Best Dog Rescues in Ontario [A Dog Adoption Directory]

Suppose you are looking to adopt a dog companion. In that case, there are several dog rescues in Ontario, Canada, where you can find the right fido that suits your lifestyle and preferences. 

The great thing about adopting is that aside from giving one rescue a chance for a  better life, you’re also making room for another unwanted pet. Aside from that, you only have to pay a certain amount that’s considerably more affordable than what breeders ask for. 

Ready to have a new family addition? In this dog adoption directory, you’ll learn about some of the best dog rescues in Ontario, what their work is composed of, their contact details, and more. Read on!

10 Dog Rescues in Ontario Where You Can Adopt a Dog 

Whether you love to stroll outside and enjoy the outdoors or you prefer staying at home, there are dogs you can consider you alter ego. That said, it also means that not all canines are suited for you. Hence, it suggests you get to know the dog breed first before bringing it home. 

This is why dog rescues, like those in Ontario, require a dog adoption application to better assess your compatibility with the dog you choose to adopt. This way, the human and dog relationship can become more successful. 

Here are the ten dog rescues in Ontario where you can adopt the dog of your dreams:

1. Salty Animal Rescue

Salty Animal Rescue is a materialized initiative of the founders, who were already rescuing pets even before its conception. They have high standards when it comes to animal care, which is why their rescues are ensured to be healthy before they’re set out for adoption. 

Suppose you’re interested in adopting one of their animals. In that case, they will set up an interview with you after your adoption application and see how suitable you are for the animal you plan to adopt. 

It’s their top priority to make sure that you and the dog are each other’s perfect match. If you’re approved, you’ll receive an email indicating that you are. From there, you have 72 hours to pick up the dog from the foster home. 

The journey with Salty Animal Rescue doesn’t just end there. They are willing to be your aid post-adoption. This is to guarantee that the animals from them are well taken care of. It’s an impressive system since this lowers the chance of their fidos from getting rehomed.

How to contact Salty Animal Rescue:

Website: Salty Animal Rescue

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

2. Thunder Dog Rescue

Thunder Dog Rescue is an all-breed animal welfare charity established as a response to the desperate need of Northwestern Ontario for more dog rescues. They specialize in caring for pregnant female dogs and those with puppies. 

When all the other dog rescues are full, the TDR is the safe haven of these canine companions. With their effort, they seek to find loving homes that provide their needs and requirements.

Owner-surrendered dogs are also welcome. In fact, this rescue is willing to do anything it can to save the animals from unfortunate situations. 

You, too, can do the same. If you adopt a dog, another dog rescue can be taken in. Look at their wonderful fidos and read their profiles. This way, you can get to know their personality, needs, and what type of family they are best suited for. 

How to contact Thunder Dog Rescue:

Website: Thunder Dog Rescue

Address: Thunder Bay, ON P7E 2B8

Phone: (807) 622- 6523

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

3. Dog Tales Rescue

Founded in 2014, the Dog Tales Rescue puts their rescued dogs in a luxurious kennel space believing that these fidos deserve all the best things in the world. This is, in fact, what sets them apart from other dog rescues, they believe.

Currently, they don’t let visitors freely see their kennels to prevent their animals from getting stressed by the sight of unfamiliar people. Instead, those serious about adopting can fill out an application form. 

When approved, the DTR will invite you for a private appointment. They will also require you to bring your other house pets, if any, to ensure everybody gets along. 

Once you pass these steps, they will ultimately set a separate date for the pick-up. 

How to contact Dog Tales Rescue:

Website: Dog Tales Rescue

Address: 1405 19th Sideroad, King City, Ontario, Canada L7B 1K5

Phone: (905) 713-1887

Email: [email protected]

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

4. Animal Adoptions of Flamborough

Animal Adoptions of Flamborough is a non-profit organization run by volunteers committed to rescuing the lost, homeless, and unwanted dogs around Ontario. They receive no government funding but rather rely on private donations. 

Further, this is a no-kill shelter. They value animal lives and are heavily against the practice of euthanasia. They also do not easily adopt their dogs to anyone willing to take their canines but rather require a process for adoption. 

While the dogs are fostered or boarded, the organization ensures they receive all their needed medical treatments. This includes microchipping, vaccinations, tick and flea preventative treatment, spay and neuter, heartworm prevention, and more. 

Interested in adopting? The organization doesn’t have a standard fee for their dogs. Rather, you need to contact them since the adoption cost varies depending on what dog you plan to take home with you. 

How to contact Animal Adoptions of Flamborough:

Website: Animal Adoptions of Flamborough

Address: 1269 Centre Rd, Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z7, Canada

Phone: (905) 689-7801

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

5. Freedom Dog Rescue

Freedom Dog Rescue is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015. This Ottawa-based dog rescue accepts all dogs of any breed and size, gets them placed in their amazing foster homes, and provides appropriate rehabilitation to recover from past trauma. 

They work with local trainers and expert veterinarians to provide their rescued dogs with necessary medical treatments. Those suffering from anxiety and other undesirable behaviors are also given treatment. 

They also train dogs in the basics, including potty training, crate training, basic obedience, and commands

Doing these things make them more ready to be put out for adoption, and people are more likely to adopt them. 

To keep providing the highest quality care for these canines, the FDR requires a non-refundable adoption fee for the dog you’re adopting. 

Puppies under 12 months cost $650, dogs aged 1 to 2 years old cost $600, dogs aged 2 to 5 years are $500, those over 5 to 8 years old are $400, and dogs beyond 8 years are $300. 

How to contact Freedom Dog Rescue:

Website: Freedom Dog Rescue

Email: [email protected]

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

6. Marshall’s Dog Rescue

Marshall’s Dog Rescue focuses on saving dogs that are abandoned. They also give importance to those whose time limits are over and who was almost euthanized for health or other reasons. 

This animal charity welfare believes that no dog deserves to be put to sleep; hence they’re on a mission to give them the second chance they deserve. 

There are fostering and adoption opportunities if you get involved with Marshall’s Dog Rescue’s work. They provide honest assessments and evaluations to their potential adopters and fosters to give them an idea of how these dogs behave.

Of course, it’s not entirely possible to know the complete history of some of their rescued dogs, which is why any issues should be reported, so they can be addressed properly.

An adoption application form must be filled out to adopt a dog from this rescue. All references will also be contacted to learn how suitable you and the dog are. An adoption fee will also be required, and this depends on what dog you’re adopting.

How to contact Marshall’s Dog Rescue:

Website: Marshall’s Dog Rescue

Address: Ottawa, ON, Canada

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

7. Sato Saved End of the Line Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation

Founded in 2016, the Sato Saved End of the Line Dog Rescue & Rehabilitation is a canine-focused charity organization that aims to ensure quality care and treatment of animals through intervention, education, and outreach.

They create a genuine relationship with the community and other surrounding areas as part of their mission to improve how pets are treated.

To help with pet overpopulation, a spay and neuter program is also provided for the public. On top of that is an attempt to spread awareness regarding puppy mills. Owners are also taught the importance of caring for and training their pet companions. 

When you adopt one of their dogs, you are assured that it has been fully vetted, health-tested, and fixed. They also require you to pay an adoption fee to help them cover the initial expenses made when they took care of your dog. 

How to contact Sato Saved End of the Line Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation:

Website: Sato Saved End of the Line Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation

Phone: (519) 720-8755

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

8. The Big Dog House

The Big Dog House is a federal non-profit organization. It’s acting upon a foster-based system since they’re still getting its facility built. 

Although this fairly new dog rescue has been running for around three years, they already have several success stories to tell. While they have adopted many dogs, some still await their forever homes. 

Should you wish to meet them, make an appointment right away. 

You can also expect a few things when you adopt a dog from TBDH. 

One is that they have medical veterinary and pet-sitting experience with dogs with certain behaviors and medical conditions. This includes post-surgery aftercare, diabetes, separation anxiety, epilepsy, special diets, and most chronic diseases

They aim to ensure their pets are healthy and behaviorally well before they’re set for their new homes. 

How to contact The Big Dog House:

Website: The Big Dog House

Address: 4571 County 2 Rd, Port Hope, Ontario, L1A 3V5, Canada

Phone: (905) 269-6697

Email: [email protected]

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

9. Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue

Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue does not discriminate based on breed, age, size, medical condition, and behavioral type. They acknowledge that these dogs need help, especially those with severe issues. 

Often, those with very hard cases can be seen as candidates for euthanasia, which is why this charity welfare intervenes in the scenes and rewrites their future. 

Their dogs receive vet care, love, exercise, and attention for their socialization needs before they’re adopted. Once they find their new homes, this dog rescue promises to be there still for their animals. 

If the new home cannot properly care for them, the SWMDR is more than happy to have their dogs back.  

Since its conception in 2012, this rescue has drastically impacted over a thousand dog lives. 

How to contact Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue:

Website: Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue

Address: 6045 Bank Street, Greely, ON

Email: [email protected]

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

10. Guelph Humane Society

The Guelph Humane Society has been running for over 125 years. It currently provides shelter to over 3,000 homeless, abandoned, stray, and unwanted dogs. They have an efficient, overzealous staff and around 300 volunteers who make their mission a reality. 

Further, this organization works with local, provincial, and national animal welfare organizations, school boards, and more to spread more impact. 

Those interested in adopting are welcome for in-person visits. You can also check out their contactless adoption, but read your chosen dog’s profile first. By then, you can follow the step-by-step process of adopting your fido.

Regarding their fees, puppies under six months cost $500, those over six months cost $400, and senior dogs cost $300.

These fees cover more than $750 worth of services, including rabies vaccine for puppies, ear mite treatment, one month’s supply of dog food, microchip, spay or neuter, deworming, and more. 

How to contact Guelph Humane Society:

Website: Guelph Humane Society

Address: 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd., Guelph, ON N1C 0A1

Phone: (519) 824-3091

Email: [email protected]

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

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