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13 Best Dog Rescues In Manitoba (Updated 2023 Guide)

Best Dog Rescues In Manitoba

Looking to adopt a dog?

Well, look no further.

As this article sums up the 13 best dog rescues in Manitoba. 

So sit comfortably and…

Read on to discover:

  • 13 best dog rescues in Manitoba based on the reviews ratings of Google Maps.
  • Contact details you need to know about each dog shelter so you can easily get in touch.
  • What services the different dog rescues offer and how you can help besides adopting.
  • And a whole lot more…

Disclaimer: The recommendations below are based on the information found in Google Maps. As a result, the number of reviews and ratings can change at any time. However, they’re true as of the moment of writing this article. 


13 best dog rescues in Manitoba 


#1: Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter

Rating: 4.4

Reviews: 309

Website: http://www.petrescueshelter.com/

Address: 3062 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y1, Canada

Phone: +12048327387

Email: info@wpgpet.ca

Opening hours: 

  • Monday-Friday: 11 AM – 7 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM

Social media presence:

About the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter

First registered charity no-kill animal shelter in Manitoba. Meaning the staff keeps the animals in the shelter until they find a loving home.

They also take animals without saying “no”. This means that they help animals even if the animal has a certain kind of disease. Or are older, injured. 

The Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter’s philosophy is that every living creature has a right to live. 

So the staff aims at improving the health of the cats and dogs. With the idea of providing a good quality of life for them further on. 

The Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter is a non-governmental organization. So, they’re transparent about the fact that they need support to continue doing what they’re doing.

The founder shares everyone loves the idea of a no-kill shelter. However, the shelter relies strongly on the community’s support. 

That being said, the average day-to-day cost is $850 a day. This is a significant sum and it pays for the:

  • Food.
  • Hydro.
  • Heating.
  • Vet care. 
  • Maintaining the health and happiness of the animals. 

Dr. Peter Schwartz from the Veterinarian Assiniboia Animal Hospital tunes in to make people aware of an important fact. 

He voices out that people are usually unaware of how much is done before a doggo or a kitty is ready for adoption. That’s because many of the animals who enter the shelter were too close to losing their lives. 

So before the shelter can start looking for a forever home for them, the animals’ health has to be stabilized. 

Keep in mind, that…

Even if an animal is physically healthy, they may still have behavioral specifics. 

Such as anxiety and lack of socialization. 

Sometimes animals are brutally hurt when they reach the shelter. One example was a cat that seems to have been thrown away from a vehicle. The kitty had a broken jaw, road rash all over him.

After rehabilitating him, his physical condition got better. But what’s even more amazing was that he started pushing for love and affection. 

Despite what he’s been through, he still has plenty of love and affection for people. 

Seeing such results is what drives the shelter to continue its mission – it’s so fulfilling to see animals recover from such traumatic experiences.

But of course, to get to that point, the shelter staff has to endure the hardships. Especially when animals first arrive. Then they’re abused, scared.

It’s then that the staff starts modeling the animal’s perception of the world. These dedicated people start showing love and slowly but surely animals start going out of their shells.

As one of the shelter people puts it:

“We can’t change what happened but we can make sure today is a good day. The day they come to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelters is the day that animal won the lottery.”

So once the shelter people turn the animals around, the cats and dogs are ready to find their home. And to be loving pets. 🙂 

For more information, check out the video below:

How you can help

Becoming a helping hero

Sounds epic, right? You can be one of these heroes.

How?

By donating on a monthly basis. 

Ways to do that:

  • Visa.
  • MasterCard.
  • American Express credit card.
  • Directly from your bank account.

Note: The shelter doesn’t share any of your information. So the transactions are always 100% secure and safe.

Volunteering at their shelter

Want to become a volunteer? 

Well, the shelter is never a shortage for such. As there are many pups who need help. So, if you become one of the dedicated people who help, here’s what you’ll do:

  • Feed shelter animals.
  • Care for cats and dogs.
  • Clean the shelter animals’ accommodation.

Note: To be eligible to become a volunteer, you must be over 14 years old. Plus, you need to sign a Volunteer Application and a Waiver.

Fostering a cat or a dog

There’s always the need for foster families. The latter might need to take care of a sick animal. One that’s been injured. Or is recovering from giving birth. 

If you become a foster, you’ll be provided with:

  • Toys.
  • Blankets.
  • Cat/dog food.
  • Water and food bowls. 
  • A litter box and litter (for cats about to give birth).
  • Support if you need it in case of an issue or an emergency. 
Hosting a fundraiser

Since the shelter heavily relies on the kindness of the community, they raise funds through awareness campaigns. One example is their event “Meet And Greet”.  

Then the shelter brings puppies and kittens to various venues so they meet the public. The animals are introduced to people of different ages and with different backgrounds. 

Becoming a corporate sponsor

As a no-kill shelter, and as mentioned earlier, the expenses the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter has, are huge. 

So the shelter aks local businesses to contribute financially. This helps the shelter continue to operate and ensure they have enough resources to take care of newly-taken-in animals.

Helping with the shelter’s wishlist

You can donate not only money but also:

  • Cat/dog toys.
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Postage stamps.
  • Blankets, towels.
  • Soap for dishwashing.
  • Canned cat & dog food.
  • Disposable/rubber gloves.
  • Rawhide bones, plus treats. 
  • Ceramic or/and metal cat/dog bowls.

Note: Another thing you can do is become a morning volunteer. 

#2: D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 227

Website: http://www.darcysarc.ca/

Address: 730 Century St B, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0M1, Canada

Phone: +12048882266

Email: info@darcysarc.ca

Opening hours:

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday – Friday: 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 12 AM – 5 PM

How you can help

Volunteering

Volunteers help the shelter by:

  • Keeping kennels and litter boxes clean.
  • Sweeping, dusting, mopping the facility.
  • Rescuing homeless, abused, injured animals.
  • Providing comfort and care to shelter animals.
  • Lending a helping hand with organizing fundraising events.
  • Feeding animals, grooming them, and socializing them step by step. 
  • Taking up more responsibilities once they have more experience under their belt.

Shifts for volunteers:

Monday – Friday:

  • 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Saturday:

  • 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Sunday:

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Note: Volunteers must be above 16 years of age. This requirement exists so they can work independently. They’re also required to volunteer for at least 1 year. Dedicating minimum 3 hours a week. 

If these criteria are met, volunteers can follow these steps: 

  1. Fill in this application form
  2. Then bring it in person at 730B Century Street.
  3. Have an orientation session. 
  4. Confirm whether they’re the right fit. 
  5. Help with fundraising events.
Fostering

Bear in mind that if you want to be a foster, you should comply with the shelter’s requirements. They’ll determine for how long the animal in question needs to be fostered. 

The responsibilities of a foster:

  • Being responsible. 
  • Allowing cats/dogs to give birth in a calm and loving environment.
  • Restoring the confidence of a cat or dog who has been mistreated.
  • Being prepared that some animals might still pass away despite the care they get.

If you want to become a foster or a care provider, follow these steps:

  1. Fill in the application form for fosters.
  2. Meet the foster coordinator at 730B Century Street.
  3. Confirm whether you’re the right fit.
  4. Become part of the team. 
Adopting

Adopting is all about matching the right family with the right cat or dog. To do that, the D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre asks adopters-to-be a lot of questions. 

After this, there are 3 outcomes:

  1. The shelter agrees that the animal you have an interest in is a good fit for you.
  2. They offer you another animal that they think will better fit your lifestyle. 
  3. If you’re not the right fit for adopting an animal, your application will be refused.
Fundraising

Want to become part of the fundraising team?

Or maybe you have a fundraising idea you’d like to realize?

The D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre would be glad to help! 

Here are some of the things they ask of you in advance:

1: You must ask for written authorization from the shelter to use their logo/name at an event.

2: In case the event you’re planning gets canceled, the organizer should let the shelter know minimum 48 hours in advance.

3: Before you use the logo/name for any flyers, posters, etc, the shelter must approve this.

4: The promotional materials should transparently show what amount of money will go to the D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre.

For more information, click here. 

Donating

There are different ways to donate to the D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre.

These include:

  • Legacy.
  • Vehicles.
  • Personal.
  • Corporate.
  • Thrift store.
  • Other options.

To learn more, click on this link.

#3: Winnipeg Humane Society

Winnipeg Humane Society

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 1275

Website: http://www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca/

Address: 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3, Canada

Phone: +12049822021

Opening hours: 

  • Monday  Friday: 11 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday: 12 AM – 5:30 PM

Social media presence:

How you can help

Donating

Joining the #WHSHeroes by donating here.  

Donation examples:

  • $30 for heartworm medication.
  • $100 to spay or neuter a dog. 

Note: If you want to subscribe for a monthly donation, contact either 204-982-2041 or donations@winnipeghumanesociety.ca

Volunteering

Want to know more about the volunteering process? Then check out the rescue’s FAQ

Fostering

It works like this: You’re provided with all the necessary instructions and supplies to take care of a cat or dog. You return any items the shelter gave you when the cat or dog’s ready to be adopted.

You must have your own vehicle. This is so you can transport the animal to your home and back to the shelter when the time comes. 

Here are examples of animals who need a foster:

  • Moms-to-be cats and dogs.
  • Animals with minor injuries.
  • Kittens or puppies left without a mom.
  • Dogs who are not doing well in a shelter need to be adopted through fostering.
Adopting

On this page, you can see all the dogs that are currently available for adoption.

#4: Pembina Valley Humane Society

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 53

Website: https://pvhsociety.ca/

Address: 462 Jefferson St, Morden, MB R6M 1Y4, Canada

Phone: +1 204-822-9413

Opening hours: 

  • Monday – Saturday: 12 AM – 5 PM
  • Sunday: Closed.

Social media presence:

How you can help

Adopting
Donating

Make a donation here.

Volunteering

Are you or is someone you know getting married? And do they love dogs?

If you’ve answered “yes”, then I have news for you! 

Now, you or the couple getting married can do a great deed on their special day. 🙂 Namely, the newlyweds can get a kissing box from the shelter. And get donations while receiving kisses from friends and family. 

Or, the shelter can help organize your invitation cards. 

I mean, imagine how many people would melt at the sight of a smiling dog on your invitation card. Yup, don’t be selfish, share that happiness with your loved ones.

Here are some visual examples you can check out.  

Services

Budget spaying & neutering program
  • More information about it here
  • Download the application for the spay/neuter program here.
Taking animals

Note: The PVHS doesn’t have the opportunity to accept stray animals. However, they provide information on how to help a stray animal.

Why neuter/spay your pet

You can find 10 facts here.

Cat and dog tags
  • Price: $10-$12 if you want the tag to be shipped to you.
  • You can make an online order by emailing: manager@pvhsociety.ca
Trainers

The PVHS recommends 2 dog training facilities. However, they encourage dog lovers to do their own research on the trainers. 

They also provide a list of questions to ask the local trainers.

Safety

#5: Manitoba Great Pyrenees Rescue

Rating: 5.0

Reviews: 6

Website: https://www.mgprescue.com/contact-us

Address: 20 Main St S, New Bothwell, MB R0A 1C0, Canada

Phone: +12047718045

Email: ​mgprescue@gmail.com

Opening hours: N/A

Social media presence:

Here’s the Manitoba Great Pyrenees Rescue’s wishlist on Amazon

How you can help

Adoption

Note: Before you want to speak about adoption, you should fill in an application form and make an appointment.

Donation 
  • PayPal.
  • Per mail.
    Box 274

New Bothwell, MB

R0A 1C0

#6: Tir Na Nog Animal Rescue

Tir Na Nog Animal Rescue

Rating: 5.0

Reviews: 1

Website: N/A

Address: 1141 Two Mile Rd, Winnipeg, MB R2N 4E7, Canada

Phone: N/A

Email: wgaca@mac.com

Opening hours: N/A

Social media presence:

You can watch a video here.

#7: Parkland Humane Society

Rating: 4.8

Reviews: 23

Website: http://www.parklandhumanesociety.com/

Address: Dauphin, MB R0L 2B0, Canada

Phone: +12046386966

Opening hours: 

  • Monday – Friday: 1 PM – 4 PM
  • Sunday: OFF day

Social media presence:

Bear in mind that when you visit the shelter the gates may be closed. That’s intentional as the team doesn’t want the dogs to escape. 🙂 

Apart from that, if you need help with neutering/spaying your dog, this rescue provides a low-cost program. This is how they prevent hundreds and even thousands of animal births.

One more thing to note is that the shelter helps with surrendering pets as well. But they do warn that there may be a longer waiting time. 

Last but not least, the team openly shares they could use some fundraising. There’s a board member who takes care of that. So if you’d wish to help in that way, you can reach out to her.

#8: Portage Animal Welfare Society Inc.

Rating: 4.9

Reviews: 16

Website: http://www.portageanimalwelfaresociety.com/

Address: 121 12 St NE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 4A2, Canada

Phone: +12048577297

Opening hours: 

  • Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 10 PM
  • Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Social media presence:

As a non-profit organization, Portage Animal Welfare Society Inc. is run by volunteers. There’s also a Board f Directors that manage it. 

In October 2014, a dream came true. And so, the AAC (Animal Adoption Centre) was opened. 

Something important to note is that the Chief Vet Office at Manitoba gives guidelines to the shelter. So that the animals get the proper care.

The adoptable dogs of the rescue are in foster homes. The shelter emphasizes how important foster families are to socialize all the adoptables.  

#9: Flin Flon/Creighton & Area SPCA

Rating: 5

Reviews: 11

Website: N/A

Address: 1 Cliff Lake Rd, Flin Flon, MB R8A 1J7, Canada

Phone: +12046878744

Opening hours: N/A

Social media presence:

It’s a very clean rescue where animals are cared for with a lot of attention and love. 

#10: Animal Services Agency

Rating: 4.2 

Reviews: 282

Website: https://winnipeg.ca/cms/animal/

Address: 1057 Logan Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N8, Canada

Phone: +18773114974

Opening hours: 

  • Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 6 PM
  • Saturday – Sunday: 12 AM – 5 PM

Social media presence:

Services

License for pets

Here you can adopt and also buy and renew your dog’s license. 🙂 

Adopting a dog

Before you adopt, sign up for the Pet ownership quiz challenge. It’ll give yolu an understanding of what’s it like to be a dog parent.

Otherwise, feel free to check out the adoptables on PetFinder.

If you want to state your interest in a specific doggo, give number 311 a call. 

#11: Spirit Of Hope Rescue

Rating: N/A

Reviews: N/A

Website: https://spiritofhoperescue.ca/

Address: 154 Rue Hebert, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0A6, Canada

Phone: 

Email: sohrapplications@outlook.com or sohrfosters@outlook.com

Opening hours: 

  • Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 10 PM
  • Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Social media presence:

This is not a public shelter. meaning, all the adoptables are in loving foster homes. 

Services

More information on who to contact for specific requests:

Adoption

Assistant Director (Tanya Bridges) 

sohrapplications@outlook.com

Fostering

Assistant Director (Hilda Giesbrecht)

sohrfosters@outlook.com

Fundraising

Assistant Director (Dawn Betker)

sohrfundraising@outlook.com

#12: Funds for Furry Friends

Rating: 4.8

Reviews: 16

Website: https://www.fundsfurfriends.com/adoptable-dogs.html

Address: 740 Rosser Ave Suite 208, Brandon, MB R7A 0K9, Canada

Phone: +1 204-573-8333

Opening hours: 

  • Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM – 11:30 AM

Social media presence:

Funds for Furry Friends, a.k.a FFFF is a charity dedicated to helping stray cats and dogs. The organization believes that every animal – no matter how young or old, deserves to have a good life. 

#13: Manitoba Underdogs Rescue

Rating: 3.2

Reviews: 11

Website: https://www.manitobaunderdogs.org/adopt/adoptables/

Address: 23-845 Dakota St, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5M3, Canada

Contact them here

Opening hours: N/A

Social media presence:

This is a purely volunteer-run shelter. So, in other words, a non-profit organization.