Dog Rescues In Ohio | 12 Rescues To Adopt Your Dog From

A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure.

Dog Rescues In Ohio | 12 Rescues To Adopt Your Dog From

The SPCA estimates that over 6.5 animals end up in shelters annually. By adopting a pet from any of these dog rescues in Ohio listed below, you give a second chance to 2 animals, your newly adopted pet and the pup that takes their place in the shelter.

You can start your search from the comfort of your home by going through the adoption pages on the sites listed below. Some of the facilities also allow visits by appointment where you can talk to an adoption counselor and meet all the available adoptables.

As you weigh your options, keep in mind that rescued pups have different temperaments and some of the dogs have never been in a home setting. It is advisable to start training immediately when your pooch gets home.

If you are not ready to adopt a pooch, you can also support these facilities through donations or volunteering.

Dog Rescues In Ohio

1.) Canine Collective Ohio Dog Rescue (Plain City, OH)

This dog rescue in Dublin was founded to help dogs in kill shelters, families in crisis, and hoarding situations. The dog rescue gives dogs in need a second chance to find forever homes with loving families.

Canine Collective has a strict no-kill policy and takes in dogs for extended durations if they can not be adopted immediately. The facility is also an advocate for animal welfare and educates all adoptive dog parents on responsible pet ownership.

If you would like to adopt a pooch from this rescue, fill out an online application form to express your interest. Pre-approval makes the adoption process faster and significantly reduces the waiting period.

You can also make an appointment to visit the facility to see all the precious pups waiting to choose their new families. Adoption fees vary depending on the age of the dog. All dogs are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and rehabilitated for any behavioral problems before adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

2.) AJ’s Search And Rescue (Fairlawn, OH)

This non-profit rescue in Akron uses a foster-based system to help abandoned, neglected, unwanted, and homeless dogs. The facility provides food, medical care, and behavioral rehabilitation as the dogs prepare to go to their forever homes.

AJ’s Search and Rescue is dedicated to saving lives. The facility is actively involved in the community and provides temporary shelter to lost dogs. The volunteers at AJ’s also help parents who would like to rehome their beloved pets.

This dog rescue is actively involved in the community through AJ’s Nip and Snip program which helps control the dog population. Through this program, one dog chosen at random receives free neutering. The facility also offers a training program to assist dogs in need of basic manners training.

To adopt a dog from AJ’s, visit the site to see all the available adoptables and fill out the online application form. All dogs are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and treated for fleas and worms before adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

3.) All Dogs Come From Heaven (Amelia, OH)

You can help this dog rescue facility in Ohio Pike make a difference in the life of an abandoned, neglected, or homeless pup. The charity organization saves dogs from kill shelters and strives to place them into loving forever homes where they can live without fear of destruction.

All Dogs Come From Heaven is run by volunteers who rescue the pups from all pounds across the midwest. Dogs at this rescue are tested and treated for heartworm, dewormed, and treated for parasites before they can be listed for adoption.

At this facility, dogs also work with trainers to improve their chances of permanent adoption. This dog rescue also operates an outreach program that feeds dogs with homeless parents, and those in needy city pounds.

If you would like to open your home to a four-pawed family member, visit the website to see all the dogs listed for adoption. You can also visit the facility on Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm for a meet and greet. All dogs are neutered and microchipped before adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

4.) Toledo Animal Rescue (Toledo, OH)

Toledo Animal Rescue believes in unconditional love and gives each of its rescues the chance to find a new forever family. The volunteers at this rescue facility are dedicated to helping dogs in need by finding good matches that are in the best interest of each pup.

This dog rescue in Toledo is a no-kill shelter that provides food, medical treatment, and long-term care to dogs who cannot be adopted. Toledo Animal Rescue also helps pet parents who are unable to care for their beloved pets by making rehoming arrangements.

To adopt a pooch from this rescue, visit the site to see all the listed adoptables. Submit an application form detailing your lifestyle. You will also be required to put down a veterinarian reference. After review, the facility will contact you to schedule an adoption visit.

Adoption fees start from $100 for senior dogs, $175 for adult canines, and $250 for puppies. This fee covers vaccination, deworming, heartworm testing, neutering, a free vet exam within two weeks of adoption, and a microchip.

Rescue and Adoption Details

5.) Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio (Columbus, OH)

Since its inception in 2003, this dog rescue has saved over 1,500 dogs from high-kill pounds and shelters. Each year, the facility successfully rehomes an average of 70 dogs and helps countless more receive medical care.

AHDRO is mainly focused on taking in collies, shelties, and a mix of both breeds. However, the facility does not turn away other dogs in need. Rescued pups are placed in loving foster homes where they can be assessed for medical and behavioral needs before they are listed for adoption.

To adopt a pup from this facility, visit the site to see all the available dogs. The team at this facility is primarily concerned with the health and safety of the dog and takes the time to review each application carefully to ensure they make a good match.

The application review includes contacting your veterinarian reference, a telephone interview, and a home visit. Once the adoption is approved, the facility will put you in touch with the foster family and set up a meet and greet.

Adoption fees start at $250 to $500 and cover vaccination, microchipping, and medical treatment.

Rescue and Adoption Details

6.) Speak! For The Unspoken (Grove City, OH)

This small foster-based dog rescue shelter in Central Ohio specializes in special needs rescues. The facility is also involved in community education and promoting responsible pet ownership among parents in the local community.

Speak represents all special needs dogs and believes that all of them deserve just as much love and care as other dogs. The rescue discourages irresponsible breeding that results in birth deficiencies and encourages more parents to adopt from rescue shelters and pounds to prevent unnecessary death.

The adoption process at Speak takes up to two weeks or longer for puppies. You will be required to submit an online application form after which the facility may conduct a home check if necessary.

The facility will arrange a meet and greet once your application is approved before finalizing the adoption. Adoption fees start from $325 and cover neutering, vaccination, medical treatment, and a microchip.

Rescue and Adoption Details

7.) CHA Animal Shelter (Columbus, OH)

CHA Animal Shelter in Columbus is a non-profit dog rescue that provides a sanctuary for abandoned, homeless, and needy dogs. The facility aims to reduce dog overpopulation and invests in community outreach programs that teach pet parents about the importance of neutering their dogs.

The facility does not receive any government funding and relies on well-wishers and dog lovers in Columbus to continue its rescue activities. You can also support its rescue efforts through donations or volunteering.

If you would like to adopt a pupper from CHA Animal Shelter, complete the adoption form on the site to meet with an adoption counselor. The counselor will help you choose the right pup for your lifestyle. You will need to bring your driver’s license to the pre-adoption interview.

Adoption fees start from $150 for older dogs and $300 for puppies. This fee covers vaccination, a microchip, neutering, and medical treatments.

Rescue and Adoption Details

8.) Northeast Ohio SPCA (Parma, OH)

This no-kill shelter in Parma provides a safe haven for homeless, abandoned, and neglected dogs as well as other companion animals. The facility tries to give each rescued pup a second chance by matching them with the best pawrent for their needs.

Northeast Ohio SPCA is focused on preventing unnecessary euthanasia through adoption, neutering, and promoting responsible pet parenting. You can support the rescue efforts of the dog-loving team at this facility through donations, fundraising, volunteering, or buying any items from their wishlist.

In 2021, this adoption facility rehomed over 1,600 dogs. You can also be a part of the success stories by adopting a pooch from Northeast Ohio. Visit the site to view all the adoptable pets and fill out the online application form.

Adoption donations start from $95 for adult canines and $125 for puppies. All dogs are vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, and treated for medical and behavioral problems before adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

9.) Little Yorkie Rescue (Lorain, OH)

Little Yorkie Rescue is a non-profit organization in Lorain that is dedicated to helping dogs in need find loving forever homes. This facility specializes in Yorkshire Terriers or mixed breeds, and other small breeds rescued from puppy mills, shelters, and breeder’s dams.

If you are a parent who can no longer provide adequate care for your small pooch, Little Yorkie is also happy to help you rehome them. The dog lovers at this rescue provide grooming services, proper vet care, and lots of love and care to all their rescues until they can be approved for adoption and placed in safe furever homes.

Before adopting a dog from Little Yorkie Rescue, submit an online application form with vet and personal references. The facility also carries out home checks. All rescues are vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, and treated for any medical problems before adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

10.) PAWS Adoption Center (Monroe, OH)

Since opening its doors, PAWS Adoption Center has saved over 13,000 dogs and other companion animals. This facility in Monroe founded in 1980 is dedicated to helping neglected and abandoned dogs and puppies find permanent homes.

The Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) was started by a small group of animal lovers who wanted to provide an alternative to unnecessary euthanasia. The founders realized that neutering all animals in their care was a big step in preventing unwanted litters which prevents unnecessary killing.

This rescue center is the last chance for many homeless dogs. By adopting one of the lovable dogs at this facility, you can give them a second chance at life with a loving family. PAWS ensures that all its rescues are healthy before adoption by providing professional medical care.

If you would like to open up your heart and your home to a new furry best friend, visit the site to see all the available adoptables or make an appointment to visit the facility and speak to a volunteer.

Adoption fees start from $200 to $225 for puppies. All dogs are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and tested for any health or behavioral problems before adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

11.) Humane Society of Madison County (West Jefferson, OH)

The Humane Society of Madison County was founded in 1989 by a group of dog-lovers who felt it was necessary to help homeless, abandoned, and neglected pups find new homes. The non-profit organization is also dedicated to making a difference in the lives of all companion animals by educating parents about responsible pet ownership.

This dog rescue center believes that all companion animals should be cared for and live a life free from abuse, neglect, and fear of destruction. The HSMC also runs programs that improve the lives of pets across Madison County. These programs include puppy training, dog enrichment, and foster programs.

You can join the animal-loving team at this facility and make a difference in the life of a dog by adopting, volunteering, or donating. To adopt a pooch, browse through the list of available adoptables and submit an online application to express your interest.

If you do not find a suitable match, you can still submit the online application for pre-approval. Be sure to list a veterinarian and personal references in your application. HSMC will arrange a meet and greet after talking to your references, and finalize the adoption if you are a good match.

Adoption fees start from $75 to $150 for shelter dogs, $200 for dogs from the Fresh Start Training Program, and $250 for puppies. All dogs are neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before adoption.

Rescue and Adoption Details

12.) One of a Kind Pet Rescue (Akron, OH)

Since 2007, this pet rescue facility has helped rehome over 25,000 companion animals. The shelter has served the animals and animal lovers of Akron for over 16 years saving countless lives. The facility is also involved in rehoming services for pet parents who can no longer care for their beloved pups.

When you adopt a pooch from One of a Kind, you give a homeless dog a second chance at living a long happy life in a loving furever home. This facility has a strict no-kill policy which ensures that all its rescues live without fear of destruction.

If you are looking to add a new furry family member, visit the adoption center to speak to an adoption counselor. The counselors help you find a good match for your lifestyle from over 200 dogs available.

Adoption costs start from $150 for senior canines, $275 for adult dogs, and $375 for puppies. The adoption fee helps this rescue center pay for neutering, vaccination, microchips, and medical testing.

Rescue and Adoption Details

13.) SICSA (Dayton, OH)

This animal rescue organization promotes animal welfare and adoption through nurturing lifelong relationships between pets and their parents. The facility also offers a variety of animal-focused programs ideal for families and children that are geared towards its cause.

SICSA also offers the dogs and pawrents of Dayton a variety of services including neutering, ‘Trap, Neuter, Return, Monitor’, and veterinary care in the community. Through these programs, the rescue helps prevent unwanted litters which leads to destruction.

This animal rescue facility also offers wellness clinics that provide a variety of services at subsidized rates. These services include physical examinations, heartworm testing, microchipping, vaccination, and rabies shots. The wellness clinic also offers humane euthanasia for dogs that are living in discomfort as a result of terminal illnesses.

To adopt a dog from SICSA, visit the website to see all the available pets. You will need to submit an online adoption questionnaire and follow up with a call to make an appointment. SICSA may also make arrangements for a slumber party for you and your pooch to spend some time together before finalizing the adoption.

Adoption fees start from $96 for senior canines, $166 to $216 for adult dogs, and £366 for puppies. This fee includes the Montgomery County dog license fee.

Rescue and Adoption Details

14.) Berea ARF (Columbia Station, OH)

Berea ARF is committed to helping homeless, abandoned, and unwanted dogs find their forever families. This facility provides shelter, food, love, and care for all its rescues and does not put time limits on their stay at the shelter.

In addition to providing compassion and quality care to its rescues, Berea ARF also helps families and their pets stay together. The facility provides food to pets whose parents may need assistance through the Pet Pantry.

This facility does not receive any government funding and relies on well-wishers to continue helping dogs in need. If you would like to support its efforts, you can do so through donations, fundraising, or volunteering.

To adopt a pooch from Berea ARF, visit the adoption page to see all the adorable pets listed. Adoption fees start from $95 for senior dogs, $175 for adult canines, $275 for puppies, $95 to $210 for small breeds, and $375 for purebreds.

Adoption fees go towards providing vaccinations, worming, microchips, neutering, and medical procedures.

Rescue and Adoption Details

Final Thoughts On Adopting From Dog Rescues In Ohio

Find A Dog Rescue in Ohio To Adopt From

Adopting a pooch is a serious responsibility. This list of dog rescues in Ohio will help you choose a dog that is right for your lifestyle and guide you through the adoption process to increase your chances of success.

Remember to check your local laws to find out which breeds are banned in your county. Once you find a dog that passes the breed restriction laws, follow the adoption process and schedule an appointment with the staff.

In Ohio, pet parents must have a dog license so remember to find out whether it is included in the adoption fee.

To help with the transition, provide toys, food, a bed, and a playing area as you and your new best friend start the rest of your lives together.