This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Rhode Island. 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.
#266 in United States, #1 in Rhode Island
Great Dane
Great Dane Rescue of New England, Incorporated is a diverse, volunteer group of experienced Great Dane owners who united in March 2013 to more effectively assist Great Danes in need, as well as the families who surrender, foster and adopt them. GDRNE is tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization under of the Internal Revenue Code.
"7 adoptions with great support"
— roger a.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"We've adopted 3 wonderful Danes that have entered our home as puppies and have grown into treasured members of our..."
— erin w.
Adoptee
#266 in United States, #1 in Rhode Island
The Hotel is an unparalleled animal care facility and adoption center situated in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Complementing our central facility, we maintain foster homes across New England. We constitute a devoted collective of animal enthusiasts dedicated to rescuing creatures facing euthanasia in overcrowded county shelters, as well as abandoned animals, litters discovered in fields, those enduring inhumane conditions, and other homeless animals in distress. Our primary objective is to provide unwavering care to these rescues until they secure their forever homes. In tandem with our rescue efforts, we are resolute in our commitment to public education on responsible pet care. Every animal under our guardianship undergoes comprehensive vetting and is spayed or neutered, without regard for age, breed, or medical expenses. Notably, The Hotel operates independently, receiving no state funding or government assistance. Our existence is sustained through the generosity of compassionate individuals, fundraising initiatives, and adoption fees. Your support is vital in our collective mission to make a lasting impact in the lives of these deserving animals.
"I foster and am the adoption coordinate for both hotel for homeless dogs and paws ne. GREAT orgs. I wouldn’t..."
— laudine k.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"I've been volunteering with The Hotel for Homeless Dogs since last Fall and have had a great experience with them!..."
— rachel k.
Volunteer / foster, Fan
#361 in United States, #3 in Rhode Island
Rhode Home Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization whose volunteers have many years of rescue experience. Our mission is to identify and rescue all types of dogs from overwhelmed euthanasia shelters and abusive situations and place them in secure, loving homes. We are a foster-based program, consisting of all volunteers, and have decided to branch out on our own in order to fulfill our mission. Prior to a Rhode Home Rescue dog being adopted, each dog undergoes an examination by a veterinarian, is updated on all age appropriate vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and micro chipped. At Rhode Home Rescue we firmly believe that a healthy, well trained dog is the key to the successful integration of a rescued dog and ensures a wonderful, loving companion for years to come.
"I had a very smooth and easy experience adopting my dog!"
— lexi w.
Adoptee
#361 in United States, #3 in Rhode Island
The Potter League for Animals is Rhode Island's go-to animal care and resource center, where we provide shelter, veterinary care, behavior training, spay & neuter, owner assistance programs, humane education, and the opportunity for thousands of animals to find loving homes each year.
"Bunnies buddy's rescues dogs from the horrific meat trade in Asia. I can't think of a better mission so..."
— debbie m.
Supporter, Fan
#600 in United States, #5 in Rhode Island
Wonderful Animals Get Saved (WAGS) is a labor of love! We take in stray, abused and neglected animals with the goal of finding them a loving forever home. We help the animals in our community who have no one to care for them. It started with just a few animals but we now have around 100 dogs and 45 cats that we take care of every day! We also care for many feral cat colonies and trap, neuter, return (TNR) feral cats to reduce the number of kittens born on the streets. One of our many projects - a kitty house. This is a safe shelter for some of the animals who have no home of their own - YET!! Our goal is to build more of these houses to provide these animals a safe place to live. Please contact us if you are willing to contribute to more of these temporary homes - we appreciate your help!
#600 in United States, #5 in Rhode Island
Save One Soul Animal Rescue League (SOSARL) is a non-profit volunteer-driven dog rescue organization based in Rhode Island and serving the Southern New England area. We are dedicated to rescuing homeless, neglected, abandoned and otherwise at-risk dogs that have found themselves in distress, and re-homing them permanently. Our dogs primarily come from overcrowded high-kill shelters in the South and/or our extensive foster home network in the Southern US. Re-homing a dog follows a detailed and extensive adoption process which includes taking the time to help ensure that the dog is a good match for the home, and vice versa. We also provide education for prospective adopters about the responsibilities of, and resources to successfully support, the addition of a dog to their families. Dogs in our care are spayed or neutered and receive all necessary veterinary care and treatment, including shots like rabies and distemper; Dogs will also receive heartworm disease preventatives while they are in our care. We endeavor to promote and support life-saving initiatives that enable responsible pet guardianship while treating each animal and adopter as an individual, as we continue our mission to create a No-Kill Nation.
Welcome to the 2024 Rhode Island Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Rhode Island chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Rhode Island dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
At the Hotel, we try to make the adoption process as streamline and simple as possible. That said, it is still our responsibility to make sure we match these dogs with the right home. We understand at times, that may disappoint some people. That is not our intention, but not every dog is a fit for every home. Please try to understand this during the process. A few things worth noting:Homes with cats. We do not have the means to cat test dogs here at our facility. It is very rare that a dog MIGHT be in foster with a cat. If the dog you are interested in is over 6 months old, please email our adoption team and ask our thoughts prior to you completing an application. We will also note it on their Petfinder profile if they are cat friendly. We will not adopt an untested dog into a home with a cat. Your cat thanks us for this one.If you lease/rent, please check with your landlord/lease prior to completing an application. Most people are unaware of the breed restrictions they have in place. Breed restrictions stink, but we have to follow the rules. We will need a copy of this in writing prior to approval.We do not adopt adult dogs (6+ months old) to homes with children under 13 years old. We just do not have the ability to test our dogs on young children. We refer homes with young children to foster based organizations as these dogs are in homes and they tend to see a bit more than we can in a facility. Please note, this is not about how your children will respond to the dog, but how the dog will respond to children.We do not require a fenced yard as a general rule, but we do for homes on main roads. Most of our dogs are a flight risk.If you complete an application and do not hear from us please check your spam! We find this happens more than we would like.All of that said, thank you for considering one our of dogs in need for your best friend. Please note, once you adopt from the Hotel, you are part of a family. These dogs become a part of each of us. We love photos and updates happy-ever-afters make our days just a bit easier. For additional questions please contact our adoption team at adoptions@HotelforHomelessDogs.com. Lastly, thank you for considering The Hotel for your new companion.
Discover the Jack Russell Terrier, a breed celebrated for its intelligent and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Jack Russell Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fox hunting and vermin control starting in the 19th century.
Discover the Dalmatian, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, trainable, and loyal nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Dalmatians have their origins in Croatia, where they were initially bred for coaching (running along carriages), guarding, and hunting starting in the 16th century.
Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Albuquerque? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in Duke City.
44.5 percent of all American households share life with a canine companion. Pet professionals like dog trainers, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists are more important than ever as our modern society becomes increasingly difficult for four-legged friends to navigate—dog reactivity, anxiety, and general stress from lack of proper enrichment are on the rise in domestic dogs.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.