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The Best Harrisburg, PA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Harrisburg, PA. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.

Nirvana Animal Rescue
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harrisburgPennsylvaniaUS
Nirvana was amazingly supportive as we fostered a puppy. They provided everything and anything we needed to be successful. When we became “foster failures” & decided to keep our puppy, all of the paperwork was completed thoroughly and quickly. Nivana provides great foster support physically, with events and as well as through social media. Nirvana will do all that is necessary to have a rescued dog be at its highest potential for adoption. I will not go anywhere else for our next adoption.
Nirvana Animal Rescue Logo

Nirvana Animal Rescue

Harrisburg

Nirvana Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization committed to providing sanctuary to homeless, neglected, and abused animals. We rescue companion animals who are left behind, forgotten, neglected, thrown away, or abused and provide them with their own nirvana, free from suffering and pain. All our animals are behaviorally assessed and many receive professional training prior to being placed in their forever homes. Our emphasis is on the quality, not quantity, of animals placed to ensure successful, lifelong adoptions.

"Nirvana was amazingly supportive as we fostered a puppy. They provided everything and anything we needed to be successful...."

jean m.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"Nirvana is an absolutely wonderful rescue! K work with them from the shelter side of things and their team is..."

jessica a.

Supporter


What's the Sniffspot Harrisburg Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Harrisburg, PA Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Harrisburg, PA chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 1 private dog parks in the Harrisburg area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Harrisburg dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Harrisburg


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States Near Pennsylvania

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list



Sniffspot Harrisburg Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Harrisburg?

There are 1 in Harrisburg. Outside of Harrisburg, there are 9 located in Pennsylvania.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Harrisburg?

There are many reputable rescues in Harrisburg, the top 3 on our list are: Nirvana Animal Rescue.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Harrisburg?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Harrisburg. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
Our adoption policies are in place to ensure our adopted dogs have the best possible chance of success in their forever home. Please review the below policies and ensure you are able to follow them prior to applying to adopt! Adopters must be at least 21 years of age. Adopted dogs must live as indoor pets only. Adopted dogs must be taken to the veterinarian within three weeks of adoption. All Nirvana Animal Rescue dogs receive basic vetting upon intake to the rescue and will come to adopters up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, up to date on monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention, microchipped, and spayed/neutered if age-appropriate. If adopting a puppy under six months of age, the adopter is responsible for getting the adopted dog spayed/neutered by six months of age and providing proof to Nirvana Animal Rescue. Please note there are ZERO exceptions to this policy. Failure to follow this policy will result in Nirvana Animal Rescue taking the animal back under our care. All current animals in the home must be spayed/neutered, to date on their rabies and distemper vaccines, heartworm test, annual wellness exam, and receive monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention. Please ensure your animal is up to date PRIOR to applying to adopt, as failure to pass your veterinarian reference could result in denial of your adoption application. Adopted dogs must remain up to date on their rabies and distemper vaccines, heartworm test, annual wellness exam, and receive monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention in their adopted home. Nirvana Animal Rescue reserves the right to follow-up with adopters if we have any reason to believe the adopted dog is not receiving appropriate care. Nirvana Animal Rescue highly encourages adopters to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist within three months of adoption. Professional training is one of, if not the most, important factor in helping the adopted dog transition into its new home, and enrolling in training sets the adopted dog up for success. It also strengthens the bond between the adopted dog and its new owner in the first few months. We recommend training for everyone, from first-time adopters to repeat adopters! Nirvana Animal Rescue does NOT adopt littermates out together. We only adopt out one dog at a time, unless the dogs are part of a bonded pair. Nirvana Animal Rescue does not hold our dogs. Applying does NOT guarantee that you will adopt your dog of choice. We can’t promise that the dog you applied for will be available at the end of the approval process. We will , however, work with you on identifying a good fit for your household! If approved, adopters must travel to our fosters in central Pennsylvania to meet and take home their new dog. We do not adopt to states that already have a massive pet overpopulation problem. If you live in one of the states listed below, we recommend checking out a local shelter or rescue to adopt from! California Texas North Carolina South Carolina Florida Georgia Alabama Louisiana Oklahoma Arkansas Mississippi Tennessee

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Harrisburg?

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Harrisburg, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby metro, Peace Love and Poms Rescue, CHAR WILLS GERMAN GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE, 3 Husketeers Rescue

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Harrisburg that specialize in senior dogs?

We do not have any record of senior dog rescues and shelters in Harrisburg, but these are the closest cities with senior dog rescues and shelters: Pittsburgh

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David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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