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15 Best Dog Rescues In Ontario (Updated 2023 Guide)

Best Dog Rescues In Ontario

Getting involved in your community would be wonderful…

And you’ve always been compassionate to dogs.

So, if you’re from Ontario, here’s a guide to dedicated dog rescue shelters.

With that, you can begin your journey of helping needy canines in your own way.

Continue reading to discover: 

  • 15 best dog rescues in Ontario based on locals’ testimonials.
  • The complete contact details plus other information about each shelter.
  • And much, much more…

The recommendations I’ll suggest below are from my research in Google maps. And each shelter is studied.

Moreover, every rescue shelter is suggested based on many people’s reviews. With that, truthful opinions and real-life experiences shape these recommendations.

Results in Google maps can be overwhelming. Plus, it can take a lot of your time.

I understand that as I’m also a frequent user of such a method.

And so, I gathered all the high-rated and frequently reviewed shelters. 

Now, you can have an easy list of the organizations. Plus, I give all the information that you might need.

Disclaimer: The ratings and reviews are subject to change. But everything is accurate on the date of writing this article.


15 best dog rescues in Ontario


#1: Dog Tales Rescue & Sanctuary

The first one I recommend is Dog Tales Rescue & Sanctuary.

Among all the results, it’s the most reviewed.

Rating: 4.2

Reviews: 807

Contact details

Website: http://dogtales.ca/ 

Address: 1405 19th Sideroad, King City, ON L7B 1K5, Canada (Google maps)

Phone: +19057131887

Email: info@dogtales.ca

Social media presence

Follow their accounts on each social media: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Office hours

They’re open from Monday to Saturday.

But if you wish to visit their shelter, you must give them a call first.

That’s because visits are by appointment only,

Kennel Hours

As of now, their kennels aren’t open to the public.

Instead, they suggest that you check their adoption page if you wanna see the dogs.

Services

Adopting

Adoption fee: $375 CAD

If you plan to adopt from them, you must submit an application form.

But, there’s a reminder:

You’re gonna apply to adopt from the shelter.

That means you’re not yet applying for a specific dog.

Why?

It’s because the shelter knows their dogs best.

And they’re working not just in your best interest…

But they also care for each rescue.

With that, they have to make sure that you take home the dog that fits your life.

Once the application is approved, they’ll do more assessments. 

Then, you’ll be invited to a private appointment. There, you can meet your potential fur baby.

And if everything goes well, you can finally take them home.

#2: Ottawa Dog Rescue

Rating: 4.1

Reviews: 167

Get in touch with Ottawa Dog Rescue using their…

Contact details

Website: http://otowndogrescue.com/ 

Email: admin@ottawadogrescue.com

And to know more about them, you can follow their social media accounts. Get updates from their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Opening hours

Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM

Services

Adopting

Adoption fee: $400 CAD to $700 CAD

You’ll have to follow a very detailed adoption process with them.

The first thing to do is to fill out an application.

Remember: The organization wants the absolute best for each canine.

That’s why they have a long list of reasons why they won’t approve an application. See it on this page.

Plus, they’ll like to meet every person that’ll be residing with the dog.

Then, they need to discuss expectations with all of you.

After all that, the adoption can be finalized.

And all that’s left to do is wait for the moment that you gotta take your new pooch home,

Fostering

You’ll have to submit an application to be a foster parent.

Once it’s reviewed, a coordinator will call you. 

There, you can expect to hear about the requirements. Plus, they’d ask you about your expectations.

And after that, you’ll need to sign a Foster Home Agreement.

Reading tip: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)

#3: New Hope Animal Rescue

This shelter was started by passionate locals along with a vet.

People attest that Dr. Flanigan and the team do their duty exceptionally.

That’s why New Hope Animal Rescue’s rating stands…

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 88

Contact Details

Website: http://newhopeanimalrescue.ca/ 

Mailing address: 4990 Jones Baseline, Guelph, ON N1H 6H8, Canada (Google maps)

Phone: 519-836-9780

Email: newhopeanimalrescueguelph@hotmail.com 

Office hours

Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM

Visiting the animals

Foster parents take care of their rescue dogs.

That’s why they don’t hold a meet-and-greet until an application is approved.

Services

Adopting

First, fill up their adoption form.

Once you complete it, give them a call. There, you can book an appointment with them. 

Then, you can meet and greet your potential canine. If it’s a match, it’ll lead to forever companionship…

Volunteering

Download and accomplish the volunteer application form first.

After that, email your completed form to them. Then, you must wait for a staff member to get in touch with you.

Fostering

You can apply by filling out this form.

Then, send it to their email and wait for a staff to reach out.

#4: LOYAL Rescue

Since 2008, they’ve been capturing the hearts of many.

LOYAL Rescue is a reliable rescue center.

And that’s reflected on the people’s testimonials about them.

Rating: 4.2

Reviews: 87

Contact details

Website: http://www.loyalrescue.com/ 

Address: 14B -1822 Whites Rd. BOX 327 This is not a shelter, simply a mailing address, Pickering, ON L1V 0B1, Canada (Google maps)

If you want to send them a message, submit a completed contact form.

And for further information, follow them on social media.

These are their accounts for Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Services

Adopting

Complete their adoption application form.

Now, their process has 3 stages. After going through stage 3, that’s where you’ll get their approval.

Fostering

As a volunteer-based organization, they’ll appreciate applications. 

Use this contact form to apply as a volunteer and wait for them to respond. 

Editor’s pick: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)

#5: Freedom Dog Rescue

Freedom Dog Rescue

They’re a foster-based shelter that welcomes all dogs.

​​​Freedom Dog Rescue is dedicated to rescuing every abandoned canine.

Now, that mission also has another positive effect. And that’s also making families happy with their rescued canine companions.

Rating: 4.3

Reviews: 76

Contact details

Website: http://www.freedomdogrescue.ca/ 

Email: freedomdogrescue@gmail.com

Mailing address: 1820 Wolf Grove Rd Almonte, ON K0A 1A0

You can also send them a message by filling out this form.

Services

Adoption process

Adoption fee: $300 CAD to $600

First, fill out their adoption application form. 

After that, you should email their adoption team (adoptions@freedomdogrescue.ca).

They’ll do a thorough review of your application. Then, they’ll check whether you’re a good fit for the dog.

Volunteer 

Make a difference alongside Freedom Dog Rescue.

If you wanna be a volunteer, contact them through freedomdogrescue@gmail.com. 

Or you can also submit a volunteer application.

#6: Sato Saved End of the Line Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 58

Contact details

Website: https://satosavedrescue.wixsite.com/satosaved 

Email: satosavedendoftheline@gmail.com 

Phone: +1 519-720-8755

Note: They don’t have a physical address because they’re foster-based.

Moreover, they’re active on their Facebook page. That’s where you can quickly get to them.

Services

Adoption

Download their adoption application from this page.

Then, fill it out and email it to them.

Donating

They’ll appreciate donations of any kind.

SATO accepts clothing as donations. 

Moreover, they also need essential supplies for the rescues. Examples are:

  • Collars. 
  • Leashes.
  • Pee pads.
  • Food and treats.

And most of all, they also appreciate receiving monetary donations. For a smooth process, kindly follow their instructions here.

Volunteering

Visit this website page and scroll down. There, you’ll see a volunteer form and fill it out.

#7: The Underdog Railroad Canada

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 51

Contact details

Website: https://www.underdograilroadcanada.com/ 

Phone: (416) 605-4427

Email: underdograilroadcanada@gmail.com 

Note: They make use of foster homes and don’t have a shelter yet.

Services

Adopting

First, check for the available animals for adoption on this page.

Then, accomplish this adoption application form. 

After that, they’ll reach out to you. With that, they’ll hold several meetings and will carefully assess everything.

Volunteering

Be an integral part of a dog’s journey to a forever home. To foster for UDR, read first their statement about it.

If you’re fully ready to commit, submit this foster application form.

Read also: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]

#8: Thunderdog Dog Rescue

This rescue shelter focuses on pregnant dogs. They also look after canines who just gave birth.

Thunder Dog Rescue wants to give puppies the nurturing that they deserve.

And with many years of rescue experience, they don’t fail to do so.

Contact details

Website: http://www.thunderdogrescue.ca/ 

Address: Ford St, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 2B8, Canada (Google maps)

Phone: 1-( 807 ) 622- 6523

Email: thunderdogrescue1@gmail.com 

You can also follow their Facebook page.

Services

Adopting

Download their adoption application on this page.

Then, fill it out and send it to them through email.

You can expect a response from them within 24 hours.

Sponsorships and donations

You can directly make donations to Crossroads Veterinary Clinic.

Address: 3142 West Arthur Street Rosslyn, ON P7K0P3, 807 939 2616

Kindly place the donation to the Thunder Dog Rescue account.

For more detailed instructions, visit this page.

Merchandise 

You can also buy rescue shirts. All proceeds will go directly for preserving each canine’s welfare.

#9: Sit With Me Rescue

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 22

Contact details

Website: https://www.sitwithme.ca/ 

Email: info@sitwithme.ca 

Note: The email above is reserved for more urgent matters. As for other concerns, please reach out to their designated emails.

Fundraising inquiries: fundraising@sitwithme.ca

Services

Adopting

Adoption fee: $550 CAD to $850 CAD

Adoption team email: adopt@sitwithme.ca 

Fill out and submit an application form first.

After reviewing your application, they’ll get in touch with you. 

Fostering

Foster team email: foster@sitwithme.ca 

Submit an application first.

After that, they’ll interview you through the phone.

#10: Stray to Play

Stray To Play

Rating: 4.9

Reviews: 15

Contact details

Website: http://www.straytoplay.org 

Email: info@straytoplay.org 

Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Services

Adopting

Complete their adoption application form. 

Then, submit it to go on their adoption process.

Fostering

Applications are open to anyone who wants to help out.

To be a foster fur parent, apply through this form.

Did you know? After 3 weeks, you can adopt the dog you foster. That’s if you grow to love the canine and decide to wanna keep ’em.

Volunteering

You can choose your designated volunteering position here.

With that, you can contribute to the best of your ability.

Donate

There are many ways to help the Stray To Play organization.

You can make a monetary or non-cash donation. 

#11: Project Paws Dog Rescue

Rating: 4.7

Review: 15

Contact details

Website: https://www.projectpawsdogrescue.com/ 

Address: Barrie, ON L4N 0S5, Canada (Google maps)

Email: Projectpawsdr@gmail.com 

You can also submit a contact form to message them.

Services

Adopting

You can see animals available for adoption on this page.

Once decided, you can fill out this form.

Fostering

This shelter relies on the foster system. And if you wish to be one, apply here.

Volunteer

They also function through the help of volunteers. Are you interested in being one? Then, submit an accomplished application form.

#12: Homes for Paws Dog Rescue

Many appreciate the help of Homes for Paws Dog Rescue.

That’s why many positive things are said about them.

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 14

Contact details

Website: https://homesforpawsdogrescue.com/ 

Email: homesforpaws@hotmail.com 

Send them a message through this form.

Services

Adopting

Adoption fee: $375 CAD to $550

All dogs are spayed/neutered. Plus, they’re up-to-date with their vaccines. 

Moreover, every rescue is microchipped and put on flea preventives.

Apply for dog adoption here.

Volunteering

Are you keen to volunteer? Then, apply through this page.

Fostering

Although it’s an intricate process, fostering a pooch is always worth it.

To apply, click here.

#13: Hobo Haven Rescue

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 11

Contact detail

Website: https://hobohavenrescue.ca/contact-us 

Address: C/O Creature Comfort, 1553 King St N, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0, Canada (Google maps)

Email: hobohavenpetrescue@gmail.com 

Also follow them on their Facebook and Instagram. You can also subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Services

Surrendering a dog

Unfortunately, you can no longer care for your pooch.

With that, you can opt for Hobo Haven’s help.

Fill out their dog owner surrender form.

Adopting

Check the dogs waiting for their forever home on this page.

After that, you can turn in an application.

Fostering

First, read their requirements to become a foster parent.

And on the same page, you’ll also find the questionnaire you must submit.

#14: Salty Animal Rescue

Rating: 4.1

Reviews: 8

Contact details 

Website: http://www.saltyanimalrescue.com/ 

Email: info@saltyanimalrescue.com   

Services

Rehoming

Looking for a shelter to help you rehome your pooch? Salty Animal Rescue gives wonderful assistance for such.

Email them at intake@saltyanimalrescue.com to surrender your canine.

Adopting

Fill out their adoption form and follow their adoption process.

#15: Marshall’s Dog Rescue

Rating: 3.5

Reviews: 31

Contact details

Website: http://marshallsdogrescue.com/ 

Email: contact@marshallsdogrescue.com 

You can also send your inquiry through this form.

Also, follow their Instagram account.

Services

Surrendering your fur baby

You can surrender your pooch for rehoming. To do so, complete this process.

Adopting

The shelter will ask you for detailed information regarding yourself.

You’ll find it in this application form.

Fostering

To continue to help their cause, apply to become a foster parent.

Volunteering

You can also help them by volunteering. Click here to apply.