Popular Dog Rescues in Kansas

We’ve picked out 8 of the best dog rescues in Kansas and have summarized their activities in the list below.

1. The Rescue Project (Overland Park)

Based in Overland Park, The Rescue Project is a no-kill, non-profit rescue organization that serves the states of Kansas and Missouri. Their team of volunteers is dedicated to rescuing homeless pets or those in high-kill, overcrowded shelters and giving them a second chance at life. They save all cats and dogs in need, regardless of age or breed.

Once rescued, all animals are vaccinated, microchipped, spayed/neutered, and given all necessary medical care. Rescued dogs are placed in foster homes until a loving family can adopt them. If you’re interested in adopting. You can also donate to The Rescue Project here.

2. Kansas City Sheltie Rescue (Mission)

The Kansas City Sheltie Rescue is a non-profit, breed-specific rescue organization based in Mission, KS. They are licensed across the states of Kansas and Missouri and work tirelessly to rescue abandoned or neglected Shelties and find loving homes for them. They first began rescuing dogs in 2001, then organized the formation of a dedicated rescue for Shelties in 2009.

Prior to adoption, each Sheltie has a physical exam (including blood chemistry for older dogs), is vaccinated, undergoes heartworm testing and treatment, is dewormed, treated for fleas, and has dental care. They are also spayed/neutered, microchipped, and any other medical issues are dealt with. View the gorgeous available Shelties here, or visit this page to donate to Kansa City Sheltie Rescue.

3. Prairie Paws Animal Shelter (Ottawa)

Prairie Paws Animal Shelter is a registered non-profit, no-kill organization that has been operating throughout Ottawa, KS, for more than 70 years. They provide essential care for abandoned, neglected, stray, or surrendered pets and adopt them into loving, caring homes. As well as rescuing and adopting pets, they provide community education regarding responsible pet ownership and offer low-cost microchip services to reduce the number of stray or lost animals that aren’t reunited with their owners.

In 2019, Prairie Paws Animal Shelter took in over 1200 animals. Over 200 of those were returned to their owners, and almost 1000 were adopted into new, loving families. If you would like to be one of those adopters, you can view their available dogs here. Note that all available animals are in foster homes until they are adopted. You can also help the organization by donating to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter here.

4. Bonner Animal Rescue (Bonner Springs)

Bonner Animal Rescue is located in Bonner Springs, KS. This non-profit rescue group provides temporary care and medical treatment for rescued dogs and cats until they can be adopted into loving homes. They also raise community awareness regarding the humane treatment of pets and promote spay/neuter surgeries to help control and reduce pet overpopulation.

Many animals at Bonner Animal Rescue come from over-crowded, high-kill shelters. If animals impounded in these facilities are not claimed by their owners, they are transferred to Bonner Animal Rescue where they can be cared for until a new adopter can be found. You can view their adoptable pets here, or donate to Bonner Animal Rescue here.

5. Melissa’s Second Chances (Shawnee)

Melissa’s Second Chances is a relatively new rescue organization that only saved their first dog in January 2019. Since then, they have worked incredibly hard and have managed to save the lives of almost 1000 pets in Shawnee, KS, and the surrounding areas. This non-profit group relies on volunteers and caring fosters to look after animals until they can be adopted into suitable homes.

To adopt a dog from Melissa’s Second Chances, you must first have an approved application and a meet and greet with a representative from the organization. You can also view their available dog here to see if there are any particular pets you are interested in. If you would like to donate to Melissa’s Second Chances, visit this page.

6. Lifeline Animal Placement & Protection (Wichita)

Based in Wichita, KS, Lifeline Animal Placement & Protection is a non-profit rescue organization and adoption facility for dogs and cats in need. Their army of dedicated volunteers works tirelessly to save abandoned, abused animals, or those who are surrendered by owners unable to care for them. They also rescue animals from over-crowded, high-kill shelters to give these pets a second chance with a loving family.

If you’re interested in adopting from Lifeline Animal Placement & Protection, you can view their available dogs here. If any catch your eye, fill out an application to be contacted by the organization. If you would like to donate to the organization or become a monthly sponsor, you can do so here.

7. Valley Center Animal League (Wichita)

Valley Center Animal League has been operating throughout Wichita, KS, since 2009. Their team is dedicated to rescuing animals from overcrowded shelters or owners who cannot care for their pets. All rescued animals are assessed by a veterinarian, spayed/neutered, and then placed in foster care until they can be adopted.

Valley Center Animal League relies heavily on the hard work of local volunteers and is always looking for an extra helping hand – it’s a great way to assist if you’re not in a position to adopt a pet. If you are looking to adopt, you can view their available dogs here. You can also donate to the organization at the bottom of this page.

8. Wanted Paws (Wichita)

The team at Wanted Paws believes that there’s no such thing as a dog that is “unwanted” and that each dog deserves love. They work hard to find the perfect, loving adoptive family for each pet in their care, whether they were previously discarded, abused, or neglected. The rescue is a relatively new organization that was founded in 2018, and is slowly growing across Wichita, KS.

Wanted Paws relies on foster parents to look after their rescued dogs – if you’re not looking to adopt yet, this is a great way to help make a difference. If you are interested in adopting, you can view their available dogs here. You can also donate to Wanted Paws – all donations help cover the costs of medical treatment, food, and general care of rescued dogs.

“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.”