Thinking of adopting a dog?
It is a very fulfilling experience.
Although the process can be time-consuming and overwhelming.
How do you find a reliable shelter?
Keep reading…
and discover:
- Information on the needed requirements and processes.
- 13 best dog rescues in Connecticut based on people’s reviews.
- Other necessary services being offered by the different shelters and rescues.
- And a lot more…
Table of contents
- 13 best dog rescues in Connecticut
- #1: Valley Shore Animal Welfare League
- #2: Protectors of Animals
- #3: Humane Society of Westchester at New Rochelle
- #4: Connecticut Humane Society
- #5: Kent Animal Shelter
- #6: Animal Haven
- #7: North Folk Animal Welfare League
- #8: Dog Orphans, Inc.
- #9: Save A Pet Adoption Center
- #10: Danbury Animal Welfare Society
- #11: Meriden Humane Society
- #12: Dan Gosgrove Animal Shelter
- #13: Paws Pet Animal Welfare Society
The compiled list you’ll see below is all based on research through Google maps. Reviews are from people who have experienced these places and are familiar with them. All information provided is so people know what they can expect from each place.
I have gathered all the needed data in one place so research will not take up your time. Here, you can see all the important information in one look.
Disclaimer: Ratings and reviews are accurate as of the time of research and writing of this list. Bear in mind that changes can occur at any given time.
13 best dog rescues in Connecticut
#1: Valley Shore Animal Welfare League
Rating: 5.0
Reviews: 2
Website: https://www.valleyshoreanimalwelfareleague.org/
Address: 647 Horse Hill Rd., Westbrook, CT 06498, United States
Phone: +1 (860) 399-7561
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday- Saturday: 11 am- 5 pm (by appointment only)
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
Online applications are to be filled up before the shelter schedules a meet and greet with the potential adoptee.
The following services are included in the adoption:
- Deworming.
- Vaccinations.
- Spay or neuter.
- Medical examinations.
- Tick and flea prevention (monthly).
Adoption application here for interested adopters.
Volunteering
The shelter is currently not accepting any volunteers for the time being.
#2: Protectors of Animals
Rating: 4.5
Reviews: 15
Website: poainc.org
Address: 144 Main St., Unit O, East Hartford, CT 06118, United States
Phone: +1 (860) 569-0722
Opening Hours:
- 7 am- 7 pm (Every day)
Social Media:
Services
Spay and Neuter
Dog packages for spay and neuter include the following:
- Surgery.
- E-collar.
- Nail Trim.
- Pain medication.
- Rabies and Distemper vaccine.
Owners need to set an appointment with the shelter before confirmation of the date of surgery.
Note: The shelter requires all pets to be fully vaccinated against communicable diseases before the surgery date.
Adoption
Adoptions are by appointment only. Call the shelter beforehand to set your date.
Adoption fees are as follows:
- Puppy- $375.
- Adult dog- $325.
- Bonded pair- $500.
The application is available here.
#3: Humane Society of Westchester at New Rochelle
Rating: 4
Reviews: 18
Website: humanesocietyofwestchester.org
Address: 70 Portman Rd., New Rochelle, NY 10801, United States
Phone: +1 (914) 632-2925
Opening Hours:
- 10 am- 4 pm (Every day)
Social Media:
Services
Lost and found animals
The rescue offers contacts and information on what to do and where to go if an animal is lost or found.
More information and contact details are here.
Animal Rescue
The shelter offers emergency rescue care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can call the shelter directly within the day. The local police department will take calls after 5 pm and notify the shelter.
Microchipping
Microchipping services are open to the public with a fee of $45. This includes implants and lifetime registration.
Adopters are given free microchipping services that are available upon final adoption.
Adoption
Interested adopters are required to fill up a pre-adoption questionnaire before further steps are taken.
Adoption includes the following:
- Deworming.
- Microchipping.
- Spay or neuter.
- Heartworm tests.
- Collar with an ID tag.
- Science Diet dog food.
- Follow-up veterinary exam.
- Distemper and Parvo vaccines.
Note: Adopter must at least be 21 years old to be considered.
Read next: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)
#4: Connecticut Humane Society
Rating: 3.5
Reviews: 30
Website: cthumane.org
Address: 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111, United States
Phone: +1 (800) 452-0114
Opening Hours:
- 9:30 am- 5:30 pm
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
No walk-ins are available for interested adopters. Adoption is done through appointment only.
Note: COVID guidelines are strictly implemented by the shelter.
Community Services
The shelter also offers a lot of different services including:
- Dog training.
- Pet rehoming.
- Veterinary care.
- Pet care resources.
- Lost and found pets.
- Financial aid resources.
- Pet food pantry program.
- Pet behavior consultations.
#5: Kent Animal Shelter
Rating: 3.5
Reviews: 30
Website: kentanimalshelter.com
Address: 2259 River Rd., Calverton, NY 11933, United States
Phone: +1 (631) 727-5731
Opening Hours:
- 10 am- 4 pm (Every day)
Social Media:
Services
Volunteering
Volunteer application form here.
You can also become a monthly donor to provide help for:
- Medical emergencies.
- Animal rescue operations.
- Spay and neuter programs.
- Saving pets from high-kill shelters.
- Sheltering and caring for homeless pets.
Adoption
Available dogs for adoption are found on their website.
Adoption application here.
#6: Animal Haven
The Animal Haven is a “no-kill” shelter.
Rating: 3.5
Reviews: 10
Website: theanimalhaven.com
Address: 89 Mill Rd., North Haven, CT 06473-3447, United States
Phone: +1 (203) 239-2641
Opening Hours: N/A
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
All dogs that are adopted receive the following:
- Heartworm test.
- Up-to-date vaccines.
- Spay or neuter surgery.
- Complete medical examination.
Dog adoption application here.
Volunteering
Volunteer duties at the Animal Haven include:
- Dog walking.
- Administrative work.
- Cleaning the shelter.
- Assist with fundraising events.
- Building and ground maintenance.
You might also be interested in: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]
#7: North Folk Animal Welfare League
Rating: 3.5
Reviews: 3
Website: northfolkanimalwelfareleague.org
Address: 165 Peconic Ln., Peconic, NY 11958, United States
Phone: +1 (631) 765-1811
Opening Hours:
- 8 am- 4 pm (Every day)
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
The shelter is open for walk-ins and by appointment.
Adoption fees include the following:
- Altering.
- deworming.
- Microchipping.
- complete veterinary exam.
- New York State dog license.
- Heartworm testing and treatment.
- registration with the American Kennel Club nationwide database.
Adoption application here.
Community Assistance
North Folk Animal Shelter offers pet food assistance and healthcare support for the community and owners in need.
#8: Dog Orphans, Inc.
This is a “no-kill”, non-profit shelter.
Rating: 3.5
Reviews: 3
Website: dogorphans.com
Address: 90 Webster St., Douglas, MA 01516, United States
Phone: +1 (508) 476-1855
Opening Hours:
- Monday- Friday: 10 am- 4:30 pm
- Saturday: 10 am- 4 pm
- Sunday: 10 am- 3 pm
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
Viewing the dogs available for adoption can be done during regular opening hours of the shelter.
Further steps are determined after a potential adopter has chosen a dog.
Surrendering
Appointments are required before surrendering a pet. The shelter will set up a date and time for an evaluation.
The shelter requires owners to bring the following:
- Dog’s medical paperwork.
- Your dog’s preferred pet food.
- Any toys, treats, and pet beds.
- Completed Surrender Questionnaire.
Dog surrender questionnaire sheet here.
Volunteering
Volunteer help is usually needed Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 12 noon.
Volunteers are mostly needed at:
- Grant writings.
- Press contacts.
- Fundraising events.
- Kennel and shelter help.
Volunteer Application form here.
#9: Save A Pet Adoption Center
Rating: 3
Reviews: 27
Website: saveapetusa.org
Address: 608 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776, United States
Phone: +1 (631) 473-6333
Opening Hours:
- Sunday: 12 pm- 4 pm
- Monday- Saturday: 11 am- 5 am
Social Media: N/A
Services
Adoption
Adoption application here.
Volunteering
There are a lot of volunteer services at the shelter including:
- Caring for animals at the shelter.
- Help with dog obedience trainings.
- Attending events to educate the public.
- Transporting animals to veterinary appointments and meetings.
Volunteer sign-up sheet here.
#10: Danbury Animal Welfare Society
Rating: 3
Reviews: 24
Website: daws.org
Address: 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel, CT 06801
Phone: +1 (203) 744-3297
Opening Hours:
- 2 pm- 4 pm
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
Their website offers a list of available animals for adoption. Further instructions are given there.
Surrendering
An appointment is needed for a temperament evaluation before pets can be surrendered. The shelter does not take walk-ins.
Note: The shelter does not accept certain breeds, so contact them beforehand for information.
Low-Cost Spay and Neuter
The shelter’s veterinary clinic offers a low-cost spay and neuter service for the community.
Services are purely made by appointment only. No walk-ins are being catered at this time.
Angel Pet Program
This program is offered by the shelter for certain animals that need special care and treatment.
You might also like: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)
#11: Meriden Humane Society
This shelter is a non-profit, no-kill rescue.
Rating: 3
Reviews: 12
Website: meridenhumanesocietyrescue.com
Address: 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450, United States
Phone: +1 (203) 238-3650
Opening Hours:
- Sunday- Saturday: 9 am- 5 pm (By appointment only)
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
Adoption is done by appointment only. MHS will call pre-approved adopters for the schedule of meetings.
Adoption application here.
Surrendering
All surrendered pets must be evaluated and have an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Surrender form here.
#12: Dan Gosgrove Animal Shelter
Rating: 3
Reviews: 4
Website: branfordanimalshelter.org
Address: 749 E Main St., Branford, CT 06405, United States
Phone: +1 (203) 315-4125
Opening Hours:
- 10 am- 4 pm
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
Adopters must first fill out an online application form before being pre-approved by the shelter.
Online application form here.
Community Services
The shelter offers the following services to the community:
- Pet food pantry.
- Pet-certified therapy dogs.
- Community resource guidance.
- Low or no-cost spay and neuter.
- Rabies and microchipping clinics.
- Transportation assistance program.
- Adoption counseling and basic training.
- Humane education for schools and seminars.
#13: Paws Pet Animal Welfare Society
Rating: 2.5
Reviews: 29
Website: pawsct.org
Address: 504 Main Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851, United States
Phone: +1 (203) 750-9572
Opening Hours:
- 12 pm- 4 pm
Social Media:
Services
Adoption
An approved adoption application, at least one visit to the shelter, and a meeting with the adoption counselor are needed before finalization.
Adoption application form here.
Fostering
All approved fosters will be provided a large crate by the shelter to house their animal, as well as food and other needs.
Foster application form here.
Volunteering
Volunteering at the PAWS shelter includes the following responsibilities:
- Fundraising.
- Walking the dogs.
- Cleaning the animal kennels.
- Playing with the puppies and kittens.