If you would like to give a rescue dog a loving home, below we’ve featured 9 top dog rescues in Connecticut.
1. Our Companions Animal Rescue (Manchester)
Our Companions Animal Rescue is a rescue center for dogs, cats, and small animals. Based in Manchester, CT, Our Companions was first opened in 2002 and is home to a 43-acre animal sanctuary, allowing for plenty of space for all animals to undergo rehabilitation and training.
Our Companions also specializes in animal retention services – teaching owners how to train and adequately care for their pets so that fewer dogs and cats end up in adoption facilities and shelters. If you would like to view their available dogs, click here. If you would like to donate to Our Companions Animal Rescue, click here.
2. Protectors of Animals (Hartford)
Protectors of Animals is a pet adoption facility and dog rescue center based in Hartford, CT. This no-kill shelter was founded in 1975 and has provided rehabilitation and adoption services for homeless cats and dogs ever since. They also have a low-cost spay/neuter clinic for pets, feral cats, and stray animals.
If you’re looking to adopt, please note that you must live in Connecticut and that dogs are not placed into homes with children under six years. You can click here to see dogs available for adoption or click here to donate to Protectors of Animals.
3. Connecticut Humane Society (Norwalk)
The Connecticut Humane Society is one of the oldest animal welfare establishments in the United States. It was founded by an empathetic high school student in 1881 and has rapidly grown and expanded in the last 140 years. The Connecticut Humane Society serves over 10,000 pets each year, offering rehabilitation and re-homing of cats and dogs.
Based in Norwalk, the Connecticut Humane Society also has adoption centers in Waterford and Westport. You can view the dogs available for adoption here. You can also volunteer with the Connecticut Humane Society, foster a pet, or make a monetary donation here.
4. Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter (New Haven)
The New Haven Animal Shelter is the second largest in Connecticut. Based in New Haven, the shelter has over 65 dog runs and takes in approximately 1,400 cats and dogs every year. The shelter relies heavily on volunteers to walk, play with, bathe, train, and socialize the animals at the facility, and to help with re-homing pets.
If you’re interested in adopting a dog, you must be 18 years old with a valid ID. All dogs that are old enough will be spayed/neutered before collection, after the adoption is complete. You can view the animals available for adoption here or donate to Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter here.
5. Danbury Animal Welfare Society (Danbury)
The Danbury Animal Welfare Society was founded in 1974 by Sherrie Delaney and Anne Tracey. The organization relies on volunteers to foster and improve the lives of abandoned or neglected dogs and cats. In 2004, a clinic was added to the facility, which allows for on-site medical care and low-cost spay/neuter procedures for the animals.
You can view the adorable dogs that are currently ready for adoption here. If you are interested in meeting any of these wonderful pooches, schedule an appointment with the Danbury Animal Welfare Society. You can also donate by visiting this page.
6. Save All Dogs Rescue (Manchester)
Save All Dogs is a non-profit rescue center based in Manchester, CT. They rescue abandoned, homeless, or unwanted dogs (and cats) and find them new, loving homes. Before being put up for adoption, all dogs are treated to veterinary care and temperament evaluations to help identify the type of home in which they would do best.
In the past several years alone, Save All Dogs Rescue has found homes for hundreds of dogs throughout Connecticut. You can view their available rescue animals here. Save All Dogs Rescue relies on volunteers and donations to cover veterinary bills, food for the animals, transport costs, and more. To donate, click here.
7. Pack Leaders Rescue of CT (Hartford)
Pack Leaders Rescue of CT has saved over 6,500 animals to date. Based in Hartford, CT, their organization has three effective branches, all of which contribute to helping animals in need. Their transport service means that they can reach animals far and wide, and their training service allows for effective rehabilitation for animals who have had troubled or traumatic pasts.
Finally, their rescue program allows for the fostering and eventual re-homing of these beautiful dogs. Before adoption, all animals at this facility are evaluated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. You can view their available dogs here, or click here to donate to Pack Leaders Rescue of CT.
8. PAWS – Pet Animal Welfare Society (Norwalk)
Pet Animal Welfare Shelter (PAWS) is a no-kill rescue center for cats and dogs. Based in Norwalk, CT, PAWS rescues around 500 cats and 200 dogs every year. PAWS is mostly run by committed volunteers who assist with dog walking, fundraising, kennel work, pet socialization, and more.
Although PAWS does not offer low-cost spay/neuter programs, they ensure that every dog leaving the clinic is spayed/neutered and focuses on public education to stress the importance of these surgeries. Follow this link to view their adoptable dogs or click here to make a tax-deductible donation.
9. Halfway Home Rescue (New Haven)
Halfway Home Rescue is a non-profit organization that rescues and supports homeless, abused, or abandoned animals. Based in New Haven, CT, Halfway Home Rescue has been responsible for saving more than 5,000 furry lives since first opening their doors in 2004.
Halfway Home Rescue offers affordable spay/neutering services and veterinary attention to animals in their care. Their volunteers provide emotional support to these animals and get them ready to find their forever homes. You can view their available dogs here or get involved/make a donation here.
