs that had been abandoned or lost. This group of volunteers solicited enough seed money to contemplate the construction of a bona fide animal shelter which was a massive undertaking necessitating an immense effort. Meanwhile, SCAR established a voluntary network of foster homes to care for animals until permanent adoptive homes could be found for them. A Sun City bank fortuitously extended SCAR two loans in order to construct our present facilities which were completed for occupancy in 1995. What started out as two caring ladies in Sun City rescuing stray cats has evolved to an exceptional shelter facility that finds homes for over 1,000 cats and dogs every year. The name was changed to Sun Valley Animal Shelter in 2007. We are very fortunate to have wonderful volunteers who help our staff with the day to day operations. We don’t get any federal or state funding, and we rely upon 70% of our funding for our shelter from the generosity of the public.

Saving Orphan Souls Rescue

My name is Ro Perez and I am the CEO/Founder of Saving Orphan Souls Rescue, a 501c3 Non-Profit Cat/Small Dog Rescue based out of Glendale, Arizona. My goal, along with my volunteers and fosters, is to make a difference in each and every life that comes through our doors by showing them what LOVE and being cared for is all about. As a rescue, we cut no corners and provide extensive medical care, high quality food, supplements, toys, socialization and lots of time and love for each and every animal. Saving Orphan Souls Rescue is a no kill organization, and all our animals are placed into foster care while they await their "furever homes". All our foster homes are thoroughly screened, and unannounced home checks are done to ensure our animals are being well taken care of at all times. Our animals are introduced to other dogs, cats and children to ensure there are no behavioral issues, and we can place them with the correct adopters. Any animal that comes into our rescue is thoroughly assessed, vet checked and given ample time to adjust to their new surroundings so we can properly evaluate them. Our fosters provide a ton of love and compassion to these animals to ensure they become well rounded, and will make an outstanding family pet. Saving Orphan Souls Rescue is passionate about the homeless animals on the streets of Arizona. However, that same passion extends to members of the human community and we are glad to extend a helping hand to anyone in need by providing much needed supplies and owner education. Our rescue efforts extend beyond the borders of Arizona and we will take in animals from other states who are in dire need of rescuing. We partner with affiliates in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Utah and other surrounding states. Our goal is to get animals out of hoarding situations, puppy mills, off the streets of Mexico, and to give cats from Puerto Rico a chance to find a forever home. Without rescue from the island, they would only have a 10% likelihood of finding a loving home. No matter the situation, we are always ready, willing and able to help these innocent lives. RESCUE DOGS AND CATS MAKE THE ABSOLUTE BEST FAMILY COMPANIONS!

West Valley Animal Rescue

West Valley Animal Rescue is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rescuing, fostering and rehoming the abandoned animals around the valley. With your help, we hope to make a difference in the lives of these wonderful animals. We pull dogs from local shelters and county, as well as owner surrenders and strays. All of our animals are provided with veterinary care including sterilization, vaccination, deworming and microchipping. We help animals in our care find temporary home while being evaluated and eventually place them in their forever home.