If you are interested in adding a canine friend to your family, then adoption is the way to go.
Not only will you participate in making a difference in your homeless dog community, but these pups will always have so much love to offer.
Their uncertain past has brought them to their current rescue, and they need an animal lover like you to welcome them with open arms.
There are shelters and rescues around the country that are ready to introduce you to their dogs, and many of these options are just around the corner from you.
To help you find your future rescue pup, let’s discuss some of the many dog rescues in Connecticut.
Looking For A Dog Rescue In Connecticut
As of 2020, over 14,000 animals entered Connecticut shelters in search of a forever home.
Close to 13,000 animals continued on to find homes or be pulled from kill shelters, proving just how important the work of each rescue is.
When you choose to adopt a dog in Connecticut, you are playing a direct role in saving lives.
Thankfully for Connecticut residents, there are an array of dog rescues across the state that help the many homeless pups of their community.
We have gathered a list of some of these rescues, so let’s discuss each one in detail below!
1.) Save All Dogs Rescue (Manchester, CT)
The Save All Dogs Rescue focuses on pulling dogs from high-kill shelters and offering them more time to find a forever family.
By working with surrounding rescues and shelters in the area, they stand a better chance at rehoming dogs and preventing overcrowding in shelters.
Once they make their way to the Save All Dogs Rescue, the pups receive the care and behavioral help they need to move forward.
Adoption fees vary for each pup based on the care they received leading up to their adoption.
The rescue asks you to send an email with any inquiries about a specific pup.
They welcome any potential adopters to visit their shelter between the hours of 3-6 pm on Thursdays, and 10am-6pm on Friday-Sunday.
- You can view their available dogs for adoption here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 120 Hale Road Manchester, CT 06040
- Phone: (860) 706-9859
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: savealldogsrescue.com
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
2.) The Woof Gang Rescue (Central, CT)
The Woof Gang Rescue is a volunteer-run program that pulls animals from undesirable situations and places them in foster care.
They rescue pups from situations ranging from abandonment to kill shelter, and hope to rehabilitate these pups in order for them to find the best home possible.
There is no set shelter for these dogs, so they rely completely on fosters that open up their home.
Their website has a detailed list of dogs available for adoption, as well as their Facebook page.
They encourage you to either email them or send a message on Facebook if you are interested in a specific pup.
They can then arrange for you to meet the pup in their foster home.
The adoption fee for their dogs is $275–$450, and each pup will be fully vetted at the time of adoption.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: woofgangrescue.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
3.) A Pup’s Pizzazz Rescue – All Of Connecticut
The Pup’s Pizzazz Rescue is a non-profit organization that aims to pull dogs out of high-risk situations.
They work with rescues and shelters throughout the state in hopes of helping as many dogs as possible, and offering a loyal companion to so many in the process.
Their volunteer team transports pups across the state and to their foster homes daily.
Similar to the Woof Gang Rescue, there is no shelter base for the organization.
All dogs are in foster homes across the state, so you will need to coordinate a meeting with the rescue if you are interested in one of their rescues.
- You can view their available dogs for adoption here.
They take in helpless pups all the time, so there will always be a lovable dog near you when you are ready.
The adoption fee will range from dog to dog, so they ask you to speak with the rescue directly for any questions on adoption fees.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (203) 241-2351
- Website: apupspizzazzrescue.com
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
4.) Friends Of The New Haven Animal Shelter (New Haven, CT)
The Friends Of The New Haven Animal Shelter works directly with the New Haven Animal Shelter to increase adoptions in their area.
The shelter is the second largest shelter in Connecticut, which requires quite a bit of help to not only rescue dogs in need, but find them the loving homes they deserve.
They not only host adoptions at each center, but they also hold adoption events around their region.
Their website has a large list of adoptable dogs listed, as well as a detailed bio on Petfinder describing their history and personality.
The standard adoption fee is $90, and they ask you to make an appointment if you are interested in meeting a specific pup.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 81 Fournier Street New Haven, CT 06511
- Phone: (203) 946-8110
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: findafriendforlife.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
5.) Our Companions Animal Rescue (Ashford, CT)
Our Companions Animal Rescue is a unique organization that not only offers their rescued animals a beautiful sanctuary to call their temporary home, but they get their community involved in an incredible way.
This rescue helps to keep pets with their owners, provide low cost veterinary services, offers public education, and so much more.
As you can see, they truly care for both the humans and animals of their community.
Their sanctuary sits on a beautiful plot of land that is designed to be a safe haven for dogs in need.
This sanctuary provides shelter to dogs that need some extra support, whether they are severely ill or struggle with behavioral challenges.
The team has made the sanctuary as cozy and “home like” as possible, which will help their pups transition to an actual home when the time comes.
After watching their sanctuary tour video on their website, you will understand why I am so blown away by their efforts.
The rescue doesn’t charge for adoptions, but they do ask that you leave a donation when adopting a canine friend.
- You can view available dogs for adoption here.
They state that the ideal donation for a dog’s care at their sanctuary is $150, so this is much appreciated when possible.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 46 Floeting Road, Ashford, CT 06278
- Phone: (860) 242-9999
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: ourcompanions.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
6.) Danbury Animal Welfare Society (Danbury, CT)
The Danbury Animal Welfare Society is a non-profit organization that is determined to improve the lives of the animals in their community.
They not only want to find homes for the many homeless dogs of their city, but to hopefully promote responsible pet ownership in the future.
They know that education on animal welfare is the only way to truly succeed in their ultimate goal.
This rescue offers standard adoption to interested pet owners, as well as a Pets For Patriots program.
This involves placing furry friends with veterans that are struggling, and offering discounted adoption fees and vet care for the veterans in their program.
They know just how healing pet ownership can be, and they want to give back to the many veterans that are struggling with their mental health.
The standard adoption fee is $300–$450 for their dogs, and each dog will be fully vaccinated, sterilized, heartworm tested, and microchipped.
If you are interested in meeting any of their adoptable dogs you can stop by their facility, as well as reaching out to the rescue by phone or email.
- You can view their available dogs for adoption here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 147 Grassy Plain St Bethel, CT 06801
- Phone: (203) 744-3297
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: daws.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
7.) PAWS Pet Animal Welfare Society (Norwalk, CT)
PAWS is a no-kill animal shelter that is dedicated to finding homes for the many abandoned, unwanted, and neglected canine companions in their city.
They find homes for anywhere from 300-700 animals per year, proving just how much of an impact they make on their community.
Their dedicated team of staff and volunteers do everything possible to find the best homes for their dogs, as well as pairing each dog with adopters that best fit their needs.
Their standard adoption fee is $375 – $475 based on the dog’s age, and each dog will be fully vetted upon adoption.
You can search their website for an up to date list of adoptable dogs, as well as reaching out to them directly by email or social media channels.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 504 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851
- Phone: (203) 750-9572
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: pawsct.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
8.) Murphy’s Paw Rescue (New Haven, CT)
Murphy’s Paw Rescue is a foster based program that pulls dogs from high risk shelters and dangerous situations.
They realize just how tough it is for their local shelters to find the resources to advertise their adoptable dogs, so they work with them closely in hopes of spreading awareness.
They also pull any dogs from kill shelters when their time has run out, helping to offer them a second chance at a forever family.
Their website has a list of adoptable dogs that are currently in their foster homes.
They ask that you first fill out an application for the dog you are interested in, and if they think you are a good fit, they will reach out to you promptly.
The standard adoption fee is $575 for a fully vetted, loving rescue pup.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: murphyspaw.org
- Social Media: Facebook
9.) Ridgefield Operation For Animal Rescue (Ridgefield, CT)
ROAR is a beautiful shelter that tries to offer their rescue dogs as comfortable an environment as possible.
They take in homeless and unwanted pets, offer community outreach for the animals of their city, as well as public education on the importance of responsible pet ownership.
For those who need to surrender their dog, they can contact ROAR.
They also provide veterinary and behavioral therapy for any furry friend that needs it while in their care.
Their standard adoption fee ranges from $100 – $400 based on the dog’s age, with puppies being on the high end of the scale.
If you see any adoptable pups that you would like to meet, they suggest reaching out to them by email or phone after you complete an adoption form online.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 45 South Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
- Phone: (203) 438-0158
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: roar-ridgefield.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
10.) PawSafe Animal Rescue (Ellington, CT)
PawSafe Animal Rescue was created in effort to prevent the euthanasia of adoptable dogs in their area.
While they understood that these things had to happen as a result of overcrowding and lack of resources, their efforts are helping to reduce this occurrence as much as possible.
They aim to find homes for the many abandoned and unwanted dogs in their city, educate the public on proper pet care, and implement spay and neuter programs in their region.
Their standard adoption fee for adult dogs is $475, and each pup will be sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped, and heartworm tested before adoption.
They urge you to explore their website for any pups that you are interested in adopting, and fill out an adoption form once you find one.
- You can view their available dogs for adoption here.
You can then reach out to the rescue directly to arrange a meeting with your future canine friend.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 110 Sandy Beach Rd Ellington, CT 06029
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: pawsafe.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
11.) Connecticut Humane Society (Newington, CT)
The Connecticut Humane Society has been taking in abandoned and unwanted canine friends since 1881.
This is the oldest animal welfare organization in Connecticut, so they have helped thousands of animals since their doors first opened.
This shelter has had such success as a result of not only caring for the animals of their community, but the pet owners as well.
Through community outreach and education, they are helping to save so many animal lives.
The standard adoption fee is anywhere from $100 – $475 based on the dog’s age, and each dog will be fully vetted at the time of their adoption.
The shelter asks you to stop by and fill out an application between 12-4pm, and if they have the staff to allow it, they can arrange for you to spend time with your dog of interest.
- You can view their available dogs for adoption here.
If all goes well, you can take your furry friend home soon!
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 701 Russell Road Newington, CT 06111
- Phone: (800) 452-0114
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: cthumane.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
12.) Animal Haven Inc. (North Haven, CT)
Animal Haven Inc. has been taking in homeless animals since 1948.
This shelter has been and continues to be a no-kill shelter, and they pride themselves on taking in as many furry friends as they possibly can.
Not only do they take in animals that are surrendered to their facility, but they also pull animals from high-kill shelters in the area.
If you can no longer take care of your dog, contact this shelter.
They offer any care possible to help these pups heal, and give it their all to find them a permanent and loving home.
All adopters should be willing to answer the adoption questions, as well as participate in a home visit to make sure you are the right fit for their rescue pup.
The standard adoption fee is $225 – $325 based on age, and each dog will be fully vetted and heartworm tested at the time of adoption.
- View their available dogs for adoption here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 89 Mill Road North Haven, CT 06473
- Phone: (203) 239-2641
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: theanimalhavenct.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Adopting A Rescue Dog In Connecticut
No matter which rescue you choose when searching for a beloved canine friend in Connecticut, you are sure to find the dog of your dreams.
Connecticut dog rescues are dedicated to the many pups in their care, and they will be sure to provide you with everything needed to succeed together.
Whether you are a new dog owner or a seasoned pet parent, you will certainly find the dog for you!
Once you meet the canine friend that is perfect for you, we always suggest asking as many questions as possible about their history and path that led them to the rescue.
This will help you better understand your pup as you get to know each other, and this will ultimately allow you to offer the care they need moving forward.
Final Thoughts On Adopting A Dog From A Rescue In Connecticut
We are so glad that you have made the decision to adopt a rescue dog in Connecticut.
We have no doubt that you will find the perfect rescue pup for you, and that you will go on to have a beautiful future together!