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. 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.
#13 in United States, #1 in Washington, #1 in Spokane
Spokane
Our mission to provide a safe haven for dogs in desperate circumstances within our community and surrounding area. We rehome these dogs with families that are a good fit for the dog. We seek to serve the humans that come to us ‚both our adoptive families and the people who need help rehoming dogs ‚but our priority is to act as advocates for our dogs at every stage of the rescue and adoption process. We commit to our dogs for life! We are a registered non-profit organization, headquartered in the Tri-Cities in south-central Washington State. We focus mainly on saving dogs that are at risk in our region and placing them with adopters throughout the Pacific Northwest. Most of our dogs come from shelters in Washington & Idaho, where they are facing the threat of Euthanasia. Others are released to us by private individuals who need medical help with their own dogs. Other dogs are strays, either dumped or abandoned, that need a chance at a new life.
"I love how the organization ensures matching the dog with the owner. They are very thorough in ensuring both..."
— nichole m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"Mikey's Chance Pet Rescue is truly the best! All their foster homes are kind, loving, supporting places that give hope..."
— carol m.
Supporter
#35 in United States, #2 in Washington, #1 in Seattle
Seattle
Resilient Hearts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit rescue that rescues animals from high risk situations and unites them with their forever families in the Puget Sound area. As a queer led organization, we are committed to accessible and inclusive programs for our entire community, and maintain a community safe space for anyone to share our animals.
"Where do I start… Resilient Hearts is amazing. They provide so much for their community: a hangout space, a free..."
— adeline t.
Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter
"Great community oriented rescue. They do a great job connecting the animals with the greater Seattle community by having a..."
— kristy s.
Fan
#56 in United States, #3 in Washington, #2 in Seattle
Seattle
Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is the revolution of rescue. As a rock and roll-themed, foster-based, volunteer-powered rescue, we take in animals that have no one else. "Animals" primarily means dogs and cats, but as the name "zoo" implies, we take all kinds (as long as we have a foster home/ resources for that species). We work with shelters and owners who cannot keep their pets and through extensive veterinary care and training, we rehabilitate them and place them in loving, forever homes where the animals will never again be abandoned. More than 30% of the animals we take in are special or medically needy and require more extensive and expensive care. In all we work with all ages, breeds, many species and all different types of humans too- treating each as an individual so they can find the life and love they deserve.
"I have been volunteering with Motley Zoo since I took my daughter to help at an event in 2012, and..."
— carlee s.
Volunteer / foster
"Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is truly one of a kind because of their innovative model, ride-or-die staff and volunteers, and..."
— emily h.
Fan
#63 in United States, #4 in Washington, #1 in Olympia
Olympia
The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County was founded by a handful of compassionate community members and has grown into one of the state's largest animal welfare agencies. Each year, we find loving homes for more than 6,000 pets, reunite over 1,100 animals with their overjoyed owners, and provide care for thousands more in our community. Additionally, we offer several comprehensive programs and resources, including Spay/Neuter & Wellness Vouchers, a monthly Vaccine & Wellness Clinic, a Pet Food & Supply Pantry, behavior advice, and private rehoming services.
"As a staff member at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, I see the hard work and dedication..."
— stefanie c.
Staff member
"We adopted Ozzy March 3rd, 2024. Lost our last rescue pup in September of 2023 and were missing him very..."
— susan f.
Adoptee
#78 in United States, #5 in Washington, #3 in Seattle
#1 in greyhound
Greyhound
Seattle
John A. Hern Jr. founded Greyhound Pets, Inc. in 1985. John was a Coeur D'Alene, Idaho businessman who built a foundry business and owned Industrial Park real estate. Among John's many and varied interests, he held greyt admiration for ex-racing greyhounds and became committed to their care and welfare. As the greyhound racetrack opened in Coeur D'Alene John started a small side business providing feed and racing equipment to track kennels. He demonstrated his commitment to the dogs by being instrumental in building a track sponsored Greyhound Welfare Committee that reviewed track and kennel policies. John's first greyhounds were Roo and Babe, the two greyhounds featured in the GPI logo. John adopted several greyhounds after Roo and Babe. Ace was one of his favorites and was the subject of many of John's stories. John was the executive director of Greyhound Pets, Inc. for many years and oversaw expansion to include the Pacific Northwest and Southwestern Canada. John's generous bequest to the organization he founded has provided for GPI's continued prominence in the ex-racing greyhound rescue effort. The volunteers who continue in the efforts John began, honor his colorful leadership in finding homes for ex-racers. John is remembered and his love for ex-racing greyhounds honored in the Hern Greyt Works, GPI's kennel facility in Woodinville, WA.
"A trusted rescue group that is here for the long haul! Greyhound adopters are carefully vetted and all hounds must..."
— joanne z.
Supporter
"I volunteered at GPI for a year and a half before taking the leap and adopting a retired racing greyhound..."
— tai g.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
#78 in United States, #5 in Washington, #3 in Seattle
Seattle
AVHS is a local, independent 501(c)3 non-profit, which relies on pet licensing fees, vulnerable pet housing agreements with the City of Auburn, shelter services, spay and neuter services, Thrift Store sales, Cat Cafe Sales, and generous donations from the community to fund the shelter, clinic, and educational programs.
"AVHS is an amazing non-profit which provides a much needed service to our community. The care and compassion they provide..."
— regina h.
Volunteer / foster
"Every one there is friendly and they take very good of the animals there"
— lydia l.
Volunteer / foster
#79 in United States, #6 in Washington, #4 in Seattle
Seattle
"We fostered 2 pups with the help of Loraina, it was very nice to help them get used to being..."
— linnea l.
Volunteer / foster
"We lost 2 Chihuahuas in 2020 & 2022. When we were ready to adopt again we inquired to multiple shelters..."
— diane c.
Adoptee
#81 in United States, #7 in Washington, #2 in Olympia
Olympia
Founded 06/21 with a passion to help strays of the Yakima Valley and Yakama Reservation we take in pregnant or nursing strays with their puppies.
"This rescue isn’t like many others rescues out there. They focus on finding the right home for the dog...."
— amber s.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter, Fan
"Caring Hearts 4 Paws has the most amazing mission of helping unwanted and last litters from the Yakima Valley area..."
— carla w.
Volunteer / foster
#82 in United States, #8 in Washington, #3 in Olympia
#8 in pit Bull
#3 in great Dane
#6 in senior dog
Great Dane, Pit Bull, Senior dog
Olympia
I started Misspits Rescue in 2013 to help advocate for pit bull type dogs. After adopting Dexter, a big, happy, pit bull that almost died simply due to his looks, I knew I had to do something. After years working with a local pit bull rescue and volunteering at a shelter, Misspits Rescue was born. In the last ten years we have grown and moved to larger property. We adding additional breeds over the years and help those that need us the most. Now that we have the space, we offer sanctuary to farmed animals as well. This created a perfect place to help struggling herding breeds as well.
"Misspits is a Non profit 501c3 Rescue & pretty much a one woman show. The Rescue has grown from a..."
— cheryl b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"I’ve been following Misspits Rescue a few years now. Melissa is amazing and basically a one woman show! I really..."
— julie s.
Fan
#83 in United States, #9 in Washington, #2 in Spokane
Spokane
At Path of Hope Rescue we strive to decrease the euthanasia rate of high risk dogs in the southern United States by transporting pregnant dogs and puppies to the Pacific Northwest to find adoptive homes. We are 100% foster based and rely on volunteers and fosters to help in our mission. The overpopulation of dogs in Texas is extreme. Because of a culture that does not value spay and neuter, there are simply too many dogs. And because of this, dogs are being euthanized merely for their existence. Shelters are forced to choose which dog to kill and which to save on a daily basis. There are an estimated 700,000 stray dogs just in the city of Houston alone. Dogs on the streets, dogs in shelters, dogs living on chains, dogs everywhere. Pregnant dogs and puppies are often euthanized because of the amount of resources they require or even more often, pregnant moms are spayed, aborting the puppies. Path of Hope Rescue believes that these dogs deserve a chance at life.
"We adopted our pup from Path of Hope Rescue four years ago. They did a great job throughout the..."
— lori w.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"Path of hope works so hard to create a strong community and save as many lives as possible. Path of..."
— emily t.
Volunteer / foster
#84 in United States, #10 in Washington
#6 in husky
Husky
We are a small but determined rescue. We are all in to save even 1 husky/malmute at a time. We are dedicated to quality care not quality. Every H4H dog is family.
"I was looking for a husky friend for my current husky and sure enough I found Hope 4 Husky in..."
— emily b.
Adoptee
"This Husky Rescue is definitely a Fantastic Rescue organization. Chrissy is so Passionate about the Safety and quality of life..."
— tammy p.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#87 in United States, #11 in Washington, #5 in Seattle
Seattle
Since 2001, WAG has placed dogs into new, loving homes. Our rescues come to us in many ways: owner surrenders due to unplanned life changes, over-populated shelters, and strays found wandering streets and fields. Prior to adoption, all of our rescues are spayed/neutered, receive all vaccines, are micro-chipped, and all other medical needs are addressed.
"The entire crew at WAG work tirelessly 24/7 to help the dogs that are fortunate enough to come there. They..."
— susan h.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"The most common thing to hear around WAG's Halfway Home Ranch is "it's for the dogs" and that is true,..."
— denise b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#91 in United States, #12 in Washington, #6 in Seattle
Seattle
CHEW Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned dogs, dogs scheduled for euthanasia due to shelter space limitations, and other dogs who need us. We are always looking to find additional foster homes and acquire funding for other essential elements of dog rescue to allow us to help more dogs in need. We strive to place our dogs in safe and loving forever homes. Additionally, we promote responsible dog ownership through the facilitation of educational and recreational activities and events. CHEW (Canine Health Education and Welfare) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
"Our experience with fostering dear Mr. Bodhi was wonderful. Carolyn, from CHEW was informative and support with with our..."
— marna o.
Volunteer / foster
"CHEW is fabulous! I met them at an adoption event, the Staff and volunteers were so so excited about..."
— laura m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#96 in United States, #13 in Washington
"This place continues to go above and beyond every single day. They take on more than they can and do..."
— tara c.
Fan
"They never turn animals away even though they are overwhelmed, isolated, and often overrun. It’s a ground up, grassroots operation...."
— erin b.
Supporter
#96 in United States, #13 in Washington, #7 in Seattle
#13 in pit Bull
Pit Bull
Seattle
We are an all volunteer rescue specializing in bully breeds. We are facility based and prefer our dogs experience the home environment with their foster homes because the care they receive is superior to a shelter environment. Spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, training, socialization and lots of love are critical for producing well balanced and well behaved dogs.
"They do so much with so little. Never hesitate!"
— es.
Supporter
"Mickey's Chance goes above and beyond. All animals get medical help and they work to be sure the pet is..."
— jamey p.
Adoptee, Supporter
#97 in United States, #14 in Washington, #8 in Seattle
Seattle
Old Dog Haven is a small nonprofit group using a large network of foster homes to provide loving, safe homes for unadoptable senior dogs in need in western Washington. When we have room and the means, we take these dogs into our homes. We care for them as members of the family in permanent foster homes (what we call ‚Final Refuge‚) and provide all needed veterinary care for as long as they have a good quality of life. In addition, we assist rescues, shelters and owners in finding new homes for senior adoptable dogs through our website, social media and referrals.
"Great rescue with a wonderful mission."
— christina b.
Volunteer / foster, Fan
"Our neighbor adopted a senior dog from Animal Haven and gave it great end of life car. It was so..."
— olivia j.
Fan
#97 in United States, #14 in Washington, #8 in Seattle
Seattle
Founded in 1897, Seattle Humane proudly promotes the human-animal bond by saving and serving pets in need. We are one of the region's leaders in animal adoption, education and welfare. Seattle Humane is more than a shelter we are a community resource center, providing adoption services, a pet food bank and support for pet owners, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and wellness exams, humane education for all ages and more. Our work is made possible by the support of a generous community, and through our outreach, advocacy and services we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all.
"Seattle Human strives to provide a high quality of life for animals in their care. They have a great social..."
— olivia j.
Fan
"Seattle humane is so kind to their animals and put them first. I volunteered for them for a year and..."
— hattie w.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#97 in United States, #14 in Washington, #8 in Seattle
Seattle
Homeward Pet's mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs in need through compassionate medical care, positive behavior training, and successful adoption while building a more humane community.
"The work they do is amazing!"
— darlene j.
Supporter, Fan
"I have volunteered at several shelters in the area, and I can say without a doubt that Homeward Pet Adoption..."
— lori b.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#97 in United States, #14 in Washington, #4 in Olympia
#15 in pit Bull
Pit Bull
Olympia
Forgotten Dogs Rescue is a volunteer and foster home based rescue organization focused on saving Pit Bull type dogs. Located in Washington State, we are a 501c3 non-profit and have been saving animals since 2011. We are dedicated to rescuing homeless and abandoned dogs who are in Washington's shelters, surrendered by their owners due to difficult circumstances or are in danger of abuse or neglect. We save the dogs that need help the most, the dogs whose time has run out, the dogs who have lost all hope the forgotten dogs.
"All the hard work they put into the rescue animals they save!"
— stephanie w.
Supporter
"Great rescue!"
— gemma b.
Fan
#97 in United States, #14 in Washington, #8 in Seattle
Seattle
The Humane Society of Mason County (HSMC) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves the Mason County area of Washington State. Our organization adheres to a philosophy of a no-kill shelter and animal rescue. We believe in providing second chances for companion animals whether they are abandoned, abused, neglected or homeless. We believe that all animals deserve the chance to live, thrive and be loved in "forever homes!" It is our sincere desire to provide aid when needed and to create opportunities for these needy animals to have a second chance at life.
"The Humane Society of Mason County has been operating a long time saving animals without a shelter space. They've worked..."
— lauren l.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"The humane society of mason county has been hugely helpful to me in spaying my dogs and helping with a..."
— beck d.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County was founded by a handful of compassionate community members and has grown into one of the state's largest animal welfare agencies. Each year, we find loving homes for more than 6,000 pets, reunite over 1,100 animals with their overjoyed owners, and provide care for thousands more in our community. Additionally, we offer several comprehensive programs and resources, including Spay/Neuter & Wellness Vouchers, a monthly Vaccine & Wellness Clinic, a Pet Food & Supply Pantry, behavior advice, and private rehoming services.
Founded 06/21 with a passion to help strays of the Yakima Valley and Yakama Reservation we take in pregnant or nursing strays with their puppies.
I started Misspits Rescue in 2013 to help advocate for pit bull type dogs. After adopting Dexter, a big, happy, pit bull that almost died simply due to his looks, I knew I had to do something. After years working with a local pit bull rescue and volunteering at a shelter, Misspits Rescue was born. In the last ten years we have grown and moved to larger property. We adding additional breeds over the years and help those that need us the most. Now that we have the space, we offer sanctuary to farmed animals as well. This created a perfect place to help struggling herding breeds as well.
Resilient Hearts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit rescue that rescues animals from high risk situations and unites them with their forever families in the Puget Sound area. As a queer led organization, we are committed to accessible and inclusive programs for our entire community, and maintain a community safe space for anyone to share our animals.
Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is the revolution of rescue. As a rock and roll-themed, foster-based, volunteer-powered rescue, we take in animals that have no one else. "Animals" primarily means dogs and cats, but as the name "zoo" implies, we take all kinds (as long as we have a foster home/ resources for that species). We work with shelters and owners who cannot keep their pets and through extensive veterinary care and training, we rehabilitate them and place them in loving, forever homes where the animals will never again be abandoned. More than 30% of the animals we take in are special or medically needy and require more extensive and expensive care. In all we work with all ages, breeds, many species and all different types of humans too- treating each as an individual so they can find the life and love they deserve.
John A. Hern Jr. founded Greyhound Pets, Inc. in 1985. John was a Coeur D'Alene, Idaho businessman who built a foundry business and owned Industrial Park real estate. Among John's many and varied interests, he held greyt admiration for ex-racing greyhounds and became committed to their care and welfare. As the greyhound racetrack opened in Coeur D'Alene John started a small side business providing feed and racing equipment to track kennels. He demonstrated his commitment to the dogs by being instrumental in building a track sponsored Greyhound Welfare Committee that reviewed track and kennel policies. John's first greyhounds were Roo and Babe, the two greyhounds featured in the GPI logo. John adopted several greyhounds after Roo and Babe. Ace was one of his favorites and was the subject of many of John's stories. John was the executive director of Greyhound Pets, Inc. for many years and oversaw expansion to include the Pacific Northwest and Southwestern Canada. John's generous bequest to the organization he founded has provided for GPI's continued prominence in the ex-racing greyhound rescue effort. The volunteers who continue in the efforts John began, honor his colorful leadership in finding homes for ex-racers. John is remembered and his love for ex-racing greyhounds honored in the Hern Greyt Works, GPI's kennel facility in Woodinville, WA.
Our mission to provide a safe haven for dogs in desperate circumstances within our community and surrounding area. We rehome these dogs with families that are a good fit for the dog. We seek to serve the humans that come to us ‚both our adoptive families and the people who need help rehoming dogs ‚but our priority is to act as advocates for our dogs at every stage of the rescue and adoption process. We commit to our dogs for life! We are a registered non-profit organization, headquartered in the Tri-Cities in south-central Washington State. We focus mainly on saving dogs that are at risk in our region and placing them with adopters throughout the Pacific Northwest. Most of our dogs come from shelters in Washington & Idaho, where they are facing the threat of Euthanasia. Others are released to us by private individuals who need medical help with their own dogs. Other dogs are strays, either dumped or abandoned, that need a chance at a new life.
At Path of Hope Rescue we strive to decrease the euthanasia rate of high risk dogs in the southern United States by transporting pregnant dogs and puppies to the Pacific Northwest to find adoptive homes. We are 100% foster based and rely on volunteers and fosters to help in our mission. The overpopulation of dogs in Texas is extreme. Because of a culture that does not value spay and neuter, there are simply too many dogs. And because of this, dogs are being euthanized merely for their existence. Shelters are forced to choose which dog to kill and which to save on a daily basis. There are an estimated 700,000 stray dogs just in the city of Houston alone. Dogs on the streets, dogs in shelters, dogs living on chains, dogs everywhere. Pregnant dogs and puppies are often euthanized because of the amount of resources they require or even more often, pregnant moms are spayed, aborting the puppies. Path of Hope Rescue believes that these dogs deserve a chance at life.
SpokAnimal will save lives by caring for and finding loving homes for homeless pets in our community and beyond Our strong community presence and relationships help identify the need for innovative programs that are designed to strengthen the human-companion animal bond by providing resources for pets and their people. From our food bank to our clinical programs, our vision will always be to help those who are not able to fully provide for their pets.
We provide a multitude of services to our community to include, but are not limited to: Tracking and Trapping Services for lost and feral dogs Lost and Found Social Media Deployment Services Transport Services for finders of lost pets Chip Scanning Clark County Pet Licensing Searchable Lost/Found Pet Database Pet Registration Database (FREE!) Impound Jail Break Support
Founded in 1993, Second Chance Companions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit pet organization dedicated to helping animals in SW Washington and the Portland Metro area. We are a humane, no-kill organization staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers. Although we do not run an independent shelter, we care for, adopt out, and spay & neuter as many animals as possible. In addition, we educate the community and are always seeking volunteers and resources that help us to accomplish our mission. Second Chance Companions has rescued thousands of animals over the last 30 years. Through our Low Cost Spay & Neuter program, we have altered several hundred pets. Over the years, our volunteers have donated many thousands of hours of their time to care for unwanted animals.
The Humane Society of Cowlitz County is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit animal shelter governed by a Board of Directors, who are volunteers. The Humane Society is an open admission shelter – taking in both stray and owner-released animals of all kinds, including dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits and other common domestic pets. Founded in 1973, the Humane Society of Cowlitz County has a long tradition of caring for the animals of Cowlitz County. By working in collaboration with nearby shelters, local veterinarians, animal rescue groups and compassionate members of the community, the Humane Society is dedicated to seeking loving homes for thousands of homeless, neglected and abused animals every year. Through the work of around 25 full and part-time staff, along with the assistance of compassionate volunteers, the Humane Society offers an array of services to our community, including animal sheltering, pet adoptions, cat spay neuter assistance, community education, and outreach. Through the generous support from our community members and local partners, the Humane Society works to provide quality services for our community while working to decrease euthanasia rates, increase awareness, and promote responsible pet ownership.
Welcome to the 2024 Washington Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Washington 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 Washington dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Our adoption process is detailed and comprehensive, because we want to ensure that the dog we entrust to you is a good fit for your lifestyle, home environment, needs and expectations. Our goal is not simply to place dogs in homes, but to create lasting, rewarding, happy relationships between our dogs and their humans. We will process your application as quickly as we can, but we ask you to be patient if it takes longer than you'd like. You are welcome to contact us at any time to ask about our progress.
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.