The Best Colorado Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Summit Dog Rescue / Pod To The Rescue

We are a small volume rescue with a huge focus on humane education. We rescue dogs and cats and work with our adopters/fosters and the general public to educate about how to best support our companion animals so that their placements can be successful. Unwanted pets is at epidemic levels, and without education we won't make progress. Our rescue is unique in that we are run by multiple certified dog trainers and behavior professionals. We have a podcast called Pod To The Rescue, which is produced with the goal of providing evidence based behavioral support to adopters and fosters.

Jailbreak husky rescue

Jailbreak Husky Rescue is a 501(C)(3) and PACFA licensed organization based out of Colorado that aims to rescue, rehabilitate, transport, rehome and advocate for Siberian Huskies and other northern breeds that are at risk of being euthanized, abandoned, or in neglectful or abusive situations. Our mission has a specialized focus on pregnant or nursing northern breeds, including pre-natal and postpartum care, whelping, bottle, syringe and tube feeding, and breed-focused litter care and development.

Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue

Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue is a non-profit, all volunteer group in Colorado. We have been active and engaged in our community since 1972.

La Plata County Humane Society

La Plata County Humane Society is a private non-profit, that has been helping pets in need in rural, southwest Colorado since 1971! We adopt companion animals, provide low-cost spay/neuter, microchipping, and vaccination, have a robust trap-neuter-release program, a life-saving foster program, offer onsite training, and provide animal protection services.

My Fairy Dawg Mother Rescue LLC

The Fairy Dawg Mother works with trusted partners in Colorado and nearby states to bring dawgs to the Denver Metro area, where they will have a better chance at adoption. We do our best to select dogs that will be highly successful candidates for placement with a new furever family, but change can be stressful for even the most easy-going dawg. Because of this, we work with foster families to start getting them stabilized, learn about each dawg's individual temperament, and provide training and guidance to the dawg.

PawsCo

PawsCo is a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization based in Denver, Colorado. PawsCo is dedicated to reducing pet homelessness by partnering with animal shelters and other rescues in order to help the most in-need animals ‚ those animals not thriving in a shelter setting.

Soul Dog Rescue

Soul Dog is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization founded with the mission to spay/neuter and protect animals. Soul Dog is proactive in animal welfare, advancing the need for spaying and neutering our pets to reduce overpopulation. We travel to rural communities on Native American reservations, where spaying and neutering will only happen if it is nearly free or very convenient. Soul Dog works with volunteer veterinarians to provide the spaying and neutering service at no cost to the public. Donations are used to defray the costs associated with medications, supplies, and the operating cost for clinics.

Australian Shepherds Furever

At Australian Shepherds Furever, we work daily to save aussies in need. It can be tough work, but incredibly rewarding to see this beautiful and intelligent breed flourish when given a second chance. We are a 501 (c) 3 non profit corporation. As a nonprofit, raising funds for rescue, fostering, training, boarding and health care is vital. Please consider showing your support today

National Mill Dog Rescue

NMDR's mission is to RESCUE, REHABILITATE and RE-HOME discarded breeding dogs and to educate the general public about the cruel realities of the commercial dog breeding industry.

Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue

Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was founded in 1997, all volunteer organization dedicated to the rehoming of unwanted, abandoned, and abused Saint Bernards and Saint Bernard mixes.

NOCO Humane

Welcome to NOCO Humane, your community partner for comprehensive animal welfare services in Larimer and Weld counties. We have expanded our reach and our impact, taking on the sheltering and care of animals in Weld County in light of the dissolution of the Humane Society of Weld County. Join us as we heal, nature, and protect more than 10,000 animals in the year to come!

RezDawg Rescue

RezDawg Rescue collaborates with several rescues in NM, AZ and CO to ensure the safe and comfortable transport of unwanted animals to rescues, shelters and fosters where they will have a chance at a forever home. We relocate dogs and cats from high-intake shelters, animal control facilities, and reservations in the Four Corners area to animal rescue partners and forever homes in Colorado. We provide transportation to foster homes and other partner organizations, offer medical care and low/no cost spay and neuter services, manage a network of foster homes for temporary shelter, and run adoption events so that these animals can find forever homes.

Evergreen Animal Protective League (EAPL)

The Evergreen Animal Protective League (EAPL) was organized in April, 1981 to aid lost, abandoned, and suffering animals through rescue, shelter, and education. Since that time, the League has provided a better life for thousands of cats, dogs, and other pets.

Mamco rescue dogs

Our mission is to ensure that all rescued animals are treated as valuable members of society through quality veterinary care, regular grooming, and excellent nutrition. We are a foster based, 501c3 non-profit rescue, dedicated to the health and wellbeing of mother dogs and cats and their litters. We see our rescue dogs and cats through pregnancy, birth (whelping), nursing, weaning, and adoption. In addition to providing necessary care, we also work to socialize, train, and evaluate each animal to ensure that they find permanent forever homes. This involves establishing close and trusting relationships with our volunteers, adopters, and the community.

Taysia Blue Rescue | Siberian Huskies & Alaskan Malamutes

Taysia Blue Rescue is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. We are a family of volunteers and advocates dedicated to helping local Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and their guardians. We are funded solely and supported by, the generosity of individuals and corporations in our communities. All our dogs are located in approved foster homes in the metro areas of Omaha, Lincoln, Kansas City, Des Moines and Denver. Taysia Blue does not have a physical building and does not have set hours of operation.

Big bones canine rescue

MAXFUND

Dumb Friends League

One of the ways the Dumb Friends League can fulfill its mission to end pet homelessness and animal suffering is to influence the laws and policies that protect animals and enhance their welfare. Our Advocacy team works with policymakers, animal welfare agencies, law enforcement and the community to drive the policies that make Colorado a leader in protecting our furry family members. We hope to help you stay informed on issues in Colorado and across the country that impact animal sheltering and welfare and continue to make systemic changes that benefit animals and the humans that love them, now and in the future

A Friend of Jack Rescue

A Friend of Jack Rescue is a Colorado, foster-based 501(c)3 non-profit rescue dedicated to finding loving, lasting homes for unwanted dogs and puppies.

Foothills Animal Shelter

Foothills Animal Shelter is an open admission facility serving Jefferson County in the state of Colorado and is a member of the Metro Denver Animal Welfare Alliance. We are driven to make lives better for animals and people in our community. We are a Socially Conscious Animal Welfare Organization, creating the best outcomes for all animals that enter our care. We place every healthy and safe animal for adoption. We assess the medical and behavioral needs of homeless animals and ensure these needs are thoughtfully addressed. And, we alleviate suffering through thoughtful euthanasia.

Colorado Corgis and Friends

Colorado Corgis and Friends is a 501c3 Dog Rescue specializing in Corgis and other lowrider breeds. Established in late 2019 by a group of Corgi-loving people who love and understand the Corgi breed and love all other dogs as well. The founding members have over 100+ years of experience owning Corgis and 50+ years in Rescue. It is our pleasure and passion to help homeless dogs in need, help struggling owners rehome their pets, and offer advice on training issues typical of this herding breed.

Harley's Dream

Harley's Dream was established in 2016 in honor of Harley, a senior one-eyed puppy mill survivor who became the face and voice of the puppy mill dogs, earning the distinction of being the 2015 American Hero Dog for his work. Our mission is to create awareness and educate the public about the cruel commercial dog breeding industry (also known as puppy mills) and to rescue and rehome senior dogs in need.

Colorado Greyhound Adoption

Colorado Greyhound Adoption is a 100% volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to finding permanent loving homes for and promoting the adoption and welfare of retired racing greyhounds as excellent family pets. Based in the metropolitan Denver area, our volunteer base continues to grow, as more and more greyhound enthusiasts become involved. Our group maintains a racing neutral stance. Colorado Greyhound Adoption (CGA) is a non-profit organization 501(c)3 devoted to placement and adoption of greyhounds. We are 100% volunteer-run and available dogs are fostered in individual homes. Colorado Greyhound Adoption has over 4,500 adoptions in the life of it's organization. Based in the metropolitan Denver area, our volunteer base continues to grow, as more and more greyhound enthusiasts become involved. Our group maintains a racing neutral stance.

Grand County Animal Control & Shelter

The Grand County Animal Shelter promotes and protects public safety and animal care through sheltering, pet placement programs, education, and animal law enforcement. The Shelter’s purpose is to provide responsive, efficient, and high-quality animal care and control services that preserve and protect public and animal safety. The Shelter is a small facility, with 3 full-time animal care and control officers, that falls under the jurisdiction of the Grand County Sheriff’s Office. There are 12 outdoor dog runs, 12 indoor dog kennels and two cat rooms with a maximum capacity for 12 dogs and 18 cats. Grand County Pet Pals is the supportive arm of the Grand County Animal Shelter. It is the local organization dedicated to responsible pet ownership, animal health and spay/neuter of pets in the County.

2 Blondes All Breed Rescue

2 Blondes All Breed Rescue is a 501 c3 non-profit dog rescue, located in the Denver metro area. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs from overpopulated, high-kill shelters. By working with committed volunteers, accredited veterinarians, trainers, boarding facilities, and shelters we are trying to achieve a No-Kill Nation by placing dogs in their forever homes. 2 Blondes All Breed Rescue has been in operation since 2015, during which time we have rescued, fostered, and adopted over 12,000 animals into loving homes. We generally serve the Metropolitan areas of Denver, Colorado Springs, and Ft. Collins. Due to our reliance on established veterinary relationships and volunteer bases, we do not adopt dogs or puppies outside of these general service areas, nor do we facilitate out-of-state adoptions. As a non-breed-specific rescue, we take in a variety of purebred and mixed breed dogs. As the lineage of most rescue dogs is generally unknown, breed designations are made utilizing veterinary recommendations. Adopters that have specific breed requirements should be aware that such designations cannot be certified as true or accurate. Additionally, many of the dogs we take in have special medical needs (broken bones, heartworm disease, skin issues, etc.) and are generally treated at the expense of the rescue prior to adoption. Occasionally, dogs with special medical needs may require continuation of treatment by a prospective adopter; such items will be fully disclosed and discussed with the adopter, prior to adoption. 2 Blondes All Breed Rescue welcomes your support of our continued efforts to rescue, foster, care for and adopt at-risk animals.

Front Range German Shepherd Rescue

Colorado Front Range German Shepherd Rescue is a small group of German Shepherd lovers in the Denver area who volunteer our time and talents to help homeless German Shepherds find new families and forever homes. We do not evaluate dogs to be service dogs. Colorado Front Range German Shepherd Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to rescuing and re-homing purebred GSDs. Our organization is 100% volunteer-run. We are always looking for new volunteers! We are always in need of volunteers. The opportunities to help include but are not limited to: • Fostering - this is always our biggest need • Dog walking for those in boarding facilities • Transport (picking up, taking to the vet) • Event help • Conducting home checks • Photos of our dogs, and events • Plus many other opportunities • Donate

Pepper's Senior Dog Sanctuary

Pepper's Senior Dog Sanctuary (PSDS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Littleton, CO. Founded in 2019, the mission of PSDS is to provide a compassionate, loving, and lifelong home where elderly dogs are cared for during their good days, bad days, and last days. In 2023, the ASPCA estimated 359,000 dogs who entered U.S. shelters were euthanized. Shelters exist to provide temporary placement for unwanted or homeless animals with the goal of adoption; however, shelters are often challenged with adopting out senior dogs due to age, health issues, mobility challenges or special needs. Our sanctuary offers a collaborative solution to help ease the overcrowding of local shelters, while providing quality, lifelong care to dogs who may otherwise be euthanized. Senior dogs are referred to us by local shelters who have run out of alternative options. From there, our dedicated team of volunteers and staff welcome these dogs with open arms, giving them the chance they deserve. Our facility includes communal bedrooms, a year-round indoor dog park, 50 acres of outdoor area to exercise and play, and an onsite medical and rehabilitation clinic. When our precious seniors finally come to the end of their journey, our team provides round-the-clock hospice care to ensure they are well cared for up to the moment they take their last breath.

Summit County Animal Shelter

Summit County Animal Control and Shelter is a division of the Summit County Sheriff's Office. We enforce the animal control regulations for unincorporated Summit County. The shelter is utilized by citizens and visitors of all Summit County.

Trevor's Animal Rescue

We are a nonprofit charitable organization located in Parker, Colorado. We are dedicated to finding homes for dogs, cats, and other animals. Animals we receive are from various shelter euthanasia lists and at risk situations. We advocate for the most vulnerable animal populations. We believe that each and every life is precious, deserving to be treated humanely with a chance to live happily and cruelty-free. This rescue was founded in loving memory of Trevor Power, a true animal lover.

Farfel's Farm and Dog Rescue

Farfel's Rescue was begun in 2003 in Santorini, Greece when Sandy insisted on bringing home a street dog. Ella led us down the cliffs of Santorini to a shallow cave. Her three week old puppies squeaked their indignation that Mom was late with dinner. Ella and her pups came on a long transport with multiple stops along the way finally landing in Colorado and into the arms of their incredible families.