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

Muttville

dogs in good health with wonderful personalities are euthanized. Why? Because they're older, and not considered adoptable. A dog is brought in because he can't jog with his guardian anymore. Or he needs a little time to get up the stairs. Or he's simply not a puppy. In some cases, dogs are moved from loving homes to concrete cages because their guardians have died or simply can't care for them anymore. We reach out to senior dogs at risk, give them the care they need, and find them loving forever homes. If we had our way, no dog would spend their last days in a shelter. There is so much love and joy in these dogs!

Rocket Dog Rescue

Rocket Dog Rescue saves dogs from abuse, neglect, and death at overcrowded shelters and places them in loving homes. We support pet owners in need in our community, and serve as first responders in emergency animal situations and natural disasters. Funded entirely by donations, we are a volunteer-run, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Learn about what we do or apply to adopt a dog in the San Francisco Bay Area

Partners in Animal Care & Compassion

We are a group of former Peninsula Humane Society (PHS) volunteers and animal rescue advocates who have over 40 years combined experience in animal welfare. Having worked extensively with the animals coming into San Mateo County's Coyote Point shelter, we have witnessed first hand the shortcomings of an outdated animal warehousing model. ​ PACC Board Members successfully forced the county to open the $6.6M, FY21-22 San Mateo County Animal Care, Control and Sheltering Services contract for bid - something that had not been done for 69 years, which is illegal. ​ Predictably the county re-awarded the contract to PHS despite a strong and viable alternative application PACC submitted in partnership with Pets in Need. ​ The county is crystal clear in its complacency around PHS's outdated animal sheltering model sending a clear message that mediocrity is worth $6.6M of your taxpayer dollars. If the regular, premature death of healthy, adoptable animals concerns you, join us in being the voice they don't have.

Beyond Rescue

At Beyond Rescue, we’re committed to ensuring that you and your dog are family forever so we're here for you through the entire process. From adoption, to socialization and training, to providing the education and support, we want your household to be comfortable and happy. And if you find yourself facing challenges that might lead to having to give up your dog, we try and offer solutions that hopefully help you keep them. We promise any dog that comes into our care will never end up homeless during their lifetime. Beyond Rescue understands that adopting a dog is where the relationship starts, not where it ends. Our community of dog-loving people goes beyond rescuing dogs—we work to provide a safety net that helps to ensure that adoptive families have the ongoing support, education, and services they need to keep their dog happy and healthy and home. Forever.

Contra Costa Animal Services

The Animal Services Department has a long history in Contra Costa County. In 1959 Animal Control (as it was called then), consisting of five employees, was re-assigned from the Sheriff's Office authority to the County Agriculture Department. Animal Services became its own County department in 1985. The original shelter was located one block from where we are now on the eastern edge of Martinez. In May 2005, a beautiful two-acre state-of-the-art shelter complex and six-stall barn with open corral area, totaling more than 38,000 square feet, was dedicated by the Board of Supervisors and local dignitaries. Our 75 employees and over 150 volunteers take great pride in serving our community, work very hard to care for the animals, and are eager to show you what we have to offer. We invite you to visit us soon. Who knows, you may find your new best friend at the Animal Services Shelter!

Bull Terrier Rescue, Inc.

Bull Terrier Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization managed wholly by volunteer board members and officers. We are active in California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Our TIN/FEIN is 68-0272385.

SEN Foundation Animal Rescue

SEN Foundation Animal Rescue is a volunteer-run foster-based rescue dedicated to saving the lives of injured, sick, abandoned, ownerless animals, as well as preventing animal cruelty and neglect. We passionately believe that people help animals and animals help people through trust, unconditional love, and respect. We believe that animals from shelters and animals with special needs also deserve a chance. Sharing this philosophy with others, we inspire and teach locally and internationally, the importance of the animal-human bond, responsible and humane treatment of animals, adoption of animals from shelters, and animals with special needs.

DogZone Rescue

DogZone Rescue is a registered 501(c)3 Non- Profit who saves unwanted, abused and abandoned dogs and places them in loving and responsible forever homes to live out their lives as cherished family members. We would love for you to join us by adopting a dog, volunteering as a foster parent or donating your time for other needed volunteer positions with the rescue.

Friends of Berkeley Animal Care Services

Friends of Berkeley Animal Care Services (FoBACS) is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting Berkeley Animal Care Services (BACS), the municipal open-admission animal shelter that serves the communities of Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Piedmont, CA.

Pound Puppy Rescue

Pound Puppy Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2001. We rescue approximately 400 puppies every year. We are a completely volunteer run organization whose purpose is to keep puppies out of overcrowded shelters where they are at risk for disease and euthanasia. Puppies are fostered in volunteer foster homes where we can keep the puppies healthy, socialized, and in their litter until they are old enough to be placed in permanent, loving homes. All of the puppies we rescue come to us looking for love and a "forever" home. Our hope is that all puppies placed through our organization will never experience being homeless or unloved again.

4 Dogs Farm Rescue

At 4 Dogs Farm Rescue, we are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs in need. Our team of volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the physical and mental well-being of our rescue dogs. We believe that every dog deserves a loving and forever home, and we strive to make that a reality for each and every one of our dogs.

Companions In Waiting

Companions in Waiting began in 2003, and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 California non-profit corporation in 2007. Companions In Waiting works to help dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies become welcomed members of a family. Each animal goes through a program of "in home" socialization, animal good manners, beginning obedience training and other therapies designed especially for them that will nurture their physical and mental well-being while in our care. Potential adopters will be given guides to support, develop and enhance their relationship with the new member of the family. Follow-up communication will increase the likelihood that these companion animals will stay in a stable, loving home their entire lives. Companions In Waiting is a California corporation for charitable and educational purposes. The corporation has tax-exemption status under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Your donations to Companions in Waiting are tax-deductible.

CalPaws K9 Rescue

CalPaws K9 Rescue was established in October 2019. We are an all-volunteer non-profit dog rescue focused on saving dogs of all ages and breeds. Our volunteers consist of experienced animal rescuers located across the San Francisco Bay area and beyond.

All Beings Cooperative Animal Rescue

We believe that in order to achieve peace of earth, we need all being to cooperate! Animals instinctively cooperate in nature! Our pets live to give us love, protection, healing and companionship. Therefore it is our duty to provide equivalent support to our animal brothers and sisters. We believe that when all being cooperate, we can achieve happiness for everyone, and are excited to do our part! After many years of collaborating with rescues all over the bay area, fostering, rescuing animals from individuals and off the streets, we have established ourselves as an official 501(c)3 nonprofit charity organization in Bay Area, CA - with the continued support of other rescues, veterinary hospitals and animal shelters in the area. Saving lives is everyone's duty! Our organization has been rescuing animals internationally for over 20 years! All types of animals in need are welcome at our sanctuary. From birds to livestock, reptiles or puppies & kittens - we welcome the opportunity to alleviate suffering and loneliness for our voiceless wards.

Transform A Street Dog

Transform a Street Dog has been on the ground in Ukraine supporting independent animal rescuers and rescuing homeless animals since 2018. After the war began, we switched gears, and started to organize mass evacuations of animals to enable them to escape the war and be adopted. Please help us to support pet owners, abandoned pets, neglected shelter dogs and suffering street dogs in Ukraine that have all been affected by the senseless Russian invasion of Ukraine and its people.

Stitch in Time Animal Rescue

Asians for Humans, Animals & Nature

We are changing our organization's name from Asians for Humans, Animals & Nature to Angel's Love. The abbreviation and the website will remain the same as www.ahan.org. AHAN Accomplishments and The Future of AHAN First, I would like to express my gratitude to all of the people whom adopted dogs and cats from us and all of the people, including the staff, volunteers, donors and friends of AHAN, whom were involved with our organization to find so many good homes for these animals. AHAN will be a program under Angel's Love and will continue to help animals, but decreasing the number of hands-on adoptions. We will still post a few new dogs but the majority of the requests will be forwarded to other reliable organizations to help with dog adoptions. Angel's Love will be more involved with setting up a foundation to help other rescuers and organizations once we verify all the information and the background of those organizations. A quick look at AHAN's 30+ years of accomplishments • - We were the first organization that came up with a strategy with an international organization's help to get Taiwan pass the Animal Protection Law. • - We have helped more than 60 international and local rescuers find homes for their rescued dogs • - We have adopted out more than ten thousand dogs and cats and even some goats. • - We were heavily involved in stopping the unnecessary killing of feral cats in the Bay Area. • - We came up with a successful strategy of how to help animals locally and internationally without owning a shelter by working together with rescuers from all over the world. We will continue helping to save dogs and cats by supporting other organizations!

Rescues Rock

Rescues Rock is a community based animal welfare, education and rescue organization servicing Hollywood, West Hollywood, The Hollywood and Beverly Hills neighborhoods, as well as, Studio City and neighborhoods of East San Fernando Valley. We adopt to homes throughout Southern California. Rescues Rock operates a dedicated, foster house located in Laurel Canyon. 100% Volunteer fueled Rescues Rock and BarkPark focus on at risk orphan kittens and puppies and dogs and cats requiring medical intervention. Adoptions and meet and greets are by appointment only. Thank you for making the loving and responsible decision to adopt and not shop for your new family member. Rescues Rock is here to help you every step of the way in your adoption process. If you don't see your future family member among our current adoptables, reach out and let us know who you are hoping to find and we will contact our extensive network to help you find your perfect match. Rescues Rock adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are always up to date on all vaccinations, spayed/neutered and cleared by a veterinarian at the time of adoption. We offer foster to adopt scenarios to approved fosters. Vaccination and S/N clinics are offered at BarkPark for the convenience of our fosters and adopters. Rescues Rock is here for the life of your pet. We are available to consult on training, nutrition, health and wellness at no charge to our adopters. Rescues Rock is a 501c3 non profit organization.

Ozzies Pound Puppies

Ozzies Pound Puppies was established in 2012. It is named after our founders beloved dog, Ozzie, who died in 2011 due to spleen cancer. When Ozzie died, she adopted two puppies from Stanislaus shelter and they promptly got parvo. They both survived and a rescue was born. We focus on saving parvo puppies from the shelters and the public. We also focus on orphaned puppies whose mothers have passed away, these puppies would not survive without round the clock care. We do not have a shelter, all our dogs are in foster homes mostly in Alameda and Conta Costa County (close to our vets). We are 100% volunteer based, we all have regular jobs and save dogs because we love them. Please be patient with us as we communicate by email only.

East Bay Animal Rescue & Refuge (EBARR)

EBARR was founded out of a recognized need in the East Bay Area for a high-quality rescue group that accepts cats and dogs (under certain conditions) from the community. Since our inception, we have successfully placed thousands of orphaned animals, many community surrenders or at risk of being euthanized at local animal shelters. Since we are a foster-based program, there must be available space with one of our foster homes to accept an animal into our program. Once part of the EBARR family, all animals receive a complete veterinary package, training, socialization, love, and affection.

Hayward Animal Shelter

Hayward Animal Services (HASB) is an “open admissions” shelter: We accept Hayward’s homeless, injured, orphaned, unwanted, lost, abandoned and mistreated animals, regardless of age, breed, temperament or medical condition. Our staff provides critical services to our community, sheltering thousands of Hayward's stray animals each year and responding to animal-related calls for service. We are a division of the Hayward Police Department and proudly provides public safety and animal welfare services. We are here to serve our community’s residents, and promote responsible pet ownership and humane care.

Northern California Sled Dog Rescue

Established in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) organization, NorSled's mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, foster, and find homes for unwanted, abandoned, and abused Northern breed dogs. Our strategy involves extensive community engagement, fundraising, and collaboration with partners like Pet Food Express. We focus on increasing awareness about the specific needs of these breeds and providing support to adopters, ensuring long-term care and reducing return rates.

Copper's Dream Rescue

We're an all-breed dog rescue based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our dogs live in foster homes until adopted - we don't have a physical shelter.

Love Dogs Rescue and Foundation Inc.

Love Dogs Rescue and Foundation is a federal income tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Founded in 2019, we seek to end the killing of homeless dogs through two avenues: adoption and free or low cost spay/neuter.

Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter

Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) shelters and cares for the lost and abandoned companion animals of Alameda, Calif., reuniting lost pets with their owners and finding new families for the homeless. FAAS is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our tax ID number is 27-0864431. Eight-time winner "Best Nonprofit Group" (Alameda Magazine, 2014-2021) Six-time winner Best Charitable Event (Alameda Magazine 2016-2021).

Mutt Luv Rescue

Love's Legacy Rescue

Bay Area Animal Rescue Crew

Bay Area Animal Rescue Crew (BAARC) was born August 2015 from a group of friends with a passion and love for saving animals. We provide loving foster homes to homeless dogs until we find them their new FURever family. At BAARC, we are dedicated to finding the right fit for all of our ADOPTables. Our animals come from a variety of California shelters or from owners who can no longer take care for their pets. If you are interested in owner-surrendering a pet, please know that while we are committed to saving as many animals as possible, we are bound by the number of foster homes we have to house and love the animal. If we cannot take in the animal due to a lack of space, we can provide referrals to other rescues who may be able to help keep your animal out of the shelter system. ADOPTable dogs are spayed/neutered (fixed), microchipped, up to date on vaccinations. We will not adopt out dogs for breeding purposes, and as such, each dog that is eligible for spay/neuter will be desexed.

Woof Animal Rescue

WOOF Animal Rescue is a 100% volunteer-based non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing animals in Northern California. With the help of our volunteers, WOOF has rescued numerous dogs from high-kill shelters, trained them as necessary and found wonderful forever homes for them. We believe in… • Saving animal’s lives • Adoption of animals rather than purchasing from those breeding for profit and/or irresponsibly • Responsibly placing these animals in loving permanent homes • Finding the perfect match for both human and animal, rather than placing animals in any homes • Educating people and spreading the word about the importance of pet sterilization to control overpopulation of animals • Educating people about responsible pet ownership, positive behavior training, good nutrition and the humane treatment of animals If you are interested in adopting one of our animals or becoming an animal foster parent, click here to apply. If you are interested in Volunteering and/or Donating, visit our Donate page for more instructions, or fill out our contact form to reach one of our dedicated volunteers! We want to thank you in advance for your support and compassion for the animals. It is people like you who make up our circle of friends, helping those who cannot ask for help themselves. Without your support and compassion, our mission would not be possible.

Fairy Tails

One of the ways in which we educate and spread awareness, is through our podcast Fairy Tails Dog Rescue. Our podcast is your window into the rescue world. Tiffany Montesano and Louise Wernvik are sharing their everyday challenges and victories in running a nonprofit dog rescue. The podcast puts a face to rescue workers and a gives a voice for homeless dogs. We want to share what we do - but also how we do it. This way our cause can inspire dreamers, rescuers, volunteers and dog lovers in San Francisco and other kingdoms far far away. We provide foster homes for dogs in need. Many rescue dogs leave the shelter with experiences that will haunt them forever.