This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Arkansas. 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.
#49 in United States, #1 in Arkansas
UCAPS provides temporary humane care, food, shelter and medical attentions for Union County, Arkansas stray, homeless, abandoned and abused animals.
"UCAPS goes above and beyond to care for animals in our community. UCAPS not only takes in animals who need..."
— hannah m.
Adoptee, Supporter
"UCAPS is one of the hardest working shelters in our area. UCAPS employees and volunteers work tirelessly to make sure..."
— olivia f.
Supporter, Fan
#98 in United States, #2 in Arkansas, #1 in Little Rock
Little Rock
Rescue Road is a 100% volunteer-run, foster-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit in Central Arkansas. Shelters across our state have high euthanasia rates, and we aim to relieve pressure on rural, high-intake areas to help lower those rates. We are dedicated to saving abandoned and neglected dogs from our core shelter partners: Pine Bluff, West Memphis, Hazen, Carlisle, Dewitt, and Stuttgart. We also assist law enforcement with special cases as needed. In 2023, Rescue Road sent 580 dogs to safety. Since the rescue's inception in 2012, we have saved more than 8,500 dogs and counting.
"Rescue Road saves dogs from high kill shelters in Arkansas and sends them to our sister rescue Last Hope K9..."
— melinda w.
Volunteer / foster
"They pull dogs from kill shelters and give them a chance at life"
— judy b.
Supporter
#99 in United States, #3 in Arkansas, #2 in Little Rock
Little Rock
In 2005 Last Chance Arkansas was founded as a 100% volunteer based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based out of Central Arkansas. Last Chance AR believes in advocating for the abused, abandoned, and neglected animals across the state that cannot speak for themselves. Working in conjunction with various clinics, Last Chance AR travels statewide to urban and rural communities to provide comfort, safety, and love to animals in need. Hundreds of lives have been saved through our efforts, which include a spay and neuter program for impoverished pet owners, frequent visits to rescue animals from shelters suffering from a desperate lack of funding, and the complete inability for any of our patient and dedicated volunteers to turn down a creature in need. We serve as a resource to our community and local pet owners by providing education and information on responsible pet ownership including the importance of spay/neuter, positive behavior training and good nutrition. We work with committed volunteers, veterinarians, fosters, and trainers to provide health care and temporary homes to animals deserving of another chance. Our number one priority is ensuring the health of all of our dogs and carefully screening and well matching ‚furever homes.
"I just love, when everyone else has given up hope or just thrown these animals away. SKY SACTUARY GIVE THEM..."
— peggee m.
Fan
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
Since 2010, Rogers Animal Services has had a major impact on the community. By putting into practice a form of progressive animal control that is focused on reuniting lost pets with their families, Rogers Animal Services, has greatly reduced the number of animals that have been brought to the shelter every year since 2010. This has led to the shelter being able to maintain a 100% Lives Saved rate. This means that any dog or cat that we have come into contact with has either been reunited with its home, been adopted, sent to rescue or is still at the shelter waiting to find it’s forever home.
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
Animal Services is a part of the City’s Community Resources Department and provides a variety of essential animal services to Fayetteville. Animal Services works to assure a community with a low rate of animal nuisance problems and a high rate of animals returned to their homes or natural environments or adopted to loving homes through our City Animal Shelter services. In 2021, we placed over 800 homeless pets in new homes and were able to reunited almost 400 pets with their owners. Objectives The primary objectives of Fayetteville Animal Services include: o Educating the public to be responsible animal owners o Placing animals through adoption into responsible, caring homes o Operating the City of Fayetteville Animal Shelter o Returning lost animals to their owners o Providing animal-control services for Fayetteville o Inspecting and enforcing animal code violations
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
Big Dog Rescue Project, or BDRP, is a small close knit group of independent dog rescuers that came together to form an organization devoted to saving dogs from the multitudes of high kill shelters in the DFW area. We specialize in saving large breed types and re-homing in the North East where there is less overflow and a high volume of qualified adopters. We are all volunteers, each with our own strengths, and all devoted to the cause of improving the quality of life for those dogs discarded and forgotten. We are a 501c3 organization so all contributions are tax deductible .
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
The Animal League of Washington County was founded in 2011. The League is dedicated to promoting animal welfare in Washington County. Our programs include: Medical Rehabilitation, Rescue/Transport, Animal Cruelty/Neglect Investigations, Low Cost Spay/Neuter, Hungry Hearts Pet Food Bank, and Capital Improvement & Equipment Fund. The Animal League of Washington County is dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their people in Washington County, as well as serving the community as a resource for animal-related questions and issues.
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
We're a grass roots rescue in Northwest Arkansas on a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and find loving homes for dogs in need. We work with local shelters and good samaritans to help displaced dogs find new beginnings through our foster based program And we aren't just your average dog rescue, either! We partner with shelters, local businesses, and community members to strengthen our animal welfare community as a whole through a variety of unique programming. Oh, and did we mention? We're also pros at training. We have some of the best dog-trainers around who can help dogs (and their owners) reach their highest potential. And all the proceeds benefit our rescue efforts!
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
We are an organization committed to funding spaying & neutering procedures and finding homes for dogs while working closely with shelters and rescues. Our priority is to combat the large-scale problem of overpopulation & euthanasia by educating, advocating, funding, and getting shelter & rescue dogs exposure within the community. If you are a business and would like to open up your facility for us to host an adoption event, please reach out! If you are an individual needing assistance finding a home for a dog, visit our "Resources" page for more information.
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
Since 1974 Good Shepherd Humane Society has proudly served the needs of local strays in Eureka Springs, AR. Whether educating the community on spaying and neutering their pets or caring for homeless animals in our animal shelter, we do all we can to help. As the only no-kill shelter in Carroll County, we’re solely supported by the caring donations and funding provided by our community. Good Shepherd has come a long way from its founding 50 years ago. It has had its up and downs and sometimes struggled to find its way, but we could not be prouder of the good it has done or the effective, professional organization that it has become. We owe this success to every person who has supported us over the years and with the continued support of our community we will reach even greater heights The work we do here at Good Shepherd is NOT taxpayer funded.
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
At Gentry Animal Services, our commitment is to rescue, provide sanctuary and ultimately unite our abandoned, stray and neglected dogs with a loving and well-suited home. Since we have such a small shelter, only 10 kennels, we must adopt the dogs as quickly as possible to avoid overcrowding.
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
Since 1946 The Humane Society of the Ozarks (HSO) has been serving the people and animals of Northwest Arkansas. Outreach & Community Our Outreach Program provides financial assistance to individuals who would otherwise be unable to provide veterinary care for their pets in emergency situations. Adopting pets Our cruelty investigations & removal of animals from abusive, neglectful & hoarding situations allows us to rescue animals who have been subjected to horrific conditions, provide them with the necessary veterinary care & rehabilitate them physically, socially & emotionally with the sole goal of having them move into safe, secure & loving forever homes.
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
Our History: The effort to provide a shelter for abandoned pets in Madison County began in the late 1980s from a grassroots effort of several citizens who were concerned about stray cats and dogs in the county. In 1997, the group registered as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. In 1998, the county gave the MCPS permission to build a shelter on the county-owned land south of the Recycling Center. The shelter building became a reality because of so many in Madison County. Because of money donations, materials and lots of labor put in by skilled craftsmen the shelter was created. The fall of 2014 the Madison County Pet Shelter, Inc. board voted for our name change and that is when Paws and Claws Pet Shelter became about.
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
Dr. Wendell founded Recycled Rovers Rescue in 2011. She is honored to say Southwest Pet Hospital is the home to Recycled Rovers Rescue. Recycled Rovers rescues dogs in need from high kill shelters and brings them to safety until they can be adopted into their forever homes.
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
#100 in United States, #4 in Arkansas, #1 in Fayetteville
Fayetteville
The Siloam Springs Animal Shelter is a dedicated facility that offers temporary care and protection for animals in need, including dogs, cats, and other pets. By addressing pet abandonment and overpopulation issues, the Siloam Springs Animal Shelter plays a vital role in the community. Through education about responsible pet ownership and careful screening processes, the shelter facilitates adoptions and strives to find permanent homes for its residents.
Animal Services is a part of the City’s Community Resources Department and provides a variety of essential animal services to Fayetteville. Animal Services works to assure a community with a low rate of animal nuisance problems and a high rate of animals returned to their homes or natural environments or adopted to loving homes through our City Animal Shelter services. In 2021, we placed over 800 homeless pets in new homes and were able to reunited almost 400 pets with their owners. Objectives The primary objectives of Fayetteville Animal Services include: o Educating the public to be responsible animal owners o Placing animals through adoption into responsible, caring homes o Operating the City of Fayetteville Animal Shelter o Returning lost animals to their owners o Providing animal-control services for Fayetteville o Inspecting and enforcing animal code violations
Since 2010, Rogers Animal Services has had a major impact on the community. By putting into practice a form of progressive animal control that is focused on reuniting lost pets with their families, Rogers Animal Services, has greatly reduced the number of animals that have been brought to the shelter every year since 2010. This has led to the shelter being able to maintain a 100% Lives Saved rate. This means that any dog or cat that we have come into contact with has either been reunited with its home, been adopted, sent to rescue or is still at the shelter waiting to find it’s forever home.
Rescue Road is a 100% volunteer-run, foster-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit in Central Arkansas. Shelters across our state have high euthanasia rates, and we aim to relieve pressure on rural, high-intake areas to help lower those rates. We are dedicated to saving abandoned and neglected dogs from our core shelter partners: Pine Bluff, West Memphis, Hazen, Carlisle, Dewitt, and Stuttgart. We also assist law enforcement with special cases as needed. In 2023, Rescue Road sent 580 dogs to safety. Since the rescue's inception in 2012, we have saved more than 8,500 dogs and counting.
In 2005 Last Chance Arkansas was founded as a 100% volunteer based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based out of Central Arkansas. Last Chance AR believes in advocating for the abused, abandoned, and neglected animals across the state that cannot speak for themselves. Working in conjunction with various clinics, Last Chance AR travels statewide to urban and rural communities to provide comfort, safety, and love to animals in need. Hundreds of lives have been saved through our efforts, which include a spay and neuter program for impoverished pet owners, frequent visits to rescue animals from shelters suffering from a desperate lack of funding, and the complete inability for any of our patient and dedicated volunteers to turn down a creature in need. We serve as a resource to our community and local pet owners by providing education and information on responsible pet ownership including the importance of spay/neuter, positive behavior training and good nutrition. We work with committed volunteers, veterinarians, fosters, and trainers to provide health care and temporary homes to animals deserving of another chance. Our number one priority is ensuring the health of all of our dogs and carefully screening and well matching ‚furever homes.
Founded in March 2023, this project is the vision of a group of west coast 1st responders dedicated to helping write a program to make a path for service dogs to those who need them.. We are a group of 1st responders developing a PTSD service dog program from rescue dogs. We are a 501c3 and do not charge the 1st responders a fee. We plan to have a fully accredited facility in 3 years. This will be an ongoing source of PTSD service dogs for 1st responders nationwide, and a reliable artery for stray dogs to find homes. Everybody wins.
Welcome to the 2024 Arkansas Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Arkansas 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 Arkansas dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Approved application, all pets in a home need to be altered, vet history and landlord permission required.
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.