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The Best Portland, ME Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Portland, ME. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.

    Blessed be the Bullies
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/572/e87662edfef6-Logo.jpg
    53 Gayton Rd, Lewiston Maine
    portlandMaineUS
    I adopted a young rescue dog from Blessed Be the Bullies sister rescue, Pulled from the Pits, and have been following Blessed Be The Bullies rescue ever since! These rescues are so positive and caringing. They work so hard to save and find safe homes for so many of these wonderful companions. My next rescue will hopefully come from this rescue (or it's sister)!! We are really fortunate in ME to have such a wonderful channel of people to brings these dogs to safety and love.
  • Blessed be the Bullies Logo

    Blessed be the Bullies

    #116 in United States, #1 in Maine, #4 in Portland

    Portland

    Welcome to our page! We are a 501c3 nonprofit foster based dog rescue located in Maine. We strive to provide more than just a new family member. We provide links to other businesses that support our mission. We provide training tips and how-to on helping your new pet (or even a current one) live their best lives. We have testimonials from some of the wonderful families that we have impacted with our rescue.

    "I adopted a young rescue dog from Blessed Be the Bullies sister rescue, Pulled from the Pits, and have been..."

    nichole s.

    Adoptee, Supporter

    "Blessed be the bullies does so much amazing work for dogs that other shelters would put down. Katie loves them..."

    justin c.

    Supporter


  • Rescue Charlie's Friends
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/574/8e5e95c8baad-Capture.JPG
    90 Road BWoolwich, Maine 04579
    portlandMaineUS
    I have adopted three Britney's and am thank for the rescue centers. One came from Texas,another Missouri,and the third Tennessee. American Britney Rescue was involved in two of the adoptions . I could not find them on the list so i voted for a couple local shelters that does great work.
  • Rescue Charlie's Friends Logo

    Rescue Charlie's Friends

    #266 in United States, #2 in Maine, #7 in Portland

    Portland

    Rescue Charlie's Friends was established in 2018 because we love dogs and want them to have the best life possible. Many dogs lost their homes due to fire, floods or hurricanes. Others have been abandoned, neglected or abused. Whatever the cause, our mission is to rescue them and match them with a loving forever family. Most of our dogs come from high-kill shelters. The shelters do the best they can but due to limited facilities, dogs can't stay long. Dogs must be moved out quickly or be put down. These are Charlie's Friends. These are the dogs that we focus on. We stay in touch with shelters and volunteers in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and elsewhere. We bring the dogs to Maine where Fosters care for them until they are adopted. We rescue as many dogs as we can but we always need more help.

    "I have adopted three Britney's and am thank for the rescue centers. One came from Texas,another Missouri,and the third Tennessee...."

    dale l.

    Fan

    "Three Times the Love, Thanks to Rescue Charlie's Friends! I always knew I wanted to open my heart and home to..."

    ashley f.


  • Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/573/eb117c509376-Capture.JPG
    217 Landing Road Westbrook, Maine 04092
    portlandMaineUS
    Great folks loving up the pets!
  • Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland Logo

    Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland

    #266 in United States, #2 in Maine, #7 in Portland

    Portland

    The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland nurtures the connection between people and pets to advance animal welfare and improve the quality of life in our community.

    "Great folks loving up the pets!"

    jj j.

    Supporter, Fan

    "ARLGP cares so much for every animal that comes their way. Everything from dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, rats,..."

    leah p.

    Volunteer / foster


  • Midcoast Humane
    https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png
    portlandMaineUS
    Midcoast Humane is just the BEST.
  • Midcoast Humane Logo

    Midcoast Humane

    #361 in United States, #4 in Maine, #10 in Portland

    Portland

    "Midcoast Humane is just the BEST."

    amy r.

    Adoptee


  • 3 Dogs Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/576/1805df65c74a-IMG_7006_edited.jpg
    P.O Box 228Suite 228Berwick, ME, 03901
    portlandMaineUS
  • 3 Dogs Rescue Logo

    3 Dogs Rescue

    #600 in United States, #6 in Maine, #12 in Portland

    Portland

    We believe rescue is traumatic and often an overload on an animal who relies heavily upon their senses. No matter what the dog's origin, the past was their home and was what they knew. Rescue pulls the animal from a familiar place, vets, spays and neuters, puts them in vehicles, crates and kennels, and immediately places them in a new environment. Even in the best of circumstances any human or animal would suffer a sensory shock at all this imposed change. Our ultimate goal is to remain conscious of the senses of the dogs as we move them to a better life.


  • Ellie's Legacy Animal Foundation
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/579/c1af1953f780-ELLIE_2_COLOR_CIRLCE_LOGO.png
    portlandMaineUS
  • Ellie's Legacy Animal Foundation Logo

    Ellie's Legacy Animal Foundation

    #600 in United States, #6 in Maine, #12 in Portland

    Portland

    Ellie's Legacy Animal Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-run, foster- based dog rescue organization based out of Southern Maine. Our ability to help dogs and to continue as an organization relies totally on the generosity of public donations. We are passionate about pet adoption and place our rescued animals in responsible, loving, forever adoptive homes. Our area of focus for helping dogs in need is currently Texas. Yes, there are dogs in need of rescue everywhere, but we are drawn to helping Texas dogs due to the sheer numbers of homeless, abused, and neglected animals located in this state. We have been able to build a wonderful network of local Texas rescuers, fosters, veterinarians, and transporters to aid in our rescue. Our dogs are mostly stray animals found by Texas locals, dogs from Texas shelters, and some owner surrenders. We quarantine our dogs a minimum of 30 days in a Texas foster home and give appropriate veterinary care before they are transported to their Maine adoptive homes. We comply with all the health requirements mandated by the State of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.


  • Almost Home Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/577/e7391b2e520a-ba837c_ed7dc0d804d24fab8e32f6aeafec2b02_mv2.jpg
    71 Airport Road Old Town, ME
    portlandMaineUS
  • Almost Home Rescue Logo

    Almost Home Rescue

    #600 in United States, #6 in Maine, #12 in Portland

    Portland

    In 1990, a dedicated group of Old Town/Orono citizens, concerned about the well-being of homeless cats and dogs in their communities, founded The Animal Orphanage. Thousands of lost or abandoned animals have found food, shelter, medical treatment and the comfort of a caring staff at the Orphanage over the years. Every effort is made to reunite the animal with its loving owners or arrange adoption into a new home.


What's the Sniffspot Portland Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Portland, ME Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Portland, ME chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 7 private dog parks in the Portland area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Portland dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list


Sniffspot Portland Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Portland?

There are 7 in Portland. Outside of Portland, there are 0 located in Maine.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Portland?

There are many reputable rescues in Portland, the top 3 on our list are: Blessed be the Bullies, Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, Rescue Charlie's Friends.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Portland?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Portland. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
Blessed Be the Bullies certifies that all dogs that have been imported into the State of Maine will have been tested for heartworm, ehrlichia, Lyme, anaplasmosis and intestinal parasites. They will have received vaccines against the following: Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Infectious Tracheobronchitis, Canine Parvo Virus and Rabies. This may not apply to puppies that were not old enough at time of transport to be tested or given all shots. BBTB is not responsible for other diseases or issues that may arise after the quarantine period, as we have no way of foreseeing or controlling those situations. If adopting a puppy, adopters should be aware that they may be responsible for completing series vaccinations or vaccinations that couldn't be given before the time of adoption due to age. All animals are also treated topically for fleas and ticks, but please keep in mind that it can take up to three weeks to take care of any issues that may be present. In the case of puppies, we may not have been able to treat them due to age. We do our best to prevent the spread of fleas and ticks. Also, in the case of puppies, most under the age of 6 months are likely to have parasites, despite being dewormed. It takes regular deworming to eliminate parasites, so the adopter should plan on getting a fecal test done shortly after adoption to see if there are lasting parasites. As for older dogs, they are required to have a fecal test before transport, but they may need another round of testing and dewormer as well, depending on the life cycle of the eggs, as the test only detects active parasites, so it may take another dose to dispel them all. It is the responsibility of the adopter to provide this care and respective treatment if necessary.

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Portland?

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Portland, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby metro, Miracle German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Maine

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Sniffspot Dog swimming in pool
David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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