In South Florida, several compassionate organizations, from nonprofits to county-run operations, work to connect quality, would-be pet owners with true companions. New Times has listed some of them below, and most offer rotating or varied adoption events, rescue services, and/or wellness offerings. As pups are moving in and out of shelters, it's best to check these organizations' websites for community happenings and their current adoptee candidates.
Always remember: Adopt, don't shop.
Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of organizations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties that can help you find the perfect pooch for you.
Broward County
100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida
345 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale877-506-8100
100plusabandoneddogsofevergladesflorida.org The rescue organization focuses on Florida City, Homestead, Redland, and southeast Florida. Its nonprofit services include bettering abandoned dogs, fostering, and adopting.
Abandoned Pet Rescue Inc.
1137 NE Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale954-728-9010
abandonedpetrescue.org The nonprofit rescue specializes in rescuing, sheltering, and ultimately finding new homes for abandoned and/or abused pets throughout South Florida.
Adopt a Stray
11950 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines954-966-8382
adoptastray.ws The nonprofit organization focuses on stray overpopulation with adoptions, animal hoarder rescues, and feral cat care.
Animal Aid
571 NE 44th St., Oakland Park754-223-5378
animal-aid.com This organization is funded solely by donations. Its clinic and adoption center regularly take in injured and unwanted dogs and cats.
Animal Rescue of South Florida
954-592-7500animalrescuesouthflorida.org A nonprofit organization with regular volunteers specializing in fostering, adopting, and wellness services, including spaying and neutering, vaccinating, and microchipping. This rescue specializes in rescuing animals from kill shelters.
Blue Waters Dog Rescue
509 SW Second Pl., Pompano Beach833-297-3647
bwrdogs.org This nonprofit rehabilitates animals with a special focus on bully breeds. Its rescue dogs often serve recovering alcoholics and addicts and are placed in sober living homes.
Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Center
2400 SW 42nd St., Fort Lauderdale954-359-1313
broward.org A county-run program with adoptions, lost-and-found services, foster care, surrender services, shelter, tag/vaccination services, and more.
Dachshund Rescue of South Florida
dachshundrescuesouthflorida.com A nonprofit specializing in the rescue, fostering, and adoption of dachshunds in South Florida.Dogs Rule Rescue Group
954-358-3647dogsrulerescue.org A volunteer-led nonprofit organization primarily focused on rescuing dogs facing euthanasia, with adoption and fostering options.
Florida Humane Society
3870 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach954-974-6152
floridahumanesociety.org A nonprofit adoption facility focused on rescues and owner surrenders, with programming focused on education, spay/neuter, and disaster preparedness.
Good Karma Pet Rescue
3100 NW 19th Ter., Pompano Beach754-200-1738
goodkarmapetrescue.org Based in Fort Lauderdale with an adoption center in Pompano Beach, this nonprofit offers foster, adoption, and volunteer opportunities. It also offers a unique program for terminally ill pets.
Humane Society of Broward County
2070 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale954-989-3977
humanebroward.com A nonprofit organization with a 33,000-square-foot Fort Lauderdale shelter offering pet adoptions, animal surrender coordination, and pet health services.
Milos Dog Rescue
954-628-2175milosdogrescue.com All-breed nonprofit rescue with various community adoption and fostering opportunities.
Paws 2 Care Coalition Inc.
6219 Johnson St., Hollywoodpaws2carecoalition.org This nonprofit organization, which focuses on rescues, medical care, and adoption, has an adoption facility and regular community events.
Pets in Distress of South Florida
954-472-8667petsindistresssfl.org Operated by volunteers since 1994, the Davie-based nonprofit rescues abused/abandoned South Florida pets and works to find them new homes.
Saving Sage Animal Rescue Foundation
2875 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-530-1508
savingsagerescue.org A nonprofit with foster and adoption programs as well as animal-centric educational initiatives geared toward local youth, police departments, and more.
United Dog Rescue
331 E. Commercial Blvd., Oakland Park954-371-0046
uniteddogrescue.org Rescuing approximately 90 percent of its dogs from public shelters, this nonprofit has volunteer and adoption programs.
United for Animals Rescue
364 S. State Road 7, Margate954-761-6814
unitedforanimalsrescue.org A no-kill shelter and nonprofit offering rescues, an adoption center, and pet health remedies.
Miami-Dade County
Big Hearts for Big Dogs
12051 SW 131st Ave., Miami239-200-1150
bigheartsbigdogs.com A private nonprofit specializing in the adoption of larger dogs throughout South Florida.
Compassionate Pug Rescue
compassionatepugrescue.com Compassionate Pug Rescue is a nonprofit organization based in Miami that hosts pug-centric events throughout the area. In addition to pugs for adoption, it offers surrender-related services.Humane Society of Greater Miami
16101 W. Dixie Hwy., North Miami Beach305-696-0800
humanesocietymiami.org A nonprofit animal shelter, preventative clinic, and pet therapy service provider.
Hurricane Pets
786-999-8239hurricanepetsrescue.org A national organization focused on educating pet owners in disaster preparedness, fostering, and adoptions.
Miami Animal Rescue
13313 SW 124th St., Miami305-877-2880
miamianimalrescue.org A local nonprofit that rescues animals facing euthanasia with foster and adoption services.
Miami-Dade Animal Services
3599 NW 79th Ave., Doral305-468-5900
miamidade.gov A county-run facility with adoption services, clinical offerings, lost and found capabilities, licensing, and vaccinations.
Pawsitive Beings Rescue Inc.
786-223-7352pawsitivebeings.org A volunteer-driven, Miami-based nonprofit organization with an intimate selection of dogs for adoption.
Paws 4 You Rescue
8717 SW 134th St., Miami786-242-7377
paws4you.org A nonprofit with an adoption house and various events throughout South Florida, as well as boarding, foster, and medical care services.
Redland Dog Sanctuary
25800 SW 82nd Ave., Homestead786-317-7047
redlanddogsanctuary.org A sanctuary based in Homestead, it focuses on dogs with behavioral issues, rehabilitation, and ultimately finding them forever homes.
Rescue Paws 4 Furry Hearts
305-206-5977rescuepaws4furryhearts.org Founded in 2015, it focused on rescues, adoptions, and aiding senior dogs in recovery.
