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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4 Paws Kiddo Rescue

We started 4 Paws Kiddo Rescue in 2018 after decades of working in several different aspects of Animal Rescue as transporters, caretakers, volunteers and whatever other ways we found to contribute to the needs of animals as we saw them. Among the primary purposes of 4 Paws Kiddo Rescue is to help dogs in need of socialization and medical care get assistance and care, and then help them to find healthy permanent homes. Secondarily it’s to find dogs in need of homes and match them up with people looking for specific types of dogs. While our main focus is on small to medium sized dogs, we’ve also been able to place large dogs with appropriate new owners as well. At times we’ve even been able to find homes for cats. A lot of our energy is focused on injured and at-risk dogs who need some extra physical or psychological care. We regularly take in dogs with severe physical injuries, lingering illnesses and age related diseases. We also spend a lot of time helping dogs with socialization issues learn how to trust people, other dogs and unfamiliar living situations. The work can be taxing and financially difficult, and it requires an extensive amount of time and occasionally staggering amounts of money, so all of our time is volunteered and a great deal of fund raising is always a high priority need. Nonetheless we believe that all the work, time and money is exceedingly rewarding as we’ve managed to place large numbers of animals into good homes and saved many many dogs that were otherwise faced with sad and unhappy endings. While the goal of the Rescue is to place all the animals into good homes, if a dog we rescue can’t find a placement, they’re never given up for lost. We host a large number of animals in our homes and will do so for the rest of the animals’ lives if necessary. For it’s not only a moral imperative, but a great source of joy.

WishBone Dog Rescue

Christine is a dedicated advocate for canines in distress! As a committed parent, canine rescuer, and the esteemed founder of WishBone Dog Rescue, she is steadfastly devoted to the noble cause of securing affectionate homes for countless dogs. From the tireless facilitation of optimal pairings between dogs and their ideal families to assisting clients in discovering their dream homes, Christine's fervor is centered on fostering meaningful connections. We invite you to join us in commemorating her outstanding commitment and profound influence within the realm of dog rescue.

Grand-paws Senior Sanctuary

Real Good Rescue

Founder, Terah Gisolo is West Texas raised, now rooted in Los Angeles, California and never without a (wo)man’s best friend. After spending her entire life surrounded by dogs, Terah was introduced to the world of rescue by her sister, more than two decades ago. Inspired by dogs in need, Terah dedicated years volunteering for numerous rescue groups in Texas, New York, Georgia and California and has personally fostered more than 100 dogs. Her obsession and passion for dogs has only picked up momentum over the years, thus, Real Good was born. Real Good has been and will always be about the dogs. From responsible and transparent rescue practices, to community support, to the Real Good Shop; all that we do is well, REAL GOOD. When you shop Real Good, your dollars make a difference. Every dollar that is donated or comes in through the shop supports Real Good Rescue and the work that we do. After all, your financial support is a vast part in giving these dogs the care and support that they need and deserve to set them up for success. In case you’re still wondering, any friend of a dog is a friend of ours; we mean it when we say we love dogs FOR REAL. Thank you for your generous support and helping us save lives.

Much Love Animal Rescue

Halfway To Home Dog Rescue

Halfway to Home was started in 2001 by Suzanne Poth, a retired social worker for Los Angeles County Department of Children's Services Emergency Response Unit. A long-time advocate for dogs, she hoped to address the extreme quantity of homeless and displaced dogs in the Antelope Valley. And plus, she was pretty good at rescuing the helpless. Suzanne started the rescue in her home, picking up stray dogs, getting them spayed or neutered and then placing them in homes via ads she ran in the Penny Saver. She continued to do this successfully, eventually forming a 501c3 non profit and in 2003 Halfway To Home was officially born. For several years Suzanne would load up her station wagon and drive a bunch of happy dogs near and far to participate in various adoptions. She landed at Petco for a few years before finding a spot at the West Palmdale Petsmart, which she maintained with much success from 2007 to 2018, adopting out 5,927 dogs in those 11 years. Suzanne found a large amount of property to house the increasing number of dogs she and her volunteers were rescuing. Over the years the five acre property has been developed to accommodate 75 dogs. Through donations and fund raising she has been able to create climate controlled environments where up to 50 dogs can find shelter from the heat and cold characteristic of the Antelope Valley. The remaining outdoor kennels are outfitted with permanent shade covers, sand, concrete, a mist system, doggy doors, doggy pools and Igloo dog houses.

Pryor's Planet

Pryor's Planet is dedicated to helping grassroots efforts in saving lives, providing sanctuary and making the world a better place for all creatures. Richard Pryor's love of animals and his fight against injustices go hand in hand. With your donation, his legacy will continue.

Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation - Northern California/Northern Nevada

Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation Inc. is a national club sponsored re-homing service provided for Italian Greyhounds that have been abandoned at animal shelters, taken from abusive homes or surrendered to Rescue due to the death or divorce of the former owner. Occasionally, dogs are turned over to Rescue because the owner can no longer keep the dog and the dog was acquired from a source to which it cannot be returned. Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation Inc. is an 501c3 nonprofit organization, we are an all- volunteer organization that foster these dogs in our homes, we are not a kennel or shelter. Our foster dogs are health and temperament evaluated the dogs are loved and treated as our own dogs. All dogs are taken for a veterinary check-up and when necessary, vaccinations are updated, neutered/spayed and its teeth are cleaned. Each Italian Greyhound is evaluated so that it can be placed in a home suitable to both the dog and the new owner.

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,

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.

Good Dog-Dog Talk Rescue

We are a non-profit organization made up of animal-loving volunteers based in Southern California.

Rescue From The Hart

Rescue From The Hart is a 501c3 Los Angeles dog rescue founded by Annie Hart and her husband - James Hart, after years of advocacy and animal rescue. We have dedicated our lives to saving abandoned and abused animals from local shelters and the streets and ultimately finding them loving forever homes. We provide each of our rescues with top-notch medical and emotional care through trusted vets, trainers and foster homes. We believe that these efforts - coupled with spay/neuter programs and educating the public - are the three key elements to eliminating pet overpopulation problems across the world. The first step to solving any problem is acknowledging that you have one. By sharing the stories of those we save, Rescue From the Hart demonstrates how countless animals are victims of circumstance and thrive when given a second chance - thus inspiring others to join our efforts and effect change.

Furry Canines Rescue

Furry Canines Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Fullerton, California and we are dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of abandoned, abused, and neglected dogs. Founded in 2016, our organization is a small family-owned and operated rescue group. We operate as a foster-based rescue and do not have a facility. Our organization is dedicated to the rescue of dogs of all breeds, but we specialize in the rescue of small dogs.

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.

Paws Of Redemption

Paws of Redemption is a foster based rescue founded by Shelby Leach and ran by her team. Paws focuses on saving dogs and cats, big and small, young and old, no matter the condition. Shelby’s true love is for bulldogs and senior animals. Shelby has been rescuing hundreds of animals since 2016 with Fluff Stuff Rescue, a rescue she co-founded with her sister. The rescue evolved and the sisters decided to split the rescues to each focus on their passions- thus Paws of Redemption being born in 2020. Paws of Redemption is passionate about animal rights, animal cruelty laws, promotion and education of breed misconceptions. Paws of Redemption Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization. We are purely funded by donations.

Pet Adoption Fund

Incorporated in 1983 in the state of California, Pet Adoption Fund (PAF) is proud to be an all breed, private, non-profit, no-kill, Cat & Dog rescue organization and adoption center, located in the city of Canoga Park, Los Angeles county, CA. PAF is staffed primarily by volunteers, and exists solely on donations. Since inception, PAF has helped shelter, rehabilitate, and find happy homes for the thousands of dogs and cats rescued from high kill shelters, and from owners who could no longer care for their companion animals. All of the dogs and cats in our care are spayed or neutered, bathed, microchipped and vaccinated before being placed in their adoptive new homes. Our accomplishments over the years speak volumes, and we contribute our years of success to our highly devoted and loyal supporters and committed volunteers.

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.

Beople's Buddies Animal Rescue

Beople’s Buddies is a boutique animal rescue with a vision to enhance the interconnectivity of animals, humans, and the environment. We begin the rehabilitation process with the abandoned animals we rescue and promote forever homes through compatibility-based placements, so both the animal and pet parent can thrive. All of our buddies reside in foster homes throughout Los Angeles where they begin the healing process and are provided a full circle of care that includes medical treatment, individualized one-on-one attention, socialization, and training. Every time one of our buddies is adopted, we celebrate by dedicating a tree in their honor through Tree People, a local environmental nonprofit. Proceeds directly benefit the planting and care for L.A.’s community and local forests, ensuring a livable and sustainable future for you and your furry family member to enjoy! We care about ALL animals and the environment which is why we promote a vet-approved plant-based lifestyle for our buddies.

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.

Zelda's Foundation for Animals

Zelda's Foundation For Animals is a all-volunteer 501c3 non-profit pet rescue. We are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of pets in need on death-row in local high-kill shelters. We completely depend on private donations to continue our mission of saving more pets. We began our rescue activities in 2005 after volunteering in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina . Initially we registered as Dirty Dog Squad as an official 501c3 nonprofit in 2009. After 10 years of rescue work, we changed the name of our organization to Zelda's Foundation for Animals. In the Los Angeles area, hundreds of dogs and cats are killed in the public shelters every year. We strive to break this vicious cycle and unite these abandoned pets with households that will provide them safe and loving forever homes. We are work hard to match each pet with a home that will meet its specific needs.

Sunny Day Acres

A well-trained dog is a happy dog. There are multiple options for you and your dog at Sunny Day Acres. Every training option is available at beginner to advanced levels, in form of group classes or private lessons. Click on “Training Options” link to check out all our options and choose the one for you. If you require in-home training, we’ll come to you and help with any issue, from counter surfing to barking at the door. Just click on “In-home Training” or “Contact Us” to see rates and schedule an appointment. There’s more! We will soon be enrolling for 2017 classes for people working in the animal field - in rescuing and fostering, as shelter employees, and anyone wanting to learn how to assess and rehabilitate dogs. Additional classes are available to anyone wanting to learn about working with animals. Train and learn at Sunny Day Acre

Southpaw Rescue

Southpaw Rescue is a 501 (c) (3) Southern California animal rescue, focused on San Bernardino and its Mountain Communities, dedicated to partnering with other likeminded organizations and individuals to rescue animals in need; providing foster homes and medical care before ultimately finding them the right forever home. ​ With the hope of one day seeing a world where animal cruelty no longer exists and all animals have a safe home, Southpaw Rescue seeks to work with shelters, individual rescuers and law enforcement to magnify our impact on rescuing animals from abusive and neglectful circumstances.