Adopting a Dog?

Top 7 Dog Rescues in San Diego

It can be tough deciding where to go when you’ve made the exciting decision to adopt a dog from a local rescue group.


You may be asking yourself, “How do I know what rescue groups are near me?” Unless you have, or know someone who has, been actively volunteering with a local rescue group…it’s totally understandable why you wouldn’t know which ones are available for you to contact.


So that’s why we’ve compiled what we believe to be the Top 5 (+2 new additions!) Dog Rescue Groups located in San Diego, California listed in no particular order.


The Animal Pad Logo

The Animal Pad

The Animal Pad is a non-profit, all-breed dog rescue in San Diego, California. They focus on pulling dogs from overcrowded shelters and off the streets of Mexico. Their goal is to build, operate, and maintain an animal sanctuary that would become the model to expand into other cities, and help others who want to create similar facilities. 

Visit: https://theanimalpad.org/

Passion for Pitties Logo

Passion for Pitties

A non-profit advocate & rescue group located in Southern California. They specialize in rescuing, rehabilitating, rehoming, and advocating for American Pit Bull Terriers and Pit Bull type dogs. Their mission is to educate communities, emphasize the importance of adopting Pitties, and to overcome the misconceptions people have about these dogs.

Visit: https://www.passionforpitties.com/

Amazing Strays Rescue Logo

Amazing Strays Rescue

An all-breed, foster-based, non-profit dog & cat rescue that knows no geographical boundaries. Dedicated to rescuing homeless or at-risk dogs and aiding in the efforts to combat overpopulation and the spread of disease, Amazing Strays Rescue works with shelters to overcome such challenges much more efficiently.

Visit:https://www.amazingstraysrescue.org/

A Way Home For Dogs Logo

A Way Home for Dogs

Founded by Babs Fry, A Way Home for Dogs is a non-profit organization that helps to recover lost pets and reunite them with their families. Her proven techniques & advice, which she offers at no charge, has helped families from all around the world be reunited with their lost pets. Along with reuniting families, Babs and her team of dedicated volunteers also help rescue stray dogs and, when unclaimed, find them a forever loving home.

Visit: https://www.awayhomefordogs.com/

Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Logo

Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue

Helps Labradors, Labrador-mixes, and Labrador “friends” throughout Southern California and the surrounding areas. Taking in approximately 350 dogs and puppies annually, this volunteer and foster-based non-profit organization is dedicated to finding forever, loving homes for every Labrador and “friends” they bring into their care.

Visit: https://www.labradorsandfriends.org/

Rescuing Cujo Logo

Rescuing Cujo

Named to honor their founder’s first dog, is a non-profit dog rescue and sanctuary located in San Diego County. They utilize their network of foster volunteers, local shelters, and rescue groups to help provide the care and affection dogs need as they wait to find their forever homes; no matter what size or breed.

Visit: https://www.rescuingcujo.com

A New Life Charitable Foundation Logo

A New Life Charitable Foundation

A volunteer-based non-profit animal rescue located in San Diego, CA. Utilizing their extensive network consisting of lifelong volunteers, veterinarians and professional animal-welfare advocates, they provide medical care, rehabilitation, & training for animals in need. They also provide education for pet owners on how to improve routine care and the environment for pets. 

Visit: https://anlcf.org/

Now that you have a list of 7 awesome Dog Rescue Groups located in San Diego, California head over to our step-by-step guide of How To Adopt A Dog In 6 Easy Steps.


Once you find your new forever best friend, be sure to let others know you chose to adopt a rescue dog and inspire them to do the same by repping the only leash with The Symbol For Rescue Dogs®!



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