You see someone running along the waterline of a beach in Florida.
At their heels is a super excited doggo.
“What a lucky fellow!”, you think to yourself…
As that precious scene strikes a chord of envy.
Well, guess what? You can have a doggo too!
So let’s check out the best dog rescues where you can take one from.
Waste no time and…
Read on to discover:
- 11 of the best dog rescues in Florida.
- The different ways you can get in touch.
- The services unique to each one of them.
- And much more…
Table of contents
- 11 best dog rescues in Florida
- #1: United For Animals Rescue – UFAR
- #2: Poodle and Pooch Rescue of Florida
- #3: Good Karma Pet Adoption Center
- #4: Alaqua Animal Refuge
- #5: Fluff Animal Rescue
- #6: Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary Inc
- #7: Chez Malinois DBA Rescue Garage
- #8: HALO Rescue No-Kill Shelter
- #9: Safe Animal Shelter
- #10: North Florida Animal Rescue
- #11: Satchel’s Last Resort Rescue and Sanctuary
11 best dog rescues in Florida
#1: United For Animals Rescue – UFAR
| Website | http://www.unitedforanimalsrescue.org/ |
| Address | 366-364 S State Rd 7, Margate, FL 33068, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 954-761-6814 |
| N/A | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
| Operating hours | Tuesday to Sunday: 1 PM – 6 PM Monday: Closed |
United for Animals Rescue is run by members and volunteers. They care for over 200 animals. And they’re dedicated to finding new homes for them.
But meanwhile, a shelter + foster network is key to their success.
Especially when involving animals with special needs. Some fosters are experienced and equipped to care for such.
If you are too, you may be interested. Or you might even want to go ahead and adopt.
Either will make a difference.
Highlights
- Free first vet consultation.
#2: Poodle and Pooch Rescue of Florida
| Website | https://poodleandpoochrescue.org/ |
| Address | N/A |
| Phone | N/A |
| info@poodleandpoochrescue.org | |
| Social media | Facebook, Instagram |
| Operating hours | N/A |
Poodle and Pooch Rescue helps all dogs. But they also pay special attention to “leftovers.”
Most people overlook the seniors, and dogs with special needs or medical conditions. This almost always leads to their euthanization.
But Poodle and Pooch has programs in place. They’re dedicated to giving these dogs a better chance at a second chance.
Highlights
- Special needs program.
- Saving seniors program.
#3: Good Karma Pet Adoption Center
| Website | https://www.goodkarmapetrescue.org/ |
| Address | 3100 NW 19th Terrace, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 954-366-5396 |
| N/A | |
| Social media | Facebook, Instagram |
| Operating hours | Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday: 11 AM – 3 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday & Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM |
Giving a rescue a second chance. What surer way is there to earn good karma?
Can’t really think of one, huh?
Well, neither could the founder of Good Karma Pet Adoption Center.
But there are only so many dogs a person can save. And Good Karma is a small and fairly new establishment. So they do the best they can for the few.
It’s quality over quantity. Those they are able to take in receive the best care. And they would like that to be carried over to their new homes.
I’m sure you’ll see to that.
Reading tip: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]
#4: Alaqua Animal Refuge
| Website | https://alaqua.org/ |
| Address | 155 Dugas Way, Freeport, FL 32439, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 850-880-6399 |
| info@Alaqua.org | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
| Operating hours | N/A |
Alaqua Animal Refuge aims to provide rescues with shelter and safety. And more importantly, a second chance.
They believe that animals greatly benefit the human spirit. And they care for over 450 of them at their refuge.
They’re also currently located just 20 minutes away from the Emerald Coast.
Those dreamy white beaches. Running with a dog.
Want to go?
Highlights
- Community outreach.
- Wildlife rehabilitation center.
- Senior citizen/special needs pet program.
#5: Fluff Animal Rescue
| Website | https://www.fluffanimalrescue.org/ |
| Address | N/A |
| Phone | +1 727-258-7448 |
| fluffanimalrescue@gmail.com | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
| Operating hours | N/A |
FLUFF’s main issue is animal overpopulation and shelter overcrowding.
They’re what lead to the euthanization of innocent rescues.
So they take in as many as they can. In 2021 alone, they saved 900 lives. And they’re looking to save more.
An animal sanctuary, rehabilitation, and adoption center would help accomplish that. So FLUFF’s goal is to establish one in Pinellas County.
It would be a great facility for rescues. But your home would be great too.
You can also check out: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)
#6: Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary Inc
| Website | https://www.barkypinesanimalrescue.com/ |
| Address | 6521 Carol St, Loxahatchee, FL 33470, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 561-402-1451 |
| barkypines@gmail.com | |
| Social media | N/A |
| Operating hours | Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 3 PM Sunday: Closed |
Barky Pines opens their doors to all dogs. But their main mission is to rescue those who might be euthanized.
They pull out as many as they can from the county shelter. And they try to be the first resort. So rescues won’t have to be brought there at all.
They’re recognized for their services. They’ve been nominated for awards in Pam Beach County.
I consider that a guarantee that your time won’t be wasted with them.
Highlights
- Veterinary clinic.
- Community outreach.
- Free microchipping event.
- Free spay/neuter program.
#7: Chez Malinois DBA Rescue Garage
| Website | https://www.rescuegarage.org/ |
| Address | 3133 Ulman Ave, North Port, FL 34286, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | + 1 941-777-4364 |
| rescuegaragefl@gmail.com | |
| Social media | |
| Operating hours | Daily: 24 hours |
They owned and trained Malinois dogs. Then they started rescuing and rehabilitating more of the breed.
But Rescue Garage came to realize others needed help too. So they welcomed rescues regardless of breed.
All animals in their keeping are spayed and neutered and microchipped. And they’re also trained.
So if you’re worried about a new pooch running amok, don’t be. The dogs over at Rescue Garage know better.
They’re probably not trained to do circus tricks. But definitely trained enough not to cause you much trouble.
Highlights
- Training
You might also like: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)
#8: HALO Rescue No-Kill Shelter
| Website | https://halorescuefl.org/ |
| Address | 710 Jackson St, Sebastian, FL 32958, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 772-589-7297 |
| halonokillrescue@gmail.com | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
| Operating hours | Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 5 PM Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PMSunday: Closed |
It’s all in the name. Helping Animals Live and Overcome.
HALO places great emphasis on being a no-kill shelter. They also advocate tirelessly for animal lives. And their efforts pay off.
They’ve reduced euthanasia by 92% in their area. And they plan to keep going.
Adoptions are a great help to their cause. They know that. So they want to help you too.
They offer training services to help you get started. It’s especially valuable for first-time dog owners. This training will help in smooth transitioning after adoption.
And in no time, your dog will be running with you. Off-leash. At the beach. Yes.
Highlights
- Training services.
#9: Safe Animal Shelter
| Website | https://safeanimalshelter.com/ |
| Address | 2913 County Rd 220, Middleburg, FL 32068, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 904-375-9122 |
| info@safeanimalshelter.com | |
| Social media | Facebook, Instagram |
| Operating hours | Wednesday – Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM Monday & Tuesday: Closed |
Safe Animal Shelter was the first no-kill shelter in Clay County. It sure hints at their compassion.
They love their animals. But they’re also thinking about the potential owners.
The animals in their care are well provided for. They receive quality veterinary attention. That includes vaccinations and other treatments. And there’s spaying and neutering, of course. They’re also microchipped.
So it’s quite convenient for their future fur parents.
Is it tempting enough for you?
#10: North Florida Animal Rescue
| Website | https://northfloridaanimalrescue.org/ |
| Address | 16800 Co Rd 137, Wellborn, FL 32094, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 386-963-1354 |
| info@safeanimalshelter.com | |
| Social media | |
| Operating hours | Monday to Friday: 8 AM – PM Saturday: 8 AM – 2 PM Sunday: Closed |
Rescue. Rehabilitate. Rehome.
That’s what North Florida Animal Rescue does. They believe it’s an ethical and moral responsibility. And they have great facilities and services to carry it out.
But dogs should be in homes, not in great facilities.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Next question.
Wouldn’t you adopt?
Highlights
- Health center.
- Surgical Suite.
- Grooming services.
#11: Satchel’s Last Resort Rescue and Sanctuary
| Website | https://satchelslastresort.org/about-satchels-last-resort/ |
| Address | 8101 Coash Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 941-924-5070 |
| info@satchelslastresort.org | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
| Operating hours | Thursday to Monday: 11 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed |
Satchel’s Last Resort is straightforward about it.
Rescue, rehab, and rehome.
It’s a common slogan for rescues everywhere. But they certainly don’t take it lightly.
Their wide properties are a great place for rescues. But it’s only a transitional home. Satchel’s mission is to place them in forever homes.
Highlights
- Community pet food pantry.