Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Tampa, FL Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Tampa, FL. 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.

Mercy Full Project
#89 in United States, #7 in Florida, #1 in Tampa
Tampa
Mercy Full Project was founded in October 2019 as a Nonprofit organization located in the Tampa Bay Area. We focus our efforts mainly in Animal rescue and helping the helpless animals in our community, We take in all animals from all different situations such as Medical Cases at the shelters that face euthanasia, Behavioral cases that need longer and special training sessions, Owner surrenders that come to us from multiple reasons and these owners cannot longer have them, Stray animals found all over Florida, Animals facing euthanasia at Overloaded shelters even outside of Florida as Georgia and Alabama, and Emergency cases when the animals are injured from accidents or Animal Abused. We are a foster home-based animal rescue, and we are always looking for families to open the doors of their homes to help us help these pure souls in need. Being a foster does not require much as we provide all supplies needed and cover all vet expenses. All that Requires is a little more time and love to spend with an animal in need. Once the animal is ready for Adoption, we use all our tools to find their perfect match and these happy stories are what we call Happy Tails.
"Conscientious, passionate, and determined, the founder of Mercy Full Project (MFP), and dedicated volunteers work hard to advocate for all..."
— stephanie o.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"In July 2022, Mercy Full Project received an urgent call about 4 puppies living in deployable conditions in a backyard...."
— mary j.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

Elizabeth's Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (E.A.R.S.)
#99 in United States, #12 in Florida, #2 in Tampa
Tampa
Welcome to Elizabeth's Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, otherwise known as E.A.R.S.! We are dedicated to finding a loving home for every rescue dog we receive. We never give up on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming our sweet residents! E.A.R.S. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to rescuing dogs from central Florida. We are not just a shelter and sanctuary for animals, but also for the people that love and care for them as well. We pride ourselves on the fact that all our animals are happy and well taken care of until they find their new home. Our volunteers open their hearts and their homes to our animals in need, as long as that may be. E.A.R.S. relies fully on monetary and physical donations to fund our rescue mission. If you would like to ease a dog's suffering, please click our DONATE link above. There are many ways to help a dog in need! 100% of your donations go directly to our sweet dogs! If you would like to help our dogs through volunteering, please click the APPLICATIONS link above. We always welcome volunteer staff who are willing to make a difference for our dogs!
"This organization does a lot to protect Big Cats by providing a safe and loving natural habitat."
— tina a.
Supporter, Fan

Howling Hounds Sanctuary Rescue
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #3 in Tampa
Tampa

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #3 in Tampa
Tampa
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides shelter for homeless & at risk animals, adoptions, hospital and TNVR services for the general public; operates independently from the Humane Society of the United States. And we, along with our animals, would love to have you as a partner on this journey. Stand with us and other like-minded individuals, animal welfare organizations, foundations and companies as we work to end animal homelessness in Tampa Bay. By lending your voice, mobilizing supporters and customers, and helping to raise critical funds, you can change the lives of pets and people.

Humane Society of Pinellas
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #3 in Tampa
Tampa
The Humane Society of Pinellas is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been caring for animals and our community since 1949. The Humane Society of Pinellas is dedicated to providing individualized care for every animal that comes our way and we ensure that every treatable animal is treated. This means we have made a promise to our community that no animal will be euthanized for a treatable condition. As Pinellas County's largest no-kill animal shelter, we do not receive any State or Federal tax dollars, or funding from any national animal organizations including the Humane Society of the United States or the ASPCA.

Maxx and Me Pet Rescue
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #3 in Tampa
Tampa
Maxx & Me Pet Rescue is a dog rescue organization founded in 2014 by Lea Haverstock in memory of her beloved rescue Golden Retriever, Maxx. We are dedicated to the well-being and deserving care of animals ‚ large and small, young and old, healthy and in need. We are a 100% volunteer, foster-based (we have NO shelter and are NOT a shelter), non-profit dog rescue organization serving the greater Tampa Bay area. We do not do out of state adoptions.

Ratbone Rescues
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #3 in Tampa
Tampa
Ratbone Rescues is a National rescue group, dedicated to helping Rat Terriers in need. As any breed grows in popularity, there is always the chance that some dogs will find themselves with people who don't understand their needs. When this happens the dog may be abandoned, neglected or even abused. We feel a responsibility toward these unfortunate animals, and work to find them new, permanent homes. Ratbone Rescues has dogs in foster homes all over the United States. On this web site you will find information on all of the dogs we have available for adoption. Our minimum suggested adoption fees are: Adult Dogs $175, Puppies under 12 months of age $200, and American Hairless Terriers $225.

What's the Sniffspot Tampa Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Tampa, FL Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Tampa, FL chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 6 private dog parks in the Tampa 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 Tampa dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list

Sniffspot Tampa Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Tampa?

There are 6 in Tampa. Outside of Tampa, there are 43 located in Florida.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Tampa?

There are many reputable rescues in Tampa, the top 3 on our list are: Mercy Full Project, Elizabeth's Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (E.A.R.S.), The Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Tampa?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Tampa. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
Our adoption process is as follows: - Mercy Full Projects posts our adoptable pets on our www.mercyfullprojects.org site and mercyfullprojects.petfinder.com - Potential Adopters fill out the application which can be found on the website. *Do note that only applications with submitted applications in the link above are considered as potential adopters. - Mercy Full Projects Adoption coordinator looks over the applications from a holistic point of view. - Each adoptable has a few 'must haves' as part of their profile, so we try to match our adoptable with potential adopters who have this. - Mercy Full Projects Adoption coordinator reaches out to the selected potential adopters, do note that this does not guarantee adoption, and notifies the potential adopter of: - Adoptable adoption Fee - Adoption coordinator will schedule a 5 minute 'Get to Know you call' - After the call they will determine if to move forward or not and we will email you with an answer. - Adoption coordinator will set up a meet and greet with the adoptable if the above has been agreed upon. *Do note that meet and greets does not guarantee adoption because it's important that our adoptable choose their adopter as well. - After all meet and greets have been conducted, Mercy Full Project's admin team and foster family will select the foreverrrr family! - Mercy Full will contact references from the adopter's application form. - Mercy Full will ask for a home video. - Mercy Full requires an adoption contract to be filled and an adoption fee (All adoption fees are posted on our website and will be disclosed prior to the meet and greet) to be paid online after the adoption contract is signed. - Mercy Full will set up the adoptable pick up! - The adopter will receive vet records and adoption certificate.

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Tampa?

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Tampa, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby metro, Golden Rescue South Florida, Inc, Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines, Greyhounds In Motion

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Tampa that specialize in senior dogs?

We do not have any record of senior dog rescues and shelters in Tampa, but these are the closest cities with senior dog rescues and shelters: Jacksonville, Miami

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.

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

Most recent articles

Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Dog Reactivity Chart: Understand and Fix Dog Reactivity

Best Dog Frisbee Discs for Playing Fetch

Best Dog Trainers Contest

United Airlines Dog Policy: Smart Tips For Flying with Dogs

Explore the Miniature Poodle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Dog Reactivity Chart: Understand and Fix Dog Reactivity

Best Dog Frisbee Discs for Playing Fetch

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
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.
Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
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.
How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?
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 *
The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)
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?
Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
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.
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: Signs, Causes, and How to Handle It
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.
Dog Reactivity Chart: Understand and Fix Dog 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 Your Reactive Dog
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 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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

The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States
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 in the United States
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.
The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks
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.
The Best United States Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got 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 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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.

The Best Tampa, FL Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Mercy Full Project

Elizabeth's Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (E.A.R.S.)

Howling Hounds Sanctuary Rescue

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Humane Society of Pinellas

Maxx and Me Pet Rescue

Ratbone Rescues

What's the Sniffspot Tampa Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Sniffspot Tampa Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Tampa?

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Tampa?

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Tampa?

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Tampa?

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Tampa that specialize in senior dogs?

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