Adopting a dog instead of buying from a breeder is a great way to get a new companion and save a life in need.
If you are in Arizona and looking to adopt, there are lots of great rescues to choose from.
Any of the following Arizona-based rescues will make great choices.
If you are unable to adopt but want to help any of these rescues, then supporting your local Arizona dog rescue by volunteering, fostering, or donating are all great options.
If you need to surrender your dog for any reason, some of these rescues will take them in to be rehomed.
1.) Mini Mighty Mutts Rescue (Phoenix, AZ)
This rescue specializes in taking in unwanted and homeless small breed dogs.
If you have been considering adopting a dog and want a smaller breed, adopting from this rescue is a great choice.
The team at Mini Mighty Mutts Rescue believes that the animals we adopt are not just pets.
They are family members. This is why the rescue takes so much care to place their dogs in the right homes.
All small breed dogs are welcome here regardless of breed, temperament, or health.
The dogs will receive socialization, rehabilitation, and medical care to get them back on their feet.
- You can see the dogs currently up for adoption here.
- Fill out their adoption application form here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Phoenix, AZ 85048
- Phone: (480) 304-5654
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: minimightymutts.com
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
2.) Robin Hood Animal Rescue (Glendale, AZ)
This rescue was first established in 2004.
Since then, they have taken in animals from all kinds of backgrounds.
When they arrive at the rescue, dogs get important medical and emotional support from the volunteers that run the rescue.
Robin Hood Animal Rescue was borne out of frustration for the lack of services that many other rescues and shelters could provide.
At the time, the Animal Care and Control Center was unable to take in certain animals because of their location or breed.
This rescue aims to accept all animals regardless of their situation or background.
They are entirely foster-based and rely on their foster homes to support their mission.
Read More: How to foster a dog
Your adoption fee will start at $200, and will change based on things like age, breed, and if the dog has special needs.
- You can see their available dogs for adoption here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Glendale, AZ 85301
- Phone: (623) 931-7499
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: robinhoodanimalrescue.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter
3.) Freedom Brothers Recovery and Rescue (Phoenix, AZ)
The volunteers that run this rescue are passionate about animal welfare.
They are a veteran-based group, and they understand the joy that animals bring into the lives of their owners.
They also understand how costly owning a pet can be.
This is why they provide low to no-cost vet care for owners.
The dogs available through the rescue come from a wide range of backgrounds.
Many of them have been taken out of shelters where they were on euthanasia lists.
Some of the dogs are also directly surrendered to the rescue by their owners.
Freedom Brothers Recovery and Rescue knows how challenging a decision like this can be, and they only offer understanding and compassion in these situations.
- View their available dogs up for adoption here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Phoenix, AZ 85028
- Phone: (504) 613-7174
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: freedombrothersrescueandrecovery.com
- Social Media: Facebook
4.) Cavalier Rescue Foundation (Phoenix, AZ)
Since 2004, this breed-specific rescue has saved the lives of countless dogs.
Not only do they rescue cavaliers, but they also provide the public with important knowledge on how to care for this breed.
Many of the dogs that come to the rescue are removed from puppy mills.
These breeding practices are incredibly inhumane, and it is the rescue’s mission to one day see them disappear completely.
In the meantime, they work to attend puppy mill auctions, buying the dogs before someone else can so the dogs have the best chance at a new, happy life.
Some of the dogs they get are also owner surrenders or have been abused or abandoned.
The rescue’s lost and found services help to reunite lost cavaliers with their owners.
To adopt a dog, you will pay a fee of up to $850.
- See their adoption application here.
- See their adoptable dogs on Petfinder.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Phoenix, AZ 85029
- Phone: (602) 397-4744
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: cavalierrescuefoundation.com
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
5.) Better Days (Scottsdale, AZ)
This non-profit rescue depends on the help of their fosters as well as boarding facilities to house their dogs, as they do not have their own shelter.
They place each dog carefully, making sure that every match they make is a match for life.
They do this by taking the time to get to know both the dogs in their care as well as the potential adopters.
Better Days also provides the public with help and resources on responsible pet ownership as well as training.
The standard fee to adopt a dog from this rescue is $400, however this is subject to change based on the dog.
The fee covers things like medical care that the dog receives while they were in the rescue.
- You can see their dogs up for adoption here.
If you would like to apply for a dog you see, fill out the application form here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: PO Box 5374 Scottsdale, AZ 85261
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: betterdaysrescue.rescuegroups.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
6.) Underdog Rescue of AZ (Chandler, AZ)
Like many rescues, this dog rescue is entirely foster-based.
They are always looking for new fosters to add to their network, so if you cannot adopt a dog, consider becoming a foster to support them.
The dogs available through the rescue are of all breeds and backgrounds.
Along with rescuing homeless and unwanted dogs, Underdog Rescue of AZ offers resources to their community.
They help lost dogs reunite with their owners, and they can point owners in the right direction if they need help with vetting, training, of grooming.
Their Pets for Patriots program offers reduced adoption fees to veterans looking to adopt a pet.
To adopt a dog, you will pay a $200 fee for adults and $250 for puppies.
You will also have to fill out their adoption application form, which can be found here.
- Their adoptable dogs are listed here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: PO Box 13392 Chandler, AZ 85249
- Phone: (480) 553-9311
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: underdogaz.com
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
7.) Sunshine Dog Rescue (Phoenix, AZ)
This rescue was first established in 2015.
Before creating the rescue, the founders spend time volunteering at the local county shelter.
It quickly became apparent that the dogs in the community needed more help than what the shelter alone could provide.
This is why Sunshine Dog Rescue was founded.
The rescue specifically helps medium to large-sized dogs.
They take these dogs out of high-kill shelters and offer them safe and comfortable foster homes where they stay until they can be adopted.
Dogs also receive basic vet care including spaying and neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations.
If the dog requires training or rehabilitation, the rescue offers that as well.
You can see their dogs that are up for adoption here.
Their application is available here.
To help ease the adoption process, Sunshine Dog Rescue also provides lots of useful tips and support for you and your new best friend.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Phoenix, AZ 85024
- Phone: (602) 617-1829
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: sunshinedogrescue.com
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
8.) Arizona Beagle Rescue (Phoenix, AZ)
This rescue is a breed-specific rescue that was first established in 2002.
With the help of their dedicated and caring fosters, this rescue helps to keep beagles out of shelters where they may, unfortunately, be euthanized due to overcrowding.
When beagles arrive at the rescue, they are given any necessary vet treatment as well as training.
Beagles are high-energy and active dogs that require a lot of enrichment, and the rescue provides exactly this to their dogs.
They also partner with various vets in the area to help get their dogs any basic medical care they need.
Arizona Beagle Rescue accepts surrendered beagles, with a minimum $50 donation to the rescue.
They also help to bring lost beagles back to their loving owners.
Anyone who would like to adopt from this rescue can see the available beagles listed here.
View their adoption application here.
Adoption fees range from $100 to $350 depending on the dog’s age.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: PO Box 61193 Phoenix, AZ 85335
- Phone: (623) 977-1355
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: azbeaglerescue.com
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
9.) Fedwell Farm Rescue (Scottsdale, AZ)
Located on a beautiful piece of property, Fedwell Farm Rescue strives to help every animal in need that comes to them.
They specialize in rescuing herding breeds specifically.
Since their establishment in 2004, they have helped close to 2,000 dogs find loving forever homes.
Dogs are given medical treatment and basic vetting like vaccinations and spaying and neutering when they arrive at the rescue.
Most of the dogs come to them from county shelters, where the dogs are about to be euthanized.
These shelters get in touch with Fedwell Farm Rescue, who then arrange to have the dog picked up.
After a dog has been adopted, the team at Fedwell Farm Rescue will continue to support the adopter to ensure both they and the dog are happy and healthy.
If you are considering adopting from this rescue, take a look at their adoptable dogs and find their application here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Mailing Address Only: 28150 N. Alma School Parkway Suite #103-194 Scottsdale, AZ 85262
- Phone: (602) 316-8919
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: fedwellfarm.com
- Social Media: Facebook
10.) Arizona Cattle Dog Rescue (Carefree, AZ)
This rescue was established by six founders who wanted a breed-specific rescue to help cattle dogs in the Scottsdale area.
They have no physical shelter and rely on their fosters to house and support their dogs.
Arizona Cattle Dog Rescue does not only take in unwanted and abused cattle dogs, they also work hard to educate the public on how to properly care for these animals.
Cattle dogs require a lot of daily stimulation, and the rescue provides that.
They also ensure that potential adopters can provide this amount of stimulation too.
The rescue partners with trainers across Arizona, and will help you find the right one for you and your cattle dog.
If you are thinking about adopting a cattle dog, see their dogs available for adoption here.
You can fill out their application form here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 100 East Street, #3647 Carefree, AZ 85377
- Phone: (480) 442-2237
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: arizonacattledogrescue.org
- Social Media: Facebook | YouTube
11.) Ghost Town Dog Rescue (Mesa, AZ)
Although based in Mesa, Ghost Town Dog Rescue takes in dogs from all across the country.
They remove dogs at risk of euthanasia from overcrowded shelters.
This frees up space in these shelters and offers dogs a second chance that they would not have otherwise.
All breeds, ages, and backgrounds are welcome at this rescue.
They have no physical shelter and therefore rely on their foster network to support their mission.
Becoming a foster is a great way to help a dog in need if you cannot adopt.
Learn more about becoming a foster for Ghost Town Dog Rescue.
You can see the dogs that are currently available through the rescue on Petfinder.
To get started with the adoption process, you will need to fill out their adoption inquiry form which you can find here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 3640 E Main St Mesa, AZ 85205
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: ghosttowndogrescue.com
- Social Media: Facebook
12.) Pittie Me Rescue (Gilbert, AZ)
Pit bulls and similar breeds have an unfortunate reputation.
Many people see these dogs as inherently aggressive.
The volunteers and organizers that run Pittie Me Rescue know that these dogs can be incredibly affectionate and loving family companions.
They aim to reduce the stigma associated with the breed and encourage responsible dog ownership.
They take in dogs from a variety of backgrounds.
No matter where the dog comes from, they will work hard to find them the right home.
Pittie Me Rescue also offers resources to owners who are struggling to keep their dogs.
Though they are not able to accept surrenders, they can help point you in the right direction if you need pet-friendly housing or pet food assistance.
They can also help you find rescues that might accept your dog if you need to rehome them.
- Take a look at their adoptable dogs and application form here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 2487 S Gilbert Road # 106-175 Gilbert, AZ 85295
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: pittiemerescue.org
- Social Media: Facebook
Final Thoughts On Dog Rescues In Arizona
Anyone who is looking to bring a dog into their family should consider rescuing rather than buying from a breeder.
Many dogs in rescues across Arizona are looking for new homes.
Rescuing does not only mean getting a new family member, it also means saving a life and making space for rescues and shelters to accept more animals.
If you are in Arizona and looking for a dog, any of the above rescues can help you.
If you cannot adopt, these Arizona-based rescues are always looking for volunteers or fosters.