South Florida Pet Adoption and Rescue Organizations
Pet adoption is very rewarding. You can save a life while enhancing your own with a loyal companion. If you’re new to the Sunshine State and plan to complete your new home with a furbaby, the Real-ativity Pet Guide will help you discover the best South Florida pet services from highly rated dog walkers to mobile cat groomers. Discover everything from the safest dog parks and most picturesque dog walking trails to dog-friendly dining and yappy hours.
Of course, first things first, you need to explore your options for pet adoption to ensure you find the perfect addition to the family. Below you will find a list of pet adoption centers in South Florida that have plenty of spayed/neutered fur babies to choose from. If you’re considering getting a dog, be sure that you select a size and breed that will be conducive to your lifestyle. You might be able to foster a pet first to see if they will be a good fit in terms of exercise requirements and temperament. Remember that adopting a pet is a big responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Maybe you aren’t quite ready to adopt a pet but would still like to get involved with South Florida animal charities. Perhaps you are new to the area and are looking to meet new friends. Volunteering at an animal rescue center is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people while getting acquainted with the community. There are countless opportunities to improve the lives of animals in need throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties while furthering your sense of purpose and belonging. Scroll down to discover adorable dogs and cats waiting for loving parents, volunteer opportunities, and ways to donate.
Adopt a Pet from a South Florida Rescue Organization
This non-profit organization is dedicated to matching veterans and first responders with rescue dogs that they train to be service animals and therapy dogs. The pups get a forever home and their new owners receive a loving companion that is always ready to serve. Donate to this noble cause to decrease suicide among veterans and euthanasia of shelter dogs. All donations are 100% tax deductible.
100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida Rescue
Contact
This non-profit has rescued over 4,400 dogs and cats since it was founded in 2011. They are known for taking in the most abused and neglected dogs that most organizations would deem a lost cause. The volunteer staff goes above and beyond to raise the funds necessary for medical care. Once the pups are stable, they are nurtured in their facility or fostered until a carefully screened, forever home can be located.
Adopt | Foster | Donate
Abandoned Pet Rescue
954.728.9010
1137 NE 9th Avenue; Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304
One of the largest no-kill animal shelters in South Florida that has assisted 6,800 cats and dogs over the past decade. In addition to their shelter and adoption services, they also spay/neuter and vaccinate stray cats through a catch-and-release program to help control the overpopulation of feral cats.
Adopt | Volunteer | Donate
Animal Aid Inc
754.223.5378
571 NE 44th St; Oakland Park, FL 33334
On average, 15 million healthy animals are euthanized each year in the United States. This non-profit adoption center and clinic is dedicated to reducing the number of euthanized stray and feral animals. Animal Aid places over 1,400 cats and dogs in loving homes each year. They spay/neuter and provide vaccinations for stray animals to reduce shelter overpopulation. Pets can receive these services at a discounted price to make pet ownership more attainable. Animal Aid is partially funded through a thrift store called the Charity Resale Boutique at 141 NW 20th St. in Boca Raton.
Donate or volunteer | View adoptable dogs and cats
Animal Rescue Force of South Florida
561.586.2126
5115 South Dixie Highway; West Palm Beach, Fl 33405
Adoption center for homeless dogs and cats. People looking to adopt can call their rescue facility to meet and greet with fostered pets or can visit PetSmart or PetSuppliesPlus on Linton Blvd in Delray Beach.
Donate | Adopt | Volunteer
Big & Small Dog Ranch Rescue
561.791.6465
14444 Okeechobee Blvd; Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470
This non-profit organization saves dogs from some of the most deplorable conditions with rescue missions in Ukraine and at the Texas border, hurricane & disaster relief, and the Asia dog meat trade. They also provide training for rescue dogs to become service animals for veterans with PTSD. Their Seniors for Seniors program matches senior dogs (age 7 and up) with Florida senior citizens that benefit from a furry companion. This program also hosts senior dog visitations and adoption days at assisted living facilities.
Donate | Volunteer | Adopt
Dogs Rule Rescue Group
954.380.DOGS (3647)
This rescue/adoption center in Deerfield Beach has been saving dogs and cats from euthanasia since 2010. They are dedicated to providing an alternative to the pound for pups that have been surrendered/abandoned. The Dogs Rule Rescue Group provides needed medical attention and safe foster homes for dogs until a forever home is located.
Donate | Adopt
Furry Friends
561.747.5311
info@furryfriendsadoption.org
100 Capital Street; Jupiter, FL 33458
>Furry Friends strives to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abandoned and abused dogs and cats. Their mission: “As the needs of our community and region evolve, we are refocusing to improve our care for pets while also addressing the root causes of pet overpopulation. Our vision is to transform our facilities into nation-leading campuses for lifesaving programs, address disparities in the supply of and access to adoptable pets, provide access to Veterinary Services to all, and build a culture of care and achievement.” They run a thrift store at 615 W. Indiantown Road in Jupiter and hold fundraisers on a regular basis to help fund their efforts, but donations are always needed.
Donate | Volunteer | Adopt
Humane Society of Broward County
954.989.3977
2070 Griffin Road; Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
The Humane Society of Broward County (HSBC) was founded in 1944 as an independent 501(c)(3) organization. HSBC placed 4,431 animals in forever homes in 2022 alone with the help of a 550-member volunteer staff. They are not funded by any government agency, funding is provided by adoption fees, dog obedience class fees, vaccination clinics, spay/neuter programs, pet boutique sales, fundraising events, grants, kid’s camps and birthday parties, general donations, and legacy gifts/bequests.
Donate | Volunteer | Adopt
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League
561.686.3663
Adoptions@PeggyAdams.org
3100/3200 N Military Trail; West Palm Beach, FL 33409
The Animal Rescue League began in 1925 when a group of ladies put together a makeshift shelter for the pets that snowbirds abandoned when they headed back home for the summer. The organization has expanded and relocated throughout the years and was renamed after the wife of a prominent donor, Mr. Charles Norton Adams, in 1989. Today the organization runs an adoption center, a spay/neuter program, and a pet food bank. They host multiple community programs, humane education programs, fundraisers, and dog training courses.
Donate | Volunteer | Adopt