This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Memphis, TN. 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.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
#26 in pit Bull
Pit Bull
Memphis
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
#3 in border Collie
Border Collie
Memphis
WEST TN BORDER COLLIE RESCUE IS AN ALL VOLUNTEER RESCUE DEDICATED TO THE RESCUE, REHABILITATION AND REHOMING OF ABANDONED, NEGLECTED AND LOST BORDER COLLIES (AND SOMETIMES AUSSIES). WE SERVE THE AREAS OF TN, LA, AR, AL AND SOMETIMES AREAS FURTHER OUT
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
We Are An Organization Committed to Helping Animals in Need. Angels Among Us Animal Rescue is a 501C3 nonprofit rescue group in Brighton, Tennessee. We are a group of dedicated volunteers in Tennessee, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and New York who loves animals and have dedicated our lives to saving as many animals as we can and re-homing them into loving homes. We are not affiliated with Angels Among Us Pet Rescue in Alpharetta, GA.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
Fresh Start Sheltie Rescue, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Shelties that need a "Fresh Start" in life. We are primarily located in Memphis, TN, and take in Shelties that are abandoned, lost, mistreated, or no longer wanted. We do not have a shelter facility. Therefore the dogs in our program are housed and cared for in our network of dedicated foster homes around the mid-south. Our special rescue Shelties will be available for adoption after they have been vaccinated, spayed or neutered, checked and treated if necessary for heartworms, checked and treated if necessary for parasites, and groomed. Prospective homes will be thoroughly screened before being considered to adopt.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
The Germantown Animal Shelter is all about making sure every paw finds its perfect match. Our shelter can host up to 15 dogs and 25 cats, ensuring they have a comfortable stay until they find their forever families. If you're a Germantown resident looking to surrender an animal, we've also got you covered — just keep in mind that there's a $50 fee to help us care for it. The Germantown Animal Shelter is also responsible for responding to all animal-related ordinance issues. For stray animal pick-up, dead animal pick-up or for more information, call (901) 757-7358. The shelter is located at 7700 Southern Avenue. Animal control services are provided Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adoption services are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Germantown Animal Shelter will impound animals that pose an immediate threat to public safety, that need immediate medical care, are in danger or a danger to themselves. Strays will continue to be impounded as space allows. If assistance is needed to care for a stray while in a citizen's custody, please contact us for aid.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
We are a Memphis, Tennessee based rescue, but several years ago, moved 30 miles outside of town to a large piece of property as we grew and wanted to do more and help more animals. We are a foster based rescue, we do not have a physical shelter that is open to the public. Most of our foster homes are in the Memphis area, considered the greater Mid-South area, which can be confusing, but is a tri state area of Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. We are not a shelter - our animals are fostered in volunteer's homes throughout the Mid-South area. We are staffed completely with volunteers, and try to respond to everyone as quickly as we can, but due to the volume of calls and emails we receive, we are not able to get back with everyone.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County has worked in the Memphis community since 1933 to give injured and abused dogs and cats a second chance at life. We provide a safe place to recover, nutritious food and outstanding veterinary care for an average of 100+ animals at a time. Our staff and volunteers provide training, affection, and socialization to the animals in our care to help them be adopted successfully into new and loving homes. Our funding comes almost exclusively from private donations.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
Happy Dog Rescue was organized in 2003 by a small group of volunteers in Memphis, Tennessee to rescue dogs from local shelters and rehome them locally with loving families. Our group quickly grew to include volunteers across the Southeast from Arkansas to Georgia, rescuing dozens of dogs in their respective communities every week. Before long, adoption applications began to come in from families in MA, CT, NY and surrounding states, and the rest is history! Since 2003, more than 4,000 Happy Dogs have been rescued and adopted to deserving families in the Northeast. Happy Dog Rescue is dually headquartered in Memphis TN and White Plains NY. Volunteers in TN manage and organize the intake, vetting, and fostering of our rescue dogs, while volunteers in NY coordinate the adoption, transport and post adoption support for the dogs and their new families. Happy Dog Rescue is run solely by volunteers and is a shelterless organization so we have no building or phone. Our dogs live in private foster homes in the South until they are adopted and travel to their Forever Families in the Northeast.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
Team Memphis Rescue & Support is a 501C3 non-profit all-breed rescue group that helps abandoned, neglected and lost pets. We are intensely devoted to helping pets find their forever home. Our existence depends on support from volunteers, fosters and donations. It's what makes saving animals possible. Team Memphis Rescue & Support provides assistance to dogs in Memphis and surrounding areas who are displaced. We provide basic needs, vetting, evaluation of temperaments, and network to find foster and forever homes. Dog rescue is an ongoing battle. We are stronger when we stand together. Team Memphis Rescue & Support provides medical care, including vaccinations, microchip and spay/neuter for all our adoptable pets. With years of experience, our goal is to find the perfect fit for each dog as well as the best pet for your family.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
Streetdog Foundation itself began with a phone call. When founders Melanie and Kent were asked by a friend at another organization to check Memphis Animal Services for a lost American Bull Dog, their one-hour task turned into a lifelong mission (not to mention the rescue of three shelter dogs at the same time). Since that transformational day, Streetdog Foundation has rescued more than 1,500 endangered dogs from the streets and shelters of Memphis, all without a dedicated structure to house them. Streetdog relies on volunteer foster families to not only provide homes for our dogs, but also give them the love, security, and confidence they need to succeed in their forever homes. Whether temporarily fostering or adopting one of our rescues, everyone who takes in a Streetdog becomes part of our family. And because we’re focused on the well-being of all the canine and human members of our family, Streetdog’s primary goal is to find the right fit for both the dog and the household. We are not a first-come, first-served rescue; our volunteers work diligently to make sure every match has the highest chance of success. We appreciate your interest and hope the compassionate vision that brought Streetdog Foundation into being will inspire you to join us however you can.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
Founded in 2004 by Lisa Trenthem, Real Good Dog Rescue ‘s goal is to reduce the number of animals euthanized in area shelters, primarily the Memphis Animal Shelter. We also occasionally accept owner-surrendered puppies or dogs, depending on the circumstances. RGDR utilizes a team of volunteers who foster animals while they await their new families and forever homes. Some volunteers devote their time to working at adoption events or tackling large and small projects
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
Mercer Animal Rescue purpose is to rescue, socialize, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for abused, neglected, abandoned and unwanted dogs, cats and horses. We rescue dogs from high kill shelters and the streets in the over-populated south. We transport them to the northeast states or the Chicago area where we hold adoption and fundraising events. All our potential adopters are pre-approved by submitting an adoption application and home checks are sometimes required. We want to make sure our dogs go to the best possible homes since they have not always had the best life. But it's all about the future‚ right?
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
All 4s Rescue League makes contact with pets and their owners in their own homes. This allows us to assess need and form a plan of action on an individual basis. We are very proud of the positive impact we have on the lives of the pets and people we serve. Learn more about what we do, who we help, and how we work every day to promote positive change.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
Dogs 2nd Chance is a 501[c]3 non-profit dog foster group that was founded in the fall of 2007.We are a group of VOLUNTEERS that saw the need to help medium and large mixed breed dogs find permanent loving homes. We have evolved to help any size dogs. We are NOT a shelter. We receive no government funding and depend on our minimal adoption fees, donations and our own bank accounts. All of our dogs are fostered in our homes and become a temporary active member of our family. Fostering helps to socialize the dogs, helping them adjust to life in a family setting. The majority of our dogs were abandoned, dumped or found running stray. We attempt to reunite lost dogs with their owners by placing ads in local newspapers and online classified ads. Additionally, we rescue dogs from high kill shelters as space allows. We are caring for the castaways by saving one dog at a time. With our network of dedicated rescue volunteers, we match homeless and abandoned dogs with forever homes, locally and up the east coast to the New England area where there is a shortage of adoptable animals. Leadership Statement As the founder and president of Dogs 2nd Chance, I have seen our organization grow from a few women able to help just a few dogs to a volunteer base of 20 men, women, and teenagers who work tirelessly to save abandoned and abused dogs. We operate along side at least a dozen other rescue groups, but even with that, we have no where near the manpower or the money to help the many, many needy dogs in our area. Irresponsible pet ownership and animal cruelty are pervasive in the southeastern United States, and our region is no different. But by saving just one dog, we have enriched many lives: first the dog’s, then the adopter’s, and finally our own. Nothing is more gratifying than watching a starved and frightened dog blossom into a happy, vivacious pet who adores his family and whose family adores him. Our goal is a carefree, happy and healthy dog who feels safe and nurtured. Our volunteers come from many walks in life and from various ethnic groups and races. Yet we come together to work for the dogs, and in that we’ve developed friendships that have enriched our lives. We also have made an impact, though small, in our communities as we have saved needy dogs and placed them in loving homes. Our organization is unique in offering one-week trial adoptions, which has significantly decreased the number of failed adoptions. — Linda Sutphin
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
#4 in rottweiler
Rottweiler
Memphis
Memphis Rottweiler Rescue, Inc. [MRR] is a 501c3 nonprofit organization located in Memphis, TN. There are no paid employees at MRR. We are run solely by volunteers.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
Petmatchmaker Rescue South is a 100% volunteer, foster-based rescue group in Bartlett, Tennessee. Our main objective is to save animals from being surrendered or euthanized, especially seniors and those with medical needs. We also find ourselves bottle feeding, stopping for a stray and saving animals that are out of time in shelters every day. We wish we could save them all, but unfortunately we are limited by the lack of space, fosters and donations. Any financial donations we receive are tax deductible and go towards helping very deserving animals. Our rescue group offers a sanctuary for animals on their journey to a new forever home. We will make every effort to match you with your new best friend. We work diligently to learn everything we can about each rescue animal, so that our fosters can help you find the perfect fit. All of our animals are fully vetted, up to date on vaccinations, and ready to join their new families and forever homes. We keep in touch with our adopters and love to receive updates with pictures whenever possible. We realize that many animals will get several applications, while others will not be easily adopted. We strive to find the perfect match for you and our rescue animals. We hope you understand that not everyone will be approved, and many times there will be more applications than animals. We will encourage you to look at other animals in our rescue that matches your needs. We are constantly seeking adopters that believe as we do, that these are new family members for many years to come. We also understand that it takes a tremendous amount of trust to adopt a dog that you have not met firsthand. That same trust applies to us and our fosters in sending our precious animal. We are very careful in choosing families that have demonstrated this philosophy and who we believe will provide the same amount of love and level of care that they have received with us. We do not take this lightly and we will probably ask more questions than you may expect. Please understand that we do this out of love and commitment for our rescue animal. We are happy to answer questions, but please remember that we all have full time jobs, families and many animals that we are working to save daily. We will respond as quickly as possible. We primarily use two veterinary clinics in Memphis, TN. You are welcome to call either of them for a reference. They are Family Veterinary Practice at (901) 385-VETS and Memphis Animal Clinic at (901) 272-7411.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
HappiDog is dedicated to rescuing neglected, homeless, and abandoned animals in the Memphis, TN area. Some are in danger of being euthanized at overcrowded shelters while others are owner surrenders. Our incredible foster homes give each dog a loving environment for rehabilitation and fun until they are adopted into their new family. HappiDog fully funds the veterinary care for each dog including any unforeseen surgeries or illnesses. Our rescue dogs are treated with the utmost care by the staff at Germantown Animal Hospital. We also value educating our community on the benefits of spay/neutering and the increasing risks of dog overpopulation. Through adoption and rescue events, we strive to engage the community to support animal rescue.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
Fayette County Animal Rescue is a no-kill, non-profit animal shelter serving Fayette County, TN. We have a physical shelter which is located on 5 beautiful acres in Rossville, TN. Our primary focus is helping animals in extreme cases of abuse, neglect, injury or abandonment. We house between 70-100 cats and dogs at our shelter and in foster homes. OUR BEGINNINGS In 1998, two women decided to make a difference in the lives of the many animals that were suffering needlessly in Fayette County. Yvette Rose and Delores Cowan Provow began with two kennels in a garage and Fayette County Animal Rescue has now grown to a shelter that houses 70-100 animals in a sanctuary environment on 5 acres. The dedication and love for animals by these two ladies, and the will to make a difference in their community, spawned one of the largest no-kill organizations in the Mid South area. Heartbreaking years of struggle for these two founding members have given hope and a new life to thousands of animals that would have died needlessly on the rural roads of Fayette County. Their friendship and loving bond continues today for their life long mission of making a difference for all the needy animals that come to FCAR. Our shelter is now supported by hundreds of volunteers, all working tirelessly for the animals. Fayette County Animal Rescue is located in the third largest county in the State of Tennessee. Each month Animal Control picks up on the average 130 animals. All of these animals are euthanized after 72 hours. FCAR is the only No-Kill, No Cages Animal Shelter in Fayette County. Your donations are very important to our mission. We believe we can make a difference in our community and the animals that live here. Please join us in helping make this dream a reality.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
We are a 5013c non-profit, foster, and volunteer-based organization located in the Memphis, TN area. Our organization strives to help animals that have been left to fend for themselves to become healthy once again. Once they have received the proper care, we find them loving new families to adopt them.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
ALIVE Rescue Memphis is a foster-based rescue program for homeless animals in the Memphis area. We aim to save as many lives as possible from kill shelters and the streets by ultimately placing them in their best-matched foster homes. We then match people and animals to their forever families and homes.
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
CARE Founded Sarah Sullivan was the founder of CARE and made sure that the city of Covington pound dogs had a rescue that would never give up on them. CARE began with just one person's dream to give the Covington City Dogs a way to a new life! As of Sept 18, 2023 the city pound is now closed. CARE will be revamping our focus as we continue rescue in Tipton county, TN Happy Tails CARE is fully volunteer members. From foster to The Core Board, we are all volunteers for the reason you see in the picture above. For the Happy Tails! There is nothing more joyful than seeing a rescued pound dog not only get to be loved but to give love to the adopter. The Extra Mile CARE goes the extra mile for all our rescued fur babies. The adoption fee is the same across the board. So, even if a dog has injuries, illnesses, broken bones, skin conditions that all must be treated before adoption, the adoption fee stays the same for ALL dogs. We are thankful to those that donate and support our fund raisers!
#100 in United States, #8 in Tennessee, #1 in Memphis
Memphis
Memphis Animal Services (MAS) is the municipal animal control and sheltering agency in the city of Memphis. Between the 10,000+ pets who came into our care in 2023, plus the 5,000+ community pets we helped through our Pet Resource Center, MAS is committed to providing assistance to all pets in our jurisdiction regardless of breed, temperament, or medical condition. MAS saved nearly 86 percent of the over 9,000 pets in its care in 2022. History We are a department within the City of Memphis Division of Public Services and Neighborhoods. The “Memphis Dog Pound,” as it was formerly named, was originally opened in September 1936. It was on the northwest corner of Auction and Front Streets and was originally started as a Great Depression relief project. It was located there from 1936 until 1972. The current “Memphis Animal Shelter” was opened in 1972. The name was changed in 2004 to Memphis Animal Services to better describe the City’s broad range of improved animal programs and services. Memphis Animal Services moved into its new 32,000 square foot facility at 2350 Appling City Cove in 2011.
Welcome to the 2024 Memphis, TN Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Memphis, TN chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 1 private dog parks in the Memphis 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 Memphis dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
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!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.