The Best Hartford, CT Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Paws New England

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.

Fetching Hearts Rescue

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.

Little Paws Dachshund Rescue

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

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.

All Paws on Deck

About All Paws on Deck All Paws on Deck is a foster-based, all-volunteer dog rescue located in Connecticut. While we specialize in rescuing pregnant dogs, mama dogs, and their puppies-offering them a safe and loving start-we never turn our backs on others in need when we have the space. From seniors to puppies, and from ill to underdogs, we welcome all kinds of pups into our care. We're proud to work closely with animal control and welfare agencies to save lives and help reduce overpopulation. Our dogs come primarily from the South, where shelter conditions are often harsh and overcrowded. Once in our care, every dog lives in a foster home where they receive individualized love, medical care, and preparation for adoption. And we mean it when we say: once an All Paws on Deck dog, always an All Paws on Deck dog. Our commitment doesn't end at adoption-we're here for the dogs and their families for life. Our dogs will never see the streets or the inside of a shelter again. Whether you're ready to adopt, foster, donate, or volunteer, there's a place for you in our pack. 🐾 Learn more and meet our adoptable dogs at www.allpawsondeck.org