In the list below, you’ll find summaries of 10 of the best dog rescues in Georgia.
1. Best Friends Lifesaving Center (Atlanta)
Best Friends Lifesaving Center is an animal rescue dedicated to re-homing dogs across the United States. They have locations in a number of states and cities, including Atlanta, Georgia. The ultimate goal of Best Friends Lifesaving Center is to eliminate pet homelessness, which in turn would eliminate overcrowded, high-kill pet shelters.
This nonprofit organization runs a huge network of support for homeless animals. They provide adoption and re-homing services all over the country, offer spay/neuter programs to reduce pet breeding, and run educational programs that promote responsible pet ownership. View adoptable dogs here, or click here to donate to Best Friends Lifesaving Center.
2. Where The Wild Things Are (Augusta)
Where The Wild Things Are is a nonprofit rescue organization offering help to dogs in need, regardless of age or breed. Based in Augusta, Georgia, this organization specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of breeds such as pit bulls, rottweilers, mastiffs, and Dobermans. This small organization relies on dedicated foster families to care for dogs until they can be placed in their forever homes.
Before being listed for adoption, all dogs are fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, tested for heartworm, and microchipped. If you’re interested in adopting from Where The Wild Things Are, you can view their adoptable dogs here. Alternatively, donate to the organization here.
3. Animal Ark (Columbus)
Animal Ark is a rescue organization that was founded in 2011 in Columbus, Georgia. The goal of the organization is to reduce the euthanasia rate in animal shelters across Georgia. Animal Ark rescues dogs from these shelters, places them in foster care, and rehabilitates them until they can be adopted.
Before adoption, dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, treated for fleas, and dewormed. To view available dogs, click here. In most cases, adoption fees don’t cover the cost of caring for the animals. If you would like to donate to Animal Ark, you can do so here.
4. Coastal Pet Rescue (Savannah)
Coastal Pet Rescue is a nonprofit rescue organization located in Savannah, Georgia. Founded in 2003, the organization focuses on rescuing homeless, neglected, or abused dogs and cats throughout Savannah and its surroundings. They have a small shelter but mainly rely on foster homes to care for the animals until they can be adopted.
Once rescued, dogs are placed in foster care and undergo veterinary treatment, including spay/neutering services and other necessary medical treatments. Coastal Pet Rescue also offers a range of educational services to the public, including pet training and behavioral management, humane education, and more. View adoptable dogs here, or donate to the organization here.
5. Rescue Ranch (Athens)
Rescue Ranch is a nonprofit dog rescue organization that specializes in rescuing Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Pugs. They predominantly rescue dogs with special needs, medical conditions, or senior animals. They provide community outreach programs to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of at-risk dogs that are surrendered or abandoned.
Rescue Ranch is located on 11 acres of land in the Athens, GA area, giving the dogs plenty of room to run and play. In addition, many are placed in foster care across Georgia until they can be adopted. View adoptable dogs here, or make a donation to Rescue Ranch here – even $5 can help care for these animals.
6. Lifeline Animal Project (Atlanta)
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Lifeline Animal Project is a nonprofit animal rescue with several shelters in the Atlanta area. They have hundreds of animals available for adoption from their shelters, and many more in foster care across the state. They have recently opened a Community Animal Center which provides affordable, full-service veterinary care.
Adoptable pets have been spayed/neutered, are up to date with vaccinations, and are microchipped. View their many adoptable dogs here. Lifelong Animal Project cares for over 40,000 animals each year and relies heavily on donations to do so. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, you can do so here.
7. Southern Souls Rescue (Augusta)
Southern Souls Rescue is a rescue organization developed through the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Based in Augusta, Southern Souls Rescue takes at-risk animals from high-kill shelters across Georgia and other southern states. They do not have a shelter themselves – all animals are placed in foster care before being adopted.
The organization receives no funding and operates thanks to donations and the hard work of dedicated volunteers. Adoptable dogs can be viewed here, or you can make a donation to Southern Souls Rescue by following this link.
8. Paws Humane Society (Columbus)
Located in Columbus, Georgia, Paws Humane Society is committed to providing animal resources, veterinary services, and pet adoptions throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. They offer affordable spay/neuter services along with other veterinary care, as well as microchipping. They also provide community education programs to promote responsible pet ownership.
In 2019, Paws Humane Society was responsible for vaccinating and microchipping 3241 animals, spaying/neutering 5528 animals, and securing adoptions for 1829 animals. Click here to view their adoptable dogs, or visit this page to donate to Paws Humane Society.
9. One Love Animal Rescue (Savannah)
Based in Savannah, Georgia, One Love Animal Rescue provides help for neglected, unwanted, abandoned, or abused pets. They partner with many shelters and other rescue organizations across Georgia to facilitate the adoption of these animals into loving, permanent homes.
This nonprofit organization does not have a shelter and relies on volunteer foster families to care for their animals. View adoptable dogs here, or donate to One Love Animal Rescue by visiting this page.
10. Atlanta Lab Rescue (Atlanta)
Atlanta Lab Rescue is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. They primarily rescue Labrador Retrievers and large mix-breed dogs from overcrowded shelters or neglectful owners. During its first decade of operation, the organization has rescued more than 3,500 dogs and typically has 30-40 dogs in their care at any one time.
Before adoption, every dog receives a veterinary exam, including blood analysis, all necessary vaccines, microchipping, and spay/neuter surgery. Adoptable dogs can be viewed here, or you can visit this page to make a donation to Atlanta Lab Rescue.
“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.”
