If you would like a selection of the best dog rescues in Alabama in one place, the list below is especially for you!
1. Lifeline Pet Rescue (Huntsville)
Lifeline Pet Rescue is run by a group of animal lovers committed to rescuing dogs and cats in need. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, Lifeline Pet Rescue is a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to place abandoned or unwanted pets into loving homes. They also promote responsible pet ownership and educate pet owners on the importance of spay/neuter surgeries.
Lifeline Pet Rescue doesn’t discriminate based on breed or age – they rescue any dog or cat in need. Their dogs available for adoption can be viewed here. If you would like to make a donation to Lifeline Pet Rescue or learn about other ways to support the organization, visit this page.
2. Hard Knocks Rescue and Training (Madison)
Hard Knocks Rescue and Training is a nonprofit organization based in Madison, Alabama. This dog rescue was founded in 2018 and is dedicated to finding new, loving homes for dogs who have been abandoned or neglected. Once dogs are rescued, they go through rehabilitation before being listed for adoption.
Dogs are placed in loving foster families until a suitable adopter can be found. Fosters are all dog-loving volunteers who love the chance to make a difference in these pets’ lives. If you’re interested in adopting from Hard Knocks Rescue and Training, you can view their adoptable dogs here. You can donate to the organization here.
3. Animal Rescue Foundation (Mobile)
Animal Rescue Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Mobile, Alabama. They focus on rescuing homeless or abandoned dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters and providing them with loving support until they can be adopted into permanent homes. The organization has been operating since 1995 and has helped to re-home many animals since then.
Dogs are kept in loving foster homes until they can be adopted. If you’re interested in adopting from Animal Rescue Foundation, you can view their available dogs here. You can also help the organization by volunteering, fostering a pet, or making a donation here.
4. The Ark (Huntsville)
The Ark has been operating throughout Huntsville, Alabama, for over 27 years. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats in need throughout the community. They are a no-kill shelter that provides veterinary care for rescued animals until they can be adopted into their forever homes.
The Ark has two separate adoption programs – an “adult adoption program” for dogs that are fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped, and treated for heartworm/fleas/ticks if necessary. They also have a “foster to adopt” program which is designed for animals that are too young to be adopted right away. To participate in this program, you must sign an agreement stating that you will bring the animals back for vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, etc. once they are old enough. View adoptable dogs here, or donate to The Ark here.
5. Alabama Animal Adoption Society (Birmingham)
The Alabama Animal Adoption Society is based in Birmingham, Alabama. This nonprofit organization relies on private donations and a team of dedicated volunteers to help stray animals and abandoned or unwanted pets to find loving, caring homes. The organization has been operating since 1977 and has re-homed many happy animals in this time.
Dogs adopted from the Alabama Animal Adoption Society are spayed/neutered and come with all shots except for rabies. If you’re interested in adopting, you can view the available dogs here. Or, click here to donate to the Alabama Animal Adoption Society.
6. A New Leash on Life (Brownsboro)
The team at A New Leash on Life has an ambitious goal – to rescue and re-home the homeless animals in Alabama. Based in Brownsboro, Alabama, this nonprofit organization saves dogs from high-kill shelters and also takes in stray or homeless pets from the streets. Their team of volunteers focuses on rural shelters in Alabama, as these are often overcrowded and have less resources.
Once rescued, animals are placed in foster care with a loving human until they can be adopted. The organization is always looking for new foster parents – it’s a great way to help out if you have some extra time on your hands! You can view adoptable dogs here, or make a donation to A New Leash on Life here.
7. Peace, Love & Animals (Tanner/Madison)
Peace, Love & Animals is a nonprofit organization based in the Madison/Tanner area of Alabama. Peace, Love & Animals was established in 2009 by Cathy Oakley, who used a horse barn on her property to house the dogs she rescued. Thanks to donations, support from volunteers, and lots of help from the community, the barn was transformed into a thriving rescue center.
The first step of adopting a pet is filling out an application. After that, you will have a home visit and pay an adoption fee prior to bringing your new dog home. Adoption fees help to cover medical expenses, including vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery. View adoptable dogs here, or make a donation to Peace, Love & Animals here.
8. Aide for Animals (Mobile)
Aide for Animals is a no-kill animal rescue shelter located in Mobile, Alabama. This small sanctuary is a limited admission nonprofit organization that provides help to dogs and cats in need. Some of the rescued animals are rehabilitated and listed for adoption, while others live out their days at the sanctuary.
Many of the rescued animals at the shelter are disabled or have “special needs”. Despite the extra care they require, the team at Aide for Animals believes that every animal deserves a happy life, and do whatever they can to keep these animals happy. Adoptable dogs can be viewed here, or you can visit this page to donate to Aide for Animals.
9. Heart of Alabama: Save, Rescue, Adopt (Huntsville)
Heart of Alabama: Save, Rescue, Adopt (HASRA) is a nonprofit organization based in Huntsville, Alabama. This no-kill animal rescue brings in dogs that would otherwise be left to fend for themselves at animal control facilities or overcrowded shelters.
HASRA depends on grants and donations to do their good work, as well as the efforts of a team of dedicated volunteers. You can view their adoptable dogs here, or visit this page to donate to Heart of Alabama: Save, Rescue, Adopt.
“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”
