This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Connecticut. 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.
#17 in United States, #1 in Connecticut
Hartford
We rescue abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs from high-kill shelters and desperate situations, provide them with veterinary care and much needed TLC, and bring them to New England where we place them in safe, loving homes.
"Paws New England is a rescue unlike any other...Any dog that ends up with PAWS has hit the jackpot. This..."
— melissa l.
Volunteer / foster, Fan
"An absolute inspiration to me and my family on what community can do when we work together. Thank you for..."
— michael r.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
#162 in United States, #2 in Connecticut
New Haven
We are not just a rescue, we are a refuge; a safe haven for dogs from dire backgrounds. We focus on the dogs most in need of saving - those who have been abandoned by their families, the strays, the starving, the injured, the sick, and those in immediate need of help. We take them in, rehabilitate them, provide housing, vetting, training, and extra doses of love. Whether at our facility in Stamford, CT or placed with one of our rescue partners, every dog we commit to is guaranteed love and a beautiful life with the forever family they so deserve.
"First I was a volunteer at Lucky Dog Refuge. I gave some time to walk dogs. Walking dogs that had..."
— vera p.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"I live right next door to the refuge. I absolutely love being able to see, from my window, all of..."
— john f.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#361 in United States, #3 in Connecticut
New Haven
Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates is a group of volunteer citizens who work together to better the lives of animals. We are committed to impacting animal welfare legislation. We do this by being a voice for the voiceless in the courts and at the Capitol. We seek to raise public awareness regarding the statistical connection between animal abuse and domestic and social violence.
"Care for the dogs is something I’ve never seen. P"
— caitlyn k.
Supporter
#361 in United States, #3 in Connecticut
Bridgeport
Danbury Animal Welfare Society, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our community and beyond. We promote responsible pet guardianship and the humane treatment of animals, and work toward ending animal overpopulation through education and a variety of programs. We take pride in the work we do ,working to keep homeless pets safe, happy and sheltered.
"There is not a more far reaching, hard working rescue in the world."
— cindy k.
Supporter
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
Bridgeport
Companion Pet Rescue & Transport (CPR) was founded in 2004 and rescues over 2,500 dogs per year thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers! CPR is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We have an adoption center in Southbury CT, as well as weekly events, and if your heart is set on a specific pup that has not yet arrived at our adoption center, you can pick up directly from our amazing transport! Please watch the video on the transport page to learn more about the transport process! Submitting an application is the first step.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
New Haven
Double Dog Rescue (DDR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by two sisters, Chey Ottoson and Laurie Ottoson Perotti. After rescuing their own dogs from the south, they wanted to do more to save even more dogs. Laurie was already working with Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue when she met Sharon Veronneau. Sharon, too, was a huge fan of Chessies, yet wanted to be part of an all-breed rescue. In turn, Sharon decided to be the third partner to the group. Chey adopted her first dog Lincoln who was a pet surrender, from Laurie. After getting the ‚rescue bug, Chey frequented petfinder and met Lisa Walker and Debbie Ginn. Overall, there have been countless generous leaders in rescue who have taught the sisters the best practices which in turn were integrated into Double Dog Rescue. These are the best practices they instilled in their volunteers, and what has made DDR one of the best in New England. Together, Double Dog Rescue was launched in December 2006.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
New Haven
We Adopt Greyhounds, Inc (WAG) is a volunteer based, state-licensed, certified 501(c)3 organization founded in 1992 in Glastonbury, CT. WAG is dedicated to finding responsible, loving, and suitable homes for retired racing greyhounds and other breeds of sighthounds. WAG also looks to be an educational resource to the greyhound and sighthound community and works to promote and educate the public about the joys of greyhounds and sighthounds as pets.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
Outrider Dogs Rescue was established in 2019 as a foster based non profit dog rescue. Our mission is to find homes for abandoned and neglected dogs regardless of the age, breed, or temperament. We are a group of volunteers who spend their free time fostering, transporting, feeding, medicating, entertaining, training and loving dogs until a permanent family can be found. We specialize in helping pregnant or new moms that are dumped off in shelters or found roaming the streets, raise their litter, find forever homes, all whilst nourishing the mom, spaying her and finding her an adoptive home. In 2021 we started rescuing cats of all ages and breeds and will continue doing so as long as we are operating. We can always use more fosters, volunteers, monetary donations and supplies, so if you'd like to become a part of the Outrider pack, we'd love to have you.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
Dachshund
Hartford
LITTLE PAWS DACHSHUND RESCUE is an east coast based 501(c)3 exempt nonprofit dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of our favorite short legged breed We specialize in finding permanent homes for dachshund and dachshund mixes. We strive to make the lives of all dogs better through action, advocacy, awareness and education. It is LPDR's goal to identify abandoned, mistreated, or homeless dogs and oversee their treatment and wellbeing while working to find loving owners for those in our care.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
The officers and members of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America (GWPCA) believe that every German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP) deserves a supportive and loving home and the National GWP Rescue, Inc. (NGWPR) was developed to put that belief into action. Sponsored and supported by the GWPCA and the American Kennel Club (AKC), NGWPR is committed to helping desperate and neglected Wires whenever and where ever possible. Matching homeless GWPs with loving owners is our primary goal National GWP Rescue is a nationwide rescue program whose volunteers work tirelessly to provide funding, foster homes, medical care and training for GWPs found in shelters, animal control facilities and to those GWPs whose current owners are unable to provide a suitable situation. Working hand- in-hand with governmental and local shelters, NGWPR provides a safe and responsible home for GWP's in need. Placed with an experienced GWPCA member, fostered GWPs that have been neglected, untrained or have medical issues quickly blossom as they are readied for their "forever" homes. Prior to releasing our rescued GWPs for adoption, volunteers provide obedience, manners, and housetraining. We hold to the philosophy that a mannerly dog has a better chance of fitting into a new household. NGWPR believes that Wires were designed to hunt and unlike some other rescue programs, we are happy to place dogs with field experience or bird instinct with potential owners who enjoy hunting behind a Wire. However, NGWPR insists that any rescue dog first be a house dog and companion, then a weekend hunting partner.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
New Haven
We aim to get as many dogs adopted as possible via our rescue. We have our own dog shelter and hold weekend adoption events to find forever homes for our pups. We provide veterinary care, behavioral assessments and training to make each animal successful in its new forever home. Though we no longer adopt cats out, we do assist other local rescues in the networking of homeless cats, including trapping and trap-neuter-release. We collect food, toys and other needs for our rescued dogs including veterinary donations for their care while in rescue. We network for dogs at local shelters and lend a hand to our rescue friends whenever we can. We also advocate for the well being of the dogs and their living conditions and strive to better improve the long standing customer service issues at many Connecticut Animal Control facilities. We also help the public with questions, training, referrals to veterinarians etc. Through constant media promotion and proper assessments of the dogs, we hope to save as many lives as possible in our day to day mission. This RESCUE group is CT registered and has APPROVED 501(c)3 status with the Internal Revenue Service. All donations to Brass City Rescue Alliance are tax deductible.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
Hartford
Dog Star Rescue, based in Bloomfield CT, has saved the lives of over 6,500 dogs and counting. The mission of Dog Star Rescue is to guide stray, abandoned, shelter, and owner-surrender dogs of all breeds and ages to qualified, caring, lifelong homes. We are a 100% volunteer, non-profit, foster-based rescue.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
New Haven
Red Leash Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit adult, senior and terminally ill dog rescue located in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Our mission is to provide refuge, love and care to abandoned, surrendered or discarded dogs in our community. Red Leash Rescue works with animal control facilities across Fairfield County, taking in adult and senior dogs that have been overlooked by potential adopters or are having difficulty in facility. We also accept dogs coming from owner surrender and owner death. Once a dog has become part of our program they are bathed and taken to the vet for a well check. They are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. We work closely with our amazing local vets to assure we are aware of any concerns with our rescue's health. RLR rescues are then placed in foster care to allow them time to decompress from their experience in the shelter, as well as any loss or neglect they endured prior to arrival in our program. Our fosters work very hard to get every dog into a place where they are ready for adoption. Our long term goal is to complement our program with a multi-use Sanctuary for terminally ill dogs, dogs bequeathed to our care as well as adoptable dogs that do not have a foster. This home-like setting will allow us to provide attention, enrichment and meet medical needs of the dogs in our care. Our Sanctuary will be a place for community education and involvement by providing expanded volunteer opportunities.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
Hartford
ABOUT US Fetching Hearts Rescue is a Connecticut, non-profit 501(c)(3), volunteer run rescue that is dedicated to saving dogs who have been abused, neglected or abandoned and finding loving, caring homes for them. We rely on a network of foster families so that each dog that we pull into the safety of our rescue is placed in a foster home and is no longer confined to a life in a kennel. We are committed to helping dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes by partnering with shelters and animal control services right here in Connecticut as well as with several high kill shelters in the South. We do a full assessment of each dog's temperament and health to ensure that we are able to find the most suitable home for them. Every dog is fully vetted - meaning they are up to date on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, heartworm negative and micro chipped - before being adopted.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
Hartford
All Paws on Deck focus on pregnant dogs from overcrowded shelters.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
New Haven
Our shelter, named for the Donofrio family in recognition of their generous and ongoing support, reflects best practices in shelter construction and animal care. It is a warm, safe, welcoming place for homeless pets to recover and await adoption. ROAR‚'s staff and team of volunteers provide loving care, daily exercise & playtime, grooming, training medical attention and individual kennel accommodations to create a home-like environment. Nutritious food is generously provided by Blue Buffalo company, a long-time friend and sponsor of ROAR.
#600 in United States, #5 in Connecticut
New Haven
ABOUT US... Where the Love Is, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter whose mission is finding loving homes for pets in Connecticut and beyond. It was founded in Hamden, Connecticut in July 2013 and has since rescued and found adoptive homes for more than 2,000 dogs. Dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty and abuse, Where The Love Is promotes the fostering and/or adoption of abandoned or unwanted pets. Many of the animals up for adoption come from high-kill shelters in states like Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia where they often face euthanasia. They are brought to our shelter in Connecticut and given a new ‚'leash on life'. Each pet is fully vetted, receives some training, and gets lots of love before they are matched with a new family. Where the Love Is relies fully on volunteers, so 100 percent of your donation goes toward the animals' health care and social and emotional well-being.
Danbury Animal Welfare Society, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our community and beyond. We promote responsible pet guardianship and the humane treatment of animals, and work toward ending animal overpopulation through education and a variety of programs. We take pride in the work we do ,working to keep homeless pets safe, happy and sheltered.
Companion Pet Rescue & Transport (CPR) was founded in 2004 and rescues over 2,500 dogs per year thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers! CPR is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We have an adoption center in Southbury CT, as well as weekly events, and if your heart is set on a specific pup that has not yet arrived at our adoption center, you can pick up directly from our amazing transport! Please watch the video on the transport page to learn more about the transport process! Submitting an application is the first step.
We rescue abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs from high-kill shelters and desperate situations, provide them with veterinary care and much needed TLC, and bring them to New England where we place them in safe, loving homes.
LITTLE PAWS DACHSHUND RESCUE is an east coast based 501(c)3 exempt nonprofit dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of our favorite short legged breed We specialize in finding permanent homes for dachshund and dachshund mixes. We strive to make the lives of all dogs better through action, advocacy, awareness and education. It is LPDR's goal to identify abandoned, mistreated, or homeless dogs and oversee their treatment and wellbeing while working to find loving owners for those in our care.
Dog Star Rescue, based in Bloomfield CT, has saved the lives of over 6,500 dogs and counting. The mission of Dog Star Rescue is to guide stray, abandoned, shelter, and owner-surrender dogs of all breeds and ages to qualified, caring, lifelong homes. We are a 100% volunteer, non-profit, foster-based rescue.
We are not just a rescue, we are a refuge; a safe haven for dogs from dire backgrounds. We focus on the dogs most in need of saving - those who have been abandoned by their families, the strays, the starving, the injured, the sick, and those in immediate need of help. We take them in, rehabilitate them, provide housing, vetting, training, and extra doses of love. Whether at our facility in Stamford, CT or placed with one of our rescue partners, every dog we commit to is guaranteed love and a beautiful life with the forever family they so deserve.
Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates is a group of volunteer citizens who work together to better the lives of animals. We are committed to impacting animal welfare legislation. We do this by being a voice for the voiceless in the courts and at the Capitol. We seek to raise public awareness regarding the statistical connection between animal abuse and domestic and social violence.
Double Dog Rescue (DDR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by two sisters, Chey Ottoson and Laurie Ottoson Perotti. After rescuing their own dogs from the south, they wanted to do more to save even more dogs. Laurie was already working with Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue when she met Sharon Veronneau. Sharon, too, was a huge fan of Chessies, yet wanted to be part of an all-breed rescue. In turn, Sharon decided to be the third partner to the group. Chey adopted her first dog Lincoln who was a pet surrender, from Laurie. After getting the ‚rescue bug, Chey frequented petfinder and met Lisa Walker and Debbie Ginn. Overall, there have been countless generous leaders in rescue who have taught the sisters the best practices which in turn were integrated into Double Dog Rescue. These are the best practices they instilled in their volunteers, and what has made DDR one of the best in New England. Together, Double Dog Rescue was launched in December 2006.
Welcome to the 2024 Connecticut Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Connecticut chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Connecticut dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Interested in adopting? Fill out an application and one of our volunteer adoption coordinators will be in touch to discuss the dog that you are interested in and make sure that they fit your lifestyle, and you fit theirs!
Discover the Jack Russell Terrier, a breed celebrated for its intelligent and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Jack Russell Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fox hunting and vermin control starting in the 19th century.
Discover the Dalmatian, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, trainable, and loyal nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Dalmatians have their origins in Croatia, where they were initially bred for coaching (running along carriages), guarding, and hunting starting in the 16th century.
Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Albuquerque? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in Duke City.
44.5 percent of all American households share life with a canine companion. Pet professionals like dog trainers, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists are more important than ever as our modern society becomes increasingly difficult for four-legged friends to navigate—dog reactivity, anxiety, and general stress from lack of proper enrichment are on the rise in domestic dogs.
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.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a 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.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.