Lancaster, PA, is also home to some of the best dog rescues in the US. Since they are non-profit organizations, they rely solely on private donations, fundraising events, and volunteer efforts from like-minded individuals.
Adopting a dog from any of them is the most recommended option for getting a dog companion.
With millions of fidos that enter shelter homes yearly, there’s no longer a need to support dogs’ breeding further. More so that nearly 3-4 million out of 6-8 million animals in the shelter are euthanized, according to BMC veterinary research.
To help you search for the best dog companion, a detailed list containing the 10 best dog rescues near Lancaster, PA, has been made just for you.
10 Best Dog Rescues Near Lancaster, PA
1. Humane Pennsylvania
Humane Pennsylvania is a leading innovative animal welfare charity that runs numerous adoption centers, accredited veterinary hospitals that are not for profit, and rescue services.
On top of that, they also work on providing the community with pet assistance, an animal-focused charitable foundation, and a public dog park for everyone.
Its force goes beyond the state, though it’s primarily based in Pennsylvania. It always aims to bring a huge impact nationwide.
They have a lot of different animals, such as dogs, available for adoption today. And, while some of you may take time to decide which fido to take home with you, you’re encouraged to check their list from time to time until one steals your heart.
HP also offers an incredible incentive to people who lean more toward senior dogs. Those that are 8 years and older can be adopted for free.
How to contact them:
Website: Humane Pennsylvania
Address: 2195 Lincoln Highway East (Rte. 30), Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717-393-6551
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
2. Centerville Pet Rescue
Centerville Pet Rescue is always ready to save, care for, and rehome all animals in need. With its presence, stray animals in danger of getting hit by a car are brought into a much safer animal sanctuary where they have a chance of getting adopted.
Those that are also threatened by abuse or severe diseases and illnesses can find hope in CPR. All these are made possible through community effort and support. One way to help them continue their mission is by donating today.
Aside from the financial assistance, you can also provide useful items to this organization, such as:
- Small blankets
- Food and water
- And small pet beds
Feel free to adopt one or two of their dogs, too. Assess your lifestyle and know what dog ideally fits your family’s preferences.
How to contact them:
Website: Centerville Pet Rescue
Address: 237 Centerville Road, Suite 7, Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-405-3425
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
3. Furever Home Adoption Center
Established in October 2010, Furever Home Adoption Center is committed to maintaining itself as a cage-free, no-kill facility based in Lancaster County. Though their building is mainly for house cats, this charity works alongside other rescues to help local dogs.
Feel free to reach out to this amazing rescue if it’s close to you. They will be able to assist you in your wish to have a loyal, smart, and even-tempered dog.
Watch out for their upcoming events, and don’t hesitate to join. If you have any resources to spare, consider donating them to the FHAC to fuel, even more, their unconditional love for all the animals that are in dire need of help.
How to contact them:
Website: Furever Home Adoption Center
Address: 5984 Main Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520
Phone: 717-560-6400
Email: [email protected]
4. Columbia Animal Shelter
Collaboration with other rescue groups and organizations is key to making a bigger impact not just in the society but also in the lives of the dogs that are often abused, neglected, or unwanted.
The Columbia Animal Shelter does this, so the community becomes more humane when it comes to the treatment of animals.
It provides quality healthcare and superb adoption services. It’s also laser-focused on rescuing and rehoming at-risk companion animals.
There’s no time to lose when you’ve always wanted a dog to accompany you on your adventures and lazy days. View CAS’s list of available dogs and see which of them easily catches your interest.
Their dogs and puppies have an adoption fee of $250, while seniors are $150 only.
How to contact them:
Website: Columbia Animal Shelter
Address: 265 S. 10th Street, Columbia, PA 17512
Phone: 717-681-6858
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
5. Eliannie Animal Rescue
The Eliannie Animal Rescue specializes in finding the right homes for all the homeless cats under their care. They also work with the Mutt Mutt Engine, which is a local rescue to bring dogs from Romania to the US and makes space for the Ukrainian pets that have been displaced.
Of course, all of these efforts are not possible without your help. Unfortunately, since the EAR doesn’t receive any financial support from the government, what they primarily rely on is what you can provide.
There’s no big or small amount. But how much you give can go a long way and save many lives, especially those on the edge of hopelessness.
On another note, you also have the opportunity to adopt or foster a cat from EAR. Just make sure that the personalities of the dog and the cat you’re adopting are compatible.
How to contact them:
Website: Eliannie Animal Rescue
Address: 465 N State St Ephrata, PA
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
6. Scallywags Animal Rescue
Another “pawsome” adoption center you can find in Lancaster, PA, is the Scallywags Animal Rescue. Their work covers local and international works, taking advantage of all their combined efforts and energy, so more dogs receive improved conditions for their health and future.
On their web page, you’ll find dogs that are still waiting for their furever homes and families. They may vary in size, breed, sex, and needs, but all of them only need love and responsible prospective fur parents that will make them a priority.
They have a story to tell, and often, it’s a heartbreaking one. But thousands and millions of dogs have the same situation. So help them one by one by adopting one or by supporting the SAR in their work through monetary donations.
How to contact them:
Website: Scallywags Animal Rescue
Address: Kirkwood, PA 17536
Phone: 305-305-9203
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
7. Good Old Tails Senior Animal Rescue
Have a heart for senior dogs? Then, the Good Old Tails Senior Animal Rescue is the right place to visit. They specialize in the field of taking care of these geriatric fidos.
According to a study, the more dogs age, the less desirable they become. That is why many aging dogs are in shelter homes and rescue centers.
What some dog lovers fail to recognize is that old fidos are just as smart, loyal, and loving as those that are younger than them.
They need extra care and attention. And without a doubt, everyone would agree that these dogs deserve to spend the rest of their days with a family. If you have the ability to grant this opportunity to a fragile and old fido, then go ahead and adopt.
You can also volunteer and donate to further your impact on your community.
How to contact them:
Website: Good Old Tails Senior Animal Rescue
Address: Hanover, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram
8. ORCA Rescue
You’ll find all sorts of adoptable pets once you visit the ORCA Rescue. They care for all unwanted dogs, small animals, cats, birds, rabbits, and hamsters. They are a good sight, especially when you have them all to yourself at home.
ORCA Rescue is also your aid on all animal-related concerns. They quickly respond within 24 hours, thanks to their emergency personnel.
This amazing group was established way back in 1984 with the initiative of Joyce Rupp, Penny Jordon, and John and Connie Kondravy. What prompted them to start this all up is that Lancaster is in need regarding the welfare of people and animals.
They run fundraising events, find donors, and recruit kind-hearted volunteers. Annually, hundreds of animals have their lives changed for the better.
How to contact them:
Website: ORCA Rescue
Address: 608 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717-397-8922
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
9. Operation Scarlet, Inc.
A breed-specific dog rescue dedicated to the Shar-Pei breed is just around the corner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Their goal is to save unwanted, abused, neglected, and maltreated Shar-Peis and find suitable homes ready to commit to their needs.
They first provide medical needs, rehabilitate the dogs, and assess them behaviorally before they’re considered fit for adoption.
Operation Scarlet, Inc. commenced in 1991 in honor of a Shar-Pei named Scarlet. The transformation she gave to the lives of the people that started all this work has reached countless other dogs of the same breed.
To date, around 1,305 Shar-Peis have been rescued by this group. With no funds from the government, you’re urged to help them reach more paws in need by making a donation.
This provides all dogs under their care the support they need, maximizing their chances of getting adopted in the future.
How to contact them:
Website: Operation Scarlet, Inc.
Address: 520 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
Phone: 717-314-6828
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
10. Pennsylvania SPCA
Another large network that’s ready to save hundreds to thousands of dogs in need is the Pennsylvania SPCA. They provide various services, such as vet care and actions that address animal cruelty.
Various events are held on certain dates, so ensure you’re up-to-date with your calendar so you won’t miss any of them. All of the things they do are aimed at making the world a better place to live in for the animals that have experienced being rejected by their previous owners.
To help cure the concerning pet overpopulation, the Pennsylvania SPCA also provides low-cost neuter/spay services. For male dogs, you only have to pay $200 ($220 for females), so they can receive the following treatments:
- E-collar
- Nail trim
- Sterilization
- Microchipping
- DHPP vaccine
- Rabies vaccine
- Post-op pain meds
- Flea/tick prevention
How to contact them:
Website: Pennsylvania SPCA
Address: 350 E Erie Ave Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: +1 215-426-6300
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube
11. PA Boxer Rescue
Particularly looking to adopt a Boxer? The PA boxer Rescue has loads of Boxers waiting to be adopted. According to the prestigious American Kennel Club (AKC), this breed is known to be active, smart, and fun-loving.
It’s fairly easy to fall in love and get attached to such a dog. If you have a space in your home for this wonderful canine, why not take one or two home? Complete an application online and get ready to be assessed regarding your compatibility with the Boxer of your choosing.
If all boxes are ticked, the dog will be with you in no time. Also, since several dogs constantly arrive in their facility, it would be kind to consider donating any amount for the welfare of all animals they welcome.
How to contact them:
Website: PA Boxer Rescue
Address: 220 N Franklin Street | Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717-341-3138
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
Check out more lists of dog adoption places here.
