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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dachshunds and Friends Rescue

Dachshunds and Friends Rescue is committed to finding forever and foster homes for dogs in the Southern California region, with a primary focus on Dachshunds while welcoming other small breeds with open arms. In 2017, Cheryl founded Dachshunds and Friends Rescue, driven by her journey from losing her beloved Dachshund, Sophie, to discovering Mia, igniting her passion for helping dogs in need. Cheryl's unwavering dedication and experience then led to the establishment of her own rescue, Dachshunds and Friends.

Love At First Mutt

Basset Rescue Network at DaphneyLand

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.

Live Love Animal Rescue

Live Love Animal Rescue’s mission is to save homeless animals by providing them a lifelong commitment to their well-being. We take in dogs from all situations and often find ourselves rescuing the most extreme behavior and medical cases. Live Love Animal Rescue is dedicated to ensuring these dogs are healed and brought to the greatest possible quality of life and placed in loving, responsible, committed foster and then permanent homes. While in the care of foster homes, all dogs are healed, spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, and receive behavioral training as needed prior to adoption. The ultimate goal is to find our rescued dogs a forever home of their own and for those that are too ill, they will remain in our rescue family as Forever Fosters and be cherished for all of their days. We partner with local rescues, the shelter and city government to develop a network of volunteers and supporters that can transform Long Beach into a no-kill city for all animals. Live Love acts with fiscal responsibility to ensure that we meet our commitments to our rescue dogs. We act with gratitude and respect to our network of volunteers, fosters and supporters that provide countless hours of work, support, and donations. Our rescue board, officers, volunteers and fosters act with courtesy, kindness, and respect as a member of the Long Beach community and greater rescue network.

Earth Angels Rescue

Earth Angels Rescue was born of two sisters, Jessica and Molly, both saddened by the sheer number of pitbulls killed everyday. Molly works out of NYC and Jessica from LA, two cities notorious for killing more pits than most. Their mission is to rescue pit bulls; as well as other dogs overlooked and in need of help; who have entered a shelter through no fault of their own, and to find loving, forever homes for these dogs. Jessica is a renowned makeup artist turned dog trainer. The first dog Jessica rescued was Sam from the Carson shelter. Truth be told, Sam rescued Jessica and opened her heart to the amazing, unconditional love we receive from these animals. Unbeknownst to her, the journey as a rescuer had begun and her life was changed forever. Jessica has a well known reputation as a certified and compassionate trainer both for her fur clients and their parents. Here is the link to her training page. Molly is a flight attendant and a pilot. She began with one rescue pit mix, Daisy in 2001. At the encouragement of Jessica, she became a foster mom to Abby, who at the time, was a one year old throwaway mama pit slated to be killed in NYC. Abby became a member of her family, and started Molly on her journey in rescue. Their primary focus is on pitbulls, the most grossly misunderstood breed of dog, and the dog most likely to never walk out of a shelter, but they are committed to rescuing as many dogs as they can,

Ruff Patches

Real Time Rescue

Real Time Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) volunteer based, animal welfare organization dedicated to assisting people transitioning out of homelessness, as well as those facing economic difficulties that impact their ability to care for their companion animals. We are a small but mighty team of volunteers that are persistently on the streets and in the communities of Los Angeles and The Morongo Basin, building honest and solid relationships with people. We educate them on pet care and provide them with supplies, veterinary and nutritional care for their pets. Reasons for homelessness and poverty vary but we believe that if a person is willing to work towards becoming economically self-sufficient, we will continue to assist them in keeping their beloved animals with them on their journey. On occasion, we will take a dog into our rescue, provided we have a safe foster home for them. We proudly work alongside homeless outreach and housing organizations to help transition individuals and their animals into a more permanent housing solution. We continue to work towards the day when no companion animal is relinquished to a shelter for lack of economic ability.

Rover Ranger Rescue

We will assist owners with unplanned litters of puppies, spay their mother dogs for them, and when possible, the daddy dogs as well. We hope that by promoting awareness to human animal companions, they in turn can help to educate others as to the health and benefits of spaying, neutering, vaccinating, and chipping their pets. We will assist as much as we possibly can in ending the cruelty of people dumping and abandoning thier dogs. Our promise to those dogs: "We will find you, we will help you."

For the Love of Animals Dog and Cat Rescue

For almost 10 years, our goal has been to make a difference in the lives of dogs and cats in need. In return, these dogs and cats and the wonderful people who adopt have made an imprint on our hearts. When you visit FLA at an adoption event, you will see many dogs and cats in need of adoption. We work with all breeds and all ages. Our goal is to match person to pet in a way that compliments temperaments and lifestyles. Here is a brief breakdown of what to expect from our adoption process: • Talk with an FLA representative about a dog or cat. • Fill out a simple, one-page application form. • Agree to a quick yard-check if necessary (to check for a safe perimeter of the yard when adopting a dog). • Fill out adoption paperwork, print an ID tag and take your new family member home! Once you have adopted from FLA, we remain a support system for you. We are here to answer any questions you may have as you bring your new dog or cat into your home.

Rescue Bae

Animals do not have a voice, so I am here to speak up for them. I take in the unwanted, the abandoned, the sick, the injured, the old, and the young, making a promise to each and every one of them that I will find the life they deserve. A life full of unconditional and forever love and care. A life that so many animals haven’t gotten the chance to experience. It is my top priority to find that family that each animal is meant to be with. I do not care how long it takes to find their forever home. I never settle for anything less than the best. I rescue to make a difference in not only animals’ lives, but for those that adopt them. ”Saving one animal will not change the world, but surely for that one animal, their world will change forever.” I am set to change many worlds, one animal at a time.

H.E.L.P. A Home For Every Living Pet

H.E.L.P. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to saving the lives of sick, injured and elderly animals in the Los Angeles City Shelters. We love saving animals – those that remain behind in their cages while others find homes, those with little chance of rescue or adoption. We assist those who choose to adopt these pets in need, knowing that there are medical challenges, by paying an agreed upon percentage of the veterinary costs necessary to care for their new family members. In cases where there is no other option and the dog or cat would be euthanized at the shelter, H.E.L.P. rescues the animal and arranges for medical treatment and foster care. We also have an intervention/outreach program which offers guidance and services to the public when they have nowhere else to turn. Before establishing H.E.L.P. in the late 1990s, our volunteers co-founded the City’s groundbreaking Mobile Adoption Program in 1995 and it was at subsequent MPA’s that we became aware of the serious need for assisting the city’s medical dogs. Responding to that heart-breaking situation, H.E.L.P. became a reality and, in 2001 H.E.L.P. was granted 501c3 non-profit status. We are an all-volunteer organization, and 100% of all donations received will go toward helping animals. Our Community Outreach Program assists pet owners experiencing financial hardship with food and medical assistance so that the pet can stay in the home and out of the shelter.

Pug Nation Rescue of Los Angeles

Pug Nation Rescue of Los Angeles is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and placement of abandoned, neglected, unwanted, displaced, and abused pugs. Every year Pug Nation saves and adopts out hundreds of loving Pugs from the streets of Southern California – thanks to the support of individuals like you. Our goal is to find every homeless pug a forever home; if we cannot do that, we pledge to provide a comfortable and loving place for sick or unwanted pugs to live out their lives.

Pet Rescue Solutions

Pet Rescue Solutions was founded in 2012 and is located in South El Monte, California. We originally sold affordable pet tags to communities in need of identification tags for their pets. Since our name included the word "Rescue," many people believed the idea that we were a rescue for cats and dogs. Adam Melendez, the president of P.R.S., made the decision to turn the pet tag business into a non-profit organization. We received our 501(c)(3) letter on July, 2014 but decided to keep the name Pet Rescue Solutions. Since then, we have saved over 1,500 cats and dogs and found them forever homes. With a productive and dedicated P.R.S. team, we are able tomake a difference in our furry friends' lives.

Infinite Love Animal Rescue

Infinite Love Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue based in Los Angeles. We are dedicated to finding forever homes for abandoned and displaced dogs while educating the public to be more responsible pet owners. Our goal is to help them in every way we can... emotionally, socially, and physically so that the transition into their forever homes will be as smooth as possible.

TREAT Pet Rescue

Rover Rescue

Over 100 dogs are put to sleep in overcrowded Los Angeles area animal shelters every day. Many of these homeless dogs have been abandoned, abused or neglected, without ever knowing the love of a caring human being. Rover Rescue is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 to save as many homeless dogs as we can and place them in permanent and loving homes. We know that somewhere nearby a person or family yearns for one of these special dogs. From the moment we rescue a dog we start changing its life for the better: o Each dog is placed in a caring foster home or boarded until the right owner is found. o During their stay with Rover Rescue, volunteers walk, socialize and give these dogs the loving care they need. o Injured or sick dogs are given proper medical attention. o Dogs are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and even given “beauty makeovers”. o We make a special effort to match prospective owners with the right dog during the adoption process to make sure each of our dogs will never become homeless again. And we help educate new owners on the proper care of their new best friends. In addition, Rover Rescue works hard in our community to reduce animal overpopulation and increase vital awareness about responsible pet ownership. We actively support spaying and neutering of all companion dogs and offer spay/neuter financial assistance to low-income families.

American Bullmastiff Rescue

The American Bullmastiff Association is the AKC recognized breed club for the bullmastiff. ABA members are dedicated to the education, training, care and overall well-being of the bullmastiff. The membership community includes experts with decades of experience and new members with their first bullmastiff all with the common goal of protecting and preserving the breed.

Miniature Schnauzers & Friends Rescue

Miniature Schnauzers & Friends Rescue is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit pet rescue organization based in the Los Angeles South Bay area. We are a small group who has been rescuing dogs, primarily miniature schnauzers in our community since 1998. We rescue and place approximately 100 dogs per year. We are an independent rescue organization and are not affiliated with any breed club or any other rescue organization, we have our own adoption policies and procedures. We do not have a kennel, our dogs are either in foster care or boarding situations until we find them loving permanent homes. We are a small organization and handle a limited number of dogs... while we know we aren't making even the slightest dent in the number of homeless dogs, we know we are make all the difference to the ones that we are able to save. Most of the dogs we get come from the Los Angeles area shelters but we sometimes take in owner surrenders as space permits. Although we specialize in Miniature Schnauzers, we will usually have dogs of other various breeds and mixes available for adoption. Please note that we are not a source to get purebred puppies as purebred puppies in rescue are very rare.

Brunos Foundation

Brunos Foundation. We are a 501c3, non-profit rescue organization located in Lincoln, CA. Brunos Foundation was founded in 2020, after the passing of a very special boy, Bruno. Kristina, the founder, adopted Bruno at 8 weeks of age from a shelter. He was her first rescue dog, and her best friend throughout her 20s and beyond. He was a wonderful foster brother to many fosters, dogs and cats included. Our Founder Kristina founded this rescue in 2020 after the passing of her beloved best friend, Bruno. Her passion for animals started at a very young age. She became a shelter volunteer at just 9 years old, and by 16, she was fostering dogs while working at a pet store. She went on to be a vet tech for many years and now her compassion reaches across the state of California, as she pulls at-risk dogs and puppies from euthanasia lists at overcrowded shelters. Bruno was one of those dogs and was her first dog that she adopted. In his honor, she has been able to save the lives of hundreds of dogs thanks to the volunteers, adopters, fosters, and sponsors that have donated their time, money and services to our cause.

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

Noah's Bark Dog Rescue

Noah’s Bark is determined to do all that we can to fight against the great tragedy that is taking place on a daily basis in the animal shelters of the greater Los Angeles area. In these shelters alone, an average of 475 defenseless animals have their lives taken away from them, or as the shelters like to put it, they are “humanely euthanized”, every single day. As terrible as this is, we cannot put the blame solely on the shelters. The fact of the matter is that we have a pet overpopulation problem, and there are just not enough people out there willing to give these animals a chance to be their best friend and the loving companion that these animals would love the opportunity to become. Our goal is to help provide as many of these animals with the second chance on life that they deserve. Though we are a small organization, we save as many dogs and cats as we possibly can. Quite often, these animals are rescued within hours of their pending demise. Once they are in our care, we provide these lucky few with the medical care that they may need, and we place them with loving foster families. The foster family cares for their new friend while a loving and responsible owner is carefully searched for. While in our care, the animal will be spayed or neutered, because we strongly feel that this is the only true solution to the pet overpopulation problem. Since we cannot save 475 animals a day, we find it to be our duty to help educate the public on how to be responsible pet owners and on the importance of spaying and neutering. As tempting as it may be to breed your purebred dog or cat, please be aware that over 25% of the animals in shelters are purebreds. If there are still any disbelievers out there that think that animal shelters are “adoption centers”, please take a moment to click on the following link, which will take you to a site called "The Fate of a Shelter Dog". This site shows the process a dog goes through in an Atlanta shelter. Though this is from an Atlanta shelter, it is representative of shelters all over the country. Please help us in our fight. As stated before, we are few in number, so the more of you that help us in this battle, the more loving and deserving pets we can save.

Bichons and Buddies

Bichons and Buddies has been dedicated to the rescue of homeless and unwanted Bichons, Bichon mixes and other small dog breeds since 2004, ensuring they are placed in a forever home that will provide them with the love and care they deserve. I started rescuing dogs 14 years ago after I found a sweet little bichon who I later found out had been tossed out of a car. Although we've come a long way with public awareness of our homeless dog crisis, not much has changed in terms of the staggering numbers of innocent lives that are killed every day due to lack of space in the multitudes of shelters across Southern California. Bichons and Buddies has placed over 3,000 dogs in the last 14 years. Our only financial support comes from donations and every penny goes to the staggering costs of vet care, temporary housing, grooming and supplies. In addition to doing local adoptions, we work with rescue partners in Canada where small dogs are hard to come by (Canadians are much more responsible when it comes to spay/neuter) and the demand is high, even for seniors and dogs with manageable medical issues. This allows us to save even more dogs, and specifically ones that are discarded by our society for being too old or having a medical problem.