Best Dog Rescues in Ohio [A Dog Adoption Directory]

Dog rescues in Ohio continue to adopt many dogs, especially since the demand has increased in the past few years. Those looking to adopt a purebred or mixed-breed dog can have their pooch at a more affordable price than breeders. 

Contrary to common misconception, rescued dogs are healthy and typically don’t have undesirable behaviors. Instead, they’re described as loyal, affectionate, and playful, which many people love. 

With various dog rescues scattered across Ohio, this article has narrowed everything down, so you will have an easier time researching which ones are the best go-to sources in the area. Keep reading!

10 Dog Rescues in Ohio Where You Can Adopt a Dog 

Owning a dog comes with a responsibility. It includes providing its basic needs, health needs, and emotional needs. 

Considering that dogs from adoption centers have had a rough, heart-breaking past, the last thing they want is to get their hearts broken again. 

So, if you’re ready to take on a new family addition and think adopting is the best method to acquire your dream pooch, here are the ten best dog rescues in Ohio.

1. Charlie’s Wish Animal Rescue

Charlie’s Wish Animal Rescue is a non-profit, foster-based organization. That means their rescued dogs are not kept in a facility but in foster homes where they can receive the best care, exercise, and socialization

This way, they can also be properly assessed regarding their personality and needs and identify what drills and training they lack. 

This group’s conception started with a pet named Charlie, which was abused and abandoned by its previous owner. CWAR adopted Charlie and gave it the best treatment it deserved until it, unfortunately, passed away in 2014. 

More dogs were given a second chance to be loved again after that incident. You might be the right owner for one of their dogs, so feel free to check their list of adoptable. 

How to contact Charlie’s Wish Animal Rescue:

Website: Charlie’s Wish Animal Rescue

Address: Westerville, OH 43081

Phone: (614) 517-8695

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

2. Canine Collective Ohio Dog Rescue

Canine Collective Dog Rescue is out to save dog lives regardless of their situations. Often, the canines come from hoarding circumstances, high-kill shelters, and families in crisis. 

Once the dogs are in their care, the organization ensures they receive proper vet care. Those that were not microchipped yet will receive it, as well as those that aren’t complete with their vaccine shots

Other necessary treatments, such as spaying and neutering, are provided, too, to help curb pet overpopulation

Fill out an application form if you have a dog you want to adopt from CCODR. The team will be more than happy to cater to your inquiries, especially regarding getting to know the dog suitable for your lifestyle and preferences.

How to contact Canine Collective Ohio Dog Rescue:

Website: Canine Collective Ohio Dog Rescue

Address: 11144 US Highway 42 N Plain City, Ohio 43064

Phone: (614) 800-1712

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

3. Toledo Animal Rescue

Toledo Animal Rescue promotes and sponsors animal welfare education programs while providing care and shelter to homeless abandoned dogs in Ohio. Spay and neuter services, preventative veterinary care, and adoption opportunities exist. 

Visitors are welcome either by walk-ins or by appointment. If you have already chosen a fido to adopt, filling out an application form is the first step of the process. The team will assess your needs and see if you are the best match for the dog. 

Once your application is approved, the dog will be marked as reserved. If you want to do more, consider volunteering since they run several programs in the community. Donations are also encouraged so more dogs can be rescued and cared for. 

How to contact Toledo Animal Rescue:

Website: Toledo Animal Rescue

Address: 640 Wyman Street, Toledo, OH 43609

Phone: (419) 382-1130

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

4. Dogs Unlimited Rescue

The priority of Dogs Unlimited Rescue is the health and well-being of every animal they rescue. This non-profit organization is always ready to rescue pet companions in crisis. They also pull out those from high-kill shelters to prevent these dogs from getting euthanized

Other situations also include rescuing those from hoarders, puppy mills, and dog owners who can no longer take care of their dogs. 

Once these wonderful pets are under their care, they immediately provide them with training and rehabilitation. These are undoubtedly costly; one way to help them is through donations.

On another note, this organization has rescued over 800 dogs to date. Help them accommodate more helpless, homeless dogs by adopting one or two since this allows spaces for new rescues.

How to contact Dogs Unlimited Rescue:

Website: Dogs Unlimited Rescue

Address: 33095 Bainbridge Rd., Solon, OH  44139

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

5. Save The Animals Foundation

Save The Animals Foundation is a donation-run organization led by volunteers. They are a no-kill shelter that houses over 300 cats and dogs, so make sure you take advantage of this dog rescue when searching for your future fido. 

They ensure that these pet companions have a safe environment throughout their stay until they find their forever homes. Over the years, they have successfully matched thousands of their animals with responsible and loving families. 

If you’re open to adopting one of their dogs, the adoption fee is $225. If this sounds good, an adoption form can be filled out to start the process immediately. 

How to contact Save The Animals Foundation:

Website: Save The Animals Foundation

Address: 4011 Red Bank Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Phone: (513) 561-7823

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Twitter

6. CHA Animal Shelter

CHA Animal Shelter provides aid to animals who need their help. They provide safe and temporary shelter and care to the abandoned, abused, and neglected, topped by community outreaches, education, and spay and neuter programs. 

With over 3.1 million dogs entering United States shelter homes yearly, the situation regarding excess pets is alarming. Pet overpopulation is blowing up even more; hence dogs are recommended to be sterilized before they’re permanently placed. 

Give these dogs a chance to experience a good life by adopting one that ticks all the boxes for you. They have profiles on the list found on the web, so take time to get to know them through these details.  

You can also set up an appointment and personally visit the shelter. 

How to contact CHA Animal Shelter:

Website: CHA Animal Shelter

Address: 3765 Corporate Drive, Columbus, OH 43231

Phone: (614) 891-5280

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Instagram

7. Northeast Ohio SPCA

Northeast Ohio SPCA has remarkably made a difference in the lives of around 32,500 pets since its conception in 2004. Their mission is simple, including spaying and neutering animals, saving lives from the risk of euthanasia, education, and adoption. 

They ensure that every animal receives the best care and is healthy physically, behaviorally, and emotionally before being set out for adoption. 

Regarding their adoption fees, the Northeast Ohio SPCA doesn’t charge much compared to breeders. A puppy under 12 months costs only $125, and those over a year old are priced at $125. 

This fee is required to help cover the vet expenses to vaccinate, spay or neuter, and treat the dog from fleas, ticks, and bordetella

How to contact Northeast Ohio SPCA:

Website: Northeast Ohio SPCA

Address: 9555 Brookpark Road, Parma, OH 44129

Phone: (216) 351-7387

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram

8. Harlequin Haven Great Dane Rescue

Are you fond of big dogs? You might be interested in having a Great Dane. This dog breed is one of the massive canines in the dog world, and they’re fun-loving dogs that are smart and loyal to their owners. 

The Harlequin Haven Great Dane Rescue has several Great Danes rescued from various circumstances. While having one at your home is nice, you must also understand the responsibility of adopting this big dog. 

Great Danes eat more than smaller breeds, require regular physical and mental exercises, and need vet check-ups on a recommended schedule. Adopting one right now is not ideal unless you’re ready for all these things.

However, if you are, scan through their list of adoptable Great Danes and bring one home. 

How to contact Harlequin Haven Great Dane Rescue:

Website: Harlequin Haven Great Dane Rescue

Address: 11567 St. Rt. 774, Bethel, Ohio 45106

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

9. Little Yorkie Rescue 

Next up is the Little Yorkie Rescue. This is a home-based animal welfare charity that is solely funded by donations. Although they particularly specialize in taking care of Yorkshire Terriers, it also opens its home to other dogs, such as Chihuahuas. 

That said, several Yorkies and other dogs are waiting for their homes. Although they’re waiting, the Little Yorkie Rescue provides them with utmost care and love and their needed medical treatments for rabies, heartworm prevention, and more. 

If this is the right pooch for you, they have an adoption application form you need to fill out. Meanwhile, the adoption fees will vary depending on the overall vet cost made for your prospective pooch. 

How to contact Little Yorkie Rescue :

Website: Little Yorkie Rescue 

Address: 1308 Douglas Ct #3109, Lorain, OH 44053, USA

Phone: (440) 219-2395

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

10. Humane Society of Greater Dayton

The no-kill animal welfare agency, Humane Society of Greater Dayton, helps all animals. That said, in this sanctuary, you can expect to find rabbits, dogs, cats, rabbits, farm animals, exotics, small animals, and birds. 

This is the oldest, most well-established dog rescue in the area. There’s a high chance you’d meet your four-legged companion here, considering they take in several animals regularly. 

Get to know their fidos, which are mostly mixed-breed dogs. Regardless of what kind of dog you adopt, always be financially prepared and overall set in providing its needs and requirements. 

How to contact the Humane Society of Greater Dayton:

Website: Humane Society of Greater Dayton

Address: 1661 Nicholas Rd, Dayton, Ohio

Phone: (937) 268-7387

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram

All these dog rescues based in Ohio pass our standards. Feel free to return to this detailed directory once you’ve decided to adopt a rescued dog.