The following list features 8 of the best dog rescues in Vermont. Continue reading to learn about them, their activities, and find links to dogs that are available for adoption.
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1. VT Dog Rescue (Burlington)
VT Dog Rescue is a nonprofit organization based in Burlington, Vermont. They rely solely on volunteers to care for rescued dogs until they can be adopted into their forever homes. VT Dog Rescue works closely with local Vermont businesses to achieve discount services for dogs in their care, including grooming, boarding, daycare, and training. The team at VT Dog Rescue also craft handmade beds for each dog – if you adopt from VT Dog Rescue, your dog’s handmade bed will come home with them.
Once rescued, all dogs are placed in loving foster care. Most of their dogs come from high-kill shelters and typically aren’t spayed or neutered when first rescued. VT Dog Rescue offers rescue services for all dogs in need – they do not discriminate based on age or breed. View their adoptable dogs here, or donate to VT Dog Rescue here.
2. Riverside Rescue (Lunenburg)
Riverside Rescue is based in Lunenburg, Vermont, and serves the entire Eastern Vermont region. Founded in 2003, Riverside Rescue became an official nonprofit organization in 2005 due to the drastic need for a local animal rescue. Since then, the team at Riverside Rescue has been able to rescue dogs, cats, and other small animals across Vermont and northeastern New Hampshire. They are a dedicated no-kill rescue shelter, accept all breeds of cats and dogs, and rely solely on donations to operate.
Before adoption, all dogs are spayed/neutered, have all necessary vaccines for their age, have been tested for heartworm, and are microchipped. If you’re interested in adopting from Riverside Rescue, you can view their available dogs here. Riverside Rescue is funded entirely by donations – click here to contribute.
3. All Breed Rescue (Williston)
All Breed Rescue was established in 1996 and has rescued more than 8,000 dogs from overcrowded, high-kill shelters. The organization has expanded to include an extensive network of volunteers and foster families and works with local schools and businesses to promote responsible pet ownership.
Before being listed for adoption, all dogs are spayed/neutered, have received veterinary care, are up to date on their vaccinations, and have had any necessary preventative care or treatment. If you would like to view their adoptable dogs, do so here. To donate to All Breed Rescue, click here.
4. Random Rescue (Montpellier)
Random Rescue is located in the Chelsea/Montpellier region of central Vermont. This animal rescue is small and is run out of a home. This means that each dog receives personalized love and care, there is no over-crowding, and the owners have a great idea of each dog’s temperament and how they interact with other dogs.
As well as being a rescue, Random Rescue also offers boarding to dogs across central Vermont. If you’re interested in adopting from Random Rescue, you can view their available dogs here. If you would like to learn more about the organization or make a donation, click here.
5. Franklin County Animal Rescue (Burlington)
Franklin County Animal Rescue is based in St Albans, VT, north of Burlington. They have been operating since 1964 and are a nonprofit organization relying on donations for funding. The Franklin County Animal Rescue team works hard to promote the welfare and health of pets throughout northwestern Vermont and provides care for these animals until they can be adopted into loving families.
Homeless dogs and cats across Franklin County are taken in by the organization, which then provides veterinary care before listing animals for adoption. All dogs are spayed/neutered and have up to date vaccines. Some dogs remain in shelter care, while others are temporarily placed with foster families prior to adoption. View the available dogs here, or donate to Franklin County Animal Rescue here.
6. Long Trail Canine Rescue (Essex)
Long Trail Canine Rescue is based in Essex, VT. Their primary goal is to help reduce the number of dogs in overcrowded shelters and minimize the need for euthanizing dogs that could otherwise be adopted to loving families. They rescue, rehabilitate, and find the perfect homes for dogs in their care.
As well as rescuing homeless dogs, the team of volunteers at Long Trail Canine Rescue also offers support to pet owners relating to training, behavior modification, and other elements of owning a pet in an effort to reduce the number of dogs that end up in shelters. If you would like to adopt from Long Trail Canine Rescue, view their adoptable dogs here. You can also click here to donate to the organization.
7. Vermont English Bulldog Rescue (Williston)
Vermont English Bulldog Rescue is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who are committed to rescuing and rehabilitating English bulldogs, many of which are former puppy mill dogs. The organization provides rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption services for these dogs to give them a second chance. Their rescued bulldogs are placed in foster care before being listed for adoption.
Vermont English Bulldog Rescue doesn’t just offer English bulldogs – from time to time they have other breeds on offer. Before adoption, all dogs have up to date vaccines, are spayed/neutered, have received veterinary check-ups, and heartworm treatment. If you’re interested in adopting, view the available dogs here. If you would like to contribute to the organization, you can click the “Donate Today” button on this page.
8. For the Love of Dogs (Montpelier)
For the Love of Dogs is a shelterless rescue located in the Mad River Valley, near Montpelier, VT. Their team strives to rescue and re-home dogs from Vermont, as well as many southern states. They also offer community education, outreach, and generally try to raise awareness relating to animal abandonment and responsible pet ownership.
Prior to adoption, all dogs undergo a full veterinary exam, are spayed/neutered, and have been treated for heartworm if necessary. A majority of their rescued dogs are currently in rescue centers or foster care in southern states – the organization will arrange to bring a dog to Vermont if you do choose to adopt. View available dogs here, or click here to donate to For the Love of Dogs.
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