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The Best Columbus, OH Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Columbus, OH. 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.

Cabin Critters Rescue
#30 in United States, #2 in Ohio, #1 in Columbus
Columbus
Cabin Critters Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in Scioto County, Ohio, that is focused on animal rescue and education. Started in February of 2019, we have rescued over 1000 dogs and cats (plus many other types of animals). Our primary focus is to find loving homes for our animal friends where they will thrive and be loved for the rest of their lives. We also care much about the humans behind the animals, therefore we are also really big in educating and providing awareness, as well as help to those who seek it.
"Cabin Critters goes above and beyond toot only rescue but find homes for pets in need."
— susan s.
Fan
"Cabin critters kennel worker here love working there"
— jessica b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter, Fan

CHA Animal Shelter
#46 in United States, #3 in Ohio, #2 in Columbus
Columbus
CHA Animal Shelter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter in northeast Columbus, Ohio. CHA is funded solely from adoption fees, donations from the public, and our own fundraising efforts.
"Our family has been fostering pets through CHA Animal Shelter since 2019. Helping animals is something that both my children..."
— kathy m.
Volunteer / foster
"I have been a volunteer at CHA for over 25 years and have adopted 5 dogs from them over that..."
— kathy c.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter

Buckeye Basset Hound Rescue
#88 in United States, #6 in Ohio, #3 in Columbus
Columbus
We are a 501(c)3 breed specific rescue that specializes in rehabilitating and rehoming basset hounds .
"Buckeye Basett Rescue is an amazing rescue because they rescue dogs from all walks of life. Mostly bassets but..."
— laurel b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"BBHR is an amazing rescue! This group has so much knowledge of Bassets and the best type of environment for..."
— rebecca k.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio
#98 in United States, #10 in Ohio, #4 in Columbus
Columbus
STS (Stop the Suffering) is volunteer run animal rescue based in Columbus, Ohio. We rescue dogs from all over Ohio, northern Kentucky and West Virginia. We house dogs through foster homes and strive to connect each one with their perfect forever family. STS is a 501(c) 3.
"N/a"
— tracy s.
Supporter, Fan
"STS is such a wonderful organization. They help so many animals be safer from poor rural shelters that would not..."
— lynn s.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter

Tri-State Collie Rescue
#98 in United States, #10 in Ohio, #4 in Columbus
Columbus
We're Tri-State Collie Rescue (TSCR), a 100% volunteer- and foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been dedicated to Collies, Shelties, and mixes thereof for over 40 years now. Our mission is simple: Rescue Restore Rehome
"Adopted a beautiful tri collie girl from them. When they got her she was heartworm positive. They went..."
— felicia r.
Adoptee
"Pack lyfe has not only gave me my 3rd rescue jumping jax but has helped me to foster with support..."
— kristen b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio
#99 in United States, #11 in Ohio, #5 in Columbus
Columbus
Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has rescued hundreds of dogs since its inception in 2003. Donations and fees go directly to supporting the care and placement of our rescued dogs. AHDRO is a 100% volunteer organization. AHDRO's mission is to provide homeless collies, shelties, and mixes of both breeds a safe haven where they will receive medical care, nutrition, and love until their forever homes are found
"We are the most fortunate family who adopted the most wonderful collie from Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio ...."
— larry a.
Adoptee

Columbus Humane
#99 in United States, #11 in Ohio, #5 in Columbus
Columbus
Our approach to advancing animal welfare is based on the belief that innovation should be constant. And that moving forward with thought-leading programs that enrich, fulfill and, yes, save lives is more than a goal. It's a given.
"CHA is the most caring animal shelter I have ever been to. Volunteering there, I got to see behind the..."
— brynley p.
Volunteer / foster, Fan

Gigi's
#99 in United States, #11 in Ohio, #5 in Columbus
Columbus
Welcome to Gigi's! We're a nonprofit regional care organization that provides homeless dogs with access to quality shelter, veterinary, behavior, and adoption services at our state-of-the-art campus in Columbus, Ohio. We give homeless dogs in rural shelters the love and support they need to be ready for a home -- just like yours! Whether you're looking to adopt a pet, make a difference as a foster or volunteer, or give to save shelter dogs, we're excited you're here!
"I recently adopted my dog through Gigi's and was so pleased with the process. I was nervous about adopting another..."
— emily p.
Adoptee

Help Save Pets
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
Help Save Pets was originally founded as the Humane Society of Plainfield in 2000. Since then we have placed over 16,000 animals into loving homes. Each one of these animals was given shelter, food, medical aid and vaccinations and time to find the right home. Our doctors mended mutilated limbs and cured many illnesses so that these animals could get a second chance at good lives. We have grown and now operate out of 10 locations, 8 in Illinois and 2 in Ohio. In 2008, we changed our name from the Humane Society of Plainfield to Help Save Pets, still HSP.

Colony Cats & dogs
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
Colony Cats is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose primary mission is to address cat overpopulation in central Ohio through public awareness and spay/neuter efforts. Since 2002, our organization has facilitated spay/neuter of nearly 26,000 cats and dogs, and placed more than 21,000 pets in homes. We have a cage-free cat adoption center and a network of foster homes for friendly, adoptable cats and kittens (as well as dogs/puppies we encounter while assisting cats) that have been rescued. We are also in partnership with area pet supply stores that help us by showcasing our adoptable cats at offsite locations throughout central Ohio (click here to see a list of offsite locations). Specialized help for feral, stray and abandoned cats is a core element of our programs. We assist compassionate caregivers who are feeding and watching over homeless cats by providing TNR (trap-neuter-return) and other support services including food, shelter, vaccines and additional vet care for injuries/illness, as well as educational resources. Experts estimate that there are more than one million feral and stray cats in this area; animal shelters can't accommodate such a vast number due to lack of space. Sadly, thousands of cats in the region are being euthanized each year. Through Colony Cats' humane, non-lethal programs, homeless cats can have the decent, healthy quality of life they deserve and better co-exist with their feline and human neighbors.

Must Love Corsos Rescue
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
Must Love Corsos Rescue is a section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, incorporated in 2018, with over 97 years of breed and rescue experience among our volunteers. Governed by an active Board of Directors, Must Love Corsos Rescue is facilitated in its entirety by compassionate professionals who volunteer their time and resources to save the lives and to care for Cane Corsos who are in need across the nation.

Humane Society of Delaware County (Delaware, OH)
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
We are excited to share the future vision of animal welfare in Delaware County. The vision includes a public-priviate partnership to develop an animal-centric complex, appropriately named ARF (Animal Resource Facility), From adoption, veterinary care, training, boarding, or grooming, ARF represents a holistic approach to meeting the needs of the animal and its human family. The building complex will be anchored by the 22,000 sq. ft. facility housing the Humane Society of Delaware County. Several private businesses will also be incorporated to provide a variety of services related to animal care, needs, and wellness. An ARF committee is being formed to help address a variety of activities that will need to be completed to bring this vision to reality. If you would like to sign-up to help us build the future of animal welfare in Delaware County, please sign up here. We'd love to have you participate!

Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
We are dedicated to providing responsible enforcement of dog laws in our community, compassionate treatment of the dogs in our shelter, and on-going education for our citizens. Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center is committed to saving lives. Our shelter is the largest county shelter in Ohio. Last year we took in 9,819 dogs and puppies, including all stray dogs in the county as well as owner surrenders and unwanted litters of puppies.

Purebred Rescue Of Ohio
#100 in United States, #12 in Ohio, #6 in Columbus
Columbus
Purebred Rescue Organization of Ohio has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming companion animals for over twenty years. What started as a small foster-based rescue in Dayton, focused on purebred puppy mill releases and owner surrenders, has grown into a multi-city effort, and now includes the PUPP Prison Dog Training Program and partnerships with shelters across the State of Ohio to help save hundreds of dogs each year. Contrary to our name, we rescue dogs of all breeds, mixes, shapes, and sizes! We provide standard vetting for them while they are in our care - all of our dogs are fixed, heartworm tested, vaccinated, and microchipped before they are placed in adoptive homes.

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

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

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 14 private dog parks in the Columbus area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Columbus dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

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

Sniffspot Columbus Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Columbus?

There are 14 in Columbus. Outside of Columbus, there are 18 located in Ohio.

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

There are many reputable rescues in Columbus, the top 3 on our list are: Cabin Critters Rescue, CHA Animal Shelter, Buckeye Basset Hound Rescue.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Columbus?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Columbus. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
If at any point, in the animal's life, you need to rehome or can no longer keep the animal you must return them to Cabin Critters Rescue.All Adoptions are finalized once the animal is spayed or neutered.All animals should be vet-checked at your earliest convenience.Any animals adopted come from unknown circumstances. Cabin Critters Rescue cannot be held accountable for any issues arising from the animal's history before Cabin Critters Rescue takes possession of them.Any animals not fully vaccinated (four (4) shots for puppies, one (1) shot for adults) should never be allowed on the ground due to the risk of disease.The adoption fee is considered a donation and therefore, is not refundable.

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

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Columbus, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby metro, Golden Retrievers In Need Rescue Service, Inc., Golden Retriever Rescue Resource, Lucas County Pit Crew

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Columbus, OH Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Cabin Critters Rescue

CHA Animal Shelter

Buckeye Basset Hound Rescue

Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio

Tri-State Collie Rescue

Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio

Columbus Humane

Gigi's

Help Save Pets

Colony Cats & dogs

Must Love Corsos Rescue

Humane Society of Delaware County (Delaware, OH)

Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center

Purebred Rescue Of Ohio

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

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Sniffspot Columbus Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Columbus?

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

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Columbus?

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

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