This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in North Dakota. 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.
#98 in United States, #1 in North Dakota
"TMAR is an amazing organization. Keith Benning and his crew do an incredible job rescuing animals in the harshest of..."
— linda t.
Supporter, Fan
"I found TMAR one day on Facebook right after both my parents died in early 2020. I was already a..."
— sara h.
Supporter
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota, #1 in Bismarck
Bismarck
The Central Dakota Humane Society has had a shelter located three miles north of Mandan since 1994, but many people are surprised to find out that the organization has actually been doing good deeds in the community for more than 59 years. CDHS was originally formed by 12 members as the League for Animal Welfare in 1960. There seem to be a few misconceptions about CDHS. We are not the pound. We do not euthanize healthy and adoptable animals. The members who drafted the shelter's mission in 1994 decided that we should be a no-kill shelter, which means if an animal is healthy and temperamentally sound, we will not euthanize it. We will keep the animal until it can find a loving home. The members today continue to live by this philosophy because we believe there is always the perfect guardian out there looking for the loving cats and dogs we house at the shelter. Our main goals fall in line with our mission statement. Our first mission is to provide for, house, rehabilitate and relocate lost, strayed or homeless animals. Another important mission is to promote spaying and neutering of pets in order to cut down the number of the area's unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. We ARE a vital partner and a needed asset in our community. Please help us continue our mission. We challenge every pet lover in the Central Dakota area to show your love for your own animals by giving back to those less fortunate - the stray, abandoned and abused creatures who find their way to our doorstep and who are eventually adopted into wonderful, forever homes.
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota, #1 in Bismarck
Bismarck
We are a 501c3 dog rescue located in Mandan, ND. Our mission is to fight the overpopulation of dog shelters around the United States. We plan to save them one by one, until there are none. We can't do it without you! It all started when... We were two young girls taking in strays and keeping them until we could find their homes. In early 2015, our lives changed... Kalli saved a dog from a high kill shelter. In the months that followed, we realized how many dogs needed a voice. We decided to be their voice. Our first step was to rescue 30 dogs from Texas, all within one month. We then went on to Shawnee, OK where we saved another six dogs. We also took in a few owner surrenders from our own state of North Dakota. In 2016, we rescued an additional 25 dogs from Texas. Our goal is to rescue from more states, including our own. Miles of Love is going to continue doing what we can to prevent overpopulation of dogs in the United States. We plan to save them one by one, until there are none.
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota
Prairie Paws Rescue is a non-profit organization started by seven Jamestown, North Dakota volunteers who are dedicated to rescuing pets in bad situations. Kaye John, who also belongs to Dakota Rescuers, is one of the organizers. She, as well as the other members of the group, wanted to do have a more local organization that they could be involved with. Becky Johnson, who worked with Kaye John to organize Prairie Paws Rescue, feels that her personal crusade is to save pets from puppy mills - kennels where dogs are raised in substandard conditions - and pounds. She despises the fact that puppy mills frequently kill unsold puppies or older dogs that have stopped producing. Also, animal pounds, as opposed to humane shelters, kill abandoned pets if they aren't adopted within a certain time period. In cases like these, Prairie Paws Rescue likes to take animals they believe they can place and e-mail other rescue groups across the country about them. Rescue volunteers arrange transportation to a group that can place the animal in a foster or permanent home. All this is done by volunteers who do not get paid for their efforts! This team effort, along with thoughtful donations from the community, has allowed Prairie Paws Rescue to save many animals that have become loved and loving pets to local residents.
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota, #1 in Bismarck
Bismarck
Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue is a non-profit animal rescue started in 2014 and officially incorporated in 2015 by a group of Bismarck, North Dakota Animal Impound volunteers. We are a volunteer run organization. The rescue was founded to alleviate overcrowding and unnecessary euthanization within the impound. We have branched out to take in owner surrenders and other animals found in dangerous situations. We rely on the support of the community to help us provide services to animals. We strive to match the animal with the right home. We also seek to educate the community regarding the importance of providing proper veterinary care to animals and having all their pets spayed or neutered.
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota
Oreo’s Animal Rescue is a nonprofit adoption guarantee organization committed to improving the lives of all animals. As an adoption guarantee organization, we embrace all animals and do not believe in the process of destroying them to control pet overpopulation. No animal in our control is ever euthanized unless they are suffering or considered dangerous. We believe that a strict spay and neuter policy is the only way to truly impact the number of unwanted animals in our community.
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota
Founded in 2005 and based in Fargo North Dakota, 4 Luv of Dog Rescue has remained a fully volunteer-run and community-supported organization. 4 Luv of Dog Rescue is rimarily a foster-based rescue that maintains a facility in Moorhead Minnesota which provides emergency-only housing for dogs until a foster home can be secured. 4 Luv of Dog Rescue receives no government funding and relies upon grants, fundraising, and your generous donations to stay operational. As of 2020, 4 Luv of Dog Rescue has saved about 5,000 dogs – this work is only possible thanks to 4 Luv of Dog Rescue’s amazing volunteers and supporters. Thank You. Minnesota Kennel License: MN262036
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota
Homeward Animal Shelter – Bringing Pets and People Together Since 1966 Homeward Animal Shelter is a local and community-funded, non-profit animal shelter. Its mission is: “Rescue. Shelter. Protect. Rehome.”. It provides a second chance at happiness to lost, abandoned and owner-surrendered animals and educates the community in the proper, loving and kind treatment of animals. Homeward Animal Shelter is committed to preventing animal overpopulation and spays/neuters all animals 6 months or older before adoption. Since its inception in 1966, Homeward Animal Shelter has placed nearly 41,000 animals in lifelong homes.
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota
Journey Home Animal Rescue, based in Grand Forks, North Dakota was founded in 2018. A group of dedicated animal advocates recognized the need for a foster based rescue in the area. We accept strays and owner surrenders from ND, MN, SD, and occasionally outside areas. We place all our animals in foster homes while they are receiving medical care and learning to be a beloved family member until they are ready to start their new journey in their forever home. Since there are so many animals in need, we also work with other rescues to get animals to safety. North Dakota is overflowing with animals that desperately need our help. We transport 100s of animals a year to partnering rescues in MN, ND, & WI. Our foundation is built on a passion for helping animals and working together to make a better future for all. Rescue. Nurture. Adopt. Educate. Some of the priorities of Journey Home Animal Rescue include (but not limited to): • operating as a foster based rescue • assisting pounds, shelters, local communities and rescues • being a part of the solution to animal overpopulation with spay/neuter education, operations, and opportunities • helping animals in need in ways beyond Journey Home acceptance • once a part of the Journey Home family, always a part; animals and people
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota
We are an all volunteer, nonprofit organization that: Promotes responsible pet ownership Responds to calls for help for animals in need Assists owners with spay/neuter costs Advertises found pets Facilitates pet adoptions Raises money for veterinary care for needy animals – Vet care provided through Valley City Veterinary Hospital Just a few ways we’ve assisted our community: • SVFA provides the HomeAgain Microchipping program at the Valley City Veterinary Hospital. The program is open to everyone and for only $40, you get a permanent microchip ID for your pet. • We helped raise funds to build Valley City’s dog park located in Chautauqua Park and maintained by the Parks & Recreation Department. We are currently working on Dog Park #2! • SVFA has purchased NINE dog waste bag dispensers which are located in and around Valley City. 1. Mercy Hospital (east end of bridge), 5th Ave walking path (North & South ends), Dog Park, Pioneer Park, City Park (South), Main St E (near Casey’s), Fish Hatchery, City Park (North side), Chautauqua Park (North side). Valley City Parks & Recreation and the City of Valley City refill the dog waste bags and collect and dispose of the dog waste. • We provided the Barnes County Ambulance and the Valley City Fire Department with pet oxygen masks. • SVFA works with the Valley City Veterinary Hospital each fall to provide discounts during the Spay/Neuter Week. SVFA provides coupons and the Vet gives a 15% discount on spays and neuters during the promotion. • The Humane Education committee visits with local 3rd Graders at Jefferson Elementary every year. They teach the students how to interact and care for pets as well as provide information about responsible pet ownership. • These are just a few ways our volunteers have helped make our community better. We hope to make this list so much longer!
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota
Welcome! We are Diamond in the Ruff, a pet rescue operating out of Fargo, North Dakota. We are a 100% volunteer-run organization that depends on foster homes, volunteers, and generous community donations to continue saving the lives of animals. We work to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned animals before permanently placing them in loving homes. We also aim to educate the public about proper animal care, prevention of breed discrimination, and the importance of spaying/neutering animals in order to combat the escalating overpopulation problem in our community and across the country. It is important to us that we have a lasting impact on the lives of animals as well as the people who interact with us. We are a new organization working to create a foundation that can be used to save animals’ lives. Our rescue operates entirely with the help of volunteers and foster families. Donations of any size contribute to our cause by helping us provide our foster homes with supplies and our animals with the comforts and assistance they need after they’ve been admitted to our rescue. Our org2021 Guidestar Gold Sealanization earned a 2021 Gold Seal of Transparency! Now, everyone can view our financial details and learn about the people at our organization. Check out our updated #NonprofitProfile on Candid.
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota
Established in 1985, we are a non-profit, NO-KILL shelter set up to care for homeless cats and dogs. It is the policy of our shelter to provide humane care and treatment for animals needing protection in the area served by the shelter to seek suitable homes for animals without owners and to alleviate animal suffering.
#100 in United States, #2 in North Dakota
The Uffda Fund is a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c) 3 corporation which was formed to help homeless cats and dogs in the Towner County area. We assist with veterinary costs including spay/neuter and vaccinations and health restoration. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for these pets by finding forever homes where they may live out their lives in safe, loving surroundings. The origin of our name comes from Uffda, a red tabby cat who lived a long and happy life. When he passed away in 2008 Uffda’s owners donated money to help animals less fortunate than Uffda. Thus the seed for the Uffda Fund was planted in the hearts and minds of a group of dedicated volunteers who worked together to establish an animal rescue. We are not a humane society or animal shelter. We have no physical location in which to board dogs and cats, but instead depend on a small number of foster homes to provide temporary housing, socialization and a welcoming environment for abandoned, neglected and occasionally abused pets.
The Central Dakota Humane Society has had a shelter located three miles north of Mandan since 1994, but many people are surprised to find out that the organization has actually been doing good deeds in the community for more than 59 years. CDHS was originally formed by 12 members as the League for Animal Welfare in 1960. There seem to be a few misconceptions about CDHS. We are not the pound. We do not euthanize healthy and adoptable animals. The members who drafted the shelter's mission in 1994 decided that we should be a no-kill shelter, which means if an animal is healthy and temperamentally sound, we will not euthanize it. We will keep the animal until it can find a loving home. The members today continue to live by this philosophy because we believe there is always the perfect guardian out there looking for the loving cats and dogs we house at the shelter. Our main goals fall in line with our mission statement. Our first mission is to provide for, house, rehabilitate and relocate lost, strayed or homeless animals. Another important mission is to promote spaying and neutering of pets in order to cut down the number of the area's unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. We ARE a vital partner and a needed asset in our community. Please help us continue our mission. We challenge every pet lover in the Central Dakota area to show your love for your own animals by giving back to those less fortunate - the stray, abandoned and abused creatures who find their way to our doorstep and who are eventually adopted into wonderful, forever homes.
We are a 501c3 dog rescue located in Mandan, ND. Our mission is to fight the overpopulation of dog shelters around the United States. We plan to save them one by one, until there are none. We can't do it without you! It all started when... We were two young girls taking in strays and keeping them until we could find their homes. In early 2015, our lives changed... Kalli saved a dog from a high kill shelter. In the months that followed, we realized how many dogs needed a voice. We decided to be their voice. Our first step was to rescue 30 dogs from Texas, all within one month. We then went on to Shawnee, OK where we saved another six dogs. We also took in a few owner surrenders from our own state of North Dakota. In 2016, we rescued an additional 25 dogs from Texas. Our goal is to rescue from more states, including our own. Miles of Love is going to continue doing what we can to prevent overpopulation of dogs in the United States. We plan to save them one by one, until there are none.
Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue is a non-profit animal rescue started in 2014 and officially incorporated in 2015 by a group of Bismarck, North Dakota Animal Impound volunteers. We are a volunteer run organization. The rescue was founded to alleviate overcrowding and unnecessary euthanization within the impound. We have branched out to take in owner surrenders and other animals found in dangerous situations. We rely on the support of the community to help us provide services to animals. We strive to match the animal with the right home. We also seek to educate the community regarding the importance of providing proper veterinary care to animals and having all their pets spayed or neutered.
Welcome to the 2024 North Dakota Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in North Dakota 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 North Dakota dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Adoption Information We are so happy you are considering saving the life of one of our dogs! Our pups are near and dear to our heart. We make sure we are aware of any health issues, they are up to date on shots, and they are not a danger to humans or animals. Our adoption fees are non-refundable. Step 1: Review the profiles of our adoptable dogs and choose who you think will best suit your family. Step 2: Fill out the application form, the check boxes at the end are very important. Step 3: We will review your application, check references, and set up a home visit or meet and greet for you to meet your potential family member. We believe dogs are a part of the family, and want to make sure you will be his or her forever home. *Please be sure to check your “junk” folder if you choose to be contacted by email. Step 4: Pay the adoption fee, sign the adoption contract, and enjoy your new best friend!
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.
So: Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (cars, bikes, skateboards, and other fast-moving objects are also common triggers) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling not only feels embarrassing for you — 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.