The Best Minneapolis, MN Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Emotional Rescue LLC

Emotional Rescue specializes in homeless dogs that need medical care. We rehabilitate the body, mind and soul of dogs that had no one to care for them.

Warrior Dog Rescue

Warrior Dog rescue is a non-profit organization based in Savage, MN that is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding adoptive homes for dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. We are celebrating our 6th year in rescue and have saved over 3,400 dogs to date. When we reflect on that number we think that each one of those dogs had a foster hero that YES to saving them! We think about all the visits to the vet, the training, the full food bowls, walks, belly rubs, and all the healing that was given to each of them through the love and safety we were able to provide. Knowing that we were able to help them heal and be ready to love their forever family is a blessing beyond compare. Our storybook is filled with all the Warrior Dogs who have come into our lives and forever imprinted on our hearts. The Warrior Dog family continues to save these sweet souls because they all deserve to the know the gift of love and safety. There is still work to be done and by the grace and selflessness of our volunteer and foster teams, along with our generous donors we will continue. There are so many pups even as you read this that are alone and sick, abandoned in kill shelters and on roadsides, living a life filled with fear and abuse. We are steadfast in our commitment to continue to make a difference, one dog at a time.

Northern Lakes Rescue

Our Vision is to be a voice for those who are voiceless. We hear them with our hearts and give them a voice. Looking into the eyes of a rescued animal will speak volumes; watching those eyes light up will have an everlasting impact on you and the rescued animals. We aren't a typical rescue as we don't take in dogs and put them in kennels until they're adopted. All dogs we rescue are placed in loving foster homes that teach them to be the best dog they can be. Our journey doesn't end with adoption, either. We are here for you to support you in integrating your new member into your home, cheer new triumphs, and help with struggles. You don't adopt a dog from us. You adopt a family.

Rescued Pets Are Wonderful

Rescued Pets Are Wonderful is a non-profit, no-kill, volunteer animal rescue organization serving the Twin Cities metro area. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats left homeless for whatever reason ‚focusing on the ones with major medical issues or of senior age. These are the ones that are usually overlooked because they are not ‚highly adoptable. They are also the ones that cost the most to the organizations. We believe they are the most in need of help!

The Rescue Crew

The Rescue Crew is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization that is 100% volunteer operated and foster-based. The Rescue Crew strives to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of companion animals by finding them loving forever homes.

Pet Haven of Minnesota

Pet Haven is Minnesota's very first foster-based rescue. We are dedicated to improving the lives of pets and the people who love them by rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and cats. Every dog and cat lives with a loving foster family until they find families of their own. We provide for all of their needs, high-quality food, the best possible veterinary care, and behavior support for emotional well-being. As individuals, we give the love, compassion, and patience needed to truly change their lives. We are also dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation by supporting spay and neuter efforts, providing resources to people and their pets, and doing the work needed to strengthen the relationships between people and pets, building foundations to last a lifetime.

Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue

We serve the animal community by providing foster homes, medical treatment, and behavioral assessments to Great Danes in need of forever homes.

All Dog Rescue

All Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue group. We work with local shelters, city governments, tribal partners and owner surrenders. All the dogs in our program live in a foster home until they are adopted. Our dogs are fully vetted and spayed/neutered prior to adoption. We commit to our dogs for their lifetime and we will always take our dogs back.

Marshmallow Animal Shelter

Our shelter began in 2006 with Cocoa and her 11 marshmallows. We have gone on to save hundreds of animals each year since.

The Bond Between

The Bond Between is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that focuses on the bond between humans and animals. We were founded in 2009 as Secondhand Hounds. Since then, we have rescued over 29,000 dogs and cats with the help of thousands of fosters, volunteers, and supporters in our community. Our organization has grown from a rescue to a first-in-its-class animal wellbeing organization... now The Bond Between! We continue to provide safe shelter, proper veterinary care, and daily necessities for animals while working hard to help them build a bond with humans. We also focus on supporting the bonds that already exist between people and pets with our pet food shelf, respite foster care program, and focus on social services. We wake up every morning saying YES to connecting people and animals, caring for them, and helping them fill each other's hearts. You can help support us today by donatin

Retrieve aa Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM)

"Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest" (RAGOM) is a non-profit organization based in Minnesota, that specializes in the rescue, fostering, and adoption of Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes. The organization serves the Midwestern region of the United States, including Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Wisconsin. RAGOM works to rescue Golden Retrievers from shelters, commercial breeders, and owners who can no longer care for them. They provide necessary medical care, foster homes, and behavioral rehabilitation as needed before finding suitable forever homes through their adoption program. Founded in 1985, Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest has become one of the largest and most well-known Golden Retriever rescue organizations in the United States. Their mission is to rescue and rehome as many Golden Retrievers as possible while also educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the importance of adopting from shelters and rescue organizations.

Safe Hands Rescue

The Safe House is located in Floyd County, Kentucky and will assist the communities in surrounding counties as well. It will be a safe place to house and care for at-risk homeless pets before they make their way to new lives and families to call their own. Here, animals will receive housing and the care necessary for their physical and emotional well-being. Animals like Truly can't wait another day for your help.

Crossroads Animal Shelter

Crossroads Animal Shelter was established in 1998 and at that time it was strictly foster based. In 2000, after major fundraising efforts we broke ground for a shelter in Buffalo, Minnesota and opened doors to the public in 2002. We have a lobby/reception area for adoptions and veterinary services. And dog and cat visitation rooms. There is also a Cat Colony room that can accommodate up to 12 cats. It also opens up to an airy "catio" space. Our building can house up to 30 dogs/puppies and 60 cats/kittens. In April 2023 we added veterinary services to the public. We offer affordable, quality spay/neuter services, vaccinations, dental and surgical procedures and other wellness needs. Crossroads is proud of our dedicated team of talented and compassionate animal care technicians, veterinary staff, adoption specialists, volunteers, and rescue partners. The work we do each day is often challenging and we are committed to making informed decisions to provide the best possible care for companion animals based on their individual needs and quality of life. We currently employ a staff of 15. Both Crossroads Animal Shelter and Crossroads Veterinary Clinic are registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organizations.

Heading Home K9 Rescue

Heading Home K9 Rescue was started in the Spring of 2011. We are a 501c3, non-profit dog rescue. We receive no government support. We have a soft spot for the dogs that others are most likely to pass over: puppy mills, seniors, big black mixed breeds, heartworm positive dogs, and animals who have been injured. We are 100% volunteer-based. We do not have paid staff or board members. All the money we bring in from donations and adoption fees goes directly back to the dogs. We do not have a central facility, all our dogs are fostered in individual foster homes. Because our dogs live in foster homes rather than a shelter, we know them well and are able to make sure that a perfect match is made between the dog and its new home.

Wags n Whiskers

Formed in 2009, Wags & Whiskers Animal Rescue of MN is a volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals, and educating the community on responsible pet ownership. Wags & Whiskers has no facility or shelter. Instead, all our animals are housed in foster homes while they await their forever homes. With this approach, our foster parents become familiar with the personalities of his or her foster dog or cat and use this familiarity to match our animals to appropriate homes.

Ruff Start Rescue

Ruff Start Rescue is an extraordinary foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit companion animal rescue that radiates compassion and dedication. Our unwavering mission extends beyond borders, reaching communities throughout Minnesota and the southern states plagued by stray pet overpopulation. We fearlessly rescue the voiceless victims of neglect, abandonment, and despair dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and many other critters. Every single day, our tireless efforts are propelled by volunteers, fosters, and supporters who unite as a force of unwavering love, saving thousands of lives.

Save-A-Bull Rescue

We can't thank our volunteers enough for their dedication and hard work that make our organization possible. Without them and the many other volunteers and fosters who work tirelessly to support our mission, we would not be able to save and serve deserving pit bulls. Every single person brings a unique and invaluable contribution to the operation and we would be nowhere without them!

Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota

Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota (STRMN) is an all volunteer organization with a mission to Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Re-Home Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes who are in need of loving homes. We believe every dog should have a second chance, and should be treated as a living creature with respect, dignity and compassion. While our volunteers are located in Minnesota, we are committed to rescuing Shih Tzus from other states as well. As long as we have an available foster home, we will rescue and care for another Shih Tzu. STRMN is a 501c3 charitable, non profit organization. All donations to STRMN are tax deductable and 100% of donations go toward the care and comfort of our rescued dogs.

Minnesota Basset Rescue

Minnesota Basset Rescue (MNBR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog rescue based in Minnesota. Founded in July of 2017, MNBR rehomes dogs from owners who can no longer provide their care and rescues dogs from pounds, shelters, and breeders. As an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue we welcome anyone who loves dogs and wishes to help hounds and hound mixes live a healthy and happy life. Our organization provides safe, loving foster home, proper veterinary care, and daily necessities while working hard to find them a permanent, loving home! Please explore our website or contact us to learn more information about Minnesota Basset Rescue.

Heart of Border Collie Rescue

Heart of a Border Collie Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with foster homes in the Twin Cities and outstate Minnesota. We are dedicated to the rehoming of Border Collies, Border Collie mixes and other herding breeds in need of help in Minnesota, the Dakotas and neighboring states. We provide temporary housing in approved foster homes, proper medical care, training, rehabilitation and education of prospective homes.

Rescue Network

In 2017 I fostered three mangy puppies from a reservation. At an adoption event, I saw their mama, Shasta. My husband was there with me, and I looked at him and said, we need to foster her‚. He proceeded to continue to say, no way. Well I won! We brought Shasta home to foster and I networked her for a couple weeks for someone to adopt. We already had two dogs and two cats, and mind you, Shasta did not like cats. Shortly after Christmas, I said we were adopting her. I have no idea where it came from, but it just happened. After lots of training, Shasta became best friends with our cats and really made our family feel complete. But it didn't end there. I was always very curious on her background. Her puppies were in horrible shape when we fostered them, and she looked like the saddest dog in the world when we got her. I came to find out that she was living outside with her six puppies on a reservation and was a stray that no one claimed. I saw the picture of her and her puppies on the mattress and that was the beginning of what eventually started Rescue Network. I couldn't believe that animals were just living outside like that. I was eager to learn more and help. We started helping the reservation where Shasta was from, and the need was huge. I was doing this with my own bank account, trying to raise money and it just wasn't feasible. In late 2019, we started Rescue Network. We have since grown to help three other reservations and have grown exponentially. I often tell Shasta she is saving so many lives. Without her, I can't say I would have had the motivation to start Rescue Network.

Faerieland Rescue, Inc.

FaerieLand Rescue provides essential care and adoption services to German Shepherds and Corgis. We strive to protect and promote these two breeds. FaerieLand Rescue Inc. is a foster-based rescue located in Minnesota. We welcome purebreds and mixes of German Shepherds and Welsh Corgis, including owner-surrendered, abused, neglected and stray dogs, as well as those from animal control. We educate the public on spaying and neutering of dogs and the importance of vaccinations, training and socialization. All dogs at the rescue are evaluated with the goal of rehabilitation and placement in a FUREVER home. Over 400 dogs have been saved since commencing operations.

Healing Hearts Rescue

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, foster-based rescue located in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota that is 100% funded through adoption fees and donations. We are excited for you to join us on this mission to save the lives of dogs in need. We believe every dog deserves to be loved as true members of a family and are committed to fulfilling that dream one dog at a time!

United Doberman Rescue and Canine Castaways of Minnesota

We are a 501C3 , non-profit animal rescue, based in Minnesota. We believe the need to rescue exists not only on a local basis, but more broadly across the United States and the world. With a passion for dogs and over 40 years working with and loving the Doberman breed specifically, w e can truly say we know Dobermans! Let us help you if you have a Doberman/animal in need of rescue, or if you want to adopt, we can make recommendations for the best dog for your home! United Doberman Rescue's and Canine Castaways of Minnesota mission is to help all homeless, abandoned or neglected Dobermans, Doberman mixes and others in need of rescue, regardless of age or health condition, eliminate suffering to all Dobermans who have been victims of abuse and help them begin the process of healing and finding a permanent forever, loving home through our foster to adopt program. We endeavor to provide breed education to the public and promote responsible pet ownership. All Dobermans that enter our program will be spayed or neutered, vetted and micro-chipped. We are based in Minnesota and offer help to all Dobermans in Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, south to Texas and in many other locations across the US. We believe that the need to rescue exists not only in a local basis in Minnesota, but also more broadly across the United States. The goal of United Doberman Rescue and Canine Castaways of Minnesota is to help all Dobermans in need of rescue, assist all Doberman owners who have to make difficult choices, and offer help to other rescues and shelters that have no room for Dobermans in danger of being homeless. Our operating principles is that the spirit of rescue embraces respect, trust, teamwork, honesty and collaboration to accomplish truly great things.​ Our adoptable rescued dogs live with foster families until they are adopted, learning basic manners of home life, while being nurtured, loved and cared for just like one of our own dogs. UDR rescue dogs also have the BONUS luxury of being boarded when fosters go on vacation, enjoying doggy daycare, playing with other dogs, and even attending formal obedience classes while in foster care! All important skills for rescue dogs who may have never experienced such things in their past life and helps get them socialized in a safe, formal setting.

Midwest Animal Rescue & Services

Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS) is committed to serving both pet and parent, finding homes for animals that were once lost, left behind and forgotten, while bringing harmony and enhancing education in our community. Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS) is a dedicated and passionate group who rescues dogs and cats that are at risk and homeless through no fault of their own. Once in our care, these companion animals are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered. Special attention is provided for those animals that need additional time and medical care before going to a new home. MARS is committed to helping pets in need whenever possible, including all breeds and ages. MARS does not have a shelter facility for boarding. We are a foster-based rescue group that runs on the support and aid of dedicated volunteers and supporters. Our fostered pets live in homes, as family members, receiving all of the love and care they would in an adoptive home, until they are adopted. The adopters gain greater insight into the pets behavior and personality versus interacting with an animal who has been living in a kennel and the pet is more prepared for a loving home life. This helps produce the best match possible for the new families, resulting in a 98% success rate!

Spot's Last Stop

Spot's Last Stop (SLS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit canine rescue located in the Twin Cities. SLS matches local families with homeless canines in need of forever homes by following an adoption process that is easy and fair. Our rescue is made up of a team of dedicated volunteers and fosters who support our mission to save rescue dogs with love and support. Our foster and volunteer networks are considered family, and we all support and encourage one another while sharing the same passion of helping homeless dogs arrive safely to their forever homes.

Tri-County Humane Society

Tri-County Humane Society is an independent, nonprofit animal shelter in St. Cloud, Minnesota, providing quality services to people and animals since 1974.

Last Hope, Inc.

Last Hope, Inc., has been a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization since 1984 dedicated to saving abandoned, unwanted and helpless dogs and cats. Animals received by Last Hope are immediately examined by one of Last Hope's veterinarian partners. Medical care, as needed, is provided before animals are placed in Last Hope's Foster Home Network with volunteers throughout the seven county Minneapolis - St. Paul metro area. All animals available for adoption are spayed or neutered. Until permanently adopted, our animals stay in our volunteer Foster Homes and receive loving foster care. Our volunteers care for sick or injured animals until they are fully recovered. Animals are not available for adoption until they have recovered and are in good health. Last Hope does not believe in destruction of healthy pets. Based only upon Veterinary recommendation, animals suffering from incurable illness or fatal injury are humanely euthanized.

Redemption Road Rescue

Redemption Road Rescue Inc is a foster based, 501 (c)(3), non-profit, no kill rescue located in Minneapolis, MN. We are always looking for foster homes for our animals. If you think you maybe interested in becoming a foster please let us know!

Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue

Founded in 2009. We are an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit dog rescue. All of our dogs live in individual foster homes, we do not have a physical location.