This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. 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.
#10 in United States, #1 in Florida
Beagle, Puppy, Senior dog
Jacksonville
The London Sanctuary is a nonprofit exclusive hound rescue and sanctuary. TLS provides long-term care for dogs who are unable to be placed due to their advanced age or medical needs. We also work to place adoptable hounds in their forever homes who have been rescued from government-run shelters around the Southeastern U.S. or were abandoned forest hounds in more rural areas in NE Florida.
"I have fostered and adopted from The London Sanctuary. I deeply respect their efforts to not only physically treat..."
— roseann r.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"I love the London Sanctuary, they rescue hounds , dogs that most rescues don’t!"
— traci t.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#11 in United States, #2 in Florida
Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle
Miami
Since 2005, Golden Rescue South Florida, Inc. ‚'GRSF' a 501c3 non-profit registered charitable organization has been dedicated to rescuing and rehoming displaced Golden Retrievers and Golden at Heart Retrievers. We are all-volunteer and foster-based organization who place abandoned, unwanted, displaced, or abused, Golden Retrievers and "Golden At Heart" dogs with safe, loving forever families in South Florida where each dog will receive the second chance they so richly deserve.
"It appears that my testimonial may not have gone through. So I am writing again. What I love..."
— susan a.
Adoptee
"For the past week, my husband and I have been fostering to adopt a 5-year-old retired breeder mom from an..."
— susan a.
Adoptee
#47 in United States, #3 in Florida
German Shepherd
Orlando
Cash 4 Canines, Inc. dba Rescue Rebels' sole mission is to provide a better and improved life, essentially a "second chance", for working dog breeds that have been left at shelters, surrendered by their owners, or that have been abused and neglected. Through Rescue Rebels, these companion animals are rescued, given the physical care necessary, spayed or neutered, and provided with behavioral guidance if necessary. Our TLC Transformation Project welcomes medically fragile companion animals, that have been left at shelters and provides funds for the medical care unique to each animal's needs, and then finds these animals foster homes or "fur" ever homes.
"Amazing rescue, dedicated to do everything possible, with the most passionate volunteers"
— cullen s.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"Amazing rescue, dedicated to do everything possible, with the most passionate volunteers"
— cullen s.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#87 in United States, #4 in Florida
Jacksonville
We are a foster based rescue group that pull dogs from small overcrowded shelters. These dogs are at risk of being euthanized due to lack of space. We provide all vet care - spay/neuter, vaccinations, monthly prevention, etc. We make sure all dogs are healthy and ready for their forever homes. Alot of the dogs we take in are Heartworm positive unfortunately so we make sure they get treatment and test negative before adoption. We rescue by need not breed.
"Very responsive rescue. Very creative in how they reach potential adopters and fosters. Great love for the animals and very..."
— zornitsa a.
Supporter, Fan
"Kelly and Fur Sisters do tremendous things for the pups left behind in the NF area. She is the busiest..."
— tiffany w.
Supporter
#162 in United States, #5 in Florida
We are a no kill shelter. As a volunteer I see how dedicated the staff and volunteers are. Here the animals are loved, great care. They have many clinics that give a free first visit after adopting. AWL holds several events outside the facility a month to raise funds. I am proud to volunteer here. We are a 501-3c.
"I've had the opportunity to Volunteer at AWL and get to know a lot of the staff and volunteers. I..."
— susan k.
Volunteer / foster
"great care in a clean environment by a dedicated staff and volunteers"
— bill m.
Volunteer / foster
The London Sanctuary is a nonprofit exclusive hound rescue and sanctuary. TLS provides long-term care for dogs who are unable to be placed due to their advanced age or medical needs. We also work to place adoptable hounds in their forever homes who have been rescued from government-run shelters around the Southeastern U.S. or were abandoned forest hounds in more rural areas in NE Florida.
We are a foster based rescue group that pull dogs from small overcrowded shelters. These dogs are at risk of being euthanized due to lack of space. We provide all vet care - spay/neuter, vaccinations, monthly prevention, etc. We make sure all dogs are healthy and ready for their forever homes. Alot of the dogs we take in are Heartworm positive unfortunately so we make sure they get treatment and test negative before adoption. We rescue by need not breed.
The Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) is a local, independent, 501c3 non-profit in Jacksonville, Florida. We care for nearly 9,000 dogs and cats each year and offer a wide range of community programs including pet adoption, support for pet owners, resources for lost and found animals, veterinary outreach programs, youth programs, and more. JHS receives no government funding, and our work is only made possible by the support of friends like you. Please consider a gift to provide compassionate care to pets and the people who love them.
Since 2005, Golden Rescue South Florida, Inc. ‚'GRSF' a 501c3 non-profit registered charitable organization has been dedicated to rescuing and rehoming displaced Golden Retrievers and Golden at Heart Retrievers. We are all-volunteer and foster-based organization who place abandoned, unwanted, displaced, or abused, Golden Retrievers and "Golden At Heart" dogs with safe, loving forever families in South Florida where each dog will receive the second chance they so richly deserve.
Barky Pines Animal Rescue is located in Loxahatchee Fl. Founded in 2014. We are a 5.5 acre farm and house dogs and farm animals. We also have a veterinary clinic
Welcome to Jamie's Rescue! Jamie's is a non-profit dog rescue in Miami, Florida. We've placed thousands of dogs and our ongoing mission is to continue placing dogs and puppies that would remain on the streets or euthanized at local shelters. Jamie's Rescue is a cage free, no kill, organic feed rescue.
Having owned and trained Belgian Malinois dogs, a specialized working breed, a need was recognized for a dedicated organization to support the rescue and rehabilitation of this breed; Chez Malinois (House of Malinois) was formed. While our primary focus was on the working breeds, it became apparent that Southwest Florida was overpopulated with all breeds in need of rescue, veterinary care, foster, training, and just a new chance at a better life. While we continue to dedicate capacity to the Malinois, working breed dogs, and their specialized training and rehabilitation, we have expanded our services through Rescue Garage to include all breeds of dogs in need. Chez Malinois, dba Rescue Garage, is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization whose rescues are mostly pulled from high kill rate shelters in the surrounding communities of southwest Florida, while others are rescued directly from adverse living conditions. We evaluate and address any medical conditions, spay or neuter, microchip and provide training to all the animals in our care.
Cash 4 Canines, Inc. dba Rescue Rebels' sole mission is to provide a better and improved life, essentially a "second chance", for working dog breeds that have been left at shelters, surrendered by their owners, or that have been abused and neglected. Through Rescue Rebels, these companion animals are rescued, given the physical care necessary, spayed or neutered, and provided with behavioral guidance if necessary. Our TLC Transformation Project welcomes medically fragile companion animals, that have been left at shelters and provides funds for the medical care unique to each animal's needs, and then finds these animals foster homes or "fur" ever homes.
Adore Pet Rescue is an all volunteer based rescue in the Central Florida area committed to rescuing and finding forever homes for all types of dogs and cats. We do not have a physical location, instead all of our animals are in foster homes throughout the orlando area where they are treated like part of the family. After our inception in 2020 we have grown significantly, having over 1850 adoptions in our first four years of operation.
Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) is a progressive animal-welfare focused organization that enforces the Orange County Code to protect both citizens and animals. OCAS is the only open admission shelter in Orange County, which means that it does not turn away any animal and accepts all animals, regardless of their temperament or health. The health and well-being of the animals in the care of OCAS is of the utmost importance to Orange County and its community. Most animals are ideal candidates for adoption, yet some come to the shelter suffering from long-term and profound health problems, as a result of being homeless, stray or abused. On average, the shelter receives approximately 50 animals each day, but these numbers can double during peak summer months.
Mercy Full Project was founded in October 2019 as a Nonprofit organization located in the Tampa Bay Area. We focus our efforts mainly in Animal rescue and helping the helpless animals in our community, We take in all animals from all different situations such as Medical Cases at the shelters that face euthanasia, Behavioral cases that need longer and special training sessions, Owner surrenders that come to us from multiple reasons and these owners cannot longer have them, Stray animals found all over Florida, Animals facing euthanasia at Overloaded shelters even outside of Florida as Georgia and Alabama, and Emergency cases when the animals are injured from accidents or Animal Abused. We are a foster home-based animal rescue, and we are always looking for families to open the doors of their homes to help us help these pure souls in need. Being a foster does not require much as we provide all supplies needed and cover all vet expenses. All that Requires is a little more time and love to spend with an animal in need. Once the animal is ready for Adoption, we use all our tools to find their perfect match and these happy stories are what we call Happy Tails.
Maxx & Me Pet Rescue is a dog rescue organization founded in 2014 by Lea Haverstock in memory of her beloved rescue Golden Retriever, Maxx. We are dedicated to the well-being and deserving care of animals ‚ large and small, young and old, healthy and in need. We are a 100% volunteer, foster-based (we have NO shelter and are NOT a shelter), non-profit dog rescue organization serving the greater Tampa Bay area. We do not do out of state adoptions.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides shelter for homeless & at risk animals, adoptions, hospital and TNVR services for the general public; operates independently from the Humane Society of the United States. And we, along with our animals, would love to have you as a partner on this journey. Stand with us and other like-minded individuals, animal welfare organizations, foundations and companies as we work to end animal homelessness in Tampa Bay. By lending your voice, mobilizing supporters and customers, and helping to raise critical funds, you can change the lives of pets and people.
Welcome to the 2024 Florida Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Florida 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 Florida dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
How To Adopt ADOPTION APPLICATION ​ Adopting a rescued Golden Retriever could be one of the most rewarding things you do in life! It’s also a big decision with many considerations. It’s a long-term commitment requiring the support and help of all members of your family. ​ As a rescue organization, we help Goldens who need a new beginning. There are many factors that we must consider before matching a dog with a family. Each story is different, some are mistreated or neglected, abandoned, or surrendered, some rescued from dire and horrific conditions. In all situations they have been let down by humans therefore we must prioritize finding the dog the best homes vs. finding the perfect pet for you. The first step in the adoption process is to complete the ADOPTION APPLICATION, followed by a home visit.
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.