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.
Dalis To The Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/587/b5aad2476029-IMG_4136.jpeg303 Valley Avenue, Alma, MI 48801
lansingMichiganUS
I follow Dalis on FB and it is just incredible the amount of time she spends being a rescue mom. She is 24/7 saving animals, educating people, and is thinking to the future of how else she can help. She works with a local prison where some of her dogs are able to stay while being trained by inmates. This prison program assists in these dogs becomming more adoptable. She assists not only the animals in her care but provides low cost spay/neutering and vaccinations to others at local clinics. Dalis turns no animal away, she has saved, rabbits, lizards, BOA, and I'm sure there are more I'm unaware of. Dalis to the rescue is truly all heart ❤️ in rescue!Kristy H.
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Dalis To The Rescue
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.
"I follow Dalis on FB and it is just incredible the amount of time she spends being a rescue mom...."
— kristy h.
Fan
"Dallas to the rescue is not only a rescue but a teachable educational group. She goes to classes and teaches..."
— janice n.
Supporter
A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/588/73117dab2af1-YEAR_TO_DATE_ADOPTIONS__8_.png44682 Morley Dr., Clinton Twp, MI 48036
detroitMichiganUS
A ReJoyceful Animal Rescue is absolutely amazing! The staff goes above and beyond to take care of the animals in our community. Their passion is shown in every decision they make.Rachel Brattain
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A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue
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.
"A ReJoyceful Animal Rescue is absolutely amazing! The staff goes above and beyond to take care of the animals in..."
— rachel b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"This rescue is amazing. My own two dogs were adopted from them. I have since learned
How committed they are to..."
— sherry s.
Volunteer / foster
Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/589/14c0b9e130eb-Logo__1_.jpgNo all foster based homes
detroitMichiganUS
Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue
This incredible rescue group is phenomenal. They have expanded their reach all over the United States. Bernese Mountain Dogs (BMD) are in great danger in numerous Puppy Mills. This group not only rescues puppy mill dogs and attend auctions where these pups are auctioned off. They not only rescue, find appropriate fosters and adoptees, but they go much further. Thanks to donations, they also provide medical care, above and beyond spa and neuter. They also engage with volunteers to transport these rescues to fosters across the nation. I have personal experience with them having adopted several from them. They are organized, providing quick and caring support. 5 Stars. KCH Tampa FLKaren KC Harrison
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Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue
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.
"Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue
This incredible rescue group is phenomenal. They have expanded their reach all over..."
— karen k.
Adoptee
"I adopted Gwen a Burmese doodle year and a half ago. She is six years old one of the best..."
— kathy s.
Adoptee
Little Traverse Bay Humane Society
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/590/0f79dc352fec-little_traverse_bay_humane_society_logo.png1300 W. Conway Rd., Harbor Springs, MI 49740
traverse cityMichiganUS
How I love this place! After retirement, my husband and I moved from the East Coast to Petoskey, MI. One of the first places I visited was LTBHS. It was the finest facility for homeless cats and dogs awaiting adoption I’d ever seen. Twenty six years later, I still find it unmatched in cleanliness, exemplary care and love given to all of the animals in their care.Adele Jordan
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Little Traverse Bay Humane Society
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.
"How I love this place! After retirement, my husband and I moved from the East Coast to..."
— adele j.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"I have adopted multiple dogs from LTHS. They take such good care of all of their guests. I will always..."
— kathy m.
Adoptee
Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/591/36a1835fa093-logo.png8935 Thompson Rd.Lake Odessa, MI 48849
lansingMichiganUS
I highly recommend Mackenzie's! We adopted our Tilly 6 years ago (she was a puppy born there). The staff was very knowledgeable, friendly, and supportive. I was impressed with the cleanliness of the facility, and the love and devotion given to every dog there. Our pup came to us at almost 9 weeks old, and she already knew several commands. The adoption process is easy, and is something we will definitely do again!Stacey Watts
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Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary
Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary, the Mid West's largest sheltered no-kill sanctuary, was founded by the Azzar family in August of 1999 after the passing of their beloved dog Mackenzie
"I highly recommend Mackenzie's! We adopted our Tilly 6 years ago (she was a puppy born there). The staff..."
— stacey w.
Adoptee
"Midge. MAS’s Midge. Our Midge
Pulled from the streets in deplorable condition.And mammary cancer.
Mackenzie’s Animal Shelter chose to give her..."
— mary m.
Adoptee, Supporter
I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/592/be0a7a342c2e-horizontal_with_full_name.jpg22415 Groesbeck Hwy., Warren, MI 48089
detroitMichiganUS
Great dog enrichmentCarla Jeske
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I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven
Dianne Reeves and Andrea Sesi met in 2012 while volunteering at a local rescue. They bonded over their love for the underdog and dog training, and they decided to use their energy, passion, and resources to create their own brick and mortar shelter focused on continuing the needed and important life saving work.
I Heart Dogs Rescue became an IRS approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity in February 2013, and officially opened its shelter doors on November 13, 2015.
"Great dog enrichment"
— carla j.
Staff member
"I adopted my dog from IHD April 2021 after experiencing a great loss in my life. They were so..."
— cyndi v.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
Make a Difference Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/593/02b8c3ca7e22-logo_madr.jpgI have worked with this rescue for the past year and the dedication of the owner and the oldest volunteers is amazing. They care deeply for every dog they come across. They are always looking for the best match for each dog that is in their care. They take the best care of all the dogs using good grade materials and food for all of the animals.🥰Kitrina Momper
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Make a Difference Rescue
Our rescue was formed in 2010 for the purpose of preventing abuse to animals. MADR was primarily a foster based rescue until 2015, when we opened a shelter in Detroit to accept more intakes and expand our reach.
We help the dogs no one else will touch, regardless of their breed, behavior, or medical condition.
This includes saving dogs from euthanization from high kill shelters, medically-fragile owner surrenders, rescues from abusive situations, and disease-ridden strays. We provide the behavioral training, medical assistance, and support to rehabilitate these dogs, no matter the cost, until they're ready for a new forever home.
"I have worked with this rescue for the past year and the dedication of the owner and the oldest volunteers..."
— kitrina m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"Make a Difference Rescue is an incredible rescue! They have a no kill shelter in Detroit that house 45..."
— laura j.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
District 5 Animal Alliance Detroit
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/594/4faffc05aedc-District5_animal_logo_color_transparent_03.jpgN/A- Foster based
detroitMichiganUS
District 5 Animal Alliance is amazing. They all have a true heart for every dog that comes into their care. Not only are they great with their rescues, they truly care about their fosters and do everything to support and help them with anything they may need. It's a breath of fresh air to work with a rescue that actually shows gratitude to their fosters and makes them feel truly appreciated.Sarah L.
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District 5 Animal Alliance Detroit
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.
"District 5 Animal Alliance is amazing. They all have a true heart for every dog that comes into their care...."
— sarah l.
"Beata Weiermiller has saved so many dogs. District 5 is wonderful rescue!!"
— jill s.
Fan
Happy Feet Pet Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/595/2c42bee539f3-1CC308CF_D9EF_4179_ACB4_3F05E02CC96B.jpgI adopted my pitbull from Happy Feet Pet Rescue in Nov 2022. This rescue takes excellent care of all their animals and makes sure each one gets a loving, safe home. They do a great job of promoting adoptable pets in the community through events and through social media. When I had a behavioral issue with my dog, they offered a free training session and recommended some resources. HFPR cares about their pets and the people who adopt them. I always recommend HFPR to anyone looking for a new furry friend.Kim Robson
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Happy Feet Pet Rescue
Welcome! We are so grateful you found us and are ready to make a difference.
We are a nonprofit dedicated to helping dogs and cats in need. We are completely foster based which means each animal is placed in a very loving home environment where they can gain basic needs & care without the stress of the shelter life. Please explore every area of our website and feel free to email us with questions.
"I adopted my pitbull from Happy Feet Pet Rescue in Nov 2022. This rescue takes excellent care of all their..."
— kim r.
Adoptee
"Happy Feet Pet Rescue is a responsible group of people trying to help cats and dogs. They Rescue from..."
— deb v.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
Detroit Dog Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/598/ea90cdf88cdb-detroitdogrescue_logo_dark.pngP.O. Box 806119
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
detroitMichiganUS
They do so much for the animals in Detroit. They are always there to helpBarbara C
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Detroit Dog Rescue
Our nonprofit organization focuses on raising awareness of the mounting homeless and stray dog epidemic in Detroit, along with advocating for humane rescue alternatives such as no-kill sheltering, foster care and adoptions, pet identification and healthy pet population control through spay and neutering. Detroit Dog Rescue also specializes in community outreach, and we work closely with local, city and statewide organizations in order to educate and involve people in this cause. We also respond to calls to assist the Detroit Police Department, Highland Park Police Department, Hamtramck Police Department, Fire Departments, the City Administration, as well as hundreds of residents who have asked for our help.
"They do so much for the animals in Detroit. They are always there to help"
— barbara c.
Fan
"The dedication of this rescue is inspiring. Selfless energy for the good of so many animals."
— veronica g.
Supporter, Fan
Detroit Pit Crew
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/596/3a0402cc1aa7-DPC_LOGO_o8n2z0lesmog3co6wd2nrhi2908w4vo4xzg0xfhk1c.jpgWe adopted our pitbull-greyhound mix Evie from DPC in 2018. She has been the most amazing addition to our family.
DPC does absolutely amazing work in the streets of Detroit and we are forever grateful for them for saving her. She was found tied up in the yard of a house that had burned down.Shannon K. Wendt-Heath
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Detroit Pit Crew
We are a 501C3 non-profit organization that operates as an emergency street crew picking up stray dogs, of any breed, off the streets of Detroit that are severely injured or sick.
We are also an assisting agency to several police departments in the Metro Detroit area and we hold dogs on behalf of law enforcement that are part of animal cruelty or neglect cases.
We do not do the adopting out part of rescue as we have 21 partner organizations that adopt out the dogs that we rescue. We receive no state or government assistance we operate solely on donations.
"We adopted our pitbull-greyhound mix Evie from DPC in 2018. She has been the most amazing addition to our family.
DPC..."
— shannon k.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue does so much for the Strays In Detroit, they are nonstop helping Rescue animals off..."
— ericka s.
Supporter
Mitten Mutts Dog Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/597/ecc8464392ce-Mitten_Mutts_Final_Logo___RED.jpgI loved fostering with Mitten Mutts Dog Rescue. They truly care about the dogs in their care and do their absolute best to find the perfect homes for the dogs. As a foster, you get a say in who adopts your dog and I love that.Crystal Wazny
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Mitten Mutts Dog Rescue
Mitten Mutts Dog Rescue is dedicated to helping dogs that are most at risk of not being adopted in high-kill and overcrowded shelters. When a dog is able to get out of the shelter into a home, we are better able to see the dog's wonderful personality, work on its specific needs, and find the perfect forever home. In an effort to cut down on the homeless pet population, we educate and assist the public on spaying and neutering. We are run 100% by volunteers and dogs are fostered within volunteer homes.
"I loved fostering with Mitten Mutts Dog Rescue. They truly care about the dogs in their care and do their..."
— crystal w.
Volunteer / foster
"Mitten mutts not only helps dogs in the shelter but they recently added a fund to help the community vaccinate..."
— kelly k.
Volunteer / foster
Bottle Babies Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/602/4fca828b7946-bottle_babies_rescue_logo_300x156.jpgLove working with this organization! They are 100% dedicated to finding pets their forever homes.Lisa Poma
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Bottle Babies Rescue
Bottle Babies Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit foster based animal rescue that covers most of Southeast Michigan. We have fosters, adopters and supporters across Wayne, Washtenaw, Monroe, Livingston, Oakland, Lenawee counties and many more. We have a continued special interest in neonate care, bottle feeding and providing critical care for the smallest of paws.
"Love working with this organization! They are 100% dedicated to finding pets their forever homes."
— lisa p.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"Fabulous place that helps animals we love"
— sharon c.
Fan
New Hope Pet Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/599/7440c6cf5125-nhpr__15_.jpg8 years ago, this rescue posted a picture of the most handsome boy- I knew he belonged to me. They went above and beyond to allow me to adopt him(fostering until I bought a home) New hope saves 100s of dogs a year. I am so thankful to have found them.Hannah C
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New Hope Pet Rescue
New Hope Pet Rescue-Michigan (NHPR) is committed to helping people and animals in need. We hold ourselves to a high standard one which looks out for the physical AND mental well-being of our animals. Our mission is to provide a means to place unwanted, adoptable animals into appropriate, loving homes. All animals brought into rescue are fixed, vaccinated, tested and micro-chipped prior to adoption, and all potential adopters are screened to ensure an appropriate match is made.
"8 years ago, this rescue posted a picture of the most handsome boy- I knew he belonged to me. They..."
— hannah c.
Adoptee
"They do an amazing job rescuing and placement of dogs with appropriate families!"
— marjorie c.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
Humane Society of West Michigan
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/600/9b9370cb817f-vertical_logo_navy_no_back_2.png3077 Wilson Dr. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
grand rapidsMichiganUS
I worked as a Kennel Tech for HSWM for nearly a year, and while I was there I saw how dedicated and caring the staff is. They work so hard to provide enrichment to the dogs in the kennels and work tirelessly to get animals into foster and out of the shelter environment. This team truly cares about the animals entrusted to them.Caylyn Moglia
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Humane Society of West Michigan
Humane Society of West Michigan manages animal admissions coming into our shelter. This means that we mindfully balance the number of animals we intake in order to continue providing the best care and shelter for our current animals. This admission policy requires the public to schedule an appointment in order to surrender their owned animals to make sure that we have proper space available. This policy is based solely on space capacity and our goal to provide quality care without overcrowding. Our staff is dedicated to finding homes for all of our adoptable animals and this is only possible by limiting the number of animals admitted to the shelter.
"I worked as a Kennel Tech for HSWM for nearly a year, and while I was there I saw how..."
— caylyn m.
Fan
Friends of Detroit Animal Control
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/605/4d170d579b81-FoDACC_2019_rgb.png7401 Chrysler DrDetroit, MI 48211
detroitMichiganUS
We adopted our sweet boy from here in 2022! He’s the best dog we have ever had or known. All of the staff there is great and we were provided with some very helpful information as we were adopting. I recommend them to everyone I know, best place to adopt from!Alison Hongisto
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Friends of Detroit Animal Control
Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control (FoDACC) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that supports the daily operations of Detroit Animal Care & Control (DACC), which is Detroit's municipal shelter for stray pets. FoDACC is active in the areas of volunteer management, fundraising, donations, community outreach, foster programs, adoptions, in-shelter enrichment, and medical care for the animals.
"We adopted our sweet boy from here in 2022! He’s the best dog we have ever had or known. All..."
— alison h.
Adoptee
Pound Buddies
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/604/dc4457d9fe68-PB_Name.png3279 E Laketon Ave Muskegon, MI 49442
grand rapidsMichiganUS
Pound buddies is a great rescue. They are very quick and effective in our area. They allow our community to see where the rescue came from and what the realities are for their rescues. The owner (Lana) reunites more dogs with families than anyone else I know. She has a wonderful staff and you can sincerely tell how much each of them love and care for those babies. They deserve this!Courtney P
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Pound Buddies
Pound Buddies is Muskegon County's only open admission shelter.
This means we accept all dogs who are lost, abandoned, neglected or abused regardless of age, breed, disposition or health status.
We operate with a small staff and a wealth of volunteers, providing compassionate care, medical treatment, and basic training, with a goal of reuniting lost pets with their owners and rehoming healthy adoptable animals who are surrendered or unclaimed.
Pound Buddies is dedicated to reducing the number of unwanted pets through spay and neuter programs, and works diligently to help shelter animals overcome adoption barriers.
We remain committed to keeping families and pets in Muskegon County safe by working closely with law-enforcement and providing public educational opportunities.
"Pound buddies is a great rescue. They are very quick and effective in our area. They allow our community to..."
— courtney p.
Adoptee
P.O.E.T. Animal Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/603/3cac5b213d96-POET_Logo_ClearBg.pngMy sister volunteers for Rescue Rebels so I know they do excellent work with matching pups to their forever homes.heather currie
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P.O.E.T. Animal Rescue
We are primarily a foster based rescue with a small kennel to house animals awaiting foster, medical treatment and/or temperament testing. We have around 100 foster homes all over the Metro-Detroit/Tri-County area for dogs and puppies. Our foster homes allow the animals to learn being with a family, in a home and for us to find out what type of forever home environment is best for each animal. Our animals receive medical care, love and training while until they can find their forever homes. Our address for mail is: POET Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 606, Garden City, MI 48136
"My sister volunteers for Rescue Rebels so I know they do excellent work with matching pups to their forever homes...."
— heather c.
Fan
Bellwether Harbor
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/601/2a6e524dad5d-bellwetherharborlogo_1.png7645 W. 48th St.Fremont, MI 49412-0475
grand rapidsMichiganUS
Fur sisters is a great champion for adoptable and foster dogsLindsay
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Bellwether Harbor
Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter and Training Center is a non profit 501c3 organization. We are dedicated to the health and well-being of the abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats coming into our shelter, preparing them for their adoption with people looking for forever companionship. We do this through medical care, socialization, training, and sometimes rehabilitation.
We work with people looking to adopt our animals by helping them to find the dog or cat that is the best fit with their lifestyle. We do this through an interview process, multiple visits, education and training.
Our ultimate goal is to encourage and support the human animal bond.
"Fur sisters is a great champion for adoptable and foster dogs"
— lindsay.
Volunteer / foster
Great Lakes Dog Rescue
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/606/398100178881-gldr_badge_icons_color.jpg4079 S Lapeer Rd Metamora, MI 48455
detroitMichiganUS
I see the work they do on the newsMary Ann Good
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Great Lakes Dog Rescue
Great Lakes Dog Rescue was founded in 2022 by those dedicated to helping dogs find their forever homes. There are so many dogs in need, and we work closely with adopters to help find them the best fit for their family. It's an honor to help unite dogs with families while also allowing us to save another dog in its place.
"I see the work they do on the news"
— mary a.
Fan
Welcome to the 2025 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.
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Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot