The Best Riverside, CA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS)

Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS) is a no-kill nonprofit dog and cat rescue based in Yucaipa, CA. Our mission is to strive to prevent the euthanasia of dogs and cats throughout the region by providing them a temporary safe haven until a permanent and loving home can be found.

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc..

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) certified non-profit dedicated to saving the lives of Akitas and other dogs in need. We rescue and support dogs including veterinary costs, food and temporary housing until the dogs can be adopted into their forever homes. We are a NO KILL rescue organization that survives entirely on donations. We are these shelter dogs' last hope! Since the beginning of A Passion for Paws, we have saved the lives of almost 1000 Akitas and other dogs. In 2006, A Passion for Paws became officially approved as a 501c3 non-profit charity organization. In 2010, established the Akita Ranch facility to provide for the temporary housing and care of dogs. We are the only Akita rescue organization in the Southwest United States that actively takes in dogs on a weekly, if not daily basis. We are a volunteer organization that relies on private donations to continue our mission to save Akitas and other dogs in need. We could not accomplish our mission without the help of our generous supporters, friends and volunteers and we are very grateful to all those who also love and help Akitas and other dogs in need. A Passion for Paws Rescue was founded in 2004 by Cheryl Weatherford to honor the memory of her son, Paxton David Weatherford who passed away unexpectedly from a rare form of cancer. Paxton loved animals and brought Cheryl her first Akita, an extra-large white male Akita named Zeus who had survived a terrible fire at the animal shelter. Zeus had the presence and appearance of a polar bear, the temperament of a lamb unless he or his family was threatened and then he would fight like a tiger, and the intellect of a being wise beyond the short time he was with us. Both of these rare individuals inspired an undying love for Akitas and dogs in need.

One Mutt at a Time Rescue Foundation, Inc.

As a foster-based rescue organization, we are dedicated to making sure each animal is in a safe and loving environment. We fully vet every animal in our care, allowing them to have the best chance at finding a loving home. We are a non-profit organization, relying solely on donations to help us with medical expenses, transport fees and more.​ Our foster families are the backbone of our organization, providing love and care for each animal in our care with a goal of giving them the best possible experience before finding their forever homes. ​ Help us make a difference in the lives of these animals by making a donation, become a monthly donor, or fostering and/or volunteering!

Dream Team Angels Rescue

Dream Team Angels Rescue is a group of women who volunteer 100% of their time to helping homeless, sick, and injured dogs find their forever homes. Our history Dream Team Angels Rescue has been operating as a small federally recognized non profit rescue 501(c)(3) since 2018. Collectively, we have been helping our local pet population for more than 25 years!

I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue

ARE Animal Rescue

ARE Animal Rescue is a private rescue operating a no-kill animal shelter and rescue with two main locations and 5+ satellite catteries in retail stores. We assist with over 3000 adoptions every year, and have between 500-1000 animals in our care at all times. We operate the animal shelter in the city of Banning and assist with reuniting lost pets with their owners and finding homes for unclaimed strays. We provide all of our animals with food, water, shelter, vaccinations, microchips, essential medical care via our partner veterinarian clinics, and eventually a spay/neuter which will help curb the enormous problem of animal overpopulation. We run an expansive foster program to help get as many at-risk animals out of a shelter environment as soon as possible. And we run adoption events and have cattery locations across Southern California to provide as many animals as possible exposure to potential adopters.

Promise 4 Paws

Moreno Valley Animal Services

Moreno Valley Animal Services offers a wide range of services, including dog licensing. Dogs and cats are available for adoption at the animal shelter for a nominal fee.

Animal Authority Rescue Team

Southern Star Animal Rescue

We are a small, 501c3 non-profit rescue organization, dedicated to placing homeless animals into loving, caring, “forever” homes. We take in all breeds, regardless of age, health conditions or personality. We treat them with respect and kindness, our reward is the constant love and affection (and slobber) that we get back from them. Every single one of them deserves a “furever” home and the chance to live a HAPPY, carefree, life. All of these wonderful animals are provided with a home-type environment, where we can evaluate, socialize and rehabilitate them as needed until they are ready to be adopted out. We also strive to bring more awareness to the public about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets to help stop pet overpopulation.

Forever Young K9 Rescue

In July 2013, I walked into North Valley shelter in Los Angeles to adopt a dog named Austin for a wonderful woman Gina Mann Landers. Gina had seen his picture in the shelter and wanted to open her home to him. The shelter advised me against adopting him because they thought he was at least 10 years old, and they did not believe he would live much longer. Austin and I walked out of the shelter that day and he never looked back. After leaving that day with Austin, I could not help but wonder how many other seniors were left behind because someone told adopters they were too old and it was a mistake. That began the journey to start Forever Young. I have learned many things along the way and have been touched and blessed by many experiences. I learned it was not just seniors that were left behind; the sick are treated similarly. In November of 2013, a sweet boy named Pelo was turned in by his owner because he was sick. He was not given treatment and he spent his time lying in his kennel in pain. Many rescues walked by him and did nothing. For me, it was beyond heartbreaking to see him neglected and suffering. But, there was a small community of individuals who resolved to rescue him. With only 30 minutes to closing, Sandy Naples rushed in and adopted him. With the help of the AC officer, Sandy placed him in her car and met me at our vet. Our vet confirmed he was suffering, and had been for some time. We gave him a comfortable bed, a sponge bath, managed his pain, and gave him the affection he deserved. For the first time in a very long time, he had a restful night’s sleep. The next morning, on Thanksgiving Day, we celebrated with the entire staff with a large breakfast consisting of all things that are bad for you. Later that day, surrounded by people and affection, he crossed the rainbow bridge. By giving just a little of our hearts and our time, we were able to provide profound relief to Pelo. Our experience with Pelo stays with us and serves as a strong reminder of our purpose in starting Forever Young. As our rescue has grown over the years we have opened and will continue to open our hearts to all dogs of all ages and circumstances. Whether they are with us for an hour, a day, a week, a year, or a lifetime, they all deserve to cross with love and dignity.

Greendog Foundation

We are passionate about caring for those who need an extra hand (or 5!). We believe that everyone (and every animal) deserves a chance to be their best, and we try our best every day to make sure that all of our animals can find a forever home. The opportunity for an animal to have a second chance at life would not exist without the extraordinary generosity of our donors. Every dollar raised provides care, medical services and the opportunity for an animal to have a loving and permanent home.

Redlands Animal Shelter

Our mission is to maintain the best environment we can offer for the many stray and homeless animals we acquire, as well as providing the public with an inviting and helpful experience.

Desert Paws Sanctuary

Desert Paws Sanctuary is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abandoned animals. Our mission is to establish a sanctuary for these animals while also offering educational resources and support to low-income communities in the area of animal welfare.

Domino Effect Animal Rescue

Co-Exist Rescue

Co-Exist Rescue, Headquartered in Orange County, CA, is committed to creating a compassionate and safe environment for animals in need by providing rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming services that foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. “Animal suffering is one of the biggest issues affecting our society today. From climate change to animal cruelty to pets looking for a home, our hands are full of global and local challenges. Co-Exist Rescue is all about making a difference, day after day, 365 days a year. Since 2023, our Animal Rescue Organization has been dedicated to improving the lives of native animals and pets. We believe every human being’s responsible for taking care of the creatures around us, big or small. There are so many ways to help, so find yours today.” Advocacy With this initiative, our goal is to support the welfare of animals in need. With the support of our dedicated community, our Advocacy efforts go a long way. Learn more about this initiative and how you can help. Rescue With our mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies to make our Rescue efforts more effective. Contact us to learn more about our team’s hard work and commitment to this cause. Rehabilitation We are dedicated to stepping up our Rehabilitation efforts, which is by no means an easy feat. But through cooperation and community involvement, we believe we can facilitate progress in this area.

Doggie Bonez, Inc.

Doggie Bonez was founded by Jacqueline aka Jackie. She has a passion for dogs that started at an early age. Instead of playing with dolls, she enjoyed playing with all of her animals. Jacqueline’s first rescue was more than 18 years ago. She hasn’t looked back since, except to fondly remember all of her successful adoptions! Doggie Bonez is run by a group of volunteers, who provide their time, effort, and their love of all dogs. Doggie Bonez would not be as successful as it is today without all the help of these special people. If you would like to volunteer to help these great people and care for these great dogs & puppies, please Contact Us. We would be forever grateful for any and all help you could provide.

Apple Valley Animal Services

The Animal Services Department consists of Field Services and Shelter Services, working together to protect public safety and provide humane animal care through sheltering, pet placement programs, education and law enforcement. Our philosophy is to promote responsible pet ownership, compassion toward animals and safe human-animal interactions. We celebrate partnerships with various individuals and rescue organizations that allow us to increase placement of adoptable animals into permanent loving homes. Working together, we all can provide a "Better Way of Life" for the animals in our care - four paws at a time.

Retrievers and Friends of Southern California, Inc

Retrievers & Friends of Southern California, Inc., was formed to rescue and re-home Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, providing an alternative to the animal shelter for owners who can no longer keep their dogs. We are a full-service rescue, with dogs coming to us from all over the Southern California area for foster care services. RFSC not only provides care for dogs while they are waiting for adoption, but we provide follow-up assistance for the life of the dog. If for any reason a family can not keep a dog, the dog is brought back to the organization for placement. We have volunteers that perform home visits before each adoption. Our geographic adoption area is Riverside, San Diego, Orange and certain areas of San Bernardino counties. We cover areas of San Bernardino county that are 1 1/2 hours or less driving distance from Temecula. In addition to Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, RFSC also accepts mixed breeds and other small purebred dogs as space allows. We accept Goldens and Labs of all ages, including seniors and those with special needs. All dogs are spayed and neutered and updated on vaccinations if not already done by the owner. Dogs with special medical needs are further evaluated by our veterinarian for treatment. Your donations are always appreciated and help us to continue to care for these special dogs. Because we are an all-volunteer group, 100% of all adoption fees and donations are used for the care of the dogs in our program. Your tax-deductible donations are appreciated!

Shadow Husky Rescue, Inc.

Animal Lives Matter Inc

Animal Lives Matter is a section 501(c)(3) no-kill rescue group, incorporated in March 2017, with years of animal and rescue experience amongst our founders. We are committed to helping the most needy, as well as the readily adoptable, among our community's most vulnerable creatures

Lucky Chi Dog Rescue

We are a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) that helps prevent the suffering and neglect of Chihuahuas which are second-most euthanized breeds in the shelters. Our primary focus is subsidizing Spay and Neuter programs to prevent the needless suffering of unwanted dogs. We also support foster programs by funding medical and dental, along with pain meds for dogs in most need to alleviate suffering. To date, we have fostered hundreds of dogs and spayed and neutered thousands of dogs here and in Mexico over the years. We continue to do spay and neuter events, support fostering to find loving homes, and subsidize medical expenses to relieve extreme suffering of shelter animals. We also promote humane education for the betterment of the lives of companion animals.

Muttly Crew

Our goal at Muttly Crew, Inc is to rescue animals from harm many of which have been abandoned, hurt, or abused. We are a non-profit 501c3 organization committed to the care and re-homing of all the dogs that we save. Our goal is to help them heal, get needed veterinary care, neutered/spayed to make them ready for a forever home.​ We count on volunteers to help support our rescue efforts, involving immediate rescue from harmful situations, and trapping of abandoned animals to get them off the street. We are strictly a volunteer-based organization that relies on fundraisers, collecting donations, silent auctions, raffles; etc. to support our rescue efforts.

Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter

The story of the Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter began in 1972 amidst a growing crisis of homeless and abandoned pets in the Morongo Basin. It was Kay Baker, a dedicated animal lover and the operator of Hi-Dez Kennels, who donated a 3.5-acre property in Joshua Tree to the newly formed Morongo Basin Humane Society. This generous act led to the shelter’s official opening in 1981. Over the years, despite facing challenges, the shelter has thrived with the support of our community, evolving into a recognized no-kill shelter in 2005. Today, we stand proudly as the Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter, a testament to our enduring commitment to saving lives and nurturing the bond between humans and animals.

Laguna Beach Animal Shelter

PUP Laguna Beach, a non-profit corporation, is the fundraising arm of Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, dedicated to bridging the gap between City funding and the special needs of our animals. PUP Laguna Beach directs fundraising efforts to ensure that the animals receive the best care possible including medical attention, neutering/spaying and behavioral reinforcement before they are adopted. In addition to fundraising, we are involved in animal issues that are brought to the attention of the City Council, along with working with the Police Department and Animal Control concerning any animal problems within our communities of Laguna Beach and Laguna Woods. PUP Laguna Beach is made up of a small board of directors who are active volunteers and staff members at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter. Each member can attest to the heartwarming experience of pairing a once-abandoned dog with new loving “parents” and witnessing tears of joy that often follow. There are also many heartbreaking stories about neglected and abused animals who find their way to the shelter. The Board is privileged to experience firsthand how fortunate we are in the City of Laguna Beach to have a quality, clean and humane shelter providing extraordinary services every day.

Unconditional Rescue

Loving All Animals

Loving All Animals was incorporated at the end of 2008 to fill a void in the animal welfare community within the Coachella Valley. The agency sought to be the conduit for the welfare of the valley’s animals. Lindi Biggi, founder of Loving All Animals, believed that if all of the shelters and rescue organizations could work cooperatively, the animals would be the ultimate beneficiary. In 2018, the Pet Rescue Center, a 501(c)3 charity, based in Coachella, CA, was gifted to Loving All Animals. The Pet Rescue Center had been founded and continuously managed by Christine Madruga for 21 years. In 2018, the Pet Rescue Center’s Board elected to transfer the entire charity to Loving All Animals, and Christine retired. Loving All Animals provides animal sheltering, adoption, training, support, humane education programs to our community.

ALMA Rescue Foundation

Erin Riley-Carrasco and Suzie Williamson, lifetime friends, have a shared passion for animal advocacy. Suzie founded a Spay and Neuter Campaign in her hometown of Vizcaino, Mexico and teaming with several veterinarians, has spayed and neutered over 5000 dogs in her hometown. She has also fostered, rescued and found homes for countless dogs in the area and Southern California. Erin has been an animal activist since the age of 19 and has been involved in dog rescue for 30 years. In 2015 she worked closely with a group of dedicated volunteers to get nine city ordinances passed in Southern California, banning puppy mill pet stores in the area. She also volunteered with “Social Compassion In Legislation,” flying to Sacramento and testifying in favor of AB485 which ended up passing, ending puppy mill pet stores in the state of California. Together, this dynamic duo hopes to make an impact on the lives of needy animals by providing networking, transport, veterinary care, fosters and homes for neglected and abused dogs and cats. They truly believe that animals are someONE not someTHING and that every animal deserves a chance and a forever home.

Support 4 Paws

Support 4 Paws is a 501c3 nonprofit ​organization supporting animals and their ​guardians through community outreach, ​medical assistance and educational ​programs. Our mission is to keep animals in ​their homes, out of shelters and off the ​streets by providing much needed services ​to their owners. Thereby, we are “rescuing ​before rescue is needed.” If we can keep animals at home with their ​owners then they don’t end up in ​overcrowded shelters at risk of euthanasia

All Things Pups Rescue

All Things Pups Rescue was founded in 2020 by celebrity dog trainer & behaviorist Kaelin Munkelwitz. Growing up, Kaelin always had a deep connection with dogs and developed a passion for fostering and rescue. When Kaelin moved to California, she was devastated by the number of sweet and healthy dogs being euthanized due to overcrowding in California shelters, especially pits and other large breeds who had been labeled as “aggressive dogs”. Over the years, Kaelin has poured her heart into saving these dogs through training and education and has built a reputation within the rescue community as a "miracle worker" with aggressive and reactive dogs; so much so, that she is considered the 'go-to' trainer for aggressive dogs on the verge of euthanasia among rescues she partners with. Kaelin’s ultimate goal was always to start a rescue but saw it as a long-term goal. However, a puppy named Kuma came into her life changed everything… Kuma first entered Kaelin's life in 2017 when he was a 3-month-old training client and started having seizures and high fevers under her care. After rushing him to the vet, Kuma was given less than a 10% chance of surviving the next 24 hours, and his owners were ready to give up on him. But recognizing Kuma's strength and love of life, Kaelin knew that Kuma had more to teach the world. She begged his owners to surrender him to her so that she could give him a second chance. And so began their incredible journey together. He was given a prognosis of around a year, and Kaelin was ready to do everything she could to give Kuma the best life with the time he had. Kuma’s condition included spiking fevers as high as 106 degrees and painful joint flare-ups about twice a week that lasted throughout the night. The disease was managed by high dose steroids, countless medications, and long nights of constant cold water baths, enemas, and fluids that Kaelin would administer herself until 2, 3 or sometimes 4am in the morning before going to work that morning to help other dogs. But beyond his terrible disease, Kuma was full of incredible happiness and powerful, unconditional love. He fought every single day of his life, always with a smile and a wagging tail, showing the world what true strength is. And Kaelin fought right alongside him, making sure he always knew he was never alone through any of it. At the age of 11 months, Kuma crossed the rainbow bridge in Kaelin’s arms. While Kuma may be physically gone, his story lives on, teaching others what unconditional love and true strength looks like. After going through this experience with Kuma, Kaelin was inspired to act on her dreams of starting a rescue to save other dogs like Kuma who are looking for someone to give them a second chance. All Things Pups Rescue’s ultimate goal is to give abandoned dogs like Kuma a second chance and decrease the number of dogs euthanized in local shelters by showing our community that you can find wonderful dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes through rescue. All Things Pups Rescue is lucky to have an incredible team of dog-loving, loyal and intelligent people that share Kaelin’s undying passion for doing whatever it takes to save dogs and educate the public on how to become better dog owners. As Kaelin knows the importance of training and owner education, every All Things Pups Rescue dog receives individual training to ensure we know the best fit for our dogs and can ensure successful adoptions.