The Best Tucson, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue

SOLR is a rescue organization dedicated to helping Labrador Retrievers and Lab mixes who have been displaced from their home environment find new loving homes for the remainder of their lives. SOLR is non-profit and depends entirely on our volunteers and donations.

Friends of PACC

Friends of PACC was founded in 2016 by a group of dedicated PACC staff, volunteers, and community members who knew that the newly renovated shelter would need tremendous philanthropic support to thrive.

Santa Cruz Humane Society

Paws Without Borders

At Paws Without Borders our mission is to help rescue, rehabilitate, rehome, and care for dogs found on the streets of Mexico. We work primarily with our sister organization, (Vida con Causa), but we also assist other rescues in Mexico. Vida con Causa in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico runs a shelter for approximately 200 dogs, and growing! They provide a safe and loving place for them to live their lives where they are provided medical care, food, and shelter. Whenever possible, we work to rehome these dogs through our partnerships with rescues throughout the US and Canada. Fundraising is a key priority for us: • Medical care for dogs in the shelter and emergency cases as they arise. For example, to date some of the things we have funded include blood transfusions for dogs in critical care from tick fever and anemia, limb amputations, emergency c-sections, spinal surgeries, parvo treatment, routine medications for tick and valley fever etc. We often have several special needs dogs in our care, and their needs can be extremely expensive. • Medical vetting for street and shelter dogs. We provide parasite and other testing, vaccinations, de-worming, and spay/neuter for all adoptable dogs to be brought to the US and Canada to find their forever homes. • Spay / Neuter Campaigns. There is no way we are going to adopt our way out of the over population of dogs and cats in this world. And because street dogs suffer unimaginable abuse, neglect, disease, and hunger, the best way to stop this suffering is to reduce the number of animals born into these situations. That's why we believe so strongly in spay/neuter campaigns in the communities we support. It costs $30-$40 to spay/neuter a dog in Mexico, a fraction of what it costs in the US. • Transport costs for dogs from Mexico to the US/Canada. Because we rehome dogs throughout the US and Canada via our own foster / adoption program and through our rescue partners (to date we have worked with rescues in Montreal Canada, Wisconsin, Texas, and California), we must cover these transport costs. These costs can range from a few dollars to several thousand depending on the dog's needs, distance to travel, and mode of transport.

Cherished Tails Senior Sanctuary

Cherished Tails Senior Sanctuary rescues senior dogs (and a few cats) at high risk of euthanasia in shelters because of age or illness. We give sanctuary until they find a forever home and hospice care for the unadoptable. Together, we've saved over 1000 pets. Join us to give these pets their best last chapter. We are a 501(c)3, all volunteer, foster based rescue group in Marana, AZ. At Cherished Tails, we are dedicated to rescuing senior dogs who face risks in local shelters due to age, medical issues, or behavioral challenges. Since our inception in 2017, we have proudly saved over 1,700 animals. Beyond adoptions, we provide "fospice" care for dogs too advanced in age or with medical/behavioral conditions that prevent them from being adopted. Our network includes over 60 foster homes, offering short-term or long-term care tailored to each dog's specific needs. In the summer of 2021, we launched Cherished Tomorrows, a program aimed at younger dogs at risk due to space limitations in rural "border" shelters. Thanks to dedicated fosters, we have rescued over 50 dogs under 5 years old who would otherwise face euthanasia in these overwhelmed shelters.

Cochise Canine Rescue

AZ Pug Life Rescue

AZ Pug Life! We are a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue organization dedicated to assisting pugs and other brachycephalic breeds in Arizona. Our Focus We are committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding loving homes for pugs, pug mixes, and other small breeds. Our mission is to treat every animal and person involved with kindness, compassion, dignity, and respect.

HOPE Animal Shelter

Did you know HOPE Animal Shelter & Sanctuary was Tucson's first no-kill shelter and sanctuary for dogs and cats? More than a decade ago the founders of HOPE recognized the need for a shelter that could offer more than a short-term space for some of Tucson's highest risk pets. An elderly dog who lost their owner to hospice, a cat with diabetes, a litter of puppies with parvo. Pets that were and are savable but needed a different environment and more time than a municipal shelter could provide. There was a need and HOPE stepped in to fill it! Many of those pets have found forever homes that understand their special needs. Some now call HOPE their permanent home! As HOPE moves into the future one of our goals is to continue our dedication to those animals, that might just need a bit more, Your monthly contributions are the key to our success!

Southwestern Animal Rescue

Southwestern Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by animal loving veterans. We are committed to rescuing animals from neglect and abandonment. Our story began with Daisy. Daisy was a Clydesdale that was broke to ride and used to drive a wagon. Once she reached 18 years old her previous owners sent her to a "killpen" to be sold for slaughter. We knew she deserved better and Daisy was our very first rescue. She was an amazing horse and we were so lucky to have her in our life. After she passed, we knew we had to do something to help other horses and animals, like her, be saved from slaughter or abandonment. We realized our small rural community of Three Points was a popular destination for people to dump their unwanted pets in the desert. Seeing these lonely and scared animals become emaciated and ill created a stronger desire to become an advocate for these poor souls. It is our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and adopt out these animals so they can have another chance at life.

Pathways for Paws

Pathways for Paws was founded in October 2019. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, no-kill, animal welfare organization in Tucson, AZ. Our mission is to promote vaccines & low-cost microchipping to those in our communities along with educating the importance of spay/neuter. By achieving this, we will help slow the spread of deadly disease & the overpopulation of unwanted dog. We work with rescues & fellow animal advocates to continue growing a network of volunteers and supporters.

Lifeline Oro Valley Animal Rescue

L.O.V.A.R. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Oro Valley, AZ striving to support those most in need. Since opening in 2014, we have successfully rescued and adopted animals considered by some to be least adoptable- including dogs that are feral, senior, sick and injured, as well as those with behavior and fear problems, hospice and mothers with litters, as well as cats that are seniors and bonded pairs.

Little Angel's Dog Rescue

At Little Angel’s Dog Rescue, our focus is mainly on small to medium dogs. We do have some fosters that specialize in bigger dogs, seniors and litters of puppies. All of our dogs and puppies are current on (age appropriate) vaccinations, worming and spayed or neutered, they have gone through training if needed and exposed to fear free grooming if needed. We choose to keep our dogs in foster homes to help with decompressing from stressful situations, exposure to new experiences and to have more insight to their personalities so we can help find them a perfect family that meets their needs. The vets that we have partnered with feel that waiting until puppies are 4 months old for spay or neuter is best. In cases of puppies that are younger than 4 months, we do have a foster to adopt program so new families are able to have their puppy at home with them (under a contract) until it is old enough for surgery. We believe educating our communities of the benefits of spaying and neutering is important and will eventually help with the overpopulation of dogs in shelters and rescues. Little Angel’s is a non-profit organization with the mission to reduce animal homelessness and neglect in the community, utilizing a foster-first mentality in order to provide dogs in need an opportunity for family life. To ensure dogs get the best care possible and find permanent homes, Little Angel’s relies heavily on its partnerships and donations from kind individuals in search for animal welfare reform. A Brief History of Little Angel's It all started with a few pups in need. Little Angel’s Dog Rescue opened its doors to these pups and gave them a safe place to call home in 2022. Since, our rescue has been dedicated to rescuing pups and providing shelter, medical care and training while they find their forever home. Vanessa Discovers Dog Rescues July 2022 While in college, Vanessa was searching through the internet when she discovered a new language. Fosters, Adoptions, Parvo, and Kill Shelters were some of this new language. Vanessa had always pictured a dog as her best friend, the family pet, and the one that comforts you when you're sad. Not innocent dogs being marched to their deaths. Call to Action Motivated by the idea that dogs were being put down to make space for another dog that would share the same fate ignited a flame in Vanessa's heart. Vanessa Gets Educated Armed with motivation, Vanessa sought a rescue that would teach her how to save a dog. What vets to use, what vaccinations are and when, how to potty train, how to reach out to people about fostering/adopting – just a small part of the education she received. After Education September 2022 Now armed with education and that burning desire to save dogs, Little Angel's Dog Rescue was born. She has since rescued hundreds of dogs and plans on continuing for many years to come.

Miss Maggie May's Rescue

Miss Maggie May's Rescue is committed to finding unwanted dogs, safe, loving and caring homes. We are a 501(c)(3) organization. Miss Maggie May's Rescue is an all volunteer rescue group based in Tucson, AZ. We provide medical care, spay/neuter and vaccinations for dogs that have found themselves deemed not adoptable in our local shelter. It could be moms to be, families, puppies, sick or injured dogs. We also take in strays and owner surrenders. We are committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and giving these dogs a safe place to get well before finding them a loving home. All our dogs are fostered in private volunteer homes. Miss Maggie May's Rescue was named after our very first foster. Maggie had found herself in the county shelter, scared and pregnant. She was put up for rescue after being there for a week waiting for her owners to claim her, no one came for her. We called a local foster organization and pulled her in the nick of time, she started giving birth to her 11 puppies twelve hours after she was rescued. When all her puppies had found new homes, we adopted Maggie and she has been a big part of our lives. She has been a big help when it comes to socializing orphan puppies. After almost 2 years and 75 fosters coming through our home, we decided to start Miss Maggie May's Rescue.

Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption

Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption is a dedicated group of veteran greyhound adopters and volunteers, who are committed to seeking the very best forever homes for greyhounds in our care. Located in the Tucson area, we primarily serve Southern Arizona. We are non-profit and totally volunteer run, so every dollar goes to the care and promotion of the dogs. We are a registered 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 45-4526305). We strive to provide the very best adoption experience and follow-up. Successful integration into forever homes is our primary goal. Our organization is focused solely on a hound’s journey after leaving the racing Industry. Our mission is to prepare them, medically and socially, to be pets and to place them in loving forever homes. SA Greys does not take a position on greyhound racing. Our volunteers seek to educate the public about the wonderful greyhound breed and what great companions they make after their racing careers are done.

Hearts Of Gould Animal Haven

Hearts Of Gould Animal Haven became an official 501 c 3 non profit organization in 2019. However, the family has a long history with animals. Tammy grew up around animals, and the family has been fostering for local shelters and rescues since 2008. HOG (Hearts of Gould) specialize in taking in mom and puppies and caring for them until they are ready for adoption. All dogs are spay/neutered, microchipped, have a current rabies shot, and parvo/distemper shots. Tammy grew up around animals her entire life, and at one point thought she was going to be a farmer or a vet. But life took her in a completely different direction. The family has been fostering animals since 2008 for local shelters and rescues and decided to start their own rescue in 2019. Since HOG (Hearts of Gould) was founded hundreds of puppies have found FURever homes. Tammy and her husband both work full time and their children who have all helped in the rescue have all grown up and moved out. It is a true labor of love with Tammy's mom pitching in to help as well.

Pima Paws For Life

Animals' Crusaders

Animals’ Crusaders is an all volunteer, non-profit (501c3) corporation. We were established in 1955 with the mission of reducing the unnecessary suffering of animals caused by pet overpopulation. To serve our mission we focus our efforts on three programs: • mobile spay/neuter clinic trips to nearby reservations, • monthly tick/mange dip and shot clinic held at the San Xavier Mission, • and rescue and adoption of stray or unwanted animals living on nearby reservations. Native American reservations in the Tucson area are ravaged by the effects of pet overpopulation and poverty. Dogs and cats in these areas suffer from mange, tick and valley fever, and parvovirus. Animals’ Crusaders volunteers make frequent visits to nearby reservations to provide food & water, free mange and tick dips, vaccination and spays/neuters. For many, these trips offer the only access to veterinary care for their animals! There are no other humane animal services provided for that area. Animals’ Crusaders learn about strays and unwanted animals during volunteer trips to the reservations and we rescue as many animals as we can. All rescued animals are provided with any necessary veterinary care, nursed back to health, socialized and put up for adoptions.

Arizona Rescue Life

Nonprofit 501c3 dog rescue in Tucson, AZ. We have a loving group of fosters that open their homes to fosters until they can find their furever homes. We work with several shelters in Arizona along with Texas and New Mexico. We also take in strays and owner surrenders. Our History A group of friends that love animals came together to create our organization to help support our community's animals. We are hoping to grow and expand, all thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community!

Rebels Misfits Rescue

AGR Foundation d/b/a Sol Dog Lodge and Training Center

Arizona Heartfelt Hounds

Arizona Heartfelt Hounds is now part of AGR Foundation, Inc. We remain a non-profit, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) sighthound rehoming program dedicated to finding responsible and loving forever homes for retired racing Greyhounds and other Sighthound breeds With time comes great knowledge and experience, and over the last 28 years, we have learned from our volunteers, adopters and supporters that the quality of our work is just as important as our mission to find homes for as many sighthounds as possible. With the help from the community and our amazing volunteers we have placed thousands of dogs into their forever homes. But for us, it is not all about the numbers, but it is about each individual dog’s happiness and finding the right forever home. For some dogs, this means as loving pets or helping their person live a full and productive life as a service or emotional support dog. With this goal in mind, you have known us as Arizona Greyhound Rescue since 1995. Over the past few years we have continued to focus on Greyhounds and also on other sighthound breeds. What has been steady over the years, is our commitment and unwavering dedication to our quality-of-life goal is to help people find the right sighthound for their life-style. What has changed and is new, is our name. In 2020, Arizona Greyhound Rescue transitioned its brand to further embrace our new name – Arizona Heartfelt Hounds. This expands our ability to reach out even further and do more of what we’ve always done over the last 28 years. In 2023, Arizona Heartfelt Hounds joins Sol Dog Lodge and Training Center and Hearts at Ease. Together these three programs will be stronger than ever. And Arizona Heartfelt Hounds will have a forever home under the AGR Foundation.

Green Valley Paws Patrol

Paws Patrol began in early 2006 with a founding committee of seven qualified animal rescuers, each having at least several years of experience. All committee members had actively participated as volunteers, board members, and/or directors in other animal rescue groups.

Southern Arizona Beagle Rescue

We're an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Beagles, Hounds and Hound mixes. We have no paid staff and our dogs are cared for by our loving foster families. One hundred percent of your donation goes toward the medical and rescue costs of the dogs in our care. We also provide rescue, education and referral services for beagles from area shelters and beagles from homes that can no longer keep their dog. We serve Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz and Pinal Counties. SoAZBR is a charitable, non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We have no shelter facility or overhead costs - just a dedicated group of volunteers that care for homeless dogs in their homes until a forever family can be found. what we do We rescue Beagle and beagle-mix dogs; We provide education on hounds and the Beagle breed; We offer training referrals; We assist families that need to re-home their dogs. Serving all of Southern Arizona, including Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz & Pinal counties. OUR GOALS: (1) To rescue and re-home adoptable shelter beagles that would otherwise be euthanized. (2) To offer beagle owners an educational resource on the care and love of their beagle. (3) To assist dog owners that can no longer keep their beagle. (4) To provide beagles and the people who love them a fun, local community. (5) To educate the public on the responsibilities of pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering one’s pets. (6) To support and promote other animal rescue organizations.

Pima Animal Care Center

Pima Animal Care Center is committed to providing timely service to residents and compassionate care to animals, while working to support public safety, find homes for homeless animals and educate the community about responsible pet ownership. The Pima Animal Care Center is located in Tucson, Arizona, with a substation in Ajo.

Murphy's Law Rescue

We are located in Cochise County but we have pets in foster all throughout the state. With the help of concerned citizens, we aim to rescue animals off the street or through owner surrender when the current family can no longer provide a safe and stable environment for them. With time, compassion, and socialization we prepare all the animals in our care for the furever homes waiting for them. ADVOCACY Change starts with us. Being the voice of the voiceless means we speak up on their behalf. Introducing educational information and serving the underserved communities through vaccination clinics and spay and neuter help are ongoing goals of Murphy's Law Rescue. As a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Murphy’s Law Rescue relies completely on private donations and our own fundraising abilities to operate.

Smiling Dog Rescue

Smiling Dog Rescue (SDR) began in January of 2007 when Rica was asked to help rescue a smiling pit bull set for euthanasia at a kill shelter in Southern Arizona. Getting involved in saving this one endangered and innocent life led to a greater awareness of a sad reality across the country – the enormous number of pit bull and pit bull-type dogs whose lives end in high kill shelters – merely because of the way they look. Never looking back, SDR has rehabilitated and re-homed over 4000 unwanted, stray and abandoned pit bulls, bully type dogs, as well as many other types of dogs from all over the southwestern United States. SDR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization. We are committed to reducing the number of homeless, relinquished, abandoned and needlessly destroyed dogs both in Tucson and neighboring communities. This commitment has been directly dependent upon the great generosity of a system of foster homes as well as veterinary clinics, shelter workers, other rescues and volunteers who all work with SDR to create a nationwide network that enables as many adoptable dogs on death row to be saved as possible. We are convinced that overall responsible dog ownership is the key to changing perceptions of these dogs back to the all American family dog reputation they once enjoyed.

The Animal League of Green Valley

The Animal League of Green Valley is a private, 501(c)(3) not for profit, all volunteer, no kill animal shelter. We are dedicated to serving the people and pets of our community. What We Do Provide a shelter for cats and dogs whose owners can no longer care for them, especially seniors in the Green Valley area Accommodate lost, unwanted, and abandoned pets Arrange adoptions of pets to loving, qualified homes Support, sponsor, and conduct low-cost spay/neuter programs to prevent an increase in the population of unwanted animals Conduct community outreach programs, including pet education and ‚read to a dog‚ programs at local schools, companion animal visits at assisted living facilities, participation in community events, and pet food and veterinary assistance to families in need