Ontario is a dog-loving city where you can take your pooch everywhere from the bus stop to stores and even to some restaurants.
The multicultural city has a diverse population and is also home to beautiful parks where you can take your dog for walks and family picnics.
If you are looking to adopt a dog in Ontario, there are numerous rescue centres where you can start your search.
Immigrants are always welcome here, so if you are looking for a pooch to complete your family as you start life afresh, you have come to the right place.
We have compiled a list of the best dog rescue centres in Ontario to aid in your search for a canine companion.
1. Ottawa Dog Rescue
Founded in August 2013, Ottawa dog rescue is an all-breed rescue centre that uses a foster-based approach to help stray, unwanted, and abandoned dogs.
The facility was started by a team of experienced rescuers and dedicated dog-lovers who are committed to finding forever homes for rescued pups.
Ottawa Dog Rescue provides programs to teach responsible pet ownership and promotes neutering to prevent unwanted pups.
To adopt a pet from this facility, you will need to fill out an online application form after which the team will contact you for an interview.
If successful, you will be invited to meet the dog and their foster parent for an assessment.
All dogs are vaccinated, neutered, microchipped and treated for fleas, ticks, and any other ailments before adoption.
Ottawa Dogs Rescue also offers long-term care to dogs who cannot be rehomed due to long-term illnesses.
You can support this non-profit charitable corporation through donations and volunteering or becoming a foster parent.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://otowndogrescue.com/
- Social Media: Facebook
2. Sato Saved End of the Line Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation
This dog rescue centre was started in 2016 to help at-risk pups that are in danger of being euthanized.
The facility also rescues abandoned dogs and those who need long-term medical care.
Sato is an animal welfare organization that is focused on ensuring dogs in Ontario receive quality care.
The team of volunteers at this facility offers training through local community partnerships to educate the community on the importance of neutering.
They also offer a neutering program that is open to the public at subsidized rates.
If you would like to adopt a dog from Sato, head over to their adoption page and meet all the adorable adoptables waiting to join their forever families.
The facility charges a small adoption donation that covers vaccination, neutering, microchipping, and at least 2 lbs of your dog’s current food to aid in transitioning.
Sato also accepts donations and welcomes you to volunteer your time or skills to help the abandoned dogs of Ontario.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Brantford
- Contact: (519) 720-8755
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://satosavedrescue.wixsite.com/satosaved
- Social Media: Facebook
3. Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary
This world-renowned dog sanctuary is located on 50 acres of sprawling hills and wooded spaces where all rescues can enjoy unlimited play, socialization, and exercise.
The facility in King City boasts walking trails, a grooming spa, and even therapy pools.
Dog Tales takes in a variety of animals including dogs and houses them at the facility until they can get permanent, loving homes.
If you would like to adopt from this facility, you will be required to fill in an online application form before you can be invited for a private appointment.
The adoption fee is $375 CAD.
All dogs at Dog Tales are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped before adoption.
If for any reason, you and your canine companion are not a good match, Dog Tales welcomes all their pups back to the sanctuary to ensure they are safe from destruction.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 1405 19th Sideroad, King City, Ontario, Canada L7B-1K5
- Contact: (905) 713-1887
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.dogtales.ca/
- Social Media: Facebook
4. Ontario SPCA
This registered charity was founded in 1873 and provides pet services in the whole province.
Recognized as one of the top dog rescues in Ontario, this dog rescue provides a wide range of services including community-based sanctuary and high volume neutering.
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a charitable organization funded by well-wishers in the community including individuals, associations, and corporations.
In addition to rescuing abandoned pets, the facility also accepts owner-surrendered dogs whose parents are struggling to provide care.
If you are ready to add a new furry member to your family, simply visit the Ontario SPCA adoption page to view all the available fur babies.
The adoption process starts with filling out a comprehensive “Meet your Match’ survey form that allows you to understand your pooch while giving you a better chance at a permanent match.
You can also support this dog rescue centre in Ontario through donations, hosting fundraising events, or leaving a legacy in your will.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 16586 Woodbine Ave., Stouffville, ON, L4A 2W3
- Contact: (888) 668-7722
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://ontariospca.ca/
- Social Media: Facebook
5. Niagara Dog Rescue
Niagara Dog Rescue is a registered, non-profit charitable organization founded in 2015.
The volunteer-based facility is dedicated to rescuing unwanted, homeless, and abandoned dogs across Ontario with a special focus on dogs that are at immediate risk of euthanasia in high-kill shelters.
Since opening its doors, Niagara Dog Rescue has rehomed over 6,300 dogs with loving furever families.
The volunteers at this facility save dogs from all over the world including Korea, the USA, Iran, Nepal, Antigua, Mexico, and Kuwait.
If you would like to adopt a pooch from Niagara Dog Rescue, you can start your search on their adoption page to meet the perfect canine companion for your family.
- Adoption fees start at $450 – $800.
You can also support the facility through donations, fostering, and volunteering.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 6-1500 Upper Middle Rd. West, Suite #107, Oakville, Ontario, L6M 0C2, Canada
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://niagaradogrescue.com/
- Social media: Facebook
6. Mattie’s Place
Mattie’s Place advocates for the animal-human bond and promotes this agenda by educating the public.
The facility supports homeless dogs, strays, and even those surrendered by their parents.
This dog rescue in Ontario was founded in 2019 by Denise Angus in memory of Mattie, her rescue Min Pin.
Denise has over 30 years of experience in the rescue, adoption and veterinary industry.
She is passionate about dogs and started her career at the Sudbury Humane Society where she helped support hundreds of dogs in need.
Although the majority of dogs at Mattie’s come from shelter overflow and owner surrenders of people who can’t take care of their dog any longer, the facility also partners with rescue centres in Texas, California, Western Canada, Quebec, Columbia, and the Dominican Republic.
Mattie’s rescues over 200 dogs annually.
If you would like to support the facility, you can volunteer as a foster parent and help dogs in need on their way to their forever homes.
Adoption fees vary depending on the dog with higher rates for puppies.
All dogs are vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered before adoption.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 159 Fallingbrook Rd, Scarborough, ON M1N 2V2, Canada
- Contact: (416) 551-7005
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://mattiesplace.ca/
- Social Media: Facebook
7. Loyal Rescue
Established in 2008, Loyal Rescue is a foster-based rescue centre run by volunteers.
The facility is dedicated to emotionally and physically rehabilitating all stray, abandoned, unwanted, and abused dogs.
As the facility strives to unite rescued dogs with loving forever families, they also accept applications from pet lovers who wish to foster a dog.
Volunteering to foster a dog in your home allows the facility, which takes in up to 80 dogs at a time to make room for more dogs in need.
If you have other dogs at home, you will be required to neuter them before adoption.
You can also help Loyal Rescue through volunteering as a driver, donating, or participating in outreach events.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 14B -1822 Whites Rd. BOX 327 (This is not a shelter, simply a mailing address,), Pickering, ON L1V 0B1, Canada
- Website: https://www.loyalrescue.com/
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
8. Moosonee Puppy Rescue
Officially opened in 2003, Moosonee Puppy Rescue was founded by Paul and his wife, Sharron to cater to dogs who had nowhere to go as they awaited adoption.
This dog-loving couple is committed to helping neglected puppies and is dedicated to nursing them through their first few days of life.
Moosonee Puppy Rescue also accepts surrenders and has placed over 1600 dogs since opening its doors to puppies in need.
The facility is a charitable corporation that strives to promote animal care and educate parents about potential challenges that could make it difficult to care for their dogs.
If you would like to adopt a puppy, reach out to Paul and Sharron through their information below.
You can also support Moosonee Puppy Rescue through donations which go towards buying food and treatment for pups at this facility and neighbouring rescues.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 1490 Falkenburg Rd RR#6, Bracebridge ON P1L 1X4
- Contact: (705) 764-1478
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.moosoneepuppyrescue.com/
- Social media: Facebook
9. Refuge RR
Founded in 1990, this registered, charity dog rescue in Ontario provides rehabilitation and refuge to abused, neglected, and unwanted animals.
Refuge RR is ranked as one of the best dog rescues in the province of Quebec.
This dog rescue is dependent on volunteers and well-wishers so you can support their work through donations or by offering your time and skills.
If you would like to help but have no room for permanent adoption, you can offer your services as a temporary foster parent.
Whether you volunteer as a temporary or permanent foster parent, the facility will perform a home check, background check, and random checks throughout the pet’s stay.
These checks ensure that all Refuge RR dogs are safe and well cared for.
If you do not have the time or room to foster a dog, consider sponsoring one at either Bronze, Silver, or Gold level.
All monthly donations in this program contribute towards vaccination, medication, food, and bedding.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Alexandria, ON, Canada, 21305 Concession 10 RR 2 K0C 1A0
- Contact: (613) 307-0795
- Website: https://refugerr.org/
- Social Media: Facebook
10. Kismutt Dog Rescue
This not-for-profit organization is dedicated to alleviating animal suffering through neutering to prevent unwanted dogs.
The facility is located on over 50 acres of beautiful countryside which allows it to accommodate as many dogs as possible.
Kismutt has a strict no-kill policy and is committed to providing a safe environment for vulnerable dogs of all breeds.
This dog rescue also educates the local Ontario community about pet care and compassion for all animals.
Before adopting a dog from this rescue center, you will need to make an appointment to visit the shelter.
All dogs are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped before adoption.
The facility also offers 5-star dog boarding with clean, spacious kennels furnished with Kuranda beds for your fur baby.
You can also support Kismutt through donations, volunteering, fostering a dog, or sponsoring a pooch.
Visit their website to see all the dogs available for adoption.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 18176 Gregory Dr #17900, St. Marys, ON N4X 1C7, Canada
- Contact: (519) 619-6203
- Website: https://www.kismutt.com/
- Social Media: Facebook
Conclusion for Dog Rescues in Ontario
Every year, thousands of innocent dogs suffer torture, cruelty, neglect, and abandonment.
Some suffer horrible emotional and physical abuse, with even more left to struggle in the cold, uninhabitable weather without food or water.
By choosing adoption, you can give these dogs a second chance at life, love, and compassion.
These dog rescues centres in Ontario take in dogs at risk of getting destroyed from overcrowded animal shelters and make it possible to rehome them to loving foster homes.
Adoption offers numerous benefits, not just to the canine castoffs, but to the community at large.
By choosing adoption, you also help put an end to unscrupulous breeders.
Reach out to any of the dog rescue centres above to find out more about their adoption policies as you meet your new four-legged, family member.