One thing Virginia is known for is its famous people.
Eight presidents (and Sandra Bullock) come from the Mother of States.
That’s great and all.
But what Virginia is less known for are its dog rescues. There are plenty…
So I’m here to shed some light on the best ones.
Read on to discover:
- 11 of Virginia’s best dog rescues.
- The different services they have to offer.
- What makes each of them one of the “best.”
- And so much more…
Table of contents
- 11 best dog rescues in Virginia
- #1: Mutt Love Rescue
- #2: Valley View Animal Rescue
- #3: Heritage Humane Society
- #4: Humane Society of Northern Virginia
- #5: Caring For Creatures
- #6: Richmond SPCA
- #7: Animal Welfare League of Arlington
- #8: SPCA of Winchester, Frederick & Clarke Counties
- #9: Rainbow Animal Rescue
- #10: Harmony Rescue, Inc
- #11: Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation
11 best dog rescues in Virginia
#1: Mutt Love Rescue
| Website | http://www.muttloverescue.org/ |
| Address | Fairfax, VA 22038, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 703-577-0106 |
| adopt@muttloverescue.org | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter |
| Operating hours | N/A |
First up is Mutt Love Rescue. Volunteers make up this organization. And they’re bound by a common goal: rescuing every homeless dog.
They even rescue dogs from public shelters.
These are passionate and dedicated individuals. So you can be sure that they’ll cover all their bases.
Their adoption process is very thorough. And when they find a potential match, it doesn’t end there. They go the extra step and educate potential adopters.
And when all’s been said and done, you take your pooch home. But they’ll still be on the ready if you need any help at all.
It’s no wonder they’re considered among the finest rescues in the state.
Highlights
- Continued assistance after adoption.
- Education program for accepted applicants.
#2: Valley View Animal Rescue
| Website | N/A |
| Address | 5757 Rich Patch Rd, Covington, VA 24426, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 540-862-1756 |
| amybennettwashburn@hotmail.com | |
| Social media | |
| Operating hours | Daily: 9 AM – 3 PM |
They may not have a website but Valley View Animal Rescue is as legitimate as they come. And the services they offer are nothing less than excellent.
Their Facebook page documents the passion and effort they pour into their work. And if those pictures don’t paint a thousand words, they’ll say it plainly.
Their end goal is to find homes for animals where “they will be forever spoiled.”
Are you up to the task?
Reading tip: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]
#3: Heritage Humane Society
| Website | http://www.heritagehumane.org/ |
| Address | 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 757-221-0150 |
| info@heritagehumane.org | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
| Operating hours | Daily: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
They refer to themselves as “compassionate stewards of homeless pets.” And that’s exactly what the staff at Heritage Humane Society are.
The strays and surrenders in their keeping receive the best care. And these animal welfare advocates educate the public on how to give the same.
Their adoption services are affordable. And they offer training classes for dogs with a $40 off voucher for those adopted from them.
And dogs aren’t the only ones who need classes. So Heritage Humane Society offers training workshops.
There you’ll learn all about how to train and care for your dog. And basically how to be an awesome fur parent.
Highlights
- Training workshops.
- Dog training classes.
- Low-cost spay/neuter.
#4: Humane Society of Northern Virginia
| Website | https://www.humanesocietynv.org/ |
| Address | 17983 Dumfries Shopping Plaza, Dumfries, VA 22026, United States (Google Maps)Located in: Dumfries Shopping Center |
| Phone | +1 571-931-0796 |
| a3padvocates@gmail.com | |
| Social media | Facebook, Instagram |
| Operating hours | Saturday: 12 PM – 5 PM |
These “Advocates for Abused and Abandoned Pets” live up to their name.
Their main goal? To provide neglected, abused, and injured animals with medical care. Then, of course, find them new homes.
Sure, that’s what all shelters are supposed to do. But the folks over at the Humane Society of Northern Virginia do a little more.
They make sure all animals are prepared for placement in new homes. They accomplish this through rehabilitation and training.
How well dogs adjust is a major concern for most potential adopters. If you’re one, you won’t have to worry about it. This rescue has taken measures.
Highlights
- Training classes.
#5: Caring For Creatures
| Website | http://caringforcreatures.com/ |
| Address | 352 Sanctuary Ln, Palmyra, VA 22963, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 434-842-2404 |
| CFCHome@aol.com | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
| Operating hours | Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 3 PM |
Abandoned, neglected, and abused animals are in plenty. But some find sanctuary at this organization.
Caring for Creatures is all about rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming. And they provide an environment that is both healthy and safe. It’s a crucial element in the successful rehoming of these dogs.
You might also like: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)
#6: Richmond SPCA
| Website | http://www.richmondspca.org/ |
| Address | 2519 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23220, United States |
| Phone | +1 804-521-1300 |
| info@richmondspca.org | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
| Operating hours | Sunday & Monday: 12 PM – 5 PM Tuesday to Thursday: 12 PM – 7 PM Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM |
Expectations of SPCA facilities are always high. And the one over at Richmond doesn’t disappoint.
They’ve got great professionals and experts. And their services are excellent. But truth be told, that’s not what hooked and reeled me in.
It’s how they promoted adoption.
“Unlimited snuggles for life.”
I couldn’t resist. Can you?
Highlights
- Lifetime support.
- Matchmaking expertise.
- Professional veterinary care.
#7: Animal Welfare League of Arlington
| Website | http://www.awla.org/ |
| Address | 2650 S Arlington Mill Dr, Arlington, VA 22206, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 703-931-9241 |
| N/A | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
| Operating hours | Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 12 PM – 7 PM Tuesday: Closed Saturday & Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM |
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is one of the more well-funded and well-partnered organizations on the list. This allows them to offer the highest quality services.
They also say that your new best friend is waiting for you over at their place.
I’d trust them if I were you. They know what they’re saying. They’ve been at this since 1944. So what are you waiting for? Head on over and pick up your buddy.
Oh, right. You’ll have to fill out an application form and go through a process first.
Highlights
- Humane education.
- Wildlife and animal control.
#8: SPCA of Winchester, Frederick & Clarke Counties
| Website | http://www.winchesterspca.org/ |
| Address | 111 Featherbed Ln, Winchester, VA 22601, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 540-662-8616 |
| N/A | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
| Operating hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM Saturday & Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM |
Here’s another great SPCA in Virginia. This one’s located in Winchester.
Their most notable service is their Pets for Life pet retention program.
They don’t just want animals to have a home. They want them to stay there for life. And they understand that it means a lot of expenses for owners. So they help.
Whether it’s veterinary care or food. Or any need that owners can’t shoulder. They’ll gladly assist.
So you may not have a very generous budget. Don’t let it stop you from having a dog of your own. Head on over to SPCA Winchester.
Highlights
- Dog training.
- Pet retention program.
- Low-cost spay and neuter.
- Pet cremation and memorials.
#9: Rainbow Animal Rescue
| Website | http://www.rainbowanimalrescue.net/ |
| Address | 2461 E Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 757-472-1585 |
| rainbowanimalrescueva@gmail.com | |
| Social media | Facebook, Instagram, YouTube |
| Operating hours | Monday to Wednesday, Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5 PM Saturday & Sunday: Closed |
The Rainbow Animal Rescue is powered by volunteers and donations. And they accomplish a lot with what they have.
The animals in their care get health checkups with a vet. They’re spayed or neutered. And they’re also microchipped. All to prepare them for a new home.
Will it be yours?
Reading tip: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)
#10: Harmony Rescue, Inc
| Website | http://harmonyrr.com/ |
| Address | 5292 Browns Mill Rd, Rustburg, VA 24588, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | +1 434-420-3656 |
| cschott@harmonyrr.com | |
| Social media | |
| Operating hours | Monday – Friday: By appointment, only Saturday & Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM |
When they say “forever home,” they mean it.
Financial difficulty should never have to separate owner and pet. So they offer a pet pantry, spay and neuter help, and medical assistance.
You can help them out by adopting from them. And you can be sure they’ll always come to your aid.
Highlights
- Community animal care services.
#11: Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation
| Website | https://lostdogrescue.org/ |
| Address | 6801 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22044, United States (Google Maps) |
| Phone | + 1 703-295-3647 |
| dogs@lostdogrescue.org | |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
| Operating hours | Daily: 8 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 7 PM |
Lost Dog strives to foster a positive and fun environment. Their adoption process is open and friendly. This makes better matchmaking for them.
They offer same-day adoption and a trial period of two weeks. They love their rescues. They’d openly accept them back if they have to lose their home.
But hopefully, the one you adopt is one you’ll keep.
Highlights
- Every rescue is spayed and neutered.