This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Salem, OR. 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.
#109 in United States, #7 in Oregon, #1 in Salem
Salem
We are a 100% foster based, volunteer run, all breed rescue. Our mission is to provide a stepping stone to the most at-risk pups via a strong foster based network and training support to our fosters, adopters, and community. While we can't adopt ourselves out of our current crisis, we can provide a pawsitive impact to those pups in our care and bridge the training gap in our community. We are a science based, force free rescue, founded by certified dog trainers, with a mission to educate our community on dog behavior and canine learning. We regularly team up with certified trainers and behaviorists, vets, and vet behaviorists to ensure every canine in our care is set up for success.
"My husband and I had been talking about getting another dog for a while now. We lost our last to..."
— kassie g.
Adoptee
"I applied to be a foster to a special pup that was having issues with men. Since I am a..."
— toni r.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
#266 in United States, #13 in Oregon, #2 in Salem
#4 in golden Retriever
Golden Retriever
Salem
Golden Bond Rescue is a volunteer run, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of retrievers. Our mission is to find caring, adoptive homes for retrievers and retriever mixes in need and to educate the public to prevent the homeless retrievers of the future. Retrievers in need of new homes come from a variety of circumstances. Some come to us due to compelling family situations such as death, divorce, family illness, relocation or economic hardship. Others are released to rescue because of behavior problems due to lack of exercise and poor understanding of the needs of the breed. Since our beginnings in 1991, we have successfully placed over 3,500 dogs with new loving families. We would like to remind anyone interested in adopting a retriever that there is no source (including breeders, kennels, humane societies, rescue organizations) for a guaranteed perfect or pre-trained dog. Like many rescue organizations, we offer the benefits of being able to provide dogs who are already spayed or neutered, who have had a sound fundamental health examination, and whose temperament is fairly well known (since they have all lived with our foster families). Some of our dogs have not had a loving family in the past, but many have. Some may have behavioral problems, but many do not. And some need special medical care, just as most any dog will eventually. Many of our dogs need some level of training. All of our dogs need significant amounts of time, attention, patience, and love to adjust to their forever homes. Golden Bond Rescue is a resource for people who would like to give retrievers or retriever mixes a second chance in life. Golden Bond Rescue identifies a "retriever" as any breed that falls under the American Kennel Club's (AKC) retriever classification: golden retriever, Labrador retriever, Chesapeake Bay retriever, curly-coated retriever, flat-coated retriever, and Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever. For more information about each of these breeds, please use this link RETRIEVERS.
"I proudly support Golden Bond Rescue. This amazing organization rescues retrievers and retriever mixes, many on the brink of being..."
— d. b.
Supporter
"Thank you for our sweet Simba!"
— kathy g.
Adoptee
#361 in United States, #16 in Oregon, #3 in Salem
Salem
Joan Dalton founded the program in 1993 while she was vice principal at MacLaren's Lord High School. She started with one dog and one youth. Since that time Project POOCH, Inc. has changed (and saved) the lives of hundreds of dogs and youths.
"This program is part of a youth correctional program. The participants learn how to care for the dogs, that..."
— timothy b.
Adoptee, Supporter
#361 in United States, #16 in Oregon, #3 in Salem
Salem
COMPASSION for animals and the humans who care for them. We believe in respecting the dignity of all living beings and aim to create a positive, kind, empathetic, and inclusive environment. COMMITMENT to a humane quality of care using science-based welfare standards to consider and address the needs of animals as individuals. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT by providing education, resources, and support through our programs that aim to foster thoughtful engagement and participation. TRANSPARENCY and ACCOUNTABILITY through clear and open communication that aims to build and sustain our community's trust.
"Love them"
— mallory b.
Volunteer / foster
#361 in United States, #16 in Oregon, #3 in Salem
Salem
Oregon Pet Project, DBA ARK Pet Rescue is an animal rescue organization located in Newberg, Oregon. Our focus is helping cats and dogs in at-risk situations in our community and beyond. We strongly believe in creating a community environment for animals and people to come to and rest.
"ARK was willing to take a wonderful cat that was found in our neighborhood when we could but find his..."
— janice s.
Supporter
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
While working with other groups over the years it became apparent there were not enough groups out there to help English Mastiffs, so we dedicated ourselves to the rescue of Mastiffs that have been neglected, abused or abandoned, or have lost their owners because of a death, divorce or economic problems. Here at Mastiff Rescue Oregon, we evaluate all dogs, test for heartworm and bring them up to date on their vaccinations. We have them micro-chipped, spayed or neutered prior to being placed in their forever homes. All applications are reviewed carefully, and home visits are done to ensure the safety of the Mastiff before being placed with their new family. We have been involved in Mastiff Rescue for the past three years and have assisted in fostering and/or placing upwards of 80 English Mastiffs, and have traveled to Missouri, Montana and Wyoming to pick up English Mastiffs in distress. We are now concentrating our efforts on English Mastiffs in Oregon and are always in need of donations, be it food, heartworm or flea preventative medicine, or funds to assist with Veterinary expenses. It gives us a great sense of accomplishment when we place a Mastiff in a great forever home as they are a breed who truly deserves the best and they give back love and affection tenfold.
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
Founded officially in 2015, WCR has grown from a small rescue into an agency typically housing up to 20 dogs and puppies at any one time. Run entirely by a small team of dedicated volunteers, WCR pulls dogs and puppies from all over the west coast. We are located near Silverton, Oregon We provide transportation, care, training services, and veterinary care to all of our animals. Our dedication to finding wonderful, loving permanent homes for all dogs is what makes our hearts sing! We are always on the lookout for folks that love dogs and welcome any time, resources or set of hands to help us care for all of the dogs!
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
#15 in german Shepherd
German Shepherd
Salem
Shepherds Without Borders is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is foster-based and is 100% volunteer/donation driven. We are based in the Pacific Northwest of the United States; currently active in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Northern California. We accept owner surrenders of good temperament and our trained volunteers scour shelters in selected areas for the casually discarded, but good dogs who, through no fault of their own, find themselves homeless. All of the German Shepherd Dogs placed through Shepherds Without Borders Rescue have been assessed for temperament before being accepted – we are not a “last chance” rescue and not every dog is accepted. While the assessment is no guarantee of future behavior, it helps us to understand what the dogs’ preferences and what their needs are. Fostering or adopting a rescued German Shepherd with our rescue requires an approved application. To fill out an application, click here: Adoption/foster application . All of our dogs are medically stable, up to date on vaccines, microchipped, spayed/neutered (if medically stable/age allowance), treated for internal parasites and tested for heartworm disease (put on prevention) previous to placing in foster or adopter home. Please keep in mind, we may receive several applications for each dog listed and not everyone is able to meet each dog. We do not place our dogs with “next in line” mentality – our goal is to place each dog in a family/household that “best matches” the dog, creating a WIN-WIN situation for both the adopter and dog – allowing our return rate to be less than 2% <3 These dogs are our mission, our passion and our commitment
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
Heartland Humane Shelter & Care is a local non-profit animal welfare organization working to make Benton County a safe and healthy place for every pet, and for the people who love them
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
Newberg Animal Shelter Friends is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit organization operating Newberg Animal Shelter.
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
The fact is that some dogs and cats just don't have a chance at a traditional shelter because they're set up to help the average animal who finds itself without a home. And they do a pretty good job of serving the majority‚ the ones that conform‚ the ones that fit. But what about the ones that don't fit those Square Pegs that will never fit into the round hole of services provided by shelters? Every day, animals at shelters are deemed un-adoptable for many reasons. Sometimes it's a health issue or injury that shelters see as too costly or time-consuming to address. Other times its emotional instability the byproduct of a lifetime of neglect or abuse. It doesn't matter why they don't fit only that the shelter isn't set up to help them. Without someone else stepping in, euthanasia is the inevitable outcome. And that's where Indigo comes in. We believe that everyone deserves a chance, and that the right home is out there for everyone. We take those un-adoptable Square Pegs and we find a place where they can fit. We provide them with the individualized care they need to succeed to allow that non-conforming animal to develop into a one-of-a-kind pet. Whatever it takes whomever it takes to do it.
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
Agave Dogs Rescue was founded in 2017 after seeing constant pleas on social media from shelters and rescuers in Texas and other Southern states for help with their dog overpopulation crisis. Dogs dumped on the side of the road, dogs minutes from euthanasia unless a rescue tagged them, dogs enduring years of hardship and neglect with owners who didn't or couldn't care for them. We knew the Pacific Northwest had an extensive demographic of amazing dog lovers willing to offer homes and their hearts to dogs in need. So we jumped into action and haven't stopped since.
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
HNBAR was founded in 2006 when a tragic accident took the life of a man who had several horses. His widow was not involved with the animals, so she didn't know what to do. When Joy learned of this she just knew in her heart that it was her calling to step in and help this woman and the animals that were left behind. The calls to help animals didn't stop after that, so on August 3, 2011 HNBAR became an official 501c3 Animal Rescue. HNBAR is run entirely by volunteers, and funding comes from the community or grants. The rescue focuses on taking in horses, livestock or other domestic animals that have been neglected or abused. The animals are provided with veterinary care, proper nutrition and given a chance to have proper socialization with humans so that they can be placed in loving, safe forever homes. At Harmony New Beginnings, we believe that healing can be found through animal therapy. We know that animals can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, a pet can add real joy and unconditional love to your life. Animals come into HNBAR through owner surrender, law enforcement personnel, community referrals and from local auctions. HNBAR also assists animals that have homes, but are in need to find a new one by helping the owners advertise and network. We also help animals find homes that are in kill pens or other shelters/rescues. HNBAR will assist owners in screening prospective homes to help make good matches that will save animals from going to auction or becoming at risk for neglect. HNBAR has helped rescue over 700 animals since being founded and we hope that with your help we can continue to increase that number!
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
Your Lincoln County Animal Shelter (LCAS) is the only animal shelter in Lincoln County. Our primary function is to provide a safe and humane facility to house dogs found running at large and animals impounded by law enforcement, as well as to provide Lincoln County pet licensing services. LCAS strives to go above and beyond what is legally required by providing an enriching environment to the animals in our care, pet adoption services, pet surrendering services as space and resources allow, as well as pet retention programs to help pets stay with their families. Our goal is to be a model animal shelter for small, rural communities by providing progressive animal care and promoting responsible pet guardianship through licensing and education.
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our tax ID is 76-0714055. Our mission is to rescue senior dogs aged 6 and older. We are a volunteer-driven, donor-funded organization. We do not have a shelter. All dogs are fostered. Established in 1997 by Susan Faria, Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon is a beacon of hope for senior dogs. Susan was the sole SDRO volunteer until 2001, when two additional volunteers joined to share the workload. In 2003, SDRO gained nonprofit status and continued to add volunteers, rescue more dogs, and receive more financial support through grants and donations. With a deep commitment to providing love, care, and second chances, we continue to support our founding mission of rescuing and rehoming dogs aged 6 and up. We aim to offer senior dogs a new beginning and a forever home. As a volunteer-driven organization, every decision we make is guided by the unwavering belief that every senior dog deserves dignity, comfort, and love in their golden years.
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
Homeward Bound Pets Humane Society is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing a safe and loving environment for our shelter animals. As Oregon's first no-kill shelter, we have been serving our community since 1975. Our mission is to Improving the lives of cats and dogs through adoption and community partnerships. Homeward Bound Pets Humane Society is an independent organization, as humane societies are not connected to one another.
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
Puplandia Dog Rescue is a volunteer driven Oregon nonprofit organized and operated to facilitate the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs while forming partnerships with other local rescues, shelters, veterinarians and businesses.
#600 in United States, #24 in Oregon, #6 in Salem
Salem
NORTHWEST AIREDALE TERRIER RESCUE (NWATR) is an all volunteer 501 (c)(3) charitable corporation set up to assist with the welfare of Airedale Terriers in the Northwest region including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Northern California with a focus on helping Airedale Terriers in need find new homes. NWATR operates under the policies and guidelines of the Airedale Terrier Club of America Rescue Committee.
Welcome to the 2024 Salem, OR Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Salem, OR chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 20 private dog parks in the Salem 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 Salem dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
We require 3 personal references, a vet reference, and a home check and meet and greet for each of our adoptions. Our adoption fee includes age appropriate shots, spay/neuter, wellness check, and microchip. Our adoption contract requires a training course with a force free trainer, and for no punitive tools to be used for the life of the dog. We always take our dogs back if a pup needs to be returned to the rescue no matter the age, etc.
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.