This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Michigan. 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.
#2 in United States, #1 in Michigan
At our rescue, we are not only dedicated to matching our dogs with the perfect home, we are also dedicated to educating our community about the benefits of spaying and neutering as Dalis herself raised the funds to build a surgical room at our rescue where we host low cost spay and neuter clinics for the public. We are not exclusive to one area or county, in fact many people use our services from all over the state of Michigan and even some out of state including Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana. Dalis heart belongs to the misunderstood, the old, and the disabled. She always says that her goal is to rescue, but that her dream is that one day she won't have to.
"Dalis and her staff are trying to save the animal world. She runs a rescue, low cost spay and neuter..."
— carrie h.
Supporter, Fan
"Dalis is the best, very busy and caring. My sisters and I support her a lot."
— jim t.
Supporter
#38 in United States, #2 in Michigan
Detroit
Here at ARAR, we see our shelter as a safe transition point for many animals in need. Our goal is to keep animals in our shelter for the least amount of time possible. It is just a place for them to crash before their next step into a foster or adoptive home. Currently, we have about 30 cats and 10 dogs in our shelter. We do our best to make the animal's time here the best it can be. When they are in their kennels we play calming doggie music and they get enrichment actives. As we do not have a fenced in yard area outside, on nice days we schedule SniffSpots for our shelter residents! It is a great way that they can explore a new space and get some energy out.
"Always takes on special cases that other rescues won't..Very skilled volunteers who go beyond for the animals. Love them all...."
— shelly b.
Supporter
"I have been blessed to be trusted to foster "fail" twice with A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue. First was my..."
— carol s.
Adoptee
#59 in United States, #3 in Michigan
Detroit
Rescues are frequent. Re-homings are more frequent. Re-homings differ from rescues in the fact that we will have a history of the dog and its need. Puppies don't normally need to be placed until they get bigger than the owner had intended and therefore are not as common in rescue. Please keep in mind that most ‚rescue/rehome dogs, are placed because of behavioral problems, most, but not all. Many of the dog's issues were due to lack of training and socialization. Most problems can be addressed and corrected in a stable and loving home. If you really want a Berner, do tons of research. Our advice is to attend shows, join a BMD club and research breeders. If you would like to be considered for a rescue or re-homing, please read our policy's on the Adopting page. The mission of the HMBMD Rescue program is to take in dogs of Bernese Mountain Dog parentage that are in shelters, surrendered by their owners, or that have become lost and abandoned, and to place them in permanent pet homes in order to help provide a safe harbor that they might otherwise be destroyed or abandoned.
"Always open to rescues. Does a great job getting the word out for Foster's volunteers rehoming and adoptions."
— brian s.
Supporter
"We adopted 2 wonderful BMD dogs from them. The staff is so supportive and amazing. We would recommend them to..."
— gina a.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
#94 in United States, #4 in Michigan
Traverse City
Little Traverse Bay Humane Society rescues 900-plus animals each year. Little Traverse Bay Humane Society is located between Harbor Springs and Petoskey, Michigan, and impacts the lives of thousands of pets within the community through their invaluable programs in addition to veterinary services, boarding, grooming, doggy daycare, and training.
"The staff and directors at LTBHS love their shelter guests, and successfully place them in loving homes. They are..."
— musette a.
Adoptee, Supporter
"I have adopted multiple dogs from LTHS. They take such good care of all of their guests. I will always..."
— kathy m.
Adoptee
#97 in United States, #5 in Michigan
"Since my first visit out to MAS 3 years ago I was completely blown away! I thought I knew dogs..."
— anonymous a.
Adoptee, Staff member, Supporter, Fan
"Mackenzies is a beacon of hope for animals in need of love and compassion. They do everything they can to..."
— holly f.
Adoptee
Here at ARAR, we see our shelter as a safe transition point for many animals in need. Our goal is to keep animals in our shelter for the least amount of time possible. It is just a place for them to crash before their next step into a foster or adoptive home. Currently, we have about 30 cats and 10 dogs in our shelter. We do our best to make the animal's time here the best it can be. When they are in their kennels we play calming doggie music and they get enrichment actives. As we do not have a fenced in yard area outside, on nice days we schedule SniffSpots for our shelter residents! It is a great way that they can explore a new space and get some energy out.
Rescues are frequent. Re-homings are more frequent. Re-homings differ from rescues in the fact that we will have a history of the dog and its need. Puppies don't normally need to be placed until they get bigger than the owner had intended and therefore are not as common in rescue. Please keep in mind that most ‚rescue/rehome dogs, are placed because of behavioral problems, most, but not all. Many of the dog's issues were due to lack of training and socialization. Most problems can be addressed and corrected in a stable and loving home. If you really want a Berner, do tons of research. Our advice is to attend shows, join a BMD club and research breeders. If you would like to be considered for a rescue or re-homing, please read our policy's on the Adopting page. The mission of the HMBMD Rescue program is to take in dogs of Bernese Mountain Dog parentage that are in shelters, surrendered by their owners, or that have become lost and abandoned, and to place them in permanent pet homes in order to help provide a safe harbor that they might otherwise be destroyed or abandoned.
We are solely operated by Volunteers and empowered by Community. We are Foster based, meaning we are everywhere our Fosters are and are not rooted in one location. Last year in 2023, we rescued over 200 Dogs, our biggest year yet. We have big dreams and big hearts, believing individual people CAN make a difference.
Little Traverse Bay Humane Society rescues 900-plus animals each year. Little Traverse Bay Humane Society is located between Harbor Springs and Petoskey, Michigan, and impacts the lives of thousands of pets within the community through their invaluable programs in addition to veterinary services, boarding, grooming, doggy daycare, and training.
Welcome to the 2024 Michigan Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Michigan chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Michigan dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Our adoption process is extensive and lengthy as we’re not looking to force dogs out of our rescue as quickly as we can, but rather waiting for the best home tailored to each individual dog and cat. Our policy is that any animal adopted from our rescue at any point in time is to return to our rescue should circumstances force the rehoming of the pet. Although the ultimate goal is to find these animals forever homes, when animals find themselves surrendered to our rescue they have a back up plan for life.
Dog lovers everywhere know Golden Retrievers as intelligent and eager to please. These fluffy canine companions have earned a reputation for being quick learners—and they're often used as working dogs in various roles like search and rescue, service work, therapy programs, obedience competitions, and more.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
With the percentage of households with dogs rapidly rising in the USA, it's never been more important to know the most dog-friendly cities. An estimated 65 million households in the US own at least one dog, and pet lovers value their pets feeling welcome where they live.
Relocating to a new home can be a daunting task, especially when you have a four-legged friend to consider. So, we analyzed responses from Sniffspot users to get their best dog-friendly moving tips and advice.
We know dog owners navigate the world a little bit differently. Whether they're planning a family outing or a week-long getaway, dog-friendly travel has its challenges. From pet policy changes and extra fees, finding dog-friendly travel isn't as straightforward as you might think.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Welcome to the United States Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used.
Welcome to the New Jersey Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in New Jersey based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
Welcome to the Michigan Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Michigan based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
Welcome to the Washington Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Washington based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
Welcome to the Florida Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Florida based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.