The Best Los Angeles, CA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Tofu's Dream World

Tofu’s Dream World is a foster-based dog rescue located in Los AngeleS, CA. We rescue dogs from high-kill shelters throughout California and place them in loving, qualified foster homes until a perfect, forever home is found. All medical care is provided and every dog is vaccinated, rehabilitated, and spayed or neutered before leaving our rescue. Tofu’s Dream World was founded by JEN DODARO, a freelance ART DIRECTOR and animal advocate. After years of volunteering with local rescues and regularly visiting and networking dogs at high-kill shelters, it became evident that the shelter crisis in california is far from over. with tofu’s dream world we will do everything in our power to bring awareness to this crisis, while helping as many dogs as we can in the process.

Paws For Life K9 Rescue

Paws For Life K9 Rescue saves and transforms the lives of animals and people through innovative canine-centered programs that provide purpose, support, and opportunity through the Prison/Re-Entry, People & Pet Innovation Center, First Responder and PTSD Support, Adoptions, Transports, and Vet Tech Program.

Wags & Walks

Wags and Walks is focused on advocating for wrongfully stereotyped bully breeds, medical dogs, and mamas + puppies that are often overlooked and at-risk due to overcrowding. We do not select dogs based on their size, age, or breed. We select our dogs on a case-by-case basis, factoring in our ability to help and their likelihood of thriving when placed in the right home. We know that, like amazing dogs, loving families come in all shapes and sizes. Our goal is to find every pup an adopter whose home, family, and lifestyle are a perfect fit for a lifetime of love and happiness.

LaBelle Foundation

A beacon of hope in the realm of animal welfare. Our foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through responsible pet ownership education, spaying, and neutering initiatives, vaccination advocacy, and comprehensive dog training. We confront the challenges within the rescue community head-on, driven by a resolute mission to put an end to dog homelessness. Aligned with our mission, we champion accessible veterinary care. Our support has extended to sponsoring spay and neuter clinics across California and Mexico, with ongoing plans to broaden our reach. Our unwavering commitment includes partnering with affordable specialty veterinary clinics and addressing the critical need for accessible and affordable care through advocacy and legislation. As we continue to evolve, our unwavering focus remains on the core tenets that define us. Our journey is built upon the principles of rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for dogs, particularly with neonatal orphans needing intensive care, medical/special needs animals, and nursing mother-and-babies. Our foundation stands upon pillars that encompass rescuing animals in need, educating the community on responsible pet care, facilitating forever homes, fostering a supportive community, and prioritizing the overall well-being of animals.

Angel City Pit Bulls

Angel City Pit Bulls is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a better future for pit bulls by promoting their positive image as loving family companions through education, public advocacy, adoptions, and owner support.

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing purebred German Shepherd Dogs that have no where else to turn.

Pasadena Humane

Pasadena Humane is more than an animal shelter; we are a community-supported animal resource center providing compassion and care for all animals. Since 1903, Pasadena Humane has offered lifesaving programs and services for animals and the people who love them in the Greater Los Angeles Area. At our Pasadena campus, we provide shelter, dedicated care and new beginnings for thousands of our community's most vulnerable animals every year. In addition to pet adoptions and foster, we focus on programs and services aimed at helping people care for and keep their pets, such as free and low-cost spay/neuter and vaccines, a pet food pantry, and an animal support call center. In 2022, Pasadena Humane helped nearly 40,000 animals through adoptions, wildlife rehabilitation, lost & found, veterinary services, and surrender prevention assistance.

LIFE Animal Rescue

RockNRoll Rescue

RockNRoll Rescue was established as another resource, another avenue, to save as many of these beautiful animals as possible, and to find them their own forever homes and families. Through advocacy, fund-raising, and rescue events we strive to raise awareness, and create support and long-term care and financing for the rescue itself. Working in conjunction with hi-profile Rock and Roll musicians and personalities, RockNRoll Rescue draws its primary support from the fans of Rock and Roll, and the many colorful bands and entertainers associated with it. Every dog deserves a home and family. No home or family is truly complete without a dog. Our goal is to make this a reality in the world today, and in doing so, make the world a much better place for all.

LA ADOPT

Lost and Found Dogs USA Network

We believe everyone was placed on this earth with a mission to fulfill; ours is to save animals. Founded by Jeanette Portocarrero in 2011, Lost & Found Dogs USA Network is the only rescue center in Kern County, California that participates in active search and rescue by obtaining animals in need from the field. By focusing on all aspects of rescue, we go beyond search and rescue by providing community education, intervention for pet welfare, adoptions, rescue training, pet retention, and more. We live on-site with the dogs we rescue and are committed to the hard work these animals deserve. We are grateful you’ve found us and hope you’ll join us in the movement of changing the face of pet rescue.

Canine Crusaders

Canine Crusaders is an all volunteer, non profit dog rescue organization that was founded for dogs that come from abusive and stray situations. Our goal is to help these wonderful animals find loving homes so that they can have a second chance at life. Our organization does have a shelter, but our goal is to get every one of our dogs into a foster home where they can be with loving families while they wait for their turn to be adopted! Our animals come from stray situations, LA shelters and owner turn ins. We work with our local police department, vet and animal control as well. We get dogs of all sizes and ages, purebred and mix alike. We currently have over 50 dogs that are in dire need of finding loving families. Please help us help the helpless, volunteer, foster or adopt today.

Deaf Dog Rescue of America

The Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles

The Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and forever re-homing of abandoned and homeless Golden Retrievers, no matter how great the need. Thanks to our more than 150 volunteers and generous benefactors, we are dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of Goldens and dogs of all types in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura Counties.

The Dexter Foundation

The Dexter Foundation is a non profit organization dedicated to helping shelter dogs have a second chance at life. We honor a little Boston Terrier named Dexter who was given a second chance. The Dexter Foundation is dedicated to helping shelter dogs and other rescue organizations who adopt misunderstood dogs. We assist owners needing to find homes for their dogs by posting their dogs, screening applicants, and finding them new loving forever homes. We work cooperatively with other rescues and help fund the rescue and care of shelter dogs. We provide a safe haven for abandoned dogs that are passed over. In these difficult economic times, many owners are forced to surrender or abandon their dogs who may need only temporary medical attention. The Dexter Foundation, with your assistance, is able to help save the lives of these otherwise happy, healthy dogs.

Golden Years Dog Sanctuary

Pibbles n Kibbles Animal Rescue

Pibbles N Kibbles is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit animal rescue operating in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas in Southern California. We are a small non-profit rescuer of stray dogs and dogs who are at-risk for being euthanized simply because of overcrowding. Our team picks up dogs in need located between Kern County and Los Angeles County. Once in our care, all dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped. We want the safest and best outcomes for our dogs and because of this we conduct in-home checks for ALL adoptions.

Canine Rescue Connection

One Beagle started the whole ball rolling. Gizmo was a challenge that led to a very fullfilling “career” in rescue. He was my first dog and a great teacher on how to approach dogs and rescue. It is indeed because of my experiences with him that led me on this path. All stages of his life brought more challenges. Puppyhood…Housetraining…Obedience Classes… Behavior Modification…Learning to deal with how smart this dog was…Landing us on the TV show “The Dog Whisperer”…Getting older and more accepting of another dog…Losing a dog to cancer…Learning to accept even more dogs in the pack…and getting even older and succumbing to cancer himself. 14 years worth of trials and tests. I will never forget all the lessons he taught me along the way and have integrated all this experience into every dog that passes through. Everything I do is all in honor of my greatest teacher Gizmo. Out of this “hobby”… a full fledged non-profit organization, Canine Rescue Connection was born. Years of work behind the scenes learning how everything about rescue works have gone into this project. I didn’t wake up one day and say hey I’m a dog rescue! No, it is a continuing learning experience that benefits all parties. The dogs, the rescues, the shelters and people that want to adopt a rescue dog. Each animal brings a new experience and sheds light on the behavior of others. It is why I do what I do…the ultimate goal of saving a life by connecting dogs to rescue and people to rescue dogs.

Orange County Pit Bull Rescue

OCPBR is a passionate group of people whose goal it is to protect and take care of Pit Bulls through education, advocacy, rescue and community outreach. OCPBR seeks to improve the perception of Pit Bull type dogs, promote good ownership through encouraging the treatment of dogs as family members, help keep dogs out of the shelter and in homes, and create more fulfilling relationships between Pit Bulls and their families. ​ In our rescue work, OCPBR rescues Pit Bull type dogs from shelters, abuse, abandonment and other unfortunate situations. Each dog is then placed in a loving foster home where he or she will receive training and be treated as a family member. We are 100% committed to each of our dogs for the long term. Our rescue work doesn't stop when the dog is adopted. We are available as a lifetime resource for adopters and have stepped in to help with medical care, training needs or other things throughout the life of the dog adopted from us. ​ Through our community outreach program, Home Is Where The Pit Is, we work with community members to keep their beloved canine family members happy, healthy, and in their loving homes by helping with vet bills, supplies, and other needs. We also help out the community through our P.I.T. 101 low-cost training classes for Pit Bull type dogs in the Orange County, CA area. As a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on the kindness and generosity of animal lovers like you to help us continue and expand the work that we do. A tremendous thank you from me and the rest of the OCPBR team for making a difference in the lives of the dogs we rescue and for making the world a better, more gentle place for Pit Bull type dogs.

Fur Baby Rescue

Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue

Retrievers and all Retriever mixes who are 50 pounds or more.

Precious Pals Pet Rescue

Precious Pals Pet Rescue is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit rescue organization located in Los Angeles. We are a group of dedicated animal loving volunteers who go above and beyond to change the lives of abandoned and neglected shelter dogs. We are a predominantly a small breed rescue that emphasizes on rescuing medical, special needs and seniors. We spare no costs when it comes to saving a life, and will never put down a dog until all medical interventions have been exhausted and we as a team along with our Veterinarian feel that it's time to let them cross to the Rainbow Bridge. When we say we are in rescue to "Save Lives" that's exactly what we do and that's the promise we give to each or our medical dogs. In 2018 after seeing the plight of the animal rescues in China who take heroic measures to save dogs from the meat trade industry, our hearts went out to a particular group called Slaughterhouse Survivors in Harbin, China. Since our partnership with SHS started, we have rescued over 20 dogs together prior to Covid. We look forward to the opportunity to rescue again with SHS and hope to open our rescue to helping other countries in need of help.

The Rescue Train

The Rescue Train is a unique, 501(c)3 nonprofit, no-kill, animal-welfare organization based in Los Angeles, California. We are a small but mighty group of animal advocates, dedicated to making the world a kinder place for pets and the people who love them. Since our inception in 2004, we have been recognized for our hard work: we labor in the trenches of our city and county shelters, find solutions to pet overpopulation and fight for the rights of animals. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we have saved thousands of animals from suffering and euthanasia. What Makes Us Different We are more than just an animal rescue group: we are problem solvers who think outside the box to relieve animal suffering and make sure animals have a loving and safe place in this world. We’ve been at the forefront in applying innovative ideas to animal welfare, implementing programs such as mobile spay/neuter clinics, shelter intervention and a pet pantry. We collaborate with and support other animal-welfare organizations to achieve our common goals. In 2005 we created an annual fundraiser at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena called Race For The Rescues. This lifesaving event is a fundraising platform for Southern California nonprofit animal-welfare organizations and a mobile adoption event for shelter animals. Many grassroots rescue groups depend on Race For The Rescues to keep their doors open to animals in need. We Believe • We believe animals are sentient beings that do not have a voice. It is our duty to speak for them and prevent them from suffering. • We believe every time we save an animal, there is the possibility that it can make a profound impact on a person’s life. • We believe when an animal comes onto The Rescue Train, we must ensure that it has a good quality of life after it leaves our care.

Pedro Pet Pals

Pedro Pet Pals was founded in 2009 by Theresa Sardisco to support homeless animals through the programs of the City of Los Angeles Harbor Animal Shelter and the SPCA. Donations were received to add a misting system at the Harbor Shelter to keep the dogs cool. When the City announced it would be funding the misting system, donors wanted their money to be used for other efforts to help animals. And so, Pedro Pet Pals was born. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, run by a team of volunteers. Pedro Pet Pals actively raises funds to supports our local animal shelters with supplies, medical equipment, and other items that the city cannot afford. Pedro Pet Pals is also committed to the community by providing spay/neuter programs, and community educational outreach to pet owners. Pedro Pet Pals is not a rescue organization, but we are committed to providing comfort and support to wayward animals in the Los Angeles area. Money raised by Pedro Pet Pals has been used to fund the following: • blood machine • anesthesia machine • kennel beds • leashes and harnesses • dog pools and canopies • dog and cat toys • grooming table and supplies • cat room improvements • cat/kitten health supplies • adoption fee vouchers • spayed and neutered over 900 pit bulls from Watts to San Pedro In addition, Pedro Pet Pals has: • organized a volunteer dog walking program • provided community outreach and education

R&R Animal Rescue

R&R Animal Rescue is a relatively new nonprofit organization. We are a family run rescue, and truly love what we do. Our mission started when we first rescued our two tea cup Maltese baby boys. One of the boys, Rocky, was used in the film industry, and appeared in a TV show. During the filming process, he was severely mistreated, and deeply traumatized. Once we got him into our care, we just fell in love, and he continued living with us for the next eleven years. At roughly the same time, we got another tea cup Maltese boy, Rambo, who was born to a breeder, but had physical differences, making the breeder no longer want him. Rambo was born the smallest, and the last, and he also had out-turned feet, at times, making walking slightly challenging. The boys grew to be a part of our family, and we truly couldn’t imagine our lives without them. After loosing both of them, within two months of each other, Rocky to cancer, and Rambo to a stroke, we were beyond heartbroken. The only thing that came close to mending our hearts, was to saving the lives of other dogs, just like the boys saved our lives. We started this rescue to continue their legacy of love, care, forgiveness, and commitment to the fight for success. We love and dearly miss our beautiful Rocky and Rambo, but we hope that the work we are currently doing is continuing their mission of love.

LA Pets Alive

By promoting adoption in a positive way, we hope to reshape the stigma surrounding shelter pets and animal rescue. LA Pets Alive brings light to the fact that there are a wide variety of animals that end up in shelters through no fault of their own. LA Pets Alive works with passed over animals, traditional underdogs, including seniors and those with special needs, showing that shelter dogs are truly top dogs. LA Pets Alive is an equal opportunity rescue, welcoming all, promoting love, and encouraging the spoiling of our pets. Given the opportunity, rescuing a shelter pet may rescue you!

AGWC Rockin' Rescue

It is incredible how one small idea can grow into something truly special. AGWC, which stands for "Ady Gil World Conservation" is rooted in the belief that every sentient being deserves to live a happy life free of harm and abuse. We rescue animals from horrible situations where they have no hope or care, rehabilitate them, so that they have a brighter future ahead of them. We don't want to see healthy animals being put down in shelters. With a variety of active projects and amazing volunteer & staff, we harness our skills and resources to successfully achieve our goals and find forever homes for hundreds of dogs and cats every year. Since our founding in 2011, we have been able to save many lives in Los Angeles and beyond. Want to take part? Contribute to our work

West End Shelter for Animals

In 1954, the Humane Society of Chaffee Community was formed by a group of residents and later became the West End Shelter for Animals - a no-kill, non-profit organization, which we refer to today as a pet placement and adoption center. Our Facility Our facility provides a comfortable and enriching environment for all of our residents. Cats enjoy free-roaming within our cat building while their rooms are cleaned and they can socialize and explore our enclosed outdoor area, courtesy of the Purrfect Fence company. Each of the 38 feline flats in the cat building features a window and is equipped with furnishings such as cat trees, beds, and toys, ensuring a cozy oasis during their stay awaiting adoption. In our main kennel, 38 individual pens offer both indoor and outdoor areas for our dogs. Outdoor sections are equipped with misters for cooling, providing a comfortable environment. Each morning, dogs are taken to their outdoor pens where they can relax and await adoption. Our Senior Building features 4 flats with air-conditioned interiors and doggy doors leading outside, allowing freedom for our senior residents. Each flat is furnished with a bed and toys to ensure their comfort. The Puppy Building houses 9 indoor kennels that are air-conditioned and protected. Puppies spend their days in outdoor pens where they can play, sunbathe, and relax while their living spaces are maintained. Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce new facilities in the coming year. Our expanded cat building will feature 10 flats with windows, fully furnished with cat trees, beds, and toys, and equipped with heating and air conditioning for the cats' comfort. Similarly, our new dog kennels will offer outdoor runs alongside indoor accommodations.

Rags2Wags Animal Rescue

Rags2Wags a 501c3, all breed, animal rescue founded in 2012 to help eliminate the killing of animals in US shelters, primarily focusing on the high kill shelters of Southern California. We rescue, rehabilitate & re-home animals to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington & Canada. We also work to financially support small local rescues & independent rescuers who work in the trenches on a grass roots level to fight for the health, safety & well being of all animals. It is our belief that the passion, hard work & dedication of the grassroots rescue community will be the united force that will win the war on animal abuse/neglect & will usher in the change necessary to allow the United States to graduate to the respectable doctrine of a No-Kill-Nation.

United Hope for Animals

United Hope for Animals is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization working to end homelessness among companion animals by supporting shelter adoptions and spay/neuter programs. United Hope for Animals works in cooperation with shelters all over Southern California to aid in the rescue and placement of as many animals in need as possible. Our goal is to develop a larger network of people helping to share the animals we photograph in the hopes of more quickly finding them forever homes. United Hope for Animals has teamed up with the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center to help some of the many pets left at the shelter get more visibility through our shelter “glamour” shoots. Our dedicated volunteers include professional photographers, videographers, dog handlers, writers, editors and more. Our goal is to help homeless pets put their best “paw” forward! UHA volunteers also help take the guesswork out of the adoption process. UHA volunteer Adoption Coordinators, who socialize, photograph, and walk the shelter’s homeless dogs, are available to work one-on-one with adopters to match them with a dog whose personality and temperament best fits with their environment and lifestyle. In recent years, UHA has been instrumental in helping other shelters in the LA County system train volunteers to do their own “glamour” shoots and network the animals through a variety of social media outlets. This process raises the animals’ changes of adoption from 50-60% to more than 95%. United Hope for Animals is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization working to end homelessness among companion animals by supporting shelter adoptions and spay/neuter programs. Through our Shelter Support Program, our volunteers photograph and video shelter pets to increase their chances of adoption significantly. Our volunteer Adoption Coordinators help facilitate adoptions of shelter pets by members of the public. We also help rescue companion animals from Los Angeles County shelters and help place them in loving foster homes until they are adopted. United Hope for Animals spends every other Saturday at a Los Angeles County Animal Care Center. Currently we are at the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center. We call these “Glamour Shot Days.” Each Glamour Shot Day, we have a list of animals that the shelter gives us, so we can “network” them. This can be anywhere from 40 to 80 animals each Saturday, including dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles and even guinea pigs, ducks and birds sometimes.