The Best San Diego, CA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Bunny's Buddies

Bunny's Buddies works tirelessly to save dogs from slaughterhouses, the streets and kill shelters in Asia and the USA.

The Animal Pad

The Animal Pad is a non-profit, all breed dog rescue that focuses on saving dogs from high kill shelters and the streets of Mexico. We get them vet care, place them in foster homes and then find them loving forever families. A few years ago, we turned our attention to the street dogs of Mexico as there is very little help for them. Since then, we have developed a large rescue network in Baja California and we have a sister shelter in Ensenada that we focus on taking dogs from whenever funds allow.

A Way Home For Dogs

We are a free Pet Recovery Service assisting owners on a global scale. We also secure evasive street strays primarily in the San Diego are (occasionally Riverside). If the strays are not claimed at the local shelter systems and are in danger of being euthanized, we become their safety net pending kennel space. We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome when the dogs are ready and safe to do so.

Amazing Strays Rescue

From day one, our goal has been to help all dogs who need it. Big, small, medical cases, senior or puppy; ASR stands by our commitment- Lisa, Our Founder

The Liberty Dog Network

The Liberty Dog Network was established in 2022 and is a small, Southern California based dog rescue. We rely on fosters/people to open their home to care for the dogs we rescue. We provide all medical care and supplies to our fosters, they provide the home and supply the love.

The Barking Lot

Located on 10 acres in San Diego County, we adopt to anywhere in the US and Canada. It's our goal to find an excellent match suited to both you and each of our Temporary Barkers. Having rescued over 9,000 dogs since our inception in 2006, we are primarily volunteer run with a soft spot for the underdogs. Our Temporary Barkers come from all over the world as we have partnerships with Soi Dog Foundation in Thailand, Four Paws in Cambodia/Vietnam and Ark119 in Korea from which we've taken in over 1000 dog meat trade survivors. We also rescue heavily from Mexico where the abandoned dog population is extensive, the neglect is vast and the stories are heart wrenching.

It's The Pits

It's The Pits is a 501c3 canine rescue that coordinates the fostering and adoption of dogs that haven't yet found their permanent home. We specialize in American Staffordshire Terriers (Am Staffs), Staffordshire Bull Terriers ("Staffy's"), and American Pit Bull Terriers, but will do our best to help all breeds, often by referral to other local rescues that specialize in that type of dog. You can find many of these on our links page. We are located in San Diego county, as are all of our foster homes. We work alongside our fosters to give the dogs a temporary and loving home before they are placed into permanent homes. We rescue dogs from various shelters, evaluate them, ensure they are healthy, and then match them with the appropriate family. We take pride in matching the best dog for the individual family that contacts us. We do this by matching the activity level of the dog to the family's needs, as well as making sure that the other pets in the home work well with the new addition to the pack.

Mad Mutts

Our goal is to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation of at-risk dogs from shelters that need a little more time, a more home-like environment, more individualized support, and/or have minor medical issues. So many AMAZING dogs just simply do not thrive or show well in a kennel environment. We aim to help rehabilitate and rehome these dogs with the goal of quality homes over quantity of placements. Our small rescue works with local shelters and rescues in Southern California to network, transport, foster, and adopt.

Tragic to Magic

We are in the Baja California region and see first hand the homeless, hungry, scared and sometimes sick dogs on the streets. We take the animals in and keep the animals in our homes until they are fully vetted and ready to find a new home. We are just 3 people doing the actual rescue so we attempt to operate on a one-in one-put bases. Therefore, we work very hard doing adoption events, networking with other rescues and using social media to find them homes. We have saved over 120 animals in 2017.

Frosted Faces Foundation

FROSTED FACES FOUNDATION IS A 501(C)(3) NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT DELIVERS THE PROMISE OF FAMILY AND QUALITY VETERINARY CARE FOR SENIOR ANIMALS WHOSE LOVE AND LIVES ARE IN JEOPARDY.

Heart of Gold's Shelter

Heart of Gold Legacy was established in December 2005 with the purpose of providing assistance to various organizations that promote the general welfare of animals. Gertrude Sissy, McGill, the benefactress of Heart of Gold Legacy, has given financial contributions to organizations that provide shelter and care to animals before the inception of the foundation. Sissy has been an active supporter of animal welfare all her life. With the help of Teresita Bacani, a long-time friend and business partner, Sissy's vision of helping the animals through the foundation came to fruition. A legacy has been finally fulfilled. To this date, many animal welfare organizations in the United States have benefited from the goodness of the heart of the foundation.

Mutt Scouts

Mutt Scouts is not a breed specific rescue. We're dedicated to saving every dog we can, regardless of age, breed, medical or behavioral needs. We are transparent about our Mutt's needs with fosters and potential adopters to ensure that once a dog becomes a part of our organization, they will know nothing but love and safety for the rest of their lives.

Mission Bay Puppy Rescue

Rescue orphaned puppies, pregnant and their litters. We partner with amazing rescue teams in Bakersfield CA, the San Diego Humane Society and Country Animal Shelters across California as well as others to save as many pups and mamas as possible.

Second Chance Dog Rescue

Second Chance Dog Rescue (SCDR INC, dba Second Chance Dog Rescue) is a non-profit 501c3 (#26-3642128) organizations dedicated to saving homeless dogs. We rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs, primarily from local shelters, as well as dogs surrendered by their owners for various reasons, and dogs from Baja California, Mexico. Once we receive a dog, we provide medical care, including spay and neuter, and any necessary rehabilitation.

San Diego Humane Society

San Diego Humane Society, an open-admission shelter, is creating a more humane world by inspiring compassion and advancing the welfare of animals and people. Our lifesaving safety net has helped San Diego become the largest city in the U.S. to keep healthy and treatable shelter animals from being euthanized. We are a private, independent, nonprofit organization that is not affiliated with any other humane society or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. With campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona and San Diego, we provide animal services for 13 cities within San Diego County. We not only care for more than 40,000 animals in our communities annually, but also share the expertise we have gained through our innovative programs with shelters nationwide so they can save more lives in their communities. While our influence is expanding nationally, our top priority is meeting the needs of San Diego. We provide exceptional care for all animals through world-class veterinary medicine, shelter and most of all: love.

Red Barn Rescue

Red Barn Rescue is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming, abused, neglected, and unwanted animals in San Diego, CA and Baja, Mexico. We also focus on educating the public about the importance of spaying & neutering pets as well as the benefits of adopting a rescue - not only for the lucky animal, but for the adoptive family as well as the community. We partner with approved fosters in our area to provide a loving and caring safe haven until a forever home can be found.

The Heroic Tail

Katie – Founder & Trainer Our founder, Katie, has been rescuing and training dogs her entire adult life. She has always loved working with dogs and takes special interest in dogs who’ve been written off by others due to their behaviors. Several years ago, she began rescuing dogs through her training company, funded solely by her, so that she could use her expertise and her success to rescue dogs in need, who don’t have anyone else to help them. Rescuing dogs has been a passion of hers her whole life, even from childhood, and she wants to ensure that no dog is left behind due to circumstances placed on them by people. Most dogs who struggle with behavioral issues, struggle because of abandonment, lack of structure, and lack of commitment by the people who said they would love them, and then let them down. In her years in this industry, she noticed a flaw in the rescue system as a whole. There is a lack of balanced training for rescue dogs with behavior issues. Offering structure, patience, love, and understanding, even the most severe dogs are almost always able to recover fully and live happy, balanced lives. This is how the idea for The Heroic Tail was born. With her partners, Mirna, a seasoned dog rescue expert, as well as an active-duty US Navy service member, Noah, both who have shown their dedication and love of animals in their own lives, she dreamed of a rescue that could truly help those dogs who have been given up on, and begin to change the rescue world to make sure that no dog is left behind Speaking up and Standing Up for Dogs A Voice for the Voiceless. Mirna – Operations Manager Mirna has been a volunteer coordinator for several nonprofit dog welfare organizations throughout the years. Helping animals has always been a large part of who she is. Animals don’t have voices, so they need our help to speak up and stand up for them. Mirna chose to co-found The Heroic Tail because she saw an opportunity to help the dogs who are listed first on the euthanasia list at high-kill shelters due to behavioral issues. Where many rescues shy away from those types of dogs, Mirna wanted to be the voice for the voiceless, with the understanding that the vast majority of these dogs are absolutely capable of recovery and rehabilitation through training, structure, patience, and love. Mirna is what we call a warrior for animals, so beginning a partnership with a trainer who loves animals above all, and is able to help, is why The Heroic Tail has become a dream come true for all of us.

Passion for Pitties

It all began in 2011 with a beautiful American Pit Bull Terrier named Sage. She was a gorgeous white and fawn girl with the most majestic green eyes and the cutest pink spotted nose. Our founder, Elise, volunteered at the shelter five days a week for 5 hours a day to help the dogs see another day. Sage was a stray who had been living at the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility for over four months. In that time, no one came to adopt her - no one came to rescue her. Elise built a wonderful relationship with Sage and loved her immensely. One day, Elise went in to exercise Sage, but she was missing. Elise frantically searched every kennel, but couldn’t find her anywhere. Could she have finally been adopted? An employee finally told Elise the truth - that Sage’s time was up. The staff had evaluated her behavior and the poor sweetheart had lost some of the softness that she once had with other dogs. Life in a kennel had broken her spirit. Elise’s heart was shattered. The end of Sage’s story was the beginning of ours. Elise swore that her life would not be in vain. American Pit Bull Terriers are our passion and our cause. We advocate tirelessly for bully breeds through education, events, and fundraisers. Now, our main focus is pulling more dogs like Sage from the shelter before their spirits are broken. We believe that any dog can be rehabilitated with positive training, reinforcement, and gentle human touch and guidance. All dogs ask for in return is love and kindness. Pitties are loving, soft, gentle, smart, playful, loyal dogs who long for human companionship and deserve a family to love and be loved by. In honor of Sage, we vow to pull as many dogs into our rescue as possible and: Stop Animals Getting Euthanized Passion for Pitties is a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization. Please consider tax deductible donations to aide us in saving and advocating for bully breed dogs in Southern California and beyond.

The Barking Lot Rescue

We're passionate. We're non-profit. And we're volunteer-run. Since 2010, we've rescued over 5,000 dogs, finding happy homes for abandoned dogs scheduled for euthanasia at other shelters. In November 2016, we started our partnership with Soi Dog Foundation based in Thailand. We've rescued and flown in one group of dogs per month since, all survivors of the illegal dog meat trade.

Greenhill Humane Society SPCA

Greenhill Humane Society has been caring for animals in Lane County since 1944. We operate the only animal shelter within the Eugene/Springfield area. Our programs include animal adoptions; reuniting lost animals with their families; disaster response; crisis care boarding in situations of domestic violence, medical emergencies, and other crisis situations; spay/neuter for free roaming, un-owned community cats; a pet pantry; on-site volunteer opportunities; foster care and humane education. Last year, we had 5356 total shelter and clinic intakes. We made 2581 adoptions into loving homes and had 966 pet reunions for animals. In addition, we provided 1187 cat spay/neuter surgeries to assist cat caregivers in reducing feral cat over-population. Greenhill is a private non-profit and relies on donations for a majority of its budget. The generosity of our local community enables us to provide a high level of care to lost, abandoned, and neglected animals while at the same time helping pet owners in need. Greenhill Humane Society envisions a world in which all animals are treated with compassion and respect.

The Cantu Foundation

In 2020, The Cantu Foundation emerged from the shared passion of its co-founders, Fatima and Jenna. Despite residing on opposite coasts, these two kindred spirits connected through social media, driven by their mutual desire to make a positive impact on the lives of dogs in need. Our foundation derives its name and inspiration from Cantu, an extraordinary rescue pittie who embodied the spirit of resilience. Cantu's unwavering determination to live his best life, despite facing challenges, serves as the cornerstone of our mission. At The Cantu Foundation, our primary goal is to offer a second chance at life to dogs from Baja California and Southern California. We believe that every dog deserves a loving home and an opportunity for a brighter future. Our approach is simple yet impactful. We operate as a fully foster-based rescue organization, sustained by the generosity of donations and the unwavering dedication of our foster families. When a dog enters our care, they receive not only shelter but also the love, attention, and rehabilitation necessary to thrive. Our vision for the future is ambitious but heartfelt. We aspire to establish our very own facility in San Diego, a central hub for our rescue operations. With this facility, we aim to streamline the process of saving dogs and expand our reach, ensuring more dogs find their forever homes.

Pugs N Roses

We rescue and foster pugs, pug mixes and other needy dogs from high kill shelters in Southern California. All of the dogs we save are scheduled to killed due to illness or overcrowding before we save them! Unlike some breed rescue groups, we don’t discriminate against non pure dogs. Though we love pugs, we save pug mixes, and other urgent dogs.

Saving Pets One at a Time

SPOT, Saving Pets One at a Time, is a leading San Diego County all-volunteer rescue organization whose main focus is to save dogs and cats in shelters who are at risk of euthanization and to help other dogs and cats in need as well. Our goal is to save treatable, trainable, manageable and misdiagnosed dog and cats. We rescue them and provide foster homes in order to give them the care, medical, behavior and training, they need until we find them their forever loving homes. Our ultimate wish is for all shelters to be empty ‚ meaning that no animal is abandoned, and no shelter kills one animal to make room for another. We promote and advocate for spay and neuter programs in addition to Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) programs for feral cats.

Save the Dalmatians & Others Canine Rescue

Save the Dalmatians and Other Canine Rescue, Inc. was founded in the late 1990s, and became an official 501(c)(3) charity in 2001. We are dedicated to taking in dogs from shelters, owner relinquish, and through coordination with local authorities. As is indicated in our name, our primary focus is Dalmatians, but we also take in other breeds when possible. We also try to provide a better education about the Dalmatian breed, as not all dogs are right for all people/families.

Fuzzy Feet Dog Rescue

We rescue dogs of all breeds with a strong emphasis on spaying and neutering. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to saving homeless dogs. Once we receive a dog, we provide medical care, including spay and neuter, and any necessary rehabilitation. We pride ourselves on being a rescue group that is flexible and non-breed specific. We operate with a network of volunteers and foster family homes. Because we do not operate out of a shelter or have a facility in which to house our adoptable dogs, we rely heavily on volunteers who lovingly open their hearts and their homes, offering temporary accommodations. Once integrated into one of our foster families, a dog that may have come to us frightened, timid, or otherwise emotionally scarred, will blossom and flourish with the tender loving care it receives there, often within just a few days or weeks. Adoption Events are held every Saturday from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Aero Drive Petsmart at 3396 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123.

Baja Paws Rescue

Thrive Animal Rescue

Thrive Animal Rescue is the brainchild of Cece Durante Bloum and Georgia Spogli. Cece, a lifelong animal lover, equestrian, and founder of Newmarket Farm, sought a way to incorporate her love for animals with her desire to give back to the community. Being a dog lover first and foremost, Cece began finding dogs in shelters for friends who wanted to adopt but could not bear the heartache of searching through shelters to find the right match. Cece realized that shelters are filled with dogs who have been abandoned for reasons having nothing to do with serious health or behavioral issues. Georgia had completed similar rescue work on the East Coast and successfully placed several dogs in the loving homes of friends and associates in the equestrian world. Georgia felt a calling to do more and joined forces with Cece in 2014. They recruited more dog loving friends from the equestrian world, applied for non-profit status, and Thrive Animal Rescue was born! Cece Bloum and Georgia Spogli. A dynamic duo who turned a dream of helping dogs into a reality that has saved thousands of sweet and deserving souls. As of late Thrive Animal Rescue comes to the aid of abandoned and discarded dogs of all breeds, ages and situations. Our goal is to prepare each individual dog for placement in their forever home by providing medical aid, love and support. We consider suitability a vital part of the process of placing a dog in a loving forever home and believe this diminishes the likelihood that a dog will become displaced or rehomed again, thereby reducing the number of viable dogs being euthanized.

Grandma Betty's Animal Rescue

San Diego Animal Sanctuary

Based in San Diego, our aim is to create a loving sanctuary for animals we come across. San Diego Animal Sanctuary shines brightly for its remarkable focus on high-kill animals, tirelessly rescuing dogs at risk of euthanasia. Their dedication transforms despair into hope, showcasing that every life, regardless of circumstances, deserves a chance at love and a forever home.

K9 Connection Pet Adoption

We are a 24/7— 365 rescue even after the adoption. We care for all our babies and want them with the best families and in wonderful and loving homes. We work very hard to get them back on track for our adopters. We deliver solid, healthy dogs. We provide training support to keep your dogs on the straight path. We want success for everyone. We serve San Diego County and other surrounding counties based on an approved adoption contract. All dogs are fully vetted, microchipped and spayed/neutered. Our dogs come with a full adoption kit of supplies. We do a full application and home check at the time of adoption.