The Best Mesa, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Be Like Josh Foundation

The Be Like Josh foundation is a non profit organization dedicated to the study and advocacy of dogs with neurological disabilities. We are proud to celebrate all abilities on the canine neurological spectrum. It is an honor to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home these exceptional animals, to tell their stories, from rescue to adoption, and every adventure along the way. They serve as ambassadors of our mission, which pushes back against ableism in the veterinary community and promotes true inclusion, for animals and humans alike. Through our work, we share the message that all animals and people, wherever they are on the spectrum of abilities, are worthy of being seen, loved and appreciated.

Ghost Town Dog Rescue

Ghost Town Dog Rescue is an Arizona dog rescue organization based in the city of Mesa. We are a 501(c)(3) organization comprised of a caring team of people who are dedicated to providing the love and care to dogs in need and placing them in loving homes.

Desert Doberman

We are a growing statewide team of 200+ Doberman lovers, veterinarians, dog trainers, foster caregivers, dog walkers, shelter aides, administrators, and adopters who volunteer our time and resources to save fundamentally sound, purebred Doberman Pinschers. We range in age, and we come in all shapes, sizes, and a variety of ethnicities. We don't discriminate on the basis of age, ethnicity, gender identification, race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or sex. We stay focused on our mission. We don't talk politics in any sense, and have built a culture that encourages kind, direct conversations and NO infighting, or back-channeling. We understand that we are all very unique with varied perspectives, yet if we don't support each other, we will place our mission severely at risk. We love to support other Doberman organizations that share our values and operate using compatible procedures. With us, it really is all about the dogs. We are governed by a Board of Directors who set policy and establish procedures for our volunteer staff. In addition, we are assisted by consultants and advisors to the Board who share executive-level experience in veterinary focus, rescue operations, and fundraising.

Arizona Chihuahua Rescue

AZ Chihuahua Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all volunteer organization. Our network consists of experienced rescue people who were previously doing rescue independently and realize the benefits of joining together and combining resources. We believe there is a home for every dog we foster. Some just take a little longer to find. Most dogs spend at least a short time in foster care so we can evaluate their behaviors in a home setting. We can give potential adopters information on how the dog may interact with cats, children, men, women, other dogs, and so on. These are vital components to a good match. We also try to improve potty training skills if they are not already house trained. Our foster homes provide good nutrition and an understanding lap to prepare our dogs for life in a world where fear and starvation are non-existent. Our Purpose • To rescue, rehabilitate and place chihuahuas into stable, loving homes • To educate the public about the responsibilities of chihuahua ownership in an attempt to alleviate the problem of unwanted pets • To build public awareness about the human-animal bond and its benefits to society

Amazing Aussies Lethal White Rescue of Arizona

The term ‘Lethal White’ applies to more than just the Australian Shepherd. Great Danes, Border Collies, Catahoulas, Shelties, Collies, Dachshunds, and any other breed that has the ‘Merle’ gene has the potential to be a Lethal White. Click here for more information and to give you a better understanding of what the term Lethal White means. About Jim and Deana: Jim and Deana have been rescuing Lethal White Aussies for more than a decade. Amazing Aussies was started in 2005 with the help of their rescue partner, Lorraine. Besides the numerous foster dogs currently in their household, they have 3 dogs of their own. Kaile is an Australian Cattle Dog/ Border Collie and their first rescue dog adopted in Salt Lake City, UT from the Humane Society. Maggie is a deaf/blind Australian Shepherd mix. She is responsible for teaching them about Lethal Whites and ultimately starting Amazing Aussies Rescue. Read more about Maggie by clicking here. Chloe is a deaf Australian Shepherd and was adopted from AAWL where she was originally an unclaimed rescue from the Rodeo-Chediski fire zone. Jim and Deana also have Amazing Aussies’ Ambassador Chica as part of their rescue family.

Boxer Luv Rescue

Founded in 1998 by Trish Spencer, Boxer Luv Rescue (BLR) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to Boxers and Boxer mixes in need throughout Arizona. We have saved the lives of more than 10,000 rescue dogs since 1998. Boxer Luv's goal is to find more ways to build our resources, so all the precious lives of this wonderful breed can be rescued in our area, and live on to enhance the lives of loving families. Boxer Luv is an all-volunteer organization that operates solely on private donations and grants from individuals and corporations. The vast majority of dogs in BLR are rehabilitated in foster homes, where they are medically treated, and given time to heal from their physical and emotional wounds before being ready for adoption to qualified families and individuals. All dogs go through a comprehensive medical workup. This includes complete blood work with testing for Valley Fever, Heartworm, Tick Fever, other desert diseases, and more. The rescues are also spayed or neutered and receive all vaccinations before being adopted to a carefully screened, loving "forever" home. Boxer Luv is proud to be a partner of PAC911 of Phoenix.

Cooper's Chance

Cooper's Chance Animal Rescue is a green-focused, 501c3 nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue established in 2006. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home abused and neglected animals. We are dedicated to the welfare of these animals and the delicate ecosystem we share. We save all breeds and focus our efforts on animals in need of extra care. Our rescued pets are placed into loving foster homes and receive one on one attention, complete vet care, training, and socialization. We also work with the community to educate and promote responsible pet care and stewardship for all living things.

Humane Society of Central Arizona

Located in Payson, Arizona the Humane Society of Central Arizona serves Gila County with a geographic area which includes the communities of Pine, Strawberry, Happy Jack, Whispering Pines, Fossil Creek, Rye, Gisela, Star Valley, Christopher Creek, Forest Lakes, and beyond. We also collaborate with animal rescue organizations throughout Arizona and beyond to bring animals together with lost families and to place animals in the best possible forever homes. We currently handle more than 1,000 animals per year but many more must be turned away due to lack of facilities. Each animal who comes to us is evaluated and when possible, healthy animals are held until adopted. Those animals with special needs that are determined to be treatable are cared for until an appropriate home is identified. We strive to ensure that only animals that are non-rehabilitative (serious illness/injury or aggressive to humans) are euthanized. Core Values We respect animals as intelligent beings. We value animals as beings who possess emotions including unconditional love, happiness, joy, fear, sadness and pain. We strive to alleviate suffering of animals. We believe in the abilities of animals to be teachers and healers for their human companions. We consider non-human animals to be partners in our human life journey and strive to develop and implement programs to make our community a more humane place for all.

Apache Junction Animal Control

Apache Junction Animal Control provides services to the residents of Apache Junction such as adoptions, licensing, public outreach and education and many other services. They also provide shelter to cats and dogs that are owner surrendered as well as strays. Animals are available for adoption unless otherwise stated. The Apache Junction Animal Control also protects the public from animal-inflicted injuries by: o Controlling the stray animal population o Providing dog licensing programs o Educating the public about animal behavior, care, and control

Arizona Pug Adoption & Rescue Network

We’re Arizona Pug Adoption and Rescue Network (APARN). We are a a 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization, dedicated to the rescue and placement of the pug breed.

AZ Happy Tails Animal Rescue

In July of 2009 AZ Happy Tails joined together with fellow rescuers on a mission to save a pack of approximately 30 dogs from the Fort McDowell Casino area. By the end of the year AZ Happy Tails had rescued over 80 dogs from there! These are amazing dogs that have had to endure brutal conditions and horrible treatment. Some are slow to trust and fearful of humans but with rehabilitation they have made loyal and loving additions to many families. They are truly thankful to get into safe homes with plenty of food and soft beds to sleep on. AZ Happy Tails will continue to rescue and work with the tribe to promote education and facilitate a low cost spay/neuter program. AZ Happy Tails is also committed to the rescue and placement of stray, abandoned, and e-listed animals throughout the state of Arizona. AZ Happy Tails firmly believes all pets deserve caring and compassionate homes, and the chance to live healthy, happy lives in safe environments. We strive to educate and raise awareness of the importance of animal respect and appreciation. Rescue Description AZ Happy Tails is run entirely through home-based foster providers. Every one of our animals is placed in a home with other animals and humans where they are taught basic skills so they are more successful in their adoptive placements. Our goal is to find the perfect balance for every animal and their potential family.

Paws 4 Life AZ

Paws 4 Life AZ Rescue is a non-profit, no-kill, volunteer dog rescue organization serving the STV, Queen Creek, Florence, Mesa, Apache Junction, Tempe and Phoenix area. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs left homeless for whatever reason – dogs in public shelters where they are at high risk of euthanasia due to pet overpopulation, dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances, and those in danger of abuse or neglect. We place dogs in loving, responsible, committed permanent homes, following a comprehensive adoption process which includes taking considerable care in finding good matches and educating prospective adopters about the responsibilities and costs of bringing a dog into their homes and lives. Animals in our care are spayed or neutered, microchipped and receive all appropriate veterinary care and treatment, and placed in nurturing foster homes while they await placement in their permanent homes. We assist dogs in distress without regard to age, breed or ease of placement. To the extent our finances allow, dogs in the greatest need take priority. We are determined to keep administrative expenses extremely low so that virtually every dollar taken in goes directly to the care of the animals. Our group remains interested in and committed to the welfare of the dog beyond the adoption process. Finally, we strive to work with area shelters and other rescue and humane organizations to develop a network of supporters and volunteers in order to create a better world for homeless pets. We do not have a kennel / shelter type of facility. We believe the most effective and successful way to match families and pets is to foster them in our own homes. Fostering dogs allows us to train the dogs to have good doggie manners and allows us to learn about the dog's personality and character. Ultimately fostering our rescue animals allows us to give potential adopters complete information on the pet's behavior and how well he / she will fit with a family and lifestyle. If you would like to be a foster please let us know.

Follow Your Heart Animal Rescue

Follow Your heart Animal Rescue is a 501(c) (3) organization with a simple mission- saving animals. To us, Follow Your Heart is more than just a name; it is our driven purpose. We are an all foster based rescue in Mesa, Arizona. By foster, we mean that there are loving people who willingly take in these beautiful transient creatures and do their very best to provide them with safety, security and love. We have seven unpaid board members, some of which have full time jobs in addition to their services to the rescue. Throughout our history we have saved thousands of dogs from euthanasia, many of them simply because of their breed, their age, physical disabilities, illnesses or just plain fear. This is the core of why we do what we do. While we openly take in puppies and dogs who are in good shape, our focus is on saving those who are most likely to be thrown away, abandoned and unloved. This organization was founded on the principle that all life is precious and should be given the chance to be loved, cherished and cared for.

Love Connection Dog Rescue

Love Connection Dog Rescue is a 501(c)3 foster-based rescue whose founders have been saving dogs and making loving matches for over ten years. We take in all sizes, ages, and breeds of dogs and puppies and work to make lasting connections to families of all shapes and sizes too. We like to pull dogs in need from the county shelters across Arizona, from the Indian reservations, and dogs that require board and training.

Pound Animals Worth Saving (P.A.W.S.) Fur the Cause

Pound Animals Worth Saving is a 501c3 non-profit charitable corporation. We are dedicated to saving the lives of as many dogs and cats as we can from the county pounds, abusive environments, and owner surrenders. P.A.W.S. (Pound Animals Worth Saving) Fur the Cause was founded in June, 2009 with volunteers from Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC). Many volunteers would transport the MCACC dogs to Kiwanis Park, Tempe to adoption events. After the adoption events, we would bring the adoption money back to MCACC along with dogs that didn’t get adopted. We then pulled our monies together and offered money to rescues to take the dogs that didn’t get adopted. We also marketed those dogs until every single one of them found their forever loving home. By 2010 we started rescuing separately from MCACC, and boarded them at a Northeast Mesa facility. We became a non-profit in 2012 and as of this date we have rescued over 7,000 dogs from Arizona, California, New Mexico and Mexico.