Best Dog Rescues in Richmond, VA [A Dog Adoption Directory]

Looking for the best dog rescues in Richmond, Virginia? There’s no need to wander around the state’s capital since the sources where you can adopt a dog are just around the corner. 

These organizations are primarily funded by private donations, and they are the last hope for hopeless, unwanted dogs. With their teams of volunteers, like-minded supporters, and passion for improving the welfare of animals, a significant impact is made in society. 

You, too, can make a difference. When looking for a family addition in a furry package, adopting is a recommended choice. Stick to this dog adoption directory until the end and find out which of them houses the dog that’s meant for you. 

10 Dog Rescues in Richmond, VA, Where You Can Adopt a Dog 

It’s not surprising if Richmond, Virginia, is a dog-friendly city. In fact, the United States is a dog-loving nation. In 2021 alone, pet owners have spent a staggering $123.6 billion on their animal companions

While they have certainly spent a lot of money for the welfare of their pets, it doesn’t mean that owning a dog will cost you a fortune. In fact, acquiring one, specifically from a dog rescue, is affordable. 

Meanwhile, dog ownership will indeed cost you some money. Still, unnecessary spending won’t be possible when you provide your dog with a quality life. Get your pooch from reputable adoption sources that genuinely care for their dogs. 

Here are the ten dog rescues in Richmond, Virginia. 

1. Lost Dog Foundation

Lost Dog Foundation is devoted to rescuing dogs from unfortunate circumstances. They offer several beneficial programs, such as spay and neuter assistance and pet owner education, to combat poor animal treatment and the overwhelming pet overpopulation

They also assist in transporting rescues and pulling out those at risk of euthanasia. These dogs are then transferred to places with higher chances of getting adopted. 

This organization doesn’t house their rescued canines in a facility. Rather they place them in foster homes. If a dog catches your interest and you think this would do well living with you permanently, filling out a dog adoption application is the first step. 

Before you bring the dog home, it’s guaranteed that the canine has been fully vetted and received its vaccinations and other necessary medical treatments. 

How to contact Lost Dog Foundation:

Website: Lost Dog Foundation

Address: 1302 West 43rd Street, Richmond, VA 23225

Phone: (804) 230-5995

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

2. Richmond Animal League

Richmond Animal League was established in 1979. With over 40 years of service, they have consistently assisted various animal shelters.

Some of the things they do are provide temporary housing, medical treatment, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, as well as love and care. Their ultimate goal was to place them in their forever homes. 

So far, they have helped tens of thousands of animals, including dogs. 

Suppose you want to see what dogs they have available. In that case, Richmond Animal League is open for walk-ins from Tuesdays to Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 to 4 p.m.

It’s also a standard to pay a certain adoption fee to help them cover the initial expenses made while taking care of your would-be dog. The expenses include deworming, microchipping, sterilization, and all age-appropriate vaccinations. 

How to contact Richmond Animal League:

Website: Richmond Animal League

Address: 11401 International Drive, Richmond, VA 23236

Phone: (804) 379-0046

Email: [email protected]

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

3. Beacon Of Hope Dog Rescue

Beacon of Hope Dog Rescue is committed to saving dog lives, regardless of their needs, backgrounds, age, sex, breed, or size. 

As a foster-based rescue, their animals are housed and taken care of by their foster families, where they can be well-provided with their much-needed exercise, training, and socialization

As of this writing, there are two dogs available for adoption. You can check their list occasionally if neither suits your family’s needs. 

How to contact Beacon Of Hope Dog Rescue:

Website: Beacon Of Hope Dog Rescue

Address: 11613 Bundle Road, Chesterfield, VA 23838

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

4. Friends United With the Richmond Shelter

Friends United With the Richmond Shelter was founded in 2001. This all-volunteer organization focuses on rescuing dogs from high-risk situations and euthanizing shelters while ensuring that these pooches are carefully placed in permanent, responsible homes. 

They don’t discriminate but rather take in dogs of any age and breed. They also welcome dogs with urgent medical cases or special needs. 

If you find the ideal dog at FURS, a two-week trial will be conducted to ensure that you’re indeed the right match. Before signing the adoption contract, they will also conduct a home visitation to assess if the environment suits your chosen dog. 

How to contact Friends United With the Richmond Shelter:

Website: Friends United With the Richmond Shelter

Address: 3420 Pump Road #228 Richmond, VA 23233

Phone: (804)364-1944

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

5. Fetch a Cure

Another force in Richmond, Virginia, is an organization driven to enhance the quality of life of animals. Fetch a Cure works with pet owners and the vet community to raise pet cancer awareness. 

Their vision is quite simple. They want to aim for a community where no one is denied a choice for their pet companion’s health, either for lack of funding, education, or options. 

Aside from this objective, they also have adoption opportunities, so take time to see what dogs they have available. 

If any dog interests you, Fetch a Cure’s adoption rates are only $275 for dogs five years old and under and $175 for dogs six years old and up.

How to contact Fetch a Cure:

Website: Fetch a Cure

Address:  5711 Staples Mill Road, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23228

Phone: (804) 525-2193

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

6. Operation Paws for Homes

Operation Paws for Homes was established to provide rescue, rehabilitation, spaying and neutering, and resources for underserved populations. 

Since its conception in 2010, over 12,526 cats and dogs have been rescued from bad situations. Around 1,401 pets were spayed and neutered in the community, and 153,987 pounds of food supplies were delivered to various shelters. 

If you want to help Operation Paws for Home, make more impact, and reach greater heights, consider adopting one or two of their adoptable dogs. Carefully choose a fido that suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Their adoption fee is more affordable in contrast to the fees asked by breeders. Puppies are only $450, adults are $375, and seniors are only $275.

How to contact Operation Paws for Homes:

Website: Operation Paws for Homes

Address: PO Box 35606, Chesterfield, VA, United States, Virginia

Phone: (703) 344-7320

Email: [email protected]

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

7. Appalachian Great Pyrenees Rescue

The Appalachian Great Pyrenees Rescue is a site where unwanted Great Pyrenees dogs can find new forever homes. They also help out missing dogs get reunited with their owners. 

Although this is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, this organization’s work covers Maryland, D.C., and parts of West Virginia. 

As they are thoroughly dedicated to the welfare of Great Pyrenees dogs, would-be adopters can rely on this charity’s help if they need to learn more about the breed or if they’re having problems with owning this dog. 

Their unwavering support is guaranteed, making it sensible to adopt from here if the Great Pyrenees breed suits you the most. The adoption fee is $450 for puppies and $400 for adults. 

These costs initially cover all medical care they received during their stay at the facility. 

How to contact Appalachian Great Pyrenees Rescue:

Website: Appalachian Great Pyrenees Rescue

Address: 8976 Battlefield Park Road · Richmond, VA 23231

Phone: (804) 795-7847

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook

8. Richmond SPCA

Richmond SPCA is another renowned dog rescue in Richmond, Virginia. It’s a non-profit, no-kill shelter that saves about 4,000 animal lives yearly. 

Part of their rehabilitation program is to provide extensive medical care and behavioral training for their rescued dogs and other animals. 

This helps them improve their adaptability. Aside from this, they educate the community to make the world humane towards animals. 

Join Richmond SPCA’s efforts to make the world a better place to live for these unwanted animals. Should you adopt, their adoption fees will vary according to the dog’s age.

Dogs younger than six months are $200, while those over six months are $150. 

How to contact Richmond SPCA:

Website: Richmond SPCA

Address: 2519 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA, United States, Virginia

Phone: (804) 521-1300

Email: [email protected]

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

9. Richmond Ruff House

Shelter overcrowding and pet overpopulation are two of the common reasons why dogs are being euthanized. With this, Richmond Ruff House does a lot to overturn this common unideal event underserved by dogs. 

They became the sanctuary of abused, unwanted, and neglected dogs. Aside from providing temporary shelter, Richmond Ruff House provides them with adoption opportunities. 

As an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, this animal welfare charity relies solely on donations, adoption fees, and fundraising events. 

You can take part in their events and activities or become one of their volunteers. Another way to create impact is by adopting a dog that rightly matches you and your family. Puppies under four months of age have an adoption cost of only $250, and it’s $200 for adults. 

How to contact Richmond Ruff House:

Website: Richmond Ruff House

Address: 1201 Blakemore Rd, Richmond, Virginia, 23225

Phone: (804) 396-6313

Email: [email protected]

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

10. Beagles and Bentleys

Beagles and Bentleys are committed to rescuing dogs from all over Virginia and the United States. This non-profit organization is 100% run by volunteers and is foster-based. That said, they house their pets in foster homes, not in the facility. 

Get to see their amazing rescued dogs. With only a $300 adoption fee, your fido already gets all age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering or spaying. 

Also, despite the name, the Beagles and Bentleys dog rescue is an all-breed rescue.

How to contact Beagles and Bentleys:

Website: Beagles and Bentleys

Email: [email protected]

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

All these dog rescues based in Richmond, VA, pass our standards, so feel free to return to this detailed directory once you’ve decided to adopt a rescued dog.