This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Rochester, NY. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.
#56 in United States, #2 in New York, #1 in Rochester
Rochester
Operation Freedom Ride is a 100% foster based non-profit dog and cat rescue located in Rochester, NY. All of our animals are being cared for in foster homes until they find their forever homes. We rescue dogs and cats locally from our local shelters, strays and owner surrenders. We also rescue dogs from overcrowded kill shelters in the south.
"OFR is an amazing organization. They give animals a voice when they need it the most and are dedicated..."
— margaret t.
Adoptee
"I haven't adopted from OFR, but my bestie did, and got THE BEST PUP named Phil."
— meghan f.
Fan
#99 in United States, #10 in New York, #2 in Rochester
Rochester
Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, has been helping animals and people since 1873. Support from the community enables around 115 staff members and more than 800 volunteers to care for around 10,000 animals each year and makes possible a variety of programs to address issues that contribute to the surrender of unwanted animals.
"Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions tells it like it is to adoptees. Explains everything in detail about the animal and is..."
— terry s.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
#100 in United States, #11 in New York, #3 in Rochester
Rochester
Against All Oddz is not just an animal sanctuary. It is not just a rescue. Nor is it just a legal-based animal advocacy resource center. While it is all of those things, founder and attorney Matthew Albert says it is more than just that. It is a state of mind. The two core tenets of Against All Oddz are the sanctity of life and the power of redemption. We believe in empowering people, empowering animals, and empowering people through the gift of animals.
#100 in United States, #11 in New York, #3 in Rochester
Rochester
Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions is a 501c3 non-profit pet rescue run solely by volunteers who have a passion to help society's abandoned cats and dogs. Each year in the United States 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters. While Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions cannot solve this problem, we have dedicated ourselves to saving as many as we can.
#100 in United States, #11 in New York, #3 in Rochester
Rochester
New 2 U Rescues is a foster based all breed dog rescue whose primary mission is to help dogs in need. We operate out of foster homes and all animals taken in live in a foster home until an appropriate adoptive home is found. We supply training and veterinary care, as needed, to all of the animals in our care.
#100 in United States, #11 in New York, #3 in Rochester
Rochester
Pets Stop Here, Inc. is a volunteer organization committed to rescuing pups primarily from the Rochester area. We provide a safe and secure refuge for abused, unwanted, and neglected animals while they await adoption. In recent years we have made a name for ourselves as the organization who takes the dogs others do not want. From intensive medical cases, to those with significant Behavioral challenges, Our mantra is no pup left behind!
#100 in United States, #11 in New York, #3 in Rochester
Rochester
Originally founded in 1958 by Gladys Schultz (and fondly known as Schultz's, the Beverly Animal Shelter is located in Waterloo, New York. Since Glady's passing in 1991, the shelter was purchased and operated by Dallyn Jenkins, President of the Board of Directors. At that time the shelter was named after Jenkins own mother Beverly, an animal lover and Glady's friend. In 2008, the Beverly Animal Shelter was designated a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The BAS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and no-kill facility. Only animals that are too aggressive or that are terminal and in pain are humanely euthanized. The shelter utilizes local vets for medical care and advice for its animals. We do not euthanize and animal to make space, nor do we pick or choose optimal animals to take in. For this reason many animals may spend their entire life at our shelter. These are the special animals that many other shelters deem un- adoptable and would put down or not accept due to their behavioral or medical conditions.
#100 in United States, #11 in New York, #3 in Rochester
Rochester
Fetch A Friend Rescue was started April 2015. Owner Jamie Hughes has been in love with dogs since she received her first one 25 years ago at age 6. In 2005 Jamie started volunteering at the local animal shelter and began to spend every day of the week there working with the dogs and running their website. In 2011, she and a friend saw the need for more facilities for dogs in need of homes and they began 2nd Chance Dog Rescue. From March 2011-December 2014 they rescued and placed over 750 dogs in their forever homes. Rescue and caring for dogs are Jamie's passion and she couldn't imagine not being able to work with them on a daily basis. With the support of her family and friends Jamie chose to pursue her dream on her own and opened a new boarding facility and rescue in Seneca Falls, NY. Opened in February 2016, Phoebe's K9 Resort offers dog and cat boarding, doggy daycare, and grooming. It is also home to Fetch A Friend Rescue. Jamie lives in Seneca Falls with her 6 dogs, Abby, Tucker, Phoebe, Lily, Fritz & Rocky. Volunteer and Adoption Coordinator Kate Larham has been with us since day one caring for the dogs every day of the week, all while maintaining a full time job. Kate is our prime caregiver, transporter, enrichment leader, adoption facilitator and an advocate for the voiceless. Kate is instrumental to the rescue and loves every dog as though they were her own. She ensures each dog is spoiled beyond measure and shown love every day they are with us. Kate lives in Geneva with her husband and 3 dogs, Sheldon, Leena & Max.
Welcome to the 2024 Rochester, NY Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Rochester, NY chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 8 private dog parks in the Rochester area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Rochester dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
- Must have be a NYS resident. - Must be 23yrs or older. - All resident pets must be spayed/neutered (or have a medical reason why your pet cannot be spayed/neutered).
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.