The Best Phoenix, AZ Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Sky Sanctuary Rescue

Sky Sanctuary specialize in the humane capture and rescue of stray, fearful and injured animals from the streets of Phoenix, Arizona, the surrounding desert areas and local shelters. We often rescue the abandoned, lost and forgotten animals. Fiercely advocating for the animals in our care. Often our animals have extensive and complex medical needs that require a profound level of specialty medical care. Not only do we invest in our animal's physical health, we utilize a trusted group of trainers to build confidence, empower and improve our animal's mental well-being in order to live peaceful, happy lives in family homes. We are very different from other animal rescue organizations. We are "boots on the ground" in our community while passionately fight for the dogs and animals no one else has the courage to take on. We have a knack for finding ourselves in pretty breathtaking scenarios- some call it divine intervention, others call it luck. We live by the mantra "if not me then who?". We are funded solely by public donations through social media. We are grateful for the opportunity to help these animals. We would go to any length to #SAVETHESTREETDOGS

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue

My name is Geri Hormel and I am the founder of Almost There Rescue. What do we do at ATR? We save bitches. No, we don't go around seeking out malicious, unpleasant women and try to convince them to change their ways (although someone should!). We save dogs. Specifically, homeless, pregnant, large-breed dogs. We scoop those gals up from less than ideal situations and give them a place to birth and raise their pups. We work our tails off to give our pups the medical help, enrichment, socialization, and love that they need on their journeys to finding forever homes.

Puppy Luv Animal Rescue

Foster based, all breed, all size dog rescue.

Animal Rescue Friends, Ltd

Animal Rescue Friends, Ltd (ARF) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. Animal Rescue Friends, Ltd is a no-kill, foster based, all-breed dog and cat rescue serving the greater Phoenix, AZ metropolitan area. We are a 100% volunteer-based organization committed to reducing the number of animals euthanized at county shelters by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming homeless pets in the valley of the sun. We believe it serves the animals best to reside in a safe, comforting home environment while awaiting adoption. Thus, our pets reside in private homes where our loving fosters care for them like one of their own until the happy day when these precious pets can be placed with their new forever families. We do not have a facility. You can meet our pets at local adoption events or at a private meet & greet scheduled after your adoption application has been approved. ​ In 2015 ARF extended our outreach to include rescuing dogs in need from Tipton County Tennessee.

Rachel's Rescue

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedidcated to rescuing dogs and puppies as Rachel loved to do Founded June 1, 2023 in her honor

Stealing Hearts Rescue

Stealing Hearts Rescue was founded with the goal of making a difference in the lives of large breed shelter dogs. It is our mission to save the lives of many stronger breed dogs that are often overlooked and provide them with the opportunity to become loved and cherished companions. Stealing Hearts strives to save dogs from euthanasia, dogs that other shelters are unable to adopt including sick, pregnant, nursing moms and breeds of dogs often ignored by our communities. We feel as we educate people about these amazing breeds not only do we save that dog’s life, the new knowledge acquired by the owner is shared and we are able to reach many more. By saving one, we save many.

Alone No More Dog Rescue

Alone No More Dog Rescue was founded in the Fall of 2020 by a group of animal advocates in Maricopa County to assist local shelters inundated with a high volume of stray and surrendered animals. After receiving our 501(c)(3) status in August of 2020, we partnered with MCACC as a New Hope Partner to work with behavioral, medical, and otherwise well-deserving dogs at highest risk of euthanasia. EIN 85-2503276

Desert Dogs Rescue Inc.

Humane Society of Wickenburg

From a humble beginning in 2004, of volunteers taking care of lost and abandoned animals in a few barn stalls in downtown Wickenburg, a dream was born to have a local shelter facility house the animals to provide exceptional care for them. Construction began and the shelter opened in February of 2009. The Humane Society of Wickenburg’s 6,707 square foot facility anticipated that the multi-room plus kennel facility would meet the needs of the community, and that the community would continue to donate generously to the facility’s day-to-day operation. That dream became a reality of those volunteers and is still going strong! The Humane Society of Wickenburg is proud to serve the animals of the community and surrounding rural areas both with shelter space and community services.

Adopt A Dog Rescue

We are a non profit 501c (3) dedicated to rescuing homeless and abandoned animals, primarily dogs from high-kill shelters and owners who can no longer care for them. We put our heart and soul into giving these sweet innocent souls the love and care they deserve until they find their forever homes. We are a volunteer-based non-profit rescue dedicated to dogs and puppies left homeless for whatever reason. Our dogs come from the euthanasia list at MCACC but we accept dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances and those in danger of abuse or neglect. We place dogs in loving, responsible, permanent homes and take considerable care in finding good matches. Animals in our care are spayed or neutered, microchipped, 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.

Cavalier Rescue Foundation

The Cavalier Rescue Foundation of Arizona is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We are a small team of volunteers dedicated to rescuing neglected and/or unwanted Cavaliers and placing them in qualified and loving homes throughout the Valley. All of our Cavaliers are owner turn-ins, breeder surrenders, or rescued from puppy mills. Our mission is to help every beloved Cavalier find a forever home where they will receive the lifelong care and attention they deserve. A majority of our dogs come from puppy mills found throughout the Midwest. A puppy mill is a large scale breeding facility where female dogs churn out puppies for a profit with little to no true care for the health and welfare of the dogs. These dogs are left to live in kennels for their entire lives with minimal human contact. The females are bred every heat starting at 6-10 months of age, and their puppies are sold either locally, online, or at pet stores nationwide. Our rescue is unique in that we often have to pay for our Cavaliers at puppy mill auctions. These events are held in states such as Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma where hundreds of dogs are tagged with a number, listed in a catalog, and one by one brought up to the auction block where they are simply sold to the highest bidder. We concentrate on purchasing Cavaliers from complete kennel sellouts. This means a breeder is selling everything; all their dogs, their buildings, kennels, equipment, etc. The money that we pay the breeder to rescue these Cavaliers will typically go to the person's retirement, and not be reinvested in other dogs. Also, this keeps the Cavaliers that we save from going to other breeders where they will use them again and again as money making machines. Cavaliers are an amazingly resilient breed, and no matter how they are previously treated they learn to trust and love their human companions. Rescued Cavaliers make wonderful pets, and the bond that forms between them and owner is indescribable.

Living the Dream Rescue

Living The Dream Rescue is created and managed by people who care deeply for animals. We don't just want to save them, we love them, and we want to help them find lifelong happiness. Our staff and fosters give endlessly from their own pockets to ensure that our furry friends are cared for and comfortable up to and even post adoption.

Arizona Border Collie Rescue

The purpose and main function of Arizona Border Collie Rescue (AZBCR) is to promote humane treatment through rescue, rehabilitation, education and the re-homing of neglected, abandoned and unwanted Border Collies. Learn about our functions and activities as a rescue organization. These are all the projects and endeavors that we are presently engaged in and that can and will be expanded on in the future. Rescues & Relinquishments We are contacted by private individuals who are no longer able to retain ownership of their dog(s), and provide availability to take possession of those dogs. We canvas state and local shelters and remove those dogs that are at risk of euthanasia. We are also contacted by other rescue organizations seeking help with placements. We do not limit ourselves solely to Arizona, but are also available for nationwide networking. Health Care AZBCR is very health-oriented and we do our best to verify health status of all our dogs. These dogs are rescues and adopters should understand that a complete and verifiable health history is typically unavailable to us (as in the case of stray dogs or shelter dogs). All dogs adopted from AZBCR will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and any dog suffering illness or injury will receive necessary treatment and medication. Our fosters typically provide grooming for the health and comfort of each dog, and necessary treatment is provided for internal and ectopic parasites. Every AZBCR dog wears an ID tag attached to his/her collar while in foster care and we recommend that adopting families keep the tag on the dog. In addition, we microchip every dog and ask that you keep the registration information updated. Transportation Volunteers network to provide means of transport in both emergency and non-emergency situations. This includes retrieval of dogs coming into AZBCR, transport to and from veterinary facilities for medical attention, transport to and from training and socialization activities, and shared travel to meet prospective new families. Foster Homes We advertise and interview for foster homes and guardians for incoming rescues, initiate training programs for new foster families in the appropriate care and handling of the dogs, and arrange meetings between foster care homes and adoption applicants. Counseling and Education We provide counseling on training and behavior to our foster homes, potential homes, new homes and those contacting us regarding placing their dog with us due to problematic behavior. Opening Your Home to a Border Collie If you would like to open your home to a Border Collie rescue, please contact us for information regarding current Border Collies available for Adoption.

Lucky Dog Rescue

Lucky Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals and educating the community on responsible pet ownership. Lucky Dog does not have its own facility. Instead, our dogs stay with temporary fosters and boarding partners while they wait to find their forever home. What makes us very different from other rescues is that we are dedicated to training and what happens after the dog is in his new home. We offer basic obedience raining classes to all our adopters. All our dogs are completely checked over and must be cleared by our vet for adoption. All dogs are altered, fully vaccinated, micro chipped, registered with county had a blood test to make sure we are not missing anything. You can be confident you are adopting a healthy, well adjusted dog from Lucky Dog Rescue. We hold adoption events where you can meet our Lucky Dogs and their foster, but more commonly we arrange private meetings for adopters. Our volunteers are more than just volunteers, and our dogs are more than just dogs. We are a family. And we welcome you to become a part! Lucky Dog Rescue came into existence after one individual (Lisa, founder) started saving one dog at a time back in late March of 2004. It began as a Dalmatian rescue, originally named Dalmatian Station. After seeing so many nice, highly adoptable dogs sitting in concrete cells in the county shelters, being put to sleep when no one came to the rescue, it quickly evolved into an all breed commitment, and we began saving several other breeds and mixes too! We are now a growing group of dog lovers who help all breeds and are committed to giving dogs a second chance at finding a forever home. We function solely on donations and volunteer help. If you’d like to be a part of this fun, growing group of dog lovers, please don’t hesitate to call us or email us with any questions! We’d be happy to have you design your own job description based on your talents and areas of interest. We always need volunteer help! Foster homes are always needed and essential to the foundation of the rescue program. Please consider opening your heart and home to save a homeless dog!

Kira's K9 Rescue

Kira’s K9 Rescue was founded in 2018 as a foster-based, non-profit organization located in Phoenix, Arizona that provides shelter for stray, abandoned, and surrendered dogs, regardless of age, breed or temperament. We focus on rehabilitation in the preparation of finding them suitable and permanent homes; for however long that may take. In addition, we select particular dogs to be trained in becoming therapy / emotional support dogs for special needs children and adults.

Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue

We are a foster based dog rescue for the benefit of the Dogue de Bordeaux in the United States and Canada. Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue was originally founded in 1997 when a female Dogue de Bordeaux, later named Meg was found wandering the streets of New York and taken to a shelter. Since founded, Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue has gone through major changes. We have gone from being a 501(c)7 under the wing of the Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America, to being our own entity registered as Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue, Inc. With 501(c)3 charitable status in 2008. The rescue started as a smaller group of fanciers of the breed and one coordinator that handled a few dozen Dogues a year throughout the United States and Canada, to having hundreds of volunteers and followers who assist on average a hundred Dogues a year. We have grown to have a Board of Directors and Regional Directors each handling their areas of the country. We have established committees to handle different aspects of rescue such as fundraising, events, websites, and social media. Since our conception, we have remained 100% volunteer based and welcome other fanciers to join our team.

Starting Rover Rescue

The Pet Knot

The Pet Knot was forged to combine efforts of like-minded rescues and volunteers humbly striving to make a dent in the urgent pet over-population crisis. Our talents and strategies promote animal adoptions through online, in-store, and boutique-like options for adopters. All animals receive the highest level of medical care and grooming. Animals also receive appropriate adjustment time and basic social skills in foster homes in preparation for a new home environment. We help all animals including seniors, special needs, and those seemingly 'unadoptable' cases and work diligently to place each in the most appropriate permanent home possible no matter how long it takes. We call ourselves The Pet Knot because not only do we connect people with pets, we keep people with pets.

K9 Konnection

K9 Konnection is a 501 (C) (3) Not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the rescue, shelter, re-uniting, and re-homing of dogs in need.K9 Konnection is committed to a “NO KILL” philosophy. In addition, we strive to assist dog owners in being able to properly care for their dogs that prevent them from needing to be removed or surrendered to an Animal Shelter by providing informational resources and a food bank for those struggling financially. If you live in Wickenburg or the surrounding area you probably know some of the individuals currently working at K9 Konnection. Open hours to the public are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or by appointment. On the weekends we are normally at adoption events. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 928-232-2611.

Paw Kindness Animal Rescue and Sanctuary

Paw Kindness is a 501(c)(3), no-kill organization. Our mission is to reduce euthanasia of homeless animals through rescue, adoption and education about responsible pet guardianship.

Community Paws

We have been a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in Buckeye, Arizona since 2014. We are completely dependent upon local volunteers and rescue organizations to foster animals in need. We hold numerous events throughout the year to generate donations to help local animals and individuals in need. ​ One of our proudest achievements is partnering with Chewy.com since 2018 to redistribute pet food deemed unacceptable for resale to animal rescues and charities in need. To date we've provided hundreds of thousands, if not millions of pounds of pet food, one bag at a time.

AZK9 Rescue

Rockstar Rescue

Founded in 2010, Rockstar Rescue is a decompression & recovery facility specializing in dogs with severe injuries or illnesses on euthanasia lists at County shelters. Special focus is also given to dogs exhibiting extreme fear, seniors, and those from hoarding situations. Rockstar's main focus in recovery is the healing of traumas experienced, physically and emotionally. It is our goal to develop an understanding of genetic, biological and environmental factors, along with physical & psychological traumas an animal has experienced. We work to repair & heal through decompression, animal communication and trust building exercises, all in an effort to end the cycle of "returned" for so many dogs that are misunderstood or untreated, resulting in a lifetime spent in the rescue system. Housing small numbers of dogs at any given time, Rockstar Rescue is able to provide a more attentive and concentrated level of rehabilitation and care. This method combined with healthy diets, necessary medications, love, affection and behavior modification, have all proved beneficial to the recovery and re-homing of over 500 dogs-to-date. Our facility is located in the Midtown District of Phoenix, which perfectly situates us to assist the surrounding homeless community with dogs in our area. Free alteration, vaccinations, microchipping and other veterinary services, as well as dog boarding to selected individuals suffering hardship via hospitalization or temporary incarceration, is provided to homeless persons wishing to care for and stay with their loving dogs. Over the years Rockstar Rescue’s hard work has been rewarded, being named a finalist for Rescue Organization of the Year by World Dog Expo, along with our Director being awarded a Phoenix Community Hero Award, and in 2020 Rockstar was nominated for the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Community IMPACT Award. Through it all, Rockstar Rescue is determined to transform each and every dog from abused and neglected victim to “ROCKSTAR”!

Peteys Playground

Mini Mighty Mutts

Mini Mighty Mutts is a nonprofit, 501(C)(3), all volunteer, limited admission small dog rescue organization funded by private donations and adoption fees. We are a group of individuals who are dedicated to rescuing small breed dogs who have been abandoned, abused, neglected or left behind by their former owners. Our belief is that companion animals are living beings who are not merely "pets" but family members. We strive to find homes for them who share this view. We are committed to providing them with a temporary home where they receive veterinary care, including spay or neuter, socialization, exercise, love and good nutrition until their forever home can be found. We do not discriminate against small dogs based on breed or physical disability. Mini Mighty Mutts is a limited admissions rescue. We can only take in as many animals as our foster homes can safely and responsibly care for. We do not euthanize animals to make room for more. We simply stop taking in new animals until we have room. Each homeless dog will remain in our care until he or she finds a new home.

Heart2Heart Animal Rescue

Heart2Heart Animal Rescue is dedicated to lowering the euthanasia rate in Maricopa County by rescuing dogs from the shelters and finding them adoptive homes. Many dogs do not show well when in a shelter, but will often blossom and become a whole different dog when they're no longer in that scary environment. Heart2Heart will give these dogs a chance to shine and show who they really are. Heart2Heart is a foster based rescue, which means the dogs in their care stay in homes and not cages. I believe this helps prepare dogs for their adoptive home by allowing them to learn house manners and introducing them to things they'd never experience in a shelter. Heart2Heart also has limited resources to take in pocket pets and birds to adopt out.

Paw Placement

Paw Placement is a non-profit 501(c)(3), no-kill organization. Our mission is to reduce euthanasia of dogs and cats through rescue, adoption, and education about responsible pet ownership. Paw Placement is an all-breed rescue, which means that we save everything from Pitbulls to Papillons! Our dogs are all in loving foster homes, we don't have a boarding facility. You can rest assured that every one of them is safe and loved until we find the perfect forever home. We know our pups very well, and we do everything we can to make sure they go to a home that is correctly equipped to handle the unique needs of each particular dog.

Pepper's Pals Rescue

“Pepper” is the name lovingly given to the female AmBully adopted by the Langley family in 2013. Never having rescued a dog before, the Langley family were introduced to the world of dog adoption through Pepper. Birth of Advocacy After bringing home Pepper, the Langley family underwent training and research to become well-versed in canine physical/mental health, all-breed advocacy, and rescue dog ownership. Legacy Lives On This little AmBully awakened a love for helping rescue dogs find their forever homes. The need for a foster-backed rescue in the Northwest Phoenix was realized in Pepper’s Pals Rescue.

Rusty's Angels Sanctuary

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe and caring environment for senior and special needs canines. Through rescue, foster, adoption, education and hospice; we create secure nurturing homes for them to live out their twilight years. Most of our rescues come to us because their owner has passed away or has moved into a nursing home situation. As long as the dog is healthy enough to handle a transition into a new home then we do our best to find the perfect forever home. If the dog is not healthy enough then they live out whatever time they have left here at our sanctuary knowing unconditional love until the very end. Our Goals Here at rusty’s angels sanctuary, our purpose is to ensure that senior and special needs canines get the love and respect they deserve. 1. Rescue We house senior and special needs canines that have been displaced from their home until they are adopted or reside at the sanctuary. 2. Foster We build a foster home network to help us rescue and house more senior canines until they find their forever homes. 3. Educate We provide education to the public on the benefits that come with adopting and caring for aging canines. 4. Adopt We find loving homes that will care for senior canines to live out the rest of their lives in the company of other human and animal companions. Rusty was my first rescue, I adopted him at the age of “ancient”. He was pulled from the euthanasia list at the local county pound. He was skin and bones, deaf, going blind, had a mouth full of rotten teeth and so lost and scared. I fostered him for a while and ended up adopting him because I knew no one else would. He taught me that animals don’t deserve to die alone after loving us for all their lives. He is why I want to give these dogs the ending they deserve and have earned. They deserve the unconditional love to the very end that they give to us from the first moment they meet us. I remember what an amazing “mess” Rusty was and how much he loved me because I saved him when no one else would. And I promised him that I would continue to help those just like him live out their twilight years knowing that same feeling.

KD's Husky Rescue AZ

KD’s Husky Rescue AZ was formed in 2022 by a group of dedicated volunteers with 30+ years of combined experience in rescuing abandoned, abused, and neglected huskies. We are dedicated to finding loving homes for these huskies by giving them a second chance at a life well-deserved!