Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) is one of Pennsylvania's largest non-profit organizations dedicated to the welfare of animals, pet owners and the community. HARP operates two low-cost, high quality veterinary medical centers. In an average year, over 6,500 animals are treated and more than 7,000 spay and neuter surgeries are performed in these facilities. In addition to caring for domestic animals, the organization remains committed to indigenous species. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is a fully licensed wildlife facility that specializes in caring for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Annually more than 4,000 injured wildlife of over 100 unique species are admitted and treated by the Center. Among them are more than 2,300 mammals, 1,700 birds and over 50 reptiles.
Mission and Vision
Caring for animals, inspiring communities.
Adoption Policy
If you plan to adopt, there are a few basics to bring along with you:A valid form of photo ID (adopters must be 18 years or older)If you rent, we encourage you to talk with your landlord about bringing home a pet. If pets are permitted, verify with your landlord if there are breed or species restrictions.We encourage all individuals who will be in regular contact with your new pet meet before you take the pet home! This includes: children, significant other, and your existing dog (if you're adopting a dog), or your rabbit (if adopting a rabbit).Out-of-state adopters need to obtain a health certificate and to call to confirm that a vet is present to provide one before coming to adopt.Before coming to adopt please check your county's dog licensing requirements.Note: We do not offer cat to cat introductions, nor different species meetings. We will provide you with resources on proper introductions.
"I love what these places do for all of the animals to make their lives better and healthier."
— catherine k.
Fan
"We got our sweet boy from HARP in the summer of 2022. They took such good care of him after his Lyme diagnosis before we adopted him. He hasn't had any symptoms since we brought him home! HARP also provided us with resources and support for his reactivity."
— abby c.
Adoptee
Support this rescue by writing a testimonial.
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Pittsburgh
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...
Your dog's nose is an amazing tool. Did you know they have 40 times the olfactory receptors than humans? Scent training for dogs taps into this superpower,...
It's a cringe-worthy moment every dog owner dreads: your furry friend chowing down on something truly disgusting. If your dog has a penchant for poop, you're...
The shelter ride home goes one of two ways. Your new dog either plasters themselves against the car window, tongue out and tail going like a helicopter, or...
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...
Herding dogs are amazing, intelligent companions. But that also means they need more than just a simple game of fetch. Finding the right toys for herding...
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with the remnants of plush toys? Are you tired of wasting money on "indestructible" dog...
Every dog needs to move, but how much is actually enough? The answer depends on more than just breed. Age, health, and even your own lifestyle all play a...
Ever feel like your dog is restless or bored? They may be getting enough exercise, but still need more. That's where enrichment activities for dogs come in....
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...
If your dog lunges, barks, or loses their mind at the sight of another dog, a stranger, or a bicycle, you’re living with a reactive dog (and you’re far from...
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people—barking, lunging, or growling when they see their triggers? Whether they're a rescue still settling...
Does your dog transform into a barking, lunging tornado the second they spot another dog across the street? You're definitely not alone. According to our...
Does your dog's reactivity make walks stressful? You're not alone. Many dog owners face similar challenges. This guide offers practical advice and support...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The best dog fields in the US offer something that traditional enclosed parks simply can't match: acres of open space where your pup can truly stretch their...
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...
Is your pup giving you those pleading "let me run free" eyes? Whether you're a new dog parent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh adventures, finding the...
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to...
Looking for the perfect dog park? Whether you need a wide-open public space or a private, fenced-in spot, this guide will help you find the best dog parks...
Ready to discover Portland's best dog parks? Whether you're looking for a public park or the unique experience of a private Sniffspot, this guide has you...
The German Shepherd Dog (GSDs) are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and striking appearance. They're also incredibly versatile, excelling as working...
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their...
Golden Retrievers: they're gorgeous, playful, and incredibly popular. But before you welcome one into your home, you need the right golden retriever advice....
Think American Staffordshire Terriers are tough? Think again. While their muscular build might intimidate some, these dogs are known for their playful and...
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is...
Discover the Siberian Husky, a breed celebrated for its curious, intelligent, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, Siberian Huskies were...
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users.
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of...
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of...
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/987/345be8cba348-HARP_digital_logo_horizontal_4ca.jpg){kind=logo}
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bernese-mountain-dog-208092_1280.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_543831754.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shutterstock_494495788-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/shutterstock_237584221-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/shutterstock_705844504.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/shutterstock_1295604073-1-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dogwaterpark.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/shutterstock_174836186.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock_1346929262.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dogexercisecalculatorfeaturedimage.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/bb.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/shutterstock_1091009294.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screen-Shot-2024-05-23-at-9.33.57-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dogreactivitychartfeaturedimage.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shutterstock_523383649.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/a.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_796422001.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/shutterstock-641073763_orig.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sniffspot_infographic_1-01.jpeg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Final-Edit-003-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/good-photo-3_orig.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/sniffspot-28-of-45-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screen-shot-2019-09-19-at-2-01-47-pm_orig.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/N0A9291.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-21-at-6.39.54-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/indoordogparks.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/offleashdogparks.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/vegas.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/portland.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/German-Shepherd-Dog.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-24-at-4.06.05-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-25-at-3.05.09-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/staffy.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-25-at-3.39.43-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/catherine-QMumx6XMJSY-unsplash.jpg)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1282/178507e67e44-MC_logo_square.jpg){kind=logo}
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/931/cef8bbb17769-South_Coast_Humane_Society.png)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/61/30aea3371b69-MainSquare_2.png)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/298/1000035238.jpg)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/814/91cfd62cd986-IMG_1035.jpeg)