Dogs are fun, companionable pets that can go with you on your hikes, swims, and other adventures. They’re loyal, smart, and reliable in many ways, which is why they’re one of the most popular pets in the world, after cats, according to The Washington Post.
If you’re thinking about getting one, there are plenty of dogs out there that you can adopt. They’re just as great as the ones you’d get from a breeder, except that you’re making more of an impact as you start the cycle of saving dogs.
Improving the world starts within your community. So, here are the best dog rescues in Houston, TX, where you can adopt, foster, volunteer, support, or donate.
11 Best Dog Rescues in Houston, TX
1. Houston Pets Alive
The Houston Pets Alive prioritizes dogs that are in line for euthanasia. After getting them rescued, they strive to look for loving, understanding homes for them.
Knowing how much they’re needed by at least 1.2 million stray animals in Houston alone, this organization works together with BARC and Harris County Animal Shelters to increase the live outcomes.
This isn’t your regular dog rescue, though. The HPA acts more like the safety net of nearby animal centers that can only do so much. Some resort to mercy-killing for humane reasons, and the HPA intervenes to overturn the fate of these poor dogs.
This requires a lot of work which is why they currently don’t take owner-surrendered dogs, strays, and other pets from the public.
If you want to help, you can make a one-time donation, purchase through their Amazon Wishlist, or check out other avenues for this opportunity under the “Ways to Give” category on their web page.
How to contact them:
Website: Houston Pets Alive
Address: 2800 Antoine Drive, Suite 2854, Houston, TX 77092
Phone: 832-786-9310
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
2. Special Pals Rescue Resource Center
Meet the Houston metro area’s oldest running no-kill shelter, the Special Pals Rescue Center. As a non-profit organization, their funds mainly come from donations made by the public and through the profits they earn if you purchase through their website.
The SPRRC aims to be the gold standard for animal welfare, which is why they work together with other like-minded organizations.
In 2021 alone, this group has rescued around 1,650 animals that were either stray, surrendered, abandoned, or transferred from other shelters. Approximately 1,536 of them were successfully adopted.
Help make the numbers grow and adopt a dog from them. Check out their events and freely join them in their cause or further their mission by donating today.
How to contact them:
Website: Special Pals Rescue Resource Center
Address: 3830 Greenhouse Rd., Houston, TX 77084
Phone: 281-579-7387
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
3. Friends For Life
Friends For Life has an amazing facility fit for dogs and cats. They have carefully planned how it will look and how it will cater to the needs, comfort, and security of their dog rescues.
This animal sanctuary is where dogs, cats, and rabbits are housed. If you love all three pets and can take care of them, this is the ideal place to adopt.
FFL has several featured pets, and you can instantly see their status. Some have been reserved, while a lot of them are still waiting to be adopted. Their wonderful fidos have profiles so you can initially get to know them.
Aside from adopting, FFL is also open for donations. This is crucial to keep them running and rescuing the lives of thousands of dogs and other animals in the area.
How to contact them:
Website: Friends For Life
Address: 107 E 22nd Street, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 713-863-9835
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram
4. K-9 Angels Rescue
The K-9 Angels Rescue isn’t solely just focused on rescuing and getting the dogs placed in forever homes. They’re also established to avoid unwanted litter and accidental pregnancies through their spay/neuter program.
The K9AR also works with other organizations to spread their impact. This is volunteer-run, yet despite not getting paid, they have made incredible results and transformations in the lives of these wonderful dogs.
All the donations they receive go directly to the welfare of their animals. Adoption is always a move welcomed by this organization. Learn their adoption process here to start acquiring your ideal dog.
You can also show support in several ways, with donations as the most recommended since they don’t receive funds from the government.
How to contact them:
Website: K-9 Angels Rescue
Address: 1215 W 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 713-702-1875
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter
5. Bestfriends in Houston
Bestfriends is a well-known reputable haven of dogs, and they’re in Houston. They work collaboratively with other shelters, dog rescues, organizations, and other passionate individuals with the aim which is to save as many lives as they can.
This organization is working hard to make Houston an area where no more dogs or cats are killed. They do this through conducting numerous activities such as foster programs and local adoption programs.
Should you want to adopt a dog from Bestfriends in Houston, you may have to make an online meet-and-greet request form and video-conference meet-and-greets first. All of their Fidos are fostered, so in-person meetings won’t be possible without your application.
You can also browse their adoptable dogs here.
How to contact them:
Website: Bestfriends in Houston
Email: [email protected].
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram
6. Houston Humane Society
The Houston Humane Society provides the highest quality of life and cares for its dogs and other rescued animals. It’s also their priority to end the overpopulation, cruelty, and abuse many of these dogs experience.
According to The HSUS, around 1 million animals are targeted, abused, or killed due to domestic violence. This drives HHS even more to do more work, so no more dogs have to suffer from cruelty.
Open your heart and home even for just one rescue dog, and that’s already enough of an impact you can make. The dogs in rescue centers aren’t to be blamed for their situation; they deserve a loving home with responsible families.
How to contact them:
Website: Houston Humane Society
Address: 14700 Almeda Rd., Houston, TX 77053
Phone: 713-433-6421
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram
7. Houston SPCA
Hundreds of pet dogs, cats, horses, and rabbits are ready for a new home in Houston SPCA. They also have small pets and other farm animals, which means you can see almost any type of animal in their sanctuary.
This organization has made an immense impact in creating a better world for dogs. In 2021, they had served around 58,893 animals, investigated 8,082 animal cruelty reports, and brought in 12,181 wild animals under their care.
It’s an animal welfare charity group that’s always busy saving lives, yet this won’t be possible without the community’s support. They accept donations and are always open for adoption applications. Their team will assist you in finding the right dog that well matches your preferences, lifestyle, and home environment.
How to contact them:
Website: Houston SPCA
Address: 7007 Old Katy Road, Houston, TX 77024
Phone: 713-869-7722
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram
8. Harris County Pets
Harris County Pets is also a great place should you want to adopt a dog. They pour out efforts to build a better community, and one of their focuses is to improve the lives of unwanted, homeless dogs.
They partner with several other rescues, and they also conduct several programs in relation to how to own a pet more responsibly.
Realistically, the HCP can’t do a lot without the support of the community. Hence, if you have the heart to help, you can donate, foster, volunteer, or adopt through this organization.
Save two lives even by just adopting one dog. Aside from providing a great home for your new four-legged companion, other homeless dogs find their way into this dog rescue.
How to contact them:
Website: Harris County Pets
Address: 612 Canino Rd. Houston, TX 77076
Phone: 281-999-3191
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
9. Citizens for Animal Protection
Founded in 1972, the Citizens for Animal Protection not only rescues animals but also provides them with suitable, permanent homes. They offer humane education to the public to help with the cruelty and abuse cases many dogs have suffered.
They also have other programs, which include sterilizing pets to remedy the ever-growing pet population, pet care counseling, and more.
Indeed, CAP is the voice of those that cannot speak. They can continue letting the barks of these dogs be heard through monetary assistance from willing individuals like you, as this will also help cover a range of vital services mentioned earlier.
As a whole, CAP is on a mission to care for pets that are in need through sheltering, adoption, sterilization, community outreach, and low-cost wellness.
How to contact them:
Website: Citizens for Animal Protection
Address: 17555 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX, United States, Texas
Phone: 281-497-0591
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram
10. Rescued Pets Movement
Although the Rescued Pets Movement just started in 2013, they have saved an estimated 73,000 animal lives. Hundreds more are still waiting for potential adopters who can make their lives change for the better.
The RPM is against the practice of euthanasia, and while other shelters may think there’s no other choice but to do so, the RPM acts as their safety net. They pull out and rescue dogs on the list and work to rehabilitate and make them adoptable pets again.
Currently, Houston has a problem concerning the pet population, but mercy-killing is still not an option. So, what RPM does once the dog is ready to be adopted is to transport them to other reputable organizations and shelters where they have a higher chance of getting adopted.
Get them to do this through your donations consistently. Adopting your dog here can also free a room in the shelter.
How to contact them:
Website: Rescued Pets Movement
Address: The Jack C. Alexander Building, 2317 w. 34th St., Houston, TX. 77018
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram
11. Lani’s Lucky Shepherds of Houston
Lani’s Lucky Shepherds of Houston is a non-profit organization for German Shepherds. These smart, trainable dogs can work in police departments and other service areas and, most significantly, become excellent guard dogs at home.
Since fostering is ideal rather than placing these canines inside kennels and cages, the GSDs receive more socialization and laser-focused care from their foster parents.
Some may have had difficult pasts and would require a more thorough rehabilitation, while others need some time to blossom. They must learn how to trust humans again before they become fit for adoption.
Undoubtedly, Lani’s Lucky Shepherds of Houston is the guardian of all homeless, unwanted GSDs around the Houston area. All of the funds they raise go directly for their sake. Their volunteers work tirelessly to let go and send a dog one at a time to their furever home.
How to contact them:
Website: Lani’s Lucky Shepherds of Houston
Address: 7031 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, Texas, 77091
Phone: 713-697-0132
You may also reach out through their social media: Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram
Still looking for more adoption places? You can find them through this link.
