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The Best Lancaster, PA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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

    Peace Love and Poms Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/977/56e4547dca87-Peace_Love_and_Poms_Logo__1_.png
    lancasterPennsylvaniaUS
    PomeranianPomeranian
    I have been following Peace, Love and Poms Rescue for quite a few years now. They are so quick to rescue, no matter the conditions, and will stand by these dogs to the very end until they are adopted to safe and loving homes. No matter how ill they may be, they are always there for them and make sure they get the very best care. It's wonderful to see ! If they have behavior problems, they stand by them and make sure they get all the best help possible. What more could you ask for in a rescue, they are fantastic !!!
  • Peace Love and Poms Rescue Logo

    Peace Love and Poms Rescue

    Pomeranian

    Lancaster

    PLPR is a Pomeranian and small breed dog rescue based out of Lebanon, PA.  Our board is comprised of seasoned rescuers who all have the goal of saving dogs and providing them with the best care possible.   We save the abused, neglected, and abandoned from shelters, puppy mills, and owners who can no longer keep their pets. Our rescue is not a shelter and all our dogs are kept in foster homes where they are treated like family until their forever home is found.  PLPR provides all vet care our dogs need. This includes a vet exam, fecal, Accuplex, core vaccines (Rabies, Parvo/Distempter, and Bordatella), microchip, bloodwork and x-rays if needed, spay or neuter, and dental. We also ensure that our dogs receive the best care possible which sometimes includes specialist visits and costly diagnostics or surgeries. PLPR relies on the support of our community and followers to provide the care our dogs need to be healthy and live their best life.

    "I have been following Peace, Love and Poms Rescue for quite a few years now. They are so quick to..."

    marilyn j.

    Supporter, Fan

    "This rescue goes above and beyond for sick dogs who likely would die without their intervention. They are amazing at..."

    heather r.

    Supporter


  • LaMancha Animal Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1014/56b9d97f61bd-LaMancha_Badge.jpg
    lancasterPennsylvaniaUS
  • LaMancha Animal Rescue Logo

    LaMancha Animal Rescue

    #100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #2 in Lancaster

    Lancaster

    ABOUT US Welcome to LaMancha Animal Rescue. Since 2005, we have been a qualified public charity under IRS section 501(c)3. LaMancha maintains a forty-five acre facility for rescuing dogs, cats, pigs, goats, horses, and the occasional exotic animal that requires more space or specialized knowledge than most SPCAs can offer. We have two heated and air-conditioned kennels for dogs, each dog is housed in a run where they have indoor/outdoor access. There is a heated and air-conditioned building dedicated to cats, which is free range, no cages. LaMancha is staffed primarily with volunteers, we currently have an active list of approximately two hundred. These volunteers care for the animals, exercise the dogs, either on walking trails, or large exercise fields. We try and take in the harder-to-place dogs, that wouldn't have a good chance to be adopted in public shelters. We have gained a reputation for saving and rehoming Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, known in North America as the Great Pyrenees. These large dogs are known for their gentle temperament as well as their independent streak. When you visit LaMancha, the famous white dogs of LaMancha are usually amongst the first to greet you.


  • Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1016/3542260ef368-IMG_1716_JPG.jpg
    lancasterPennsylvaniaUS
  • Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue Logo

    Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue

    #100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #2 in Lancaster

    Lancaster

    We are a no-kill, foster-based, volunteer-run animal rescue. Lucky Dawg is dedicated to rescuing homeless, abused, and unwanted animals in our local communities, as well as educating the public. We place animals in responsible, committed, and loving homes. Considerable care is taken to find good matches for both the animal and the adopter. Lucky Dawg will remain committed to the animal's welfare beyond the adoption process. Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue is a charitable 501c3 organization.


  • Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue
    https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png
    lancasterPennsylvaniaUS
    DachshundDachshund
  • Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue Logo

    Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue

    #100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #2 in Lancaster
    #2 in dachshund

    Dachshund

    Lancaster

    Established in August 2000, Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue was started by a small group of dedicated Dachshund lovers who grew the organization to be nationwide. Today, CCDR is comprised of a group of people who still have that passion and work endlessly to help re-home Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes to loving homes. The work is endless and members work hard to fundraise and educate the public to the importance of rescue and the responsibility of altering their pets. Vetting costs have become extremely high and adoption fees don't come close to covering them, but our members work hard to fundraise and educate the public to bring awareness of being a responsible pet owner and to encourage responsible ownership and the need to spay and neuter.


  • Rags to Riches Animal Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1027/39945186f169-Logo_1.png
    lancasterPennsylvaniaUS
  • Rags to Riches Animal Rescue Logo

    Rags to Riches Animal Rescue

    #100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #2 in Lancaster

    Lancaster

    After several years of volunteering and fostering for other rescues, Tish Mayo wanted to do more. One night while scrolling through Facebook, she found her inspiration - a small grey pitbull puppy being sold in an undesirable location. Worried the puppy would end up in the wrong hands, Tish and a few others made a plan and saved the puppy, whom Tish began fostering. The team provided medical care and found her a home. Bella was her name. The team was able to save two more puppies from the same litter and from that moment, the dream started! A Facebook volunteer page was created and the team became warriors for the defenseless animals of Delaware County and Philadelphia. It was never in Tish's mind to start a rescue, but she did and Rags 2 Riches Animal Rescue was born. Tish_Mayo After about a year of street rescuing, the team hired a lawyer and became incorporated as a 501c3 nonprofit. Through several years of upholding a great reputation and sticking to high standards and morals, R2R grew into one of the strongest rescues in Delaware County. They expanded into saving animals from all across the globe. In 2018, the adoption center was opened. The first year was a lot of trial and error, but the team learned and grew from their mistakes. Now, with a successful adoption center called The Mission, the team plans to open many other boutique-style adoption centers. Tish truly believes that it is the hard work and support of the volunteers that keeps their mission alive and growing stronger each day.


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

Welcome to the 2024 Lancaster, PA Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Lancaster, 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 4 private dog parks in the Lancaster 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 Lancaster dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

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


Sniffspot Lancaster Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Lancaster?

There are 4 in Lancaster. Outside of Lancaster, there are 42 located in Pennsylvania.

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

There are many reputable rescues in Lancaster, the top 3 on our list are: Peace Love and Poms Rescue, Rags to Riches Animal Rescue, Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue.

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Lancaster offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Lancaster is Pomeranian with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Lancaster?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Lancaster. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
We require each potential adopter to fill out an adoption application, provide references, and allow a home visit. Each dog at Peace Love and Poms Rescue has different needs and has different requirements of their ideal home.  In general, we do not require a fenced-in yard, however, we do have a few specific dogs who do require a fenced-in yard. If you do not own your home, we require a letter from your landlord stating that they will allow you to have a dog of the breed and size you are seeking.  If there are other dogs in the home, Peace Love and Poms Rescue requires those dogs to be spayed or neutered, up to date on core vaccines, receive yearly exams, yearly fecal testing, heart worm testing and year round preventatives, unless there is a documented medical reason. We are adamant about vaccinations, regular veterinary care, socialization, and spaying/neutering as basic requirements for reducing the number of abandoned and euthanized pets. We do not adopt to homes where invisible/underground fences will be the only method of restraint for dogs.

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

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Lancaster, 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 Lancaster that specialize in senior dogs?

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

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David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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