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.

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.

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.

Pets Return Home

Pets Return Home is a nonprofit organization providing canine behavior modification, training and convalescence support to municipal shelters, animal rescue organizations, and the Verde Valley community. Our mission: Save lives, enrich welfare and build adoptability of homeless animals, drives our every action. ​ Our team has extensive knowledge and hands-on experience working with hundreds of dogs with behavior, training or medical needs. ​ We are located near Clarkdale, AZ on a four-acre ranch bordering national forest, a canyon and the Verde River. Many of the dogs “free-range” on the fenced four-acre parcel. We have a 400 square foot (sq. ft.) medical clinic, six fenced play yards totaling over 4000 sq. ft., a 3000 sq. ft. agility/work yard and a 2100 sq. ft. kennel facility with ten 100 sq. ft. luxury kennels. ​ The location and facility layout enable dogs to socialize, exercise, overcome fears, build confidence & trust and earn adoptable status. ​ We welcome adopters, volunteers and visitors by appointment and are supported primarily through donations. ​ Our Behavior Development Philosophy Pets Return Home primarily accepts dogs with behavior or medical issues from reputable animal rescues, municipal shelters and the Verde Valley community as space permits. These dogs usually are saved from the kill-list at shelters, the unadoptable list for rescues or by owner surrenders. Our work involves ‘resetting the behavior’ of a dog using a variety of methods. We verify recognition of audible and/or hand commands, reinforce known commands and expose the dog to unknown commands. One driving philosophy of our work is that the dog’s new family must work with the dog to earn and build the bond, leadership and respect necessary to keep the dog stable, manageable and part of the family. ​ This is why every family adopting a dog from our facility receives post adoption training and instruction tailored for the dog they have just adopted and has been in our care for weeks, months or even years. ​ Every dog that arrives at our facility is placed in a three-day quarantine. During this time, they see, smell, hear and feel the surrounding environment without fear. The routines of the humans, other dogs and external influences are presented to them without their involvement. This initial observation time allows them to determine the rank of each dog in each pack on the property. In addition, they learn which humans are their primary caregivers and leaders. Likewise, the humans and other dogs on the facility have the opportunity to assess the ‘new student’. This introduction period is paramount to the success of our programs. ​ Pets Return Home currently uses three dog-packs that assist in helping behavior challenged dogs learn canine manners, discover trust, build confidence and implement acceptable behavior patterns. The pack members each have their own contribution to help guide the dog through its behavior growth. Our behavior development experts work with each dog individually and with the packs to increase predictable behavior. ​ After the initial assessment, each dog has continuous assessments to customize the behavior development program. There is no “cookie cutter” approach to behavior development at Pets Return Home. Each dog has a unique program customized to its needs. Socialization, exercise and challenge are other key components of our programs. ​ Each dog is taken off property for 1-5 mile hikes and swims (weather permitting) at least three times a week. The dogs are taken as a pack and individually, depending upon their level of development and needs. We have multiple ‘courage’ courses on the river and cliffs. We challenge the dog in pack and solo outings to help build trust and confidence. This by far is the most visible sign of a dog’s improvement. ​ All of the people handling the dogs have a deep understanding of dogs, their nature, behavior, operant conditioning, classical conditioning, punishers, reinforcers, and much more. We use methods to help dogs in the most humane ways possible, taking into account the dog’s psychological needs and natural ways of learning. We work with the dog so she can learn a new and more instinctual way of behaving.

Arf-Anage Dog Rescue

Peteys Playground

Starting Rover 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.

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.

SOUL An Animal Rescue

Our amazing team of volunteers and fosters are committed to helping animals in our community. Our roots are in the veterinary medicine community and many of our fosters are veterinary students! Think you would be a good addition to our team? See our "Get Involved" page for more information on how to become a foster or volunteer! We are a foster-based organization operated out of Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding cities. We started as a small group of veterinary students with the hopes of offering a few kittens a second chance. We've grown considerably since then, all thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community

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.

AZK9 Rescue

Ruby Ranch Pet Rescue and Sanctuary

It all started with one little old dog... While delivering blankets to the East Maricopa County shelter, I walked past what appeared to be an empty kennel. However upon closer inspection, I noticed a tiny, white, shivering little dog huddled in the corner. Her kennel plaque stated “Stray”, although I couldn’t imagine how this little girl could possibly have gotten lost, as I was pretty sure she was around for the Last Supper. When her stray period was up and no one came for her, I adopted her. Through some intense detective work, I discovered this little girl’s owner had passed away, and my senior friend had celebrated EIGHTEEN birthdays. Wow! She came complete with rotten teeth, a grade 5 heart murmur, and failing kidneys. Despite her poor prognosis, I decided to find a vet who would take a chance and remove those painfully abscessed teeth; amazingly enough she survived the surgery, and was the proud owner of 3 whole teeth. This little angel became known as Ruby and was a regular fixture at adoption events, often being carried around in her little wicker basket. All good things must come to an end, and 10 months after coming into our lives, little Ruby’s heart gave out a few days before her 19th birthday. Although with me for just a short period, it was worth the expense, heartache…as I was able to provide a loving home for my little friend in her golden moments, instead of ending her life in a shelter on a cold cement floor. I have had the pleasure over the years of fostering hundreds of animals including many seniors and those with special needs. I have decided to focus primarily on these wonderful animals…so in honor of little Ruby, Ruby Ranch Pet Rescue and Sanctuary was born. Ruby…the little dog who inspired a revolution

VJ Ranch

VJ Ranch is a quiet, peaceful horse boarding and leasing facility in New River, Arizona. We border the Tonto National Forest for miles of trail riding! We provide a safe and comfortable environment for your horse and all the necessary accommodations for you. We are here to offer a helping hand if one is needed. We are also home to a dog rescue and always have wonderful dogs available for adoption! VJ Ranch is home to a dog rescue as well! We rescue all of our dogs and puppies from shelters when they are in immediate danger of euthanasia. All of our dogs live here at the ranch as part of our family until they find their forever home. We spay/neuter, vaccinate, deworm and microchip all of our dogs and puppies prior to them going home. We also work on housebreaking, crate training and socialization with them. Our goal is to find loving, forever homes for as many homeless animals as we can. Please schedule an appointment to come out and meet the gang.

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.

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.

Paws 4 A Cause AZ

Paws 4 A Cause AZ is a 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer-based organization dedicated to rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters, the streets, abusive environments from the surrounding areas of Central Arizona. We operate through a network of foster homes in the area of Phoenix Arizona and surround cities.

Rescue Street

Since Tiffany Street was kid she has rescued anything from loose dogs to uncaged iguanas. In 2022 she finally made it official (and following her life long passion) by founding Rescue Street in Glendale, AZ in 2022 with her husband Adam. There are so many adoptable dogs and cats that are lost, abandoned, mistreated, and put to sleep that don’t have to be. Rescue Street was founded to rescue and find loving homes for adoptable pets.

Hoof and Paw Rescue Inc

We are a nonprofit 501c3 horse & dog rescue located in Cave Creek, Arizona.

Sunshine Dog Rescue

Sunshine Dog Rescue became a 501(c)(3) non-profit in May 2015. Long before, our passion for dogs encouraged us to help the dogs in our county shelter, so we did.

Help A Dog Smile

Help A Dog Smile is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. We find loving homes for stray dogs and dogs on euthanasia lists at kill shelters throughout the state of Arizona. Have you ever seen a dog running down the street with its tongue hanging out, its body too skinny, and its paws battered? We have too. And we couldn’t turn away. Which is why we started Help A Dog Smile. HADS, as we fondly call it, is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. We find loving homes for stray dogs and dogs on euthanasia lists at kill shelters throughout the state. Once we determine that the animal has no owner (if it is a stray) we place the dog in a boarding facility or foster home where the dog can receive the tender loving care he or she desperately needs. This always requires a veterinary check up, vaccinations, and usually a spay or neuter surgery. Once the animal is healthy, we seek a loving home where he or she can live out their life in happiness.

Medical Animals In Need (M.A.I.N.)

The M.A.I.N. Team is an Arizona based, all volunteer group focused on identifying, transporting, aiding and promoting animals from Arizona shelters who need immediate and often costly medical attention the shelters are unable to provide. M.A.I.N. works very closely with shelters around Arizona. In order for our relationships to stay strong, for the animals, no negativity of any kind will be tolerated on our site. We are seeking positive solutions to the current overpopulation problem we face in Maricopa County.

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

West Valley Animal Rescue

West Valley Animal Rescue is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rescuing, fostering and rehoming the abandoned animals around the valley. With your help, we hope to make a difference in the lives of these wonderful animals. We pull dogs from local shelters and county, as well as owner surrenders and strays. All of our animals are provided with veterinary care including sterilization, vaccination, deworming and microchipping. We help animals in our care find temporary home while being evaluated and eventually place them in their forever home.

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

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.

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!

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.