13 Amazing Dog Rescues in Los Angeles (2024 Update)

Should your heart be seeking the joyful wag of a tail and the loving gaze of a furry friend, we have crafted a guide to the crème de la crème of dog rescues in the City of Angels, Los Angeles, to assist you in finding your perfect canine confidant.

You need not dig deep into your pockets to purchase a dog when a world exists where thousands of hopeful hearts on four legs are yearning for a place they can call home.

Embrace the act of adoption and not only will you find your loyal companion, but you’ll be contributing to a cause bigger than yourself.

Consider this

You’ll be reducing the staggering number of animals that face the harsh reality of euthanasia within the borders of Los Angeles. Highlighted below are the finest dog rescue establishments ready and waiting to help you discover the ideal dog to fit snugly into the fabric of your family.

Unfortunately, there are tens of thousands of unloved dogs and cats in our city

Los Angeles, a bustling city known for its iconic Hollywood sign, miles of sandy beaches, and a rich arts culture, also happens to be a haven for a host of animal rescue organizations. These organizations, fueled by the dedication and compassion of numerous volunteers, tirelessly work towards providing a second chance to animals in need. They not only rescue animals from precarious situations but also provide rehabilitation, medical care, and ultimately, loving forever homes.

In this article, we are delighted to showcase some of the top animal rescue organizations in Los Angeles. Each organization has a unique approach and focus, varying from breed-specific rescues to those caring for a broad spectrum of animals. Whether you’re looking to adopt a pet, volunteer your time, or donate to a worthy cause, these organizations offer numerous ways to get involved.

Please note, the process of adopting a pet from a rescue can be a bit more involved than adopting from a shelter. This process often includes an application, an interview, and sometimes a home visit. However, these steps are in place to ensure the best possible match between the pet and the adopter, making the extra effort worthwhile.

Without further ado, let’s delve into the commendable work being carried out by these animal rescue organizations.

1. Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond

Nestled in the heart of Huntington Beach, California, the Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond is not just any ordinary animal rescue organization. This unique group specializes in finding forever homes for one of the most charming and charismatic breeds – the West Highland Terriers, affectionately known as Westies. Their work extends far beyond Orange County, reaching all across California and sometimes even beyond the state’s borders.

What sets them apart is the way they describe their dogs – it’s like reading a movie script. With each dog’s story being so captivating and heartfelt, you’ll find yourself rooting for these little guys and frequently checking back to see if they’ve found their forever homes.

If you’re a fan of the breed or if you’re interested in providing a loving home to a Westie in need, you can reach them at:

• Address: 9151 Atlantic Ave., #5006, Huntington Beach, CA 92615
• Phone: (714) 960-1083
• Website: westierescueoc.com

2. Much Love Animal Rescue

Based in Los Angeles, Much Love Animal Rescue is a beacon of hope for the city’s most vulnerable cats and dogs. Their main mission is to rescue animals from local shelters that are just hours or days away from being euthanized. This selfless group goes above and beyond, taking in animals of all breeds and giving them a second chance at life.

One of the most interesting things about Much Love is their weekend mobile adoptions. They set up their mobile adoption stations in Santa Monica near the farmer’s market on Sundays and at the Westfield Century City Mall on the first and third Saturdays of the month. These events provide a chance for prospective adopters to meet their potential furry friends in a relaxed and casual setting.

To get in touch with Much Love Animal Rescue, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: P.O. Box 341721, Los Angeles, CA 90034
• Website: muchlove.org

3. Karma Rescue

Karma Rescue is a Santa Monica-based animal rescue group with a special accolade under its belt – they were voted Best Dog Adoption by LA Magazine in 2010. This non-profit organization focuses on saving dogs from high-kill shelters in Los Angeles, offering them a second shot at life.

They host weekend mobile adoptions in Westwood and West Hollywood, providing a platform for these dogs to find their forever homes. The volunteers at Karma Rescue also offer a detailed explanation of the adoption process on their website, along with different ways to donate and volunteer.

To reach Karma Rescue, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 1158 26th Street, Ste. 155 PMB, Santa Monica, CA 90403
• Phone: 310-512-7833
• Website: karmarescue.org

4. The Ark Animal Rescue

The Ark Animal Rescue sails a noble mission to save animals, primarily from high-kill shelters in Southern California. They don’t limit their efforts to just cats and dogs, but reach out to all creatures in need, listing them on pet adoption websites for their chance at finding a new loving home.

With regular weekend adoption events scattered around Orange County, The Ark ensures that these furry friends are visible and accessible to potential adopters. They actively engage with the community, regularly updating their Facebook and Twitter pages with news and information.

To connect with The Ark Animal Rescue, use the details below:

• Address: P.O. Box 4336, Mission Viejo, CA 92690
• Phone: (949) 415-8227
• Website: thearkanimalrescue.org

5. Hooves and Paws

Hooves and Paws offers a unique twist to animal rescue, specializing in farm animals. Based in Littlerock, this no-kill animal rescue shelter is a haven for a diverse range of animals including pigs, horses, cows, sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats. One of the highlights of Hooves and Paws is their organized field trip program for school kids and scouting groups.

This program provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the animals are cared for, and offers participants a chance to pet and interact with the animals.

To contact Hooves and Paws, use the following details:

• Address: P.O. Box 1469, Littlerock, CA 93543
• Phone: (661) 944-3740
• Website: hoovesandpaws.org

6. Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue

Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue is a dedicated organization nestled in Beverly Hills, California, with a special focus on our four-legged canine friends. Their compassionate team works tirelessly to rescue dogs from various shelters, prioritizing those which are on the brink of being euthanized.

They believe in the importance of each individual dog and work diligently to ensure that they find suitable, loving homes. Their commitment is not just to rescue, but also to educate about the importance of spaying and neutering, as well as the fight against breed-specific legislation.

To reach out to Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 2357, Beverly Hills, CA 90213
• Phone: 310-358-3344
• Email: [email protected]
• ​Website: https://acesangels.org/

7. Dogs Without Borders

Dogs Without Borders is an Encino-based animal rescue organization that lives up to its name. This nonprofit rescues a wide variety of dog breeds, and their work has taken them far beyond the borders of Los Angeles. They’ve rescued and placed over 6,000 dogs in loving homes since they began in 2006.

They focus on small dogs from local Los Angeles shelters as well as international rescues from countries like Taiwan and Mexico. Their mission is to give these dogs the best shot at a happy, healthy life in a loving forever home.

To get in touch with Dogs Without Borders, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: PO Box 17344, Encino‎, CA‎ 91416
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://dogswithoutborders.org

8. Pacific Pups Rescue

Pacific Pups Rescue goes above and beyond to give dogs a second chance at life. Based in Los Angeles, this organization rescues dogs from high-kill shelters and provides them with the care they need until they find their forever homes.

They are a dedicated team that offers a lifeline to as many dogs as possible, including those with special needs or challenging medical conditions. Their commitment extends to promoting responsible pet ownership, spaying/neutering, and providing public education on the humane treatment of animals.

To reach out to Pacific Pups Rescue, use the following contact details:

• Address: 6709 La Tijera Blvd #504, Los Angeles, California, 90045
• Phone: 845-742-3924
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://pacificpupsrescue.com

9. Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles

Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles is a leading light in animal rescue, driven by the aim to make the entire country no-kill by 2025. They tirelessly work to save animals from high-kill shelters, provide them with necessary medical care, and ultimately find them loving homes.

Their center in Mission Hills is an oasis for animals, complete with a kitten nursery, puppy preschool, and even a barn for smaller critters. Best Friends also operates the NKLA Pet Adoption Center in West LA, which showcases adoptable pets from a variety of participating rescue organizations.

To get in touch with Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles, use the following contact details:

• Address: 15321 Brand Blvd Mission Hills, CA 91345
• Phone: 818.837.2029 or 818.643.3989
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://bestfriends.org

10. Beople’s Buddies Animal Rescue

Beople’s Buddies Animal Rescue, based in Sherman Oaks, takes a unique approach to animal rescue. They believe in forming a symbiotic relationship between pets and their human counterparts – hence the name “Beople’s Buddies”, blending ‘people’ and ‘buddies’.

Their focus is on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals, with an emphasis on educating adopters about the interactive dynamics between themselves and their new furry friend. They specialize in creating and supporting lasting human-animal bonds to ensure the animals they rescue are given not just homes, but truly loving families.

To reach out to Beople’s Buddies Animal Rescue, use the following contact details:

• Address: 14335 Magnolia Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91423-1019
• Phone: (424) 341-3811
• Website: https://www.beoplesbuddies.org
• Email: [email protected]

11. Wags And Walks Dog Rescue

Wags and Walks, located in Los Angeles, was born out of love and passion for dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and backgrounds. They strive to break the stereotype that rescue dogs are damaged goods, and instead showcase the unique charm and potential of these animals to become cherished family members.

Their mission is to save family-friendly dogs from high-kill shelters and place them in suitable homes. They’ve created a community filled with kindness and a shared love for these furry friends, and are committed to changing the world, one dog at a time.

To get in touch with Wags And Walks Dog Rescue, use the following contact details:

• Address: 2236 Federal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064
• Phone: (866) 588-9247
• Website; wagsandwalks.org
• Email: [email protected]

12. Hope For Paws

Hope For Paws, a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization, has gained international recognition for their dedicated and compassionate work in animal rescue. They are known for their captivating rescue videos that often go viral, raising awareness of the plight of abandoned animals.

Rescuing dogs, cats, and other animals, they provide necessary veterinary care for each animal and partner with animal adoption centers to ensure these animals find their forever homes. Their work extends beyond Los Angeles, often coordinating rescues and adoptions throughout the United States.

While they don’t provide a physical address due to the sensitive nature of their rescue operations, you can learn more about their work on their website:

• Website: www.hopeforpaws.org

13. LA Animal Rescue

LA Animal Rescue is a grass-roots animal rescue organization that serves Los Angeles and Ventura County. Not just limited to cats and dogs, they also open their hearts to birds, rabbits, reptiles, small animals, and even farm-type animals. Their mission is to change the end of the story for homeless, abandoned, and abused animals—providing the love, care, and shelter they need until they find their forever home.

Their adoption process is detailed and careful, ensuring that every animal goes to a home where they will be loved and cared for. They offer a trial period for potential adopters, showing their commitment to the happiness and wellbeing of the animals in their care.

To contact LA Animal Rescue, use the following information:

• Address: Los Angeles, CA 91311
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://laanimalrescue.org