Dog Rescues in Michigan: How Many?

How Many Dog Rescues Are In Michigan? Find The Best Ones

Lastest Updated February 13, 2025

Michigan is home to many incredible dog rescues, and the number of organizations committed to saving dogs is truly inspiring.

These rescues provide care, medical treatment, and a fresh start for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

From puppies to seniors, Michigan’s dog rescues are dedicated to finding the perfect match for both the dogs and the families adopting them.

By adopting, you’re giving a dog a second chance at life and supporting organizations that work tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need.

If you're looking for a specific breed or open to adopting any dog in need, there are plenty of rescues to explore in Michigan.

The best part is that adopting from these rescues ensures you're making a positive difference in a dog’s life.

Discover how many wonderful dog rescues Michigan has to offer and find your future companion today!

Top Dog Rescues in Michigan: How to Find Your New Furry Friend

Michigan is home to a variety of dog rescues dedicated to finding loving homes for dogs in need.

If you're looking to adopt, this guide will help you explore the best rescues in the state, where your perfect companion could be waiting.

Michigan Animal Rescue League

Michigan Animal Rescue League

The Michigan Animal Rescue League has been serving animals in need for over 60 years, offering shelter and care to abandoned and stray animals throughout Michigan.

Over the years, the organization has saved thousands of dogs, providing them not only with rescue but also with medical care and a chance to find loving forever homes.

The shelter's commitment goes beyond just physical health.

The staff and foster parents invest significant time and effort in training and socializing dogs, helping them become well-adjusted to humans and other pets before they are rehomed.

This approach ensures that every dog is ready for their new life in a loving family.

To adopt from the Michigan Animal Rescue League, prospective adopters must be at least 21 years old and provide valid proof of age (such as a driver’s license or ID card).

You can browse adoptable dogs on their website, which features a variety of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, including Pitbulls, Boxers, Border Collies, Great Danes, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and more.

Once you select a dog, you can fill out the adoption application and await further instructions from the organization.

The adoption fee is $250 for all dogs, regardless of breed, size, or gender.

This fee covers essential procedures such as vaccinations, microchipping, deworming, heartworm prevention, and other necessary treatments.

Address: Pontiac, Michigan

Email address: [email protected]

Official website: Michigan Animal Rescue League

Phone: 248 335 9290

Michigan Humane

Michigan Humane

Founded nearly 200 years ago, Michigan Humane is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit dog rescue organizations in the state.

With several locations and veterinary clinics in Rochester Hills, Detroit, Howell, and Westland, Michigan Humane has been successfully rehoming dogs for many years.

Their mission is to provide temporary homes to dogs in need until they are placed in their forever homes with loving families.

As a rescue center that is deeply committed to the well-being of animals, Michigan Humane is firmly against violence toward dogs and takes extra steps to thoroughly vet potential adopters to ensure the safety and happiness of each pet.

This commitment to quality care and animal protection has made them a trusted organization in the Michigan community.

To adopt a dog from Michigan Humane, you can contact the staff for detailed information on the adoption process.

They encourage donations and welcome adopters into their facilities.

You will need to complete an online adoption form and participate in an interview with an adoption counselor to ensure you are a good fit for the dog.

If you have previously owned pets, you must provide their medical records and a confirmation letter from your veterinarian.

While the adoption fee is not clearly listed on the website, it is advised to contact the staff beforehand to confirm the fee and any additional details before submitting your application.

Address: Bingham Farms, Michigan

Official website: Michigan Humane

Phone: 866 648 6263

Detroit Dog Rescue

Detroit Dog Rescue

Detroit Dog Rescue is one of the most respected non-profit dog rescues in Michigan, dedicated to saving animals with the love and compassion of its volunteers.

As one of the first no-kill shelters and sanctuaries in Detroit, Detroit Dog Rescue was founded as a response to the growing population of stray animals in the city.

A group of passionate individuals fought to change the city's perception of its homeless dog crisis, and their efforts have resulted in a successful collaboration with other rescues to provide shelter and care for abandoned and injured canines.

The adoption process at Detroit Dog Rescue is simple and straightforward.

Potential adopters must fill out a standard application form, and once that is submitted, they are invited to visit the center to meet the dog and interact with the volunteers.

Volunteers may ask additional questions to ensure a good match between the dog and adopter.

It’s important to note that the dogs at Detroit Dog Rescue are not trained to be service dogs or companions for children under five years old.

Many of the dogs have developed their own behavioral patterns, which may only be partially modified through obedience and socialization training.

For more details or questions about the adoption process, you can contact Detroit Dog Rescue directly via phone or email before starting your adoption journey.

Address: Detroit, Michigan

Email address: [email protected]

Official website: Detroit Dog Rescues

Phone: 313 458 8014

Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue

Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue

Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue has been a dedicated no-kill shelter for nearly two decades, with a mission to save dogs and find them loving homes.

What started as a small project has now grown into a large operation, requiring the purchase of a farm with nine dog kennels and five separate cat enclosures.

The shelter is entirely funded by donations, adoption fees, and fundraising events, making them constantly in need of support.

If you want to do more than just donate, you can apply to become a volunteer and spend time helping care for these wonderful dogs.

There is always a need for extra hands to give these pups the love and attention they deserve.

The adoption process at Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue is straightforward.

Before adopting, potential owners need to ensure they can meet the dog’s needs, including providing adequate space, quality food, and necessary equipment.

If you're adopting a larger breed, for example, you should be able to provide enough room for exercise and a comfortable living environment.

Adoption fees vary depending on the dog’s size, breed, and age.

Fees include:

  • $250 for crossbreed dogs over one year old (large breeds)
  • $275 for small hybrid dogs over one year old
  • $400 for crossbreeds under one year old
  • $350 for purebred dogs and puppies

Each fee supports the rescue’s ongoing work in caring for and rehoming dogs.

Address: Belleville, Michigan

Email address: [email protected]

Official website: Friends Of Michigan

Phone: 734 461 9459

Livingston County Animal Shelter

Livingston County Animal Shelter

Livingston County Animal Shelter is a government-run rescue organization dedicated to saving stray dogs and finding them permanent, loving homes.

The shelter’s primary focus is to help stray animals found on the streets.

Once a dog is placed in the shelter, there is a seven-day window for the original owner to reclaim their lost pet.

If the dog is not claimed within that period, the shelter puts the dog up for adoption.

All dogs available for adoption are thoroughly checked by a veterinarian, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and licensed.

To adopt a dog from Livingston County Animal Shelter, you must be over 18 years of age.

Other requirements include providing written confirmation that your living situation is pet-friendly (if you're renting), and ensuring that any other pets you have are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and medically checked.

Once you meet the shelter's requirements, you can proceed with the adoption application, which is available on their website.

Make sure to answer all questions truthfully, as the application is a key part of the adoption process.

Adoption Fee:

  • $200 for newborn puppies
  • $175 for small dogs of any age
  • $140 for dogs over four months old

These fees help support the shelter’s mission to care for and rehome animals in need.

Address: Howell, Michigan

Email address: [email protected]

Official website: Livingston County Animal Shelter

Phone: 517 546 2154

Michele’s Rescue

Michele's Rescue

Michele’s Rescue is one of Michigan's smaller but incredibly impactful dog rescues, dedicated to saving dogs from harsh conditions such as life on the streets or in dangerous environments.

As a no-kill sanctuary, Michele’s Rescue works tirelessly to protect animals from euthanasia and provide them with a chance at a loving forever home.

The organization’s mission is to show the public that stray dogs are not "damaged," but simply victims of abandonment, and with love and training, they can become wonderful companion animals.

The rescue is always looking for volunteers, donors, and foster homes to help continue their important work.

If you're not ready for a full-time commitment, fostering a dog is a great way to help these animals find their footing before they move into permanent homes.

Adopting a dog from Michele’s Rescue is simple.

Potential adopters need to complete an application form that provides the shelter with necessary information.

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will be asked to sign an adoption contract to ensure the dog’s well-being.

The shelter conducts these checks out of concern for the safety and happiness of the dogs.

While the adoption fee is not listed on their website, it is recommended to contact the staff directly for all the details regarding fees and the adoption process before starting the procedure.

Address: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Email address: [email protected]

Official website: Michele’s Rescue

Phone: 231 798 4935

Additional Dog Rescues in Michigan Worth Considering

Additional Dog Rescues in Michigan Worth Considering

Michigan is home to numerous organizations dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need.

Whether you're looking for a specific breed or just want to help a dog in need, there are many excellent rescues throughout the state that offer dogs a second chance at a loving home.

Here are some other great dog rescues in Michigan you should consider when looking to adopt your next furry companion.

Best Pals Animal Rescue Center

Located in Holland, Michigan, Best Pals Animal Rescue Center is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need, providing them with the love and care they deserve before finding their forever homes.

Address: Holland, Michigan

Email: [email protected]

Website: Best Pals Animal Rescue Center

Phone: 616 212 3368

Paradise Animal Rescue

Based in Lapeer, Michigan, Paradise Animal Rescue focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned and unwanted dogs, offering them a safe place to stay until they are adopted into loving families.

Address: Lapeer, Michigan

Email: [email protected]

Website: Paradise Animal Rescue

Phone: 810 969 4455

Oakland County Animal Shelter

Serving Pontiac, Michigan, Oakland County Animal Shelter works tirelessly to rescue dogs and other animals, ensuring they receive medical care and a chance at a new life in a forever home.

Address: Pontiac, Michigan

Email: [email protected]

Website: Oakland County Animal Shelter

Phone: 248 858 1070

Last Day Dog Rescue

Last Day Dog Rescue, based in Livonia, Michigan, is committed to saving dogs from high-kill shelters and providing them with a second chance at life through fostering and adoption.

Address: P.O. Box 51935, Livonia, Michigan

Email: [email protected]

Website: Last Day Dog Rescue

Phone: 734 786 0729 (fax)

Friends For Animals Of Metro Detroit

Operating in Dearborn, Michigan, Friends For Animals Of Metro Detroit rescues dogs and other animals, offering them a safe haven and helping them find permanent homes through adoption and community outreach.

Address: Dearborn, Michigan

Email: [email protected]

Website: Friends For Animals Of Metro Detroit

Phone: 313 943 2697

Making a Difference Through Dog Adoption in Michigan

Making a Difference Through Dog Adoption in Michigan

Michigan is home to many wonderful dog rescues, making it almost certain that you'll find the perfect pet at one of them!

These adoption centers often collaborate with animal control to raise awareness about the responsibilities of dog ownership, including the importance of spaying/neutering.

On their websites, you can easily browse lists of adoptable dogs, complete with details about each pup, which simplifies the search process.

Additionally, don’t forget to check their wish lists, which include items from Amazon and other retailers.

A simple toy for a Rottweiler or a Dachshund may not seem like much to you, but it can mean the world to those who cannot afford such items without your help!

Truc Tran

Truc Tran

Animal Lover & Content Specialist

Expertise

Rescue Participant, Meal Planning for Pets, Recipe Development for Pets, Content Editor

Education

TasTAFE, Australia

  • Degree: Diploma of Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)
  • Focus: The culinary program encompassed a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, and a Diploma of Hospitality Management, providing a blend of theoretical and practical training in finance, sustainability, diversity, and human resources management.

Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Explored global cuisines, and developed entrepreneurial abilities to manage a successful food business, along with acquiring essential language, math, computer, and communication skills for success.

HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program

  • Program: Certificate of Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef
  • Focus: Master traditional and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine

Truc Tran is an animal lover and rescue advocate with 2 cute furry kids. With a background in culinary arts, she uses her skills to create easy pet-friendly recipes and share helpful tips for caring for rescue animals.

At cutiepuppie.com, Truc focuses on showing the joys of adopting rescue pets and helping owners connect with their furry friends. Her passion for dogs and digital storytelling helps inspire readers to build meaningful connections with their furry companions.

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