Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Green Dogs Unleashed
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1229/ca034737c5f4-1000001205_0ba86f90bdca34438a5b97e12683d88e_1_6_2023__4_09_34_PM.png
VirginiaUS
They are a great rescue. Screen potential adopters well to ensure pets go to good homes. Honest evaluation of animals, etc. Would recommend to anyone.

Green Dogs Unleashed

#83 in United States, #4 in Virginia

https://www.greendogsunleashed.org

staff@greendogsunleashed.org

Service areas:

Greater Charlottesville area.

At GDU, we are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of special needs and exceptional animals. We believe that every animal deserves a chance at a happy and fulfilling life, and we work tirelessly to ensure that they get just that. Our rescues come from all over the country, primarily from rural and high-volume shelters. These animals often have special needs or require exceptional care, and they come to us when there is no other hope for them. We arrange their transport and ensure they receive necessary medical care from a licensed veterinarian. Upon arrival, our animals find refuge in caring foster homes as they await their forever families. Our fostering application process mirrors the same meticulous approval standards as our adoption procedure, guaranteeing the best possible homes. This fostering period provides invaluable insights into our animals' personalities, enabling us to make ideal matches with their perfect forever homes. During this time, we seek to enrich their lives through positive enrichment activities and training. This helps our animals learn essential skills and build their confidence, making them more adoptable and increasing their chances of finding their forever homes. Our approach combines scientifically proven positive behavior modification methods and time-tested best practices from our amazing foster families. We pride ourselves on matching animals with families on an individual basis, considering factors like temperament, lifestyle, physical and mental needs, and emotional and social well-being. This personalized approach ensures an unparalleled adoption match success rate.

Mission and Vision

We are a non-profit organization committed to rescuing animals in need, rehabilitating them, and finding them loving homes. Our focus is on special needs animals, providing them with professional training to prepare them for roles as Therapy dogs, supporting humans in need. All our animals undergo training and rehabilitation at the Unleashed Canine Training Academy in Troy, Virginia.

Other specialization

  • Special needs animals, with a focus in deaf and blind dogs.

Adoption Policy

We welcome applicants from out of state for most dogs, but please review the dog's description to see if there are any exceptions. If approved, applicants must be willing to visit our location in Troy, VA, for a meet-and-greet. If both parties agree that it's a good match, the pup can go home with the family on the same day. We ask adopters to understand that it takes time for a dog to transition and to commit to giving them the necessary time and patience. Adopters should be prepared to handle immediate issues for at least three weeks while the dog adjusts. We encourage offering grace and compassion to newly adopted pets. All adopters are required to take an approved positive reinforcement, fear-free style training class within two months of adopting a dog.
https://greendogsunleashed.org/adopt/

Testimonials

See all testimonials

"They are a great rescue. Screen potential adopters well to ensure pets go to good homes. Honest evaluation of animals, etc. Would recommend to anyone."

christine h.

Adoptee

"From rescuing and rehabbing traumatized dogs, thoughtful and creative training programs, to the sheer immensity of their love for dogs, GDU shines in all aspects. We are fortunate to have such a strong and dedicated resource in our community."

judith m.

Adoptee

"Green dogs unleashed does it all. What so special is the saving and training of special needs dogs…they even save cats, birds and any other critter that needs saving"

beth m.

Volunteer / foster, Fan

"We have fostered for and adopted from GDU many times. I think we have fostered 9 pups, and have adopted and only one was a foster fail. Our sweet additions were truly made for our family. Our fostering experience was amazing. The first two dogs we fostered were, well, very unique. One dog was adopted by good friends of ours; the other one ran away and we were distraught! I had never fostered before. It was terrible. GDU was amazing. They helped us set traps and never once made me feel terrible about what happened. I was beside myself with guilt and worry about this sweet poor puppy mill survivor. She was recovered 2 weeks later and has an amazing home now. GDU is so supportive, giving, and really does what’s best for each dog. It’s not always the best fit and they understand and appreciate that. They work hard to train new owners and pups, and have the best interests of their dogs at heart. I am so proud to be part of an ethical, truthful, caring community."

chesley m.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"I’m nearing retirement & was looking for something meaningful to do as a volunteer & then our 20 year old Maine Coon passed away last year. I decided to volunteer with Green Dogs because I liked their approach to adoption offering classes & support to build bonds & prevent animals from ending up in rescue again. After a few weeks of volunteering I learned they get a lot of animals from HSUS cases & the amazing transformation of these dogs & cats from scared to exuberant. I adopted a Maine Coon from GDU who was a HSUS case. She has reminded us how much love we have to give & how that can change an animal’s personality. Trixie is a big goofy love bug now & we feel like our home is complete. And volunteering brings me joy & new social relationships."

kelly f.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

"This rescue has done so much good in the community. Continually saving and fostering animals, and doing outreach vaccine drives to help low income families."

amber m.

Supporter, Fan

"I adore Green Dogs Unleashed and the community that they have created in the central Va area. I adopted my sweet deaf Aussie from green dogs and interacting with them through the adoption and training process made me realize how critical this organization is to the community. I have since become a volunteer and foster with green dogs and try to help them as often as possible. could not be more grateful for the impact that green dogs has had on my life as well as so many others in the Charlottesville area."

lauren s.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Fan

"Green Dog Unleashed has changed my life. I became a dog trainer in retirement and I reached out to GDU to see if Erika Proctor would be willing to take me as a trainer intern following my certification. I have spent time learning, studying, shadowing and ultimately asked to join the staff as a dog trainer at GDU. I have been to Puppy Bowl as a handler with 8 puppies for filming in NY. I have adopted 2 GDU pups. I have volunteered countless hours for this organization mostly because they are warm, welcoming, intelligent, thoughtful, kind and ambitious to change the training world to a strictly positive approach. I have trained a service dog and a therapy dog with Erika’s support and guidance. I have dogs in disc league. I am teaching an hour away from the main campus to expand GDU’s reach into a part of Virginia where positive trainers are very difficult to find. This organization is beyond passionate about their mission of rescue, rehab and rehome. Green Dogs Unleashed is the real deal and i am beyond thrilled to recommend them!!!"

cassandra h.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter, Fan

"As a person who has volunteered very actively with several dog and animals rescues and organizations, my immediate introduction to Green Dogs Unleashed (Troy, VA), left me thinking, ‘wow… their website and media doesn’t begin to cover the impact this organization is making in the lives of the animals and people they work with!’ I immediately knew this was an organization I wanted to be active with and help be a part of their far reaching outreach and help building continued success. The director Erika Proctor, is the most genuine person I have met in the rescue and training world. She lives her life as an example and through her efforts, she has created a place in Green Dogs Unleashed that has built a community of volunteers and support with a contagious energy in getting, even the sometimes seeming impossible, tasks accomplished. GDU functions as a rescue that so often helps the special population of dogs that many overlook, including deaf and blind dogs. They do an amazing job working with their fosters and volunteers to truly match the dogs (when they feel they are ready) to homes where they feel they will become part of the family and find success in their forever home placement. GDU works tirelessly in supporting and collaborating with other shelters, rescues and organizations, including the HSUS, to help animals in need. GDU has an extensive and diverse training program that uses positive training and genuinely shows the human students how to create long term relationships through positive training and bonding. This training program also offers lots of enrichment classes so the community can keep building these positive experiences and relationships. If that isn’t enough, GDU also has an extensive therapy dog training program and teams that work out in their communities doing important jobs. Coming from other therapy training programs, and now having a dog that is a GDU certified therapy dog, here again I can say, GDU goes above and beyond in preparing this program so that the handler and the dog find joy and success should they complete the program and become a working team! I am now a very active volunteer and therapy team member for GDU… but it was in those parts I realized the impact GDU has and a bigger way I wanted to be involved. The positive approach to helping dogs that come into their rescue, often with trauma and scared, can truly turn their lives around. I watch Erika passionately meet every dog and family where they are and give them hope and enthusiasm towards joy and bonds to last a lifetime. I am now an intern working under Erika and it is my goal to learn so that I can become a GDU trainer. In this role I can be part of helping rescue animals that come in so desperate for a chance and also help families find joy, enrichment and successful relationships between them and their dogs. I cannot recommend this organization without saying, the entire operations are run with heart, passion, empathy and genuine commitment to creating a positive impact into the world of rescue work and building opportunities for positive personal and community relationships for dogs and their families ."

dulcey f.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"Green Dogs Unleashed is made up of the most caring and knowledgeable animal lovers. Although they specialize in hearing and sight impaired dogs, ALL animals are helped by fostering and finding the best adoptive homes. This includes cats and birds. They have taken in close to 100 dogs from hoarding situations just last calendar year. I adopted a pup from one of the hoarding cases of 114 dogs. Erika, the behavior specialist, trainer, and founder of GDU, is always available for guidance at a moments notice. This is the best group of folks that I have met and they deserve support!"

jean t.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

Sniffspot Dog running on field

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Virginia


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Virginia


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

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Sniffspot Dog swimming in pool
David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

All testimonials

"They are a great rescue. Screen potential adopters well to ensure pets go to good homes. Honest evaluation of animals, etc. Would recommend to anyone."

christine h.

Adoptee

"From rescuing and rehabbing traumatized dogs, thoughtful and creative training programs, to the sheer immensity of their love for dogs, GDU shines in all aspects. We are fortunate to have such a strong and dedicated resource in our community."

judith m.

Adoptee

"Green dogs unleashed does it all. What so special is the saving and training of special needs dogs…they even save cats, birds and any other critter that needs saving"

beth m.

Volunteer / foster, Fan

"We have fostered for and adopted from GDU many times. I think we have fostered 9 pups, and have adopted and only one was a foster fail. Our sweet additions were truly made for our family. Our fostering experience was amazing. The first two dogs we fostered were, well, very unique. One dog was adopted by good friends of ours; the other one ran away and we were distraught! I had never fostered before. It was terrible. GDU was amazing. They helped us set traps and never once made me feel terrible about what happened. I was beside myself with guilt and worry about this sweet poor puppy mill survivor. She was recovered 2 weeks later and has an amazing home now. GDU is so supportive, giving, and really does what’s best for each dog. It’s not always the best fit and they understand and appreciate that. They work hard to train new owners and pups, and have the best interests of their dogs at heart. I am so proud to be part of an ethical, truthful, caring community."

chesley m.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"I’m nearing retirement & was looking for something meaningful to do as a volunteer & then our 20 year old Maine Coon passed away last year. I decided to volunteer with Green Dogs because I liked their approach to adoption offering classes & support to build bonds & prevent animals from ending up in rescue again. After a few weeks of volunteering I learned they get a lot of animals from HSUS cases & the amazing transformation of these dogs & cats from scared to exuberant. I adopted a Maine Coon from GDU who was a HSUS case. She has reminded us how much love we have to give & how that can change an animal’s personality. Trixie is a big goofy love bug now & we feel like our home is complete. And volunteering brings me joy & new social relationships."

kelly f.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

"This rescue has done so much good in the community. Continually saving and fostering animals, and doing outreach vaccine drives to help low income families."

amber m.

Supporter, Fan

"I adore Green Dogs Unleashed and the community that they have created in the central Va area. I adopted my sweet deaf Aussie from green dogs and interacting with them through the adoption and training process made me realize how critical this organization is to the community. I have since become a volunteer and foster with green dogs and try to help them as often as possible. could not be more grateful for the impact that green dogs has had on my life as well as so many others in the Charlottesville area."

lauren s.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Fan

"Green Dog Unleashed has changed my life. I became a dog trainer in retirement and I reached out to GDU to see if Erika Proctor would be willing to take me as a trainer intern following my certification. I have spent time learning, studying, shadowing and ultimately asked to join the staff as a dog trainer at GDU. I have been to Puppy Bowl as a handler with 8 puppies for filming in NY. I have adopted 2 GDU pups. I have volunteered countless hours for this organization mostly because they are warm, welcoming, intelligent, thoughtful, kind and ambitious to change the training world to a strictly positive approach. I have trained a service dog and a therapy dog with Erika’s support and guidance. I have dogs in disc league. I am teaching an hour away from the main campus to expand GDU’s reach into a part of Virginia where positive trainers are very difficult to find. This organization is beyond passionate about their mission of rescue, rehab and rehome. Green Dogs Unleashed is the real deal and i am beyond thrilled to recommend them!!!"

cassandra h.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter, Fan

"As a person who has volunteered very actively with several dog and animals rescues and organizations, my immediate introduction to Green Dogs Unleashed (Troy, VA), left me thinking, ‘wow… their website and media doesn’t begin to cover the impact this organization is making in the lives of the animals and people they work with!’ I immediately knew this was an organization I wanted to be active with and help be a part of their far reaching outreach and help building continued success. The director Erika Proctor, is the most genuine person I have met in the rescue and training world. She lives her life as an example and through her efforts, she has created a place in Green Dogs Unleashed that has built a community of volunteers and support with a contagious energy in getting, even the sometimes seeming impossible, tasks accomplished. GDU functions as a rescue that so often helps the special population of dogs that many overlook, including deaf and blind dogs. They do an amazing job working with their fosters and volunteers to truly match the dogs (when they feel they are ready) to homes where they feel they will become part of the family and find success in their forever home placement. GDU works tirelessly in supporting and collaborating with other shelters, rescues and organizations, including the HSUS, to help animals in need. GDU has an extensive and diverse training program that uses positive training and genuinely shows the human students how to create long term relationships through positive training and bonding. This training program also offers lots of enrichment classes so the community can keep building these positive experiences and relationships. If that isn’t enough, GDU also has an extensive therapy dog training program and teams that work out in their communities doing important jobs. Coming from other therapy training programs, and now having a dog that is a GDU certified therapy dog, here again I can say, GDU goes above and beyond in preparing this program so that the handler and the dog find joy and success should they complete the program and become a working team! I am now a very active volunteer and therapy team member for GDU… but it was in those parts I realized the impact GDU has and a bigger way I wanted to be involved. The positive approach to helping dogs that come into their rescue, often with trauma and scared, can truly turn their lives around. I watch Erika passionately meet every dog and family where they are and give them hope and enthusiasm towards joy and bonds to last a lifetime. I am now an intern working under Erika and it is my goal to learn so that I can become a GDU trainer. In this role I can be part of helping rescue animals that come in so desperate for a chance and also help families find joy, enrichment and successful relationships between them and their dogs. I cannot recommend this organization without saying, the entire operations are run with heart, passion, empathy and genuine commitment to creating a positive impact into the world of rescue work and building opportunities for positive personal and community relationships for dogs and their families ."

dulcey f.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"Green Dogs Unleashed is made up of the most caring and knowledgeable animal lovers. Although they specialize in hearing and sight impaired dogs, ALL animals are helped by fostering and finding the best adoptive homes. This includes cats and birds. They have taken in close to 100 dogs from hoarding situations just last calendar year. I adopted a pup from one of the hoarding cases of 114 dogs. Erika, the behavior specialist, trainer, and founder of GDU, is always available for guidance at a moments notice. This is the best group of folks that I have met and they deserve support!"

jean t.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know thumbnailThe Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners
All categories

Most recent articles

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know thumbnailThe Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know
The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know thumbnail

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners
Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

Explore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    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.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    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.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

    How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

    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.

  • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

    What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

    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?

  • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

    Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

    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!

Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    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.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    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?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    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.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    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.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    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.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    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.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    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.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    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.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    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.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    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.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    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.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    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.

Dogs breeds

  • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    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.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    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.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    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.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    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.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    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.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
  • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Male Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
  • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Female Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
  • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

    Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
  • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

    Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US