The Best Denver, CO 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Mile High Dachshunds Rescue, Inc

Mile High Dachshunds Rescue, affectionately known as Team Doxie, is a group of dedicated volunteers who are all about giving second changes to dachshunds who have found themselves abandoned, in a shelter or relinquished to us. Located in the Denver area, we are non-profit rescue, that matches dachshunds with individuals and families for “happy ever afters” since 2015.

Snow Capped Shepherd Rescue

Snow Capped Shepherd Rescueis a Denver, Colorado based, volunteer-run non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We rescue abandoned, abused, neglected and stray White German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes. We do not have a shelter, instead all of our rescued dogs are housed with caring foster families…a temporary stop on their way to happily-ever-after.

Animal Rescue of the Rockies

Animal Rescue of the Rockies is a 501(c)3 non profit Colorado corporation. Organized in 2003 by a group of friends who wanted to provide an alternative to shelter environments, A.R.R. has served this vision well. We've successfully provided foster homes and subsequent permanent homes to over 10,000 dogs and cats to date. We work with foster homes to give homeless pets the chance to socialize in a home environment. This gives them the advantage of transitioning to their new forever homes much more easily and quickly.

Life is Better Rescue

Everyone who is passionate about rescuing has a story about how they got where they are, or why they do what they do. It is often reflected in the name of the organization – either in dedication to a specific animal that has moved them, or a breed that they are passionate about supporting. You will notice that we are not in the business for one animal, one breed, or one species. We are Life is Better Rescue. The name seems self explanatory – what animal isn’t facing a better life after rescue before euthanasia? For us, it’s not just about saving life – it’s about creating a quality life and making sure that the impact is felt across the board. It’s about spaying and neutering so that we can reduce the adoptable euthanasia population before it starts. It’s about working with municipal shelters to increase transfers so that disease is minimized. It’s about making sure that each rescue has profound meaning for the adopter as much as the adoptee. It’s about giving animals and people the chance to connect and form a lifelong loving relationship. This rescue is not just about preventing needless death. It’s about creating a life worth living. To us, being a rescuer to means more than just saving lives. It means making things better, for the animal as well as the owner. Our goal is simple. We would like to enter the rescue community to serve as many animals as we are able. To have volunteers with the same motivation, who can independently work to save lives and find homes. To give an infrastructure to self-sufficient rescuers so that they can assist as they are able. Most importantly, we want to help teach behavior that helps with permanent adoption. To save animals at any stage and prepare them for a life well lived. To impart the message that for them, life is better, and will only get better from here on out. Financial or in-kind support helps directly with animal care. Life is Better Rescue is an IRS 501(c)(3) recognized charity, and all donations are tax deductible.

Retriever Rescue of Colorado

RROC was created in 2006 by people who had volunteered for years with single-breed rescues and recognized the need for a group that could take any of the retriever breeds. With a shoestring budget and a handful of volunteers, the expectation was that RROC would save about thirty dogs a year. That estimate was shattered within a few months and RROC has saved well over 2000 retrievers and continues to welcome over 200 dogs in need annually.

Longmont Humane Society

Originally a branch of the Boulder County Humane Society, Longmont Humane Society was established as an independent non-profit animal shelter in 1972. What once began as a small shelter established by a compassionate group of individuals has since grown to become a sanctuary dedicated to profound change, firmly devoted to the overall welfare of each animal that passes through our doors. After 10 years in a small facility on the edge of town, it became clear that a new shelter was required to house the ever-increasing need in our community. In 1985 ‚'the dome' shelter building was constructed on land provided by Boulder County, ushering in a new era of care for pets. Longmont Humane Society was even recognized by The American Humane Association (AHA) Standards of Excellence program ‚ one of the few shelters in the nation to receive that honor.

Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue

We are the only PACFA-licensed Cocker Spaniel rescue in Colorado! The Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA) program is dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of animals in pet care. We carefully screen all potential adopters to ensure our rescued dogs go to a safe home. The adoption process starts with submitting an adoption application, followed by a phone interview, checking personal references and a home safety check. After an applicant is approved, we work with the applicant to suggest a dog that meets their preferences, based on personalities and lifestyle for a made-to-last relationship. RMCR is a 501(c)(3) charitable, non-profit organization. All of our rescued cockers and cocker-mixes live in foster homes; we do not place our dogs available for adoption into a kennel or shelter environment. We have foster homes all along I-25 from Albuquerque, NM north to Cheyenne, WY, in addition to Grand Junction, CO and a few more in Kansas and Missouri. We current accept dogs that look like a cocker spaniel or cockapoo from any neighboring state which shares a border with Colorado along with our rescue partners in Kansas and Missouri.

Front Range Freedom Rescue

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.

Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue

Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue was started in 2007 when our founder saw a lab mix on Petfinder that was located in Oklahoma. After a long drive, she found the dog to be covered in fleas and ticks, skinny, and with fresh scars on his ears. She brought the dog back to Colorado and with proper food and medical care and some training, he turned out to be one of the sweetest, happiest, goofiest dogs ever. Today, RMLR consists of a small group of dedicated volunteers that find and re-home local and out of state Labrador Retrievers and Lab Mixes. We all have full time jobs, families and other activities in our lives, but are passionate about trying to save as many dogs as we can. We spend our own time working on the organization, planning to get these dogs out of shelters before they are euthanized, scheduling vet appointments, transporting dogs cross country and processing adoption applications. We find our Labs mostly through shelter volunteers out of state who will alert us to great dogs that don't have a future where they are at. Many of these labs are in High Kill Shelters, that are almost always full because they are in rural areas where the dogs run stray, and have lots of puppies because they have not been altered. We operate based on donations. The adoption fee typically does not cover the cost of getting the dog ready for their new home. If you can donate money, please click on the Donate button above. If you can not donate in the form of money we can always benefit from materials such as collars, leashes, crates/kennels, toys, treats (unopened), and high quality food (unopened). We will gladly take used items that are still in good condition.

EveryHope Rescue

Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue

We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome Great Danes and Dane mixes. We help those that have been abused, abandoned, neglected or through no fault of their current family, just need to find a new forever home.

Summit Dog Rescue

Summit Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer animal rescue organization that has saved the lives of thousands of dogs and kitties since 2009. Every single volunteer gives their time, energy, money, and more to support saving the lives of animals we rescue. SDR's mission is to save the lives of dogs and cats in need, educate the public about humane training methods and provide resources for low cost spay/neuter in underserved areas.