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. 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.
#1 in United States, #1 in California
San Diego
Bunny's Buddies works tirelessly to save dogs from slaughterhouses, the streets and kill shelters in Asia and the USA.
"I love all that the rescue goes through to help dogs in anyway possible. They truly care for the..."
— crystal d.
Supporter, Fan
"I have been following Bunny’s Buddies for 7 years now and the amount of hard work Amanda Jo puts into..."
— brittany k.
Supporter
#5 in United States, #2 in California
"I received Buster 13 years ago from DPS. They were amazing to work with. The thing that sticks out the..."
— john w.
Adoptee
"DPS not only saves furry friends. DPS saves the humans who save the furry friends."
— dan a.
Supporter
#6 in United States, #3 in California
Huntington Beach
We save dogs from high kill shelters & off the streets to find each of them their perfect #FurryTailEnding.
"No box is left uncheck in the attempt to find the animals a home."
— kylie k.
Supporter
"Thanks to FurryTail Endings, our family feels complete again. Adopting our two dogs from them was the best decision we've..."
— sandra d.
Adoptee
#14 in United States, #4 in California
Senior dog
Santa Rosa
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary is a primarily volunteer run nonprofit organization based in Petaluma, CA. Our mission is to provide a safe and loving home for large breed senior dogs (50+ pounds, 7 years or older) who have been displaced from their homes and/or abandoned for any reason, until they are adopted or to remain at the sanctuary until they pass on.
"I have been a volunteer thru my employer prior to COVID. I was so grateful for what they do...."
— deborah g.
Volunteer / foster, Fan
"The find homes for senior dogs to live their golden years. I can’t wait to adopt one!"
— carlie d.
Fan
#21 in United States, #5 in California
San Diego
The Animal Pad is a non-profit, all breed dog rescue that focuses on saving dogs from high kill shelters and the streets of Mexico. We get them vet care, place them in foster homes and then find them loving forever families. A few years ago, we turned our attention to the street dogs of Mexico as there is very little help for them. Since then, we have developed a large rescue network in Baja California and we have a sister shelter in Ensenada that we focus on taking dogs from whenever funds allow.
"The animal pad is beyond amazing. I have never seen a more hard working, compassionate group of people. They sacrifice..."
— joanne r.
Supporter
"They do amazing work."
— amy b.
Supporter, Fan
Making a pawsitive and lasting impact on communities by rehabilitating souls and creating second chances using the power of the human/animal bond.
We save dogs from high kill shelters & off the streets to find each of them their perfect #FurryTailEnding.
Wags and Walks is focused on advocating for wrongfully stereotyped bully breeds, medical dogs, and mamas + puppies that are often overlooked and at-risk due to overcrowding. We do not select dogs based on their size, age, or breed. We select our dogs on a case-by-case basis, factoring in our ability to help and their likelihood of thriving when placed in the right home. We know that, like amazing dogs, loving families come in all shapes and sizes. Our goal is to find every pup an adopter whose home, family, and lifestyle are a perfect fit for a lifetime of love and happiness.
Angel City Pit Bulls is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a better future for pit bulls by promoting their positive image as loving family companions through education, public advocacy, adoptions, and owner support.
We rescue cats and dogs from city and county shelters and prepare them for their new forever homes. Many cats and dogs come into our care needing extensive medical care, specifically surgeries. Thanks to our surgery fund, we are able to provide life saving procedures to those we rescue. We run intervention programs in San Bernardino and the Antelope Valley where we provide food, supplies, and medical assistance to owners who are struggling to care for their pets. We supply vouchers to residents of San Bernardino, Palmdale, and Lancaster that cover the full cost over $50 of the procedure.
Dedicated to saving animals who are unwanted, abandoned, abused or on the euthanasia list and finding them the best suitable homes possible. All these amazing efforts are made through volunteers and foster homes! We are a non profit 501c3 animal rescue group. EIN 86-2134552
Oakland Animal Services is Oakland's only ‚open admissions‚ shelter: We accept all of Oakland's homeless, injured, orphaned, unwanted, lost, abandoned and mistreated animals, regardless of age, breed, temperament or medical condition.
Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS) is a no-kill nonprofit dog and cat rescue based in Yucaipa, CA. Our mission is to strive to prevent the euthanasia of dogs and cats throughout the region by providing them a temporary safe haven until a permanent and loving home can be found.
Powered by volunteers and funded by donors, we rely on many heroes to help deserving abandoned German Shepherd Dogs; in return, these shepherds provide unconditional love to the families adopting them. The goal of ShepHeroes is lifelong placement; we take pride in finding the ideal lifelong match possible for dogs and humans alike by placing all of our dogs in foster homes to allow them to decompress and for us to learn their personalities, temperament, and needs. When committed foster homes are available for long-term care of medical dogs, we prioritize assisting those shepherds as they are the most at risk in shelters. Bean, Hayzel, Shania, Tori, and Stewie joined us in the past year for extensive surgeries and lengthy recoveries. Bean arrived with a chunk of her lip missing and will have surgery to repair her maxillofacial trauma when her muzzle reaches the adult stage at seven to eight months of age. In Shania's case, her fracture exam revealed a severe heart defect that, untreated, would have caused heart failure, which was repaired with heart surgery to give her a whole, healthy life. Shania was with us for seven months through three surgeries. Tori, in addition to her fracture repair, had an eye enucleation. Also, in 2023, Abbott and Costello were treated for parvo and survived thanks to prompt medical care. Multiple dogs have recovered in our care from surgeries for ingesting foreign objects like socks and balls before coming to our rescue. We have treated ear and severe skin infections, mange, influenza, and kennel cough, reduced many hernias, altered cryptoid male dogs, treated heartworm-positive shepherds, and ensured emaciated ones received care to reach optimum weight for their age. And have provided routine ongoing veterinary care of vaccinations, heartworm, flea/tick preventatives, spay and neuters, and deworming for over 340 shepherds since 2018. One of our special pups, Kenzo, came to us at the behest of his ER vet. Found on the street hit by a car, Kenzo was rushed by a good Samaritan to the local ER. He suffered from a brain injury, fractured leg, and bodily trauma, initially unable to walk, hold his head up, and possibly blind. With the guidance of his neurology vet, we gave him supportive care, trusting that puppy brains can heal. His brain healed with a residual head tilt, giving us a sweet, loving, active pup thriving in his adoptive home. We also assisted many shy and frightened shepherds who needed to learn to trust people, become at ease in new environments, and learn good pack manners thanks to resident dogs of our foster homes. Two of our dogs have become working dogs, completing service dog training and supporting their owners as hearing and seizure-alert dogs. A few of our dogs have completed therapy dog training and provide comfort through various venues. Since inception, we have assisted 24 municipal animal control shelters and partnered with seven rescues to bring shepherds to safety from the Sacramento Region south to Monterey County and north to Butte County. ShepHeroes was established in May 2018; our volunteer board and management team's experience saving shepherds encompasses over a decade of dedication to the breed.
The Front Street Animal Shelter is located at 2127 Front Street (with a cross-street of Broadway) and is open 7 days a week from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcomed. No appointment needed. The Main Building is located next to the parking lot and provides services to those who wish to adopt a pet, search for their lost pet, and license their pet. The Reception Center is a short walk up the sidewalk and provides services to those who are bringing in a stray animal.
Our Mission is to provide public safety and protect the health and welfare of animals in our communities through education and compassion.
Bunny's Buddies works tirelessly to save dogs from slaughterhouses, the streets and kill shelters in Asia and the USA.
The Animal Pad is a non-profit, all breed dog rescue that focuses on saving dogs from high kill shelters and the streets of Mexico. We get them vet care, place them in foster homes and then find them loving forever families. A few years ago, we turned our attention to the street dogs of Mexico as there is very little help for them. Since then, we have developed a large rescue network in Baja California and we have a sister shelter in Ensenada that we focus on taking dogs from whenever funds allow.
We are a free Pet Recovery Service assisting owners on a global scale. We also secure evasive street strays primarily in the San Diego are (occasionally Riverside). If the strays are not claimed at the local shelter systems and are in danger of being euthanized, we become their safety net pending kennel space. We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome when the dogs are ready and safe to do so.
dogs in good health with wonderful personalities are euthanized. Why? Because they're older, and not considered adoptable. A dog is brought in because he can't jog with his guardian anymore. Or he needs a little time to get up the stairs. Or he's simply not a puppy. In some cases, dogs are moved from loving homes to concrete cages because their guardians have died or simply can't care for them anymore. We reach out to senior dogs at risk, give them the care they need, and find them loving forever homes. If we had our way, no dog would spend their last days in a shelter. There is so much love and joy in these dogs!
Rocket Dog Rescue saves dogs from abuse, neglect, and death at overcrowded shelters and places them in loving homes. We support pet owners in need in our community, and serve as first responders in emergency animal situations and natural disasters. Funded entirely by donations, we are a volunteer-run, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Learn about what we do or apply to adopt a dog in the San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Department of Animal Care & Control (SFACC) is a taxpayer-funded, open-admission animal shelter. Since 1989, SFACC has provided housing, care, and medical treatment to wild, exotic and domestic stray, lost, abandoned, sick, injured, and surrendered animals. SFACC's doors are open to all animals in need regardless of species, medical, or behavioral condition. The shelter also enforces all state and local Animal Control and Welfare laws and is the first responder for animals in natural disasters and citizen emergencies. SFACC shelters homeless, neglected, orphaned, and abused animals and offers a variety of services to the community. SFACC is the local City agency that investigates animal cruelty, abuse and neglect, enforces animal welfare laws, rescues wildlife in distress, and aids domestic animals in need. SFACC aims to adopt, rehome, or reunite domestic animals with their guardians and release wildlife to their native habitat.
Dedicated to the Rescue, Sanctuary (Volunteer Foster Homes) & Adoption of Companion Animals in Northern CA. We rescue dogs and cats of all ages and breed types. We have no office or shelter building. All dedicated volunteer foster homes that feed quality foods, home training and TLC. https://www.furryfriendsrescue.org/
We are responsible rescue dedicated to saving the Cane Corso and similar mastiff type breeds
We are a full-service animal care division of the Public Works Department comprised of four units: Field Operations (Animal Control), Medical Services, dog, cat, and small animals Shelter Operations, and Administration. Each unit works in collaboration with each other for the care of the animals in the community that we serve.
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary is a primarily volunteer run nonprofit organization based in Petaluma, CA. Our mission is to provide a safe and loving home for large breed senior dogs (50+ pounds, 7 years or older) who have been displaced from their homes and/or abandoned for any reason, until they are adopted or to remain at the sanctuary until they pass on.
Compassion Without Borders was founded in 2001 by Christi and Moncho Camblor with the vision to provide a brighter future to animals in need on both sides of the border. CWOB works a multifaceted approach to reach animals in need via our four programs: Mexico Dog Rescue, US Dog Rescue, Veterinary Wellness Clinics & Spay/Neuter Services. We also actively participate with other rescue groups in the US and Mexico to provide outreach for humane rescue education & training via seminars.
The Humane Society of Sonoma County is a donor-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to kindness. With the generosity of our supporters, we save lives and enhance the well-being of pets and their people through kindness, innovation, and leadership. Programs like our Community Action team, Community Vet Clinic, and Free Vaccine Clinic provide vital support to our community.
Better World Rescue is a proactive rescue focused on helping animals stay in loving homes as well as helping shelter animals to find loving homes. We focus primarily on community assistance and euthanasia-listed shelter animals. We offer spay/neuter assistance, training assistance, and medical bill assistance to at-risk animals in our community. We help save over 500 animals annually between our shelter and community programs.
The Humane Society of the North Bay is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that was established in 1986 to offer shelter and adoption services for homeless animals. We were formerly known as the Benicia-Vallejo Humane Society. We are a no-kill shelter. For nearly four decades we have found permanent homes for thousands of homeless cats and dogs. HSNB has witnessed many joyous reunions. Although we have a contract with the City of Vallejo to shelter stray animals found in the community, we are not a city shelter, nor are we managed by, affiliated with, or financially supported by any local, county, state or national organizations. Our funding comes almost entirely from donations by generous individuals and local businesses. We welcome grant opportunities of all kinds, special event fundraisers, monthly donation commitments, and estate and memorial bequests.
Welcome to the 2024 California Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in California 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 California dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Our adopters must be here to save a life. Rescue dogs need help, not another to do list. All adopters must truly be here to give back to a soul in need.
Dog lovers everywhere know Golden Retrievers as intelligent and eager to please. These fluffy canine companions have earned a reputation for being quick learners—and they're often used as working dogs in various roles like search and rescue, service work, therapy programs, obedience competitions, and more.
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.
With the percentage of households with dogs rapidly rising in the USA, it's never been more important to know the most dog-friendly cities. An estimated 65 million households in the US own at least one dog, and pet lovers value their pets feeling welcome where they live.
Relocating to a new home can be a daunting task, especially when you have a four-legged friend to consider. So, we analyzed responses from Sniffspot users to get their best dog-friendly moving tips and advice.
We know dog owners navigate the world a little bit differently. Whether they're planning a family outing or a week-long getaway, dog-friendly travel has its challenges. From pet policy changes and extra fees, finding dog-friendly travel isn't as straightforward as you might think.
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!
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.
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.
Welcome to the United States Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used.
Welcome to the New Jersey Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in New Jersey based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
Welcome to the Michigan Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Michigan based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
Welcome to the Washington Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Washington based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
Welcome to the Florida Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Florida based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
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.