Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Harrisburg, PA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Harrisburg, PA. 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.

Nirvana Animal Rescue
#75 in United States, #7 in Pennsylvania, #1 in Harrisburg
Harrisburg
Nirvana Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization committed to providing sanctuary to homeless, neglected, and abused animals. We rescue companion animals who are left behind, forgotten, neglected, thrown away, or abused and provide them with their own nirvana, free from suffering and pain. All our animals are behaviorally assessed and many receive professional training prior to being placed in their forever homes. Our emphasis is on the quality, not quantity, of animals placed to ensure successful, lifelong adoptions.
"I have been a foster for Nirvana Animal Rescue for over a year. They are so supportive of their fosters..."
— mackenzie g.
Volunteer / foster
"We had a fantastic experience with Nirvana Animal Rescue. They are a friendly and super responsible rescue. We started out..."
— el c.
Adoptee

Canine Rescue of Central PA, Inc.
#97 in United States, #8 in Pennsylvania, #2 in Harrisburg
Harrisburg
Canine Rescue of Central PA, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are an all-volunteer group dedicated to providing assistance to dogs in helpless situations. The organization was formed in 2002 and has made tremendous progress in establishing another valuable resource for our furry friends. It is our mission to get involved in as many situations as possible to provide shelter and new homes to as many dogs as we can. Canine Rescue also focuses on creating strategic partnerships with other rescues and similar organizations in an attempt to share resources as well as expand public awareness of the overwhelming problem of homeless animals.
"I have been a volunteer for 4 years at Canine Rescue of Central PA. We are a non- kill..."
— justina l.
Volunteer / foster, Staff member
"This is the little rescue that could! I have been volunteering since July 2023. This rescue is 100% volunteer..."
— tami p.
Volunteer / foster

Speranza Animal Rescue LLC
#98 in United States, #9 in Pennsylvania, #3 in Harrisburg
Harrisburg
Speranza Animal Rescue is a non-profit, 100% volunteer run rescue, rehabilitation center and sanctuary committed to saving the most abused and neglected animals with the goal of finding loving homes for as many of them as possible. Speranza is located on a 17.5 acre farm in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania which provides the perfect setting to offer time, patience and love to those animals needing a second chance. Speranza, which means hope in Italian, is an all-breed rescue focusing on pit bulls and other bully breeds as well as farm animals who may have ended up in kill pens or been destined for slaughter.
"I already submitted a testimonial"
— kristen t.
Supporter
"This organization is run by an amazing young woman, She is the most selfless individual I have ever met...."
— carol w.
Fan

Pet Pantry of Lancaster County
#100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #4 in Harrisburg
Harrisburg
The Pet Pantry of Lancaster County was founded on three core services to fix, feed, and rescue animals in need. Food insecurity is one of the leading reasons why a beloved family pet would be surrendered to a rescue. The team knew this issue could be addressed by providing services with dignity. The organization provides emergency and longer-term pet food assistance to those in need in order to ensure pets remain happy, healthy, and safe in their homes and with their loving families. Animal overpopulation was another issue the team recognized, and began to diligently address. In order to help keep pets healthy by reducing pet overpopulation concerns, the Pet Pantry expanded from a pet food bank into offering lower-cost spay/neuter and feral cat Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) programs. These services are provided with the intention of removing barriers to accessing exceptional veterinary care. Lastly, was ensuring that animals in need of loving forever homes were given the chance they deserved to find those families. Each year the Pet Pantry helps place over 450 animals in need of love and care into homes that share the organization's core philosophy that pets are family. Following ten years of dedication to animals in need, today, the Pet Pantry of Lancaster County celebrates a decade of saving stray, sick, and injured animals. All of this has been possible through the intention, care, and passion of the team's commitment to empowering animals to thrive by listening and responding to their unspoken needs.

PA Caring for K9s
#100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #4 in Harrisburg
Harrisburg
PA Caring for K-9's is a NON-PROFIT, all breed dog rescue, run solely on a volunteer foster home basis. We save dogs out of many high kill shelters. They are then fostered in each of our fosters homes. Giving personal care and one on one training to each dog.

The Davis Dog Farm
#100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #4 in Harrisburg
Harrisburg
Welcome to the Davis Dog Farm Inc. We were founded in 2021 and are an all breed dog rescue. Our homebase is in Grantville, PA but most of our adoptable dogs are with foster families. We do this because we want our rescue dogs to become socialized with families and not kept in a kennel while waiting to be adopted. Some dogs are even sent to training to further their adoptability and ensure a forever home. Because most of our dogs are kept in foster homes we require an appointment to be scheduled to meet dogs you are interested in.

Good Old Tails Senior Animal Rescue
#100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #4 in Harrisburg
Harrisburg
Good Old Tails Senior Animal Rescue was founded in 2015 by a small group of animal lovers. Years of rescue showed us that the senior demographic in shelters is often the most overlooked and highly euthanized. These animals are discarded because of failing health, new pets in the family, a lack of time for attention and care, and countless other reasons which Good Old Tails finds deplorable. Pets are a commitment for life, not until they are an inconvenience. We are dedicated to saving as many senior dogs and cats as we can, and providing them with love and care so that they can live out the rest of their days with dignity and happiness. Some of these animals may never leave our rescue, and their foster families will be the ones to say the last good-bye. Others will go on to find families of their own. Whatever the outcome, we have made the promise to them that they will never again be alone.

Pitties Love Peace, Inc.
#100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #4 in Harrisburg
#26 in pit Bull
Pit Bull
Harrisburg

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

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

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 8 private dog parks in the Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

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

Sniffspot Harrisburg Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Harrisburg?

There are 8 in Harrisburg. Outside of Harrisburg, there are 38 located in Pennsylvania.

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

There are many reputable rescues in Harrisburg, the top 3 on our list are: Nirvana Animal Rescue, Canine Rescue of Central PA, Speranza Animal Rescue LLC.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Harrisburg?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Harrisburg. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
Our adoption policies are in place to ensure our adopted dogs have the best possible chance of success in their forever home. Please review the below policies and ensure you are able to follow them prior to applying to adopt! Adopters must be at least 21 years of age.Adopted dogs must live as indoor pets only.Adopted dogs must be taken to the veterinarian within three weeks of adoption. All Nirvana Animal Rescue dogs receive basic vetting upon intake to the rescue and will come to adopters up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, up to date on monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention, microchipped, and spayed/neutered if age-appropriate.If adopting a puppy under six months of age, the adopter is responsible for getting the adopted dog spayed/neutered by six months of age and providing proof to Nirvana Animal Rescue. Please note there are ZERO exceptions to this policy. Failure to follow this policy will result in Nirvana Animal Rescue taking the animal back under our care. All current animals in the home must be spayed/neutered, to date on their rabies and distemper vaccines, heartworm test, annual wellness exam, and receive monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention. Please ensure your animal is up to date PRIOR to applying to adopt, as failure to pass your veterinarian reference could result in denial of your adoption application.Adopted dogs must remain up to date on their rabies and distemper vaccines, heartworm test, annual wellness exam, and receive monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention in their adopted home. Nirvana Animal Rescue reserves the right to follow-up with adopters if we have any reason to believe the adopted dog is not receiving appropriate care. Nirvana Animal Rescue highly encourages adopters to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist within three months of adoption. Professional training is one of, if not the most, important factor in helping the adopted dog transition into its new home, and enrolling in training sets the adopted dog up for success. It also strengthens the bond between the adopted dog and its new owner in the first few months. We recommend training for everyone, from first-time adopters to repeat adopters! Nirvana Animal Rescue does NOT adopt littermates out together. We only adopt out one dog at a time, unless the dogs are part of a bonded pair.Nirvana Animal Rescue does not hold our dogs. Applying does NOT guarantee that you will adopt your dog of choice. We can't promise that the dog you applied for will be available at the end of the approval process. We will , however, work with you on identifying a good fit for your household! If approved, adopters must travel to our fosters in central Pennsylvania to meet and take home their new dog. We do not adopt to states that already have a massive pet overpopulation problem. If you live in one of the states listed below, we recommend checking out a local shelter or rescue to adopt from! CaliforniaTexasNorth CarolinaSouth CarolinaFloridaGeorgiaAlabamaLouisianaOklahoma ArkansasMississippiTennessee

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

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Harrisburg, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby metro, Peace Love and Poms Rescue, CHAR WILLS GERMAN GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE, Philly Bully Team

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Harrisburg that specialize in senior dogs?

We do not have any record of senior dog rescues and shelters in Harrisburg, but these are the closest cities with senior dog rescues and shelters: Pittsburgh

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

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.

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

Most recent articles

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

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

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

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

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

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

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

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

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

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

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Signs, Causes, and How to Handle It
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.
Dog Reactivity Chart: Understand and Fix Dog Reactivity
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.
How to Socialize Your Reactive Dog
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.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

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

Top dog names in the US

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
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
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
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
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

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
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.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
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.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

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 Harrisburg, PA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Nirvana Animal Rescue

Canine Rescue of Central PA, Inc.

Speranza Animal Rescue LLC

Pet Pantry of Lancaster County

PA Caring for K9s

The Davis Dog Farm

Good Old Tails Senior Animal Rescue

Pitties Love Peace, Inc.

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

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Sniffspot Harrisburg Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Harrisburg?

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

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Harrisburg?

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

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Harrisburg that specialize in senior dogs?

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho