Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Orlando, FL Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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

Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines
#39 in United States, #3 in Florida, #1 in Orlando
#2 in german Shepherd
German Shepherd
Orlando
Cash 4 Canines, Inc. dba Rescue Rebels' sole mission is to provide a better and improved life, essentially a "second chance", for working dog breeds that have been left at shelters, surrendered by their owners, or that have been abused and neglected. Through Rescue Rebels, these companion animals are rescued, given the physical care necessary, spayed or neutered, and provided with behavioral guidance if necessary. Our TLC Transformation Project welcomes medically fragile companion animals, that have been left at shelters and provides funds for the medical care unique to each animal's needs, and then finds these animals foster homes or "fur" ever homes.
"One of the BEST rescues I ever known. They always go by the animals and will do anything to help...."
— anna d.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"I started volunteering with dog rescues years ago as a transporter. Over time I was transporting for Rescue Rebels almost..."
— jakki c.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

ADORE Pet Rescue
#97 in United States, #10 in Florida, #2 in Orlando
Orlando
Adore Pet Rescue is an all volunteer based rescue in the Central Florida area committed to rescuing and finding forever homes for all types of dogs and cats. We do not have a physical location, instead all of our animals are in foster homes throughout the orlando area where they are treated like part of the family. After our inception in 2020 we have grown significantly, having over 1850 adoptions in our first four years of operation.
"I fostered 10 dogs with Adore Pet Rescue and all were awesome and found their forever homes. The last one..."
— beverly f.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"I adopted a dog from Adore and really loved the fact that the dogs were fostered in homes of foster..."
— janine m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

Orange County Animal Services
#98 in United States, #11 in Florida, #3 in Orlando
Orlando
Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) is a progressive animal-welfare focused organization that enforces the Orange County Code to protect both citizens and animals. OCAS is the only open admission shelter in Orange County, which means that it does not turn away any animal and accepts all animals, regardless of their temperament or health. The health and well-being of the animals in the care of OCAS is of the utmost importance to Orange County and its community. Most animals are ideal candidates for adoption, yet some come to the shelter suffering from long-term and profound health problems, as a result of being homeless, stray or abused. On average, the shelter receives approximately 50 animals each day, but these numbers can double during peak summer months.
"Rescued my pup from there in December. The staff were so nice and helpful! The animals all deserving of love..."
— ginger f.
Adoptee
"We need help! County won’t really step in with funding and these dogs suffer for it. Only one meal a..."
— erica s.
Volunteer / foster

Seminole County Animal Services
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
Seminole County Animal Services was established in the early 1970's to have local ordinances to prevent domestic animal nuisances and to have a safe place to take stray and homeless pets. Today not only do we enforce ordinances, we provide such services as rabies vaccinations and microchipping as well. We ask that you 'Adopt- Don't Shop' and come to the shelter and adopt your next family pet. We also have plenty of volunteer and foster home opportunities if you would like to help the homeless pets in our community. As our mission statement says ‚'We strive to preserve the lives of all animals'.

Happy Trails Animal Rescue
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
About Us Happy Trails Animal Rescue is a 501c3 Non Profit Animal Rescue Group located in the Central Florida area. Our organization was founded in 2013. After five years of rescuing and rehabilitating dogs in need from local area shelters, we started to realize that we have to get to the source of the issue rather than only trying to clean up the mess. We opened a brand new Community Resource Center for pet owners in 2019 that services Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties that provides free and low cost training assistance, educational programs, youth programs, a pet food pantry, help with emergency veterinary expenses, free grooming, and other assistance. Our mission is to provide the resources and support pet owners in our community need to create a better community for the animals in Central Florida and help reduce overpopulation and keep existing pets in their homes. As always, we will still be taking in and rehabilitating shelter dogs in need and appreciate all of the support we have received from Central Florida in our rescue endeavors.

Save A Life Pet Rescue INC
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
Since our formation in 2006, we have successfully rehabilitated, spayed/neutered, and placed over 20,000 animals with warm, loving families!

Greyhounds In Motion
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
#3 in greyhound
Greyhound
Orlando
We provide transport and accommodations for greyhounds ‚and sighthounds alike ‚ to assist them on their journey to their forever homes. Many hounds are brought from overseas into the United States and driven to their adopting family with the help of volunteers. With many miles behind us, our mission is to get as many dogs into loving homes as possible

Pet Alliance
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
As the go-to pet experts across Central Florida, Pet Alliance does good things for dogs and cats and the people who love them. Formerly the SPCA of Central Florida and Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, our goal is to provide compassionate and knowledgeable services for pets and to be leaders in innovative animal care and sheltering.

Pet Rescue by Judy
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
Pet Rescue By Judy is a non-profit "NO KILL" organization dedicated to the rescuing and rehabilitation, of companion animals. Many of them come to us with medical needs. They are doctored to the best of our ability and resources.

Hunter's Village Rescue
#100 in United States, #13 in Florida, #4 in Orlando
Orlando
We are a foster-based, non-profit dog rescue, based out of Hunter's Creek (SW Orlando), Florida. The rescue's story began with a lost dog in our community, Hunter, a 2-year-old German Shepherd. Poor Hunter was abandoned by his owners, left to fend for himself alone on the streets of Hunter's Creek. Based on sightings, the community knew he was alone for at least a month, and speculated he was probably roaming for 2-3 months total. The community came together on a mission to save Hunter, and shared photos and updates on the community Hunters Creek/Southchase Rants, Raves & Reviews Facebook page. Despite countless efforts from the community, Hunter was terrified and would not allow anyone approach him (and story has it this boy can gain speed FAST!) Multiple homes throughout several Hunter's Creek neighborhoods graciously set out feeding stations for him to help assure he stayed fed while on his journey. The community stepped up to bring volunteer trappers from East Orlando, and the traps were monitored with a live feed, but Hunter still managed to evade any attempts to catch him. Volunteers in Hunter's Creek came day and night to refresh and reset the trap and release any wildlife that ventured in the trap meant for Hunter. The trap was even relocated 3 separate times, based on patterns determined from the sightings shared on the Facebook page. On December 27th, Hunter was so hungry that he finally entered the trap - he was instantly caught on camera and the trappers sent an SOS so the local community could get to him quickly while the trappers made the long commute. A group of about 8 neighbors showed up to transfer the trap into a community member's van. Hunter's Creek Veterinary Hospital was called, and they kept their doors open and remained in the office late for us to arrive as they had also been following Hunter's journey. Hunter was terrified but never showed aggression while being scanned for a microchip. A chip was located, and the rescuers were hopeful. Voicemails were left and Hunter was transferred to a temporary foster home until his owners could be located. Hunter was very overwhelmed and shy after his long journey - he always wanted to have his back in a corner, he was unable to make eye contact with anyone and his tail was stuck between his legs. His foster mom spent the first night sleeping on the couch with him and he started to get a taste of what love is all about. Hunter's owners were finally located, but they shared that they didn't want him. But there was a happy ending after all - Hunter found his forever home right here in Hunter's Creek! He now has a fan page with over 400 followers following his journey, along with other dogs in need. Hunter now lives with his new mom, dad, teenage brother, college sister and fur sister. He is learning to trust more every day and even learned what it's like to play! He loves to be outside and lounge by his new pool or run in the yard with his fur sister. After Hunter's successful adoption, a handful of the community members united through his journey decided to start a rescue mission, named after the pup who started it all, and Hunter's Village Rescue (HVR) was born! The community has been incredibly supportive of us from day 1, and we truly could not have made the difference we've made without their support.

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

Welcome to the 2024 Orlando, FL Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Orlando, FL chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 10 private dog parks in the Orlando 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 Orlando dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

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

Sniffspot Orlando Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Orlando?

There are 10 in Orlando. Outside of Orlando, there are 39 located in Florida.

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

There are many reputable rescues in Orlando, the top 3 on our list are: Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines, ADORE Pet Rescue, Orange County Animal Services.

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

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Orlando is German Shepherd with 1 focusing on it. The second most common specialization is Greyhound with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Orlando?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Orlando. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
Adoption ProcessAn applicant must be 23, or older, to apply for adoption of a companion animal.Download and Complete Rescue Rebels' application. Please make sure it is completed fully; signed; and returned to Rescue Rebels via email at rescue.rebels@yahoo.com. Upon receipt of the application, Rescue Rebels will do a vet reference check and a personal reference check. Rescue Rebels works hard to process all applications as fast as possible. It can take up to 7 to 10 days to receive an initial call from Rescue Rebels. Please be sure your application is filled out COMPLETELY prior to submitting to Rescue Rebels.Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will be approved.To adopt an animal under the age of 6 months old, it is required that the potential adopter work 4 hours or less a day or work from home in order to provide proper training for the animals. Once the application is approved a rescue representative will contact you directly to schedule a home visit. All family members must be present during this scheduled home visit.If the home visit is a success, Rescue Rebels will schedule a meet and greet with all family members and resident pets. You will be required to travel to the location where the pet is being fostered.Additional Points of InformationCurrent companion animals in the home must be spayed or neutered. All animals in the home must be up-to-date on required vaccines, flea and tick preventatives as well as heartworm preventatives.

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

Yes! Orlando has the following types of breed-specific dog rescues and shelters: German Shepherd Greyhound

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Orlando that specialize in senior dogs?

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

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

Most recent articles

American Airlines Dog Policy: Complete Guide (Fees, Sizes, Rules)

The Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks

Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs

How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

American Airlines Dog Policy: Complete Guide (Fees, Sizes, Rules)

The Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks

Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
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.
Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
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.
How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?
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.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
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?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
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!

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States
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.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)
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?
Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
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.
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Signs, Causes, and How to Handle It
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.
Dog Reactivity Chart: Understand and Fix Dog Reactivity
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.
How to Socialize Your Reactive Dog
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.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States
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.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States
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.
The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks
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.
The Best United States Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
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.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Orlando, FL Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines

ADORE Pet Rescue

Orange County Animal Services

Seminole County Animal Services

Happy Trails Animal Rescue

Save A Life Pet Rescue INC

Greyhounds In Motion

Pet Alliance

Pet Rescue by Judy

Hunter's Village Rescue

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

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

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Sniffspot Orlando Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Orlando?

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

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

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Orlando?

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

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Orlando that specialize in senior dogs?

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida