This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Vermont. 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.
#66 in United States, #1 in Vermont
The Vermont English Bulldog Rescue is dedicated to the physical and mental rehabilitation of former puppy mills and disadvantaged dogs through education, fostering, and rehabilitation.
"Wonderful group doing wonderful work!"
— tom d.
Supporter
"Dawna pours her heart and soul into this rescue. Most dogs are already spoken for before they arrive! It's very..."
— laurie t.
Volunteer / foster
#97 in United States, #2 in Vermont
Robin has invested many years learning best practices to rescue dogs primarily from death row at high kill shelters through working with other rescues where Robin met fellow dog rescue advocate and friend, Tamara, and decided the most effective way to save even more dogs was to establish a new entity in Chittenden County and surrounding areas. Many people who personally know Robin and Tamara recognize their passion and dedication to the dogs. Today, we have an amazing team of professional, highly-dedicated volunteers who help us rescue from high kill shelters, provide safe environments with foster families/adopters, educate the community and advocate for animal rights. Our group is staffed entirely by volunteers and served by a board of directors. Our efforts are supported through donations, charity events, corporate/employee benefit tax deductible donation programs, and the generosity of animal lovers from within the community. Our rescue focus is exclusive to dogs. 100% of all funds received go directly towards saving dogs and are used strictly for this purpose to include shelter fees, boarding fees, medical bills, transport fees, food, supplies, all in support of our mission.
"We foster to adopted our pup from passion for paws about 3 years ago. She was ment to be with..."
— amanda t.
Adoptee
"I adopted my three legged one eyed beauty Brandy from this rescue several years ago, she meant so much to..."
— cielo p.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
#99 in United States, #3 in Vermont
HSCC is an independent, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that receives no city, state or federal funding. We are not affiliated with any national organizations, such as the Humane Society of the United States. We rely solely on the limited revenue generated by our programs and fees, and on the tremendous generosity of our community. In fact, the majority of our annual revenue comes from charitable giving! We serve Vermont's most populated county, Chittenden, as well as Grand Isle County.
"HSCC works so hard to be a fantastic community touchstone for our pups. From Spay the Mom programs, to temporary..."
— jenny r.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#99 in United States, #3 in Vermont
Long Trail Canine Rescue's (LTCR) mission is to support overcrowded shelters by helping to minimize the need to euthanize adoptable dogs. Through the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of abandoned pets into permanent, suitable homes throughout the northeast, LTCR offers these deserving animals a new chance for long, happy life with a loving family. Click the images below to find out how you can adopt or foster a dog, and how you can help support Long Trail Canine Rescue.
"Long Trail Canine Rescue is a hardworking rescue that helps local dogs and dogs out of state. It's a joy..."
— jenny r.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#100 in United States, #4 in Vermont
PMFAS is a non-profit organization where we are happy to help the community by caring for and rehoming pets. Our mission is to improve the welfare of the animals of Orleans and Essex Counties by sheltering and caring for lost and unwanted animals, spaying and neutering, placing animals in humane environments, and implementing programs to provide services for the promotion of responsible pet ownership. Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter relies on the support of its community through donations, volunteering, fostering, and of course adoptions!
Welcome to the 2024 Vermont Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Vermont chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Vermont dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
All applications must be submitted by applicants who are at least 21 years old to adopt or foster. If renting, we must have all the contact information for the landlord, and you must have lived in that location for more than one year. We do not consider electric fencing a fenced yard.Application submission does not guarantee placement.Be sure to contact your veterinarian's office to permit the release of information to Vermont English Bulldog Rescue and Bulldogs and Buddies.Incomplete applications (missing references, phone numbers, etc.) will not be processed.
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.
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.
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.