This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Pittsburgh, PA. 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.
#25 in United States, #2 in Pennsylvania, #1 in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
National Brittany Rescue & Adoption Network (NBRAN) is an alliance of dedicated Brittany rescue volunteers who share a deep love for the breed and who will work to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home Brittanys in need, whether abandoned, lost, stray or surrendered to rescue for placement. As volunteers united in a common cause, we are committed to the care of these dogs in foster homes, and providing for their physical and emotional needs. We are committed in our endeavor to help them with all the resources we have available. We pledge to maintain a community of volunteers who treat each other, and the dogs they rescue, with respect, courtesy, kindness and love. We will seek always to lend encouragement and to support one another, and to facilitate friendly collaboration and cooperation between our volunteers. We believe that by building a supportive, dog-centered organization founded on respect, honesty and integrity, we will always remain focused on the welfare of the Brittanys entrusted to our care and hold their interests uppermost in our hearts and minds. Our mission is to place these dogs in safe, loving and permanent homes with approved applicants, and to provide a supportive network for our volunteers, who after all, make our goals possible.
"We lost our 3 previous Brits adopted from American Brittany Rescue in Illinois in 2020 and 2021. We went..."
— maureen v.
Adoptee
"In March 2020, after a careful interview process by the dog’s foster parent (including a frank discussion of the heart..."
— mary w.
Adoptee
#98 in United States, #9 in Pennsylvania, #2 in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Furkid is a foster network rescue meaning all of our rescues are temporary members of our families. Our fosters can give you insight into the personality and needs of our FurKids because they are in our homes, versus you meeting them in a stressful environment where they haven't had a chance to let their fur down and their true personalities shine through. We officially started in 2008 rescuing Pit Bulls because they needed to be rescued the most. However over the years with the increase in puppy mills and backyard breeders, we have become an all-breed rescue because we want to save all dogs. We don't discriminate. We take dogs that other rescues won't. We have rescued and rehabilitated pups starved from the brink of death, pups with parvo who were given almost no chance, dogs who have been shot, dogs with disabilities or mange that are deemed undesirable, or not worth saving. We rescue elderly dogs left on chains for the majority of their years, puppies with minutes to spare before being euthanized for no reason other than no one is paying attention. We love and rescue them all. Please understand that we do not have a physical location. We try to give our animals the best foster experience possible, not only for their comfort, but to implement positive reinforcement training methods and to make sure they are getting the best care imaginable. We work on a volunteer basis and this rescue work takes time away from our families, friends, and pets. Our strength to continue rescuing animals comes from finding one of our adoptable dogs a forever home where they will be loved, cherished and treated as a member of the family. It is those moments that make our hearts full and give us the drive to continue.
"This rescue truly cares about the pups they rescue! Their love and commitment is shown through each dog's proper placement..."
— lisa v.
Supporter
"Dalis to the Rescue is a wonderful rescue in Alma, Mi. Davis, her hubby and daughters, staff, supporters, volunteers, and..."
— debbie h.
Fan
#98 in United States, #9 in Pennsylvania, #2 in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) is one of Pennsylvania's largest non-profit organizations dedicated to the welfare of animals, pet owners and the community. HARP operates two low-cost, high quality veterinary medical centers. In an average year, over 6,500 animals are treated and more than 7,000 spay and neuter surgeries are performed in these facilities. In addition to caring for domestic animals, the organization remains committed to indigenous species. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is a fully licensed wildlife facility that specializes in caring for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Annually more than 4,000 injured wildlife of over 100 unique species are admitted and treated by the Center. Among them are more than 2,300 mammals, 1,700 birds and over 50 reptiles.
"We got our sweet boy from HARP in the summer of 2022. They took such good care of him after..."
— abby c.
Adoptee
"I love what these places do for all of the animals to make their lives better and healthier."
— catherine k.
Fan
#98 in United States, #9 in Pennsylvania, #2 in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Bridge To Home Animal Rescue is a non-profit 501c3 dedicated to helping homeless, unwanted, and abandoned dogs. We are dedicated to helping dogs find their forever homes. We have no facility. Our dogs are kept in our homes until the perfect forever home is found.
"We got our dog Douglas from this rescue and the process was wonderful. They go right into fosters and loving..."
— elaine d.
Adoptee
"Adopted our beautiful Hope (mini-poodle). She was a discarded breeder dog from Kentucky. This organization receives dogs from all over...."
— andrea k.
Adoptee
#99 in United States, #10 in Pennsylvania, #3 in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
A non-profit animal shelter, the Butler County Humane Society (BCHS) has been serving the Butler community for more than 120 years, converting to a no-kill shelter in 2000. Contrary to popular belief, our shelter is not supported by taxpayer dollars, and for the bulk of our funding we instead are dependent on the support of generous community members.
"Good work."
— gerra g.
Supporter
#99 in United States, #10 in Pennsylvania, #3 in Pittsburgh
#21 in pit Bull
Pit Bull
Pittsburgh
Our mission is to rescue and re-home pit bull type dogs in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. With love, care, and humane training, we ensure proper placement by making appropriate matches to the right families and remain a lifelong resource for those families. Biggies Bullies is a non-salaried 501(c)(3) non-profit charity registered with the Internal Revenue Service and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. We are 100% volunteer developed and staffed.
"Biggie's bullies is a terrific organization that educates the general public on pitbulls."
— claudine m.
Supporter
#100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #4 in Pittsburgh
#17 in senior dog
Senior dog
Pittsburgh
Jen and Laura dreamed of a safe haven for senior animals that are generally considered "less adoptable" or "difficult to place." As owners and lovers of elderly pets, they realized these animals needed their help and homes. Senior Pet and Animal Rescue (SPAAR) transformed that dream into a heartfelt reality. SPAAR is committed to educating the public about the advantages of adopting a senior animal and on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. We work directly and individually with pet owners to help keep senior animals with their families and in their homes, reducing the number of senior animals that are surrendered to shelters. At this time, SPAAR is a 100% foster-based, 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization located in Pittsburgh, PA. While our long-term plan includes a safe, comfortable space dedicated to senior animals, currently all of our animals, including those in hospice care, reside in foster homes. To learn more about fostering, click here.
#100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #4 in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Familiar Hearts Animal Society is small but growing. We're focused on quality of care for our animals so you know the pet you adopt is fully ready for your home. While we have fewer animals than larger rescues, we still need loving foster and adoptive homes for those in our care because there's always that next animal in need who we want to help. If you can't foster or adopt today, please donate any amount to support our work.
#100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #4 in Pittsburgh
#3 in beagle
#17 in senior dog
Beagle, Senior dog
Pittsburgh
We are a small (15-20 dog) in-house 501c3 nonprofit canine rescue and sanctuary specializing in hounds and beagles
#100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #4 in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has been saving, impacting, engaging, enriching and affecting the lives of the pets and people of our region. Since our humble beginnings in 1943, we have grown into a full-service companion animal welfare organization serving the pets and people of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. With our progressive programs, Animal Friends is leading the way toward making our community a safer and more humane place. Simply put, we are thinking outside the cage!
#100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #4 in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Philly Rescue Angels Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the state of Pennsylvania. Our Mission is to save the lives of dogs and cats that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. Our organization allows us to rescue, evaluate, and rehabilitate animals, and place them into forever homes through our program. Our rescue and behavioral training programs maintain relationships with adopters to ensure successful placements that last a lifetime. PRAI is 100% donor funded. We receive no funding from federal, state, or county governments. As a result, we rely on the generous donations from our supporters and the adoption fees for each dog in order to save the dogs and cats in need that join our rescue organization.
#100 in United States, #11 in Pennsylvania, #4 in Pittsburgh
#6 in great Dane
Great Dane
Pittsburgh
WE ARE JUST A HANDFUL OF NORMAL FOLKS WHO LOVE GREAT DANES AND WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR THE BREED. WE ARE A MEDICAL REHAB AND RESCUE NOT A BEHAVIORAL REHAB. CURRENTLY WE CAN NOT TAKE IN BITE CASE DOGS. BUT PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL WE MAY STILL BE ABLE TO LEAD YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
Welcome to the 2024 Pittsburgh, PA Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Pittsburgh, PA chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 12 private dog parks in the Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
All ‚forever homes must commit to the following medical care provisions:1. Annual vet visits2. Heartworm Prevention3. Vaccinations as prescribed by your local vet4. Register/Maintain Microchip information5. Provide proper nourishment and enrichmentIn addition to the new pet, currently owned animals should be up-to-date on vaccinations, heartworm tested and on preventative. Mature animals should be neutered, unless there is a medical reason for intactness, or your pet is in conformation. A fenced yard is ideal for most of our dogs. A fence protects the dog from roaming and owners from liability their loose animal may cause. Fences can take the form of a physical or invisible fence. The type of fencing (physical or invisible) will depend on the needs of the dog. Dogs should never be left unattended in a yard, regardless of the type of fencing.NBRAN recognizes that each dog brought into rescue with us is unique. Therefore, once assessed and evaluated in foster care it may be possible to place them in homes without fences.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.