Denver, Colorado is a city known for its stunning mountain views, vibrant culture, outdoor adventures, and a thriving community of dog lovers. For many Denver residents, dogs are more than just pets; they're cherished companions and family members. This is why there are various dog-friendly establishments (restaurants, hotels, etc) as well as dog-friendly activities in Denver.
However, not every dog in Denver has a loving home or a family to cherish. Thankfully, there are numerous dog shelters in the Mile-High City dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need. In this Sploot Vets guide, we'll explore some of the best shelters for dog adoption near Denver.
How Do I Get a Dog in Denver, Colorado?
A majority of dogs in Denver, Colorado either come from licensed pet breeders or from dog shelters in Denver. With that said, dog adoption in Denver is a significantly more cost-effective choice, as well as a remarkable opportunity to provide a loving home to a dog in need. In addition, dog shelters in Denver present a vast range of options, as there are hundreds of dogs and puppies looking for a home.
The Best Shelters for Dog Adoption in Denver
Looking to adopt a dog from one of Denver’s dog shelters? The following are our top picks at Sploot Vets:
1. A Friend of Jack Rescue
- Location: Foster-based; refer to their contact information instead.
- Highlights: non-profit dog shelter, dog adoption, puppy adoption
A Friend of Jack Rescue is a top-rated non-profit dog shelter in Denver operated by a dedicated team of individuals who are passionate about animal welfare. A Friend of Jack Rescue offers a wide range of dogs and puppies for adoption.
Being foster-based, this dog shelter offers numerous advantages, including individualized care and a thorough understanding of each dog’s personality, which they share on their website.
2. Lifeline Puppy Dog Rescue
- Location: 15171 Riverdale Rd, Brighton, CO
- Highlights: non-profit, no-kill dog shelter, fosters, puppy adoption
Lifeline Puppy Dog Rescue is a well-loved, no-kill dog shelter that specializes in finding forever homes for puppies. To date, they have saved nearly 55,000 puppies in the west and midwestern United States.
Lifeline Puppy Dog Rescue offers the regular on-site adoption as well as a VIP Experience for to-be pet parents that want to skip the line and find their VIP (very important puppy)!
3. Sloppy Kisses Animal Rescue
- Location: Foster-based; refer to their contact information instead.
- Highlights: volunteer-based, dog adoption, cat adoption
Founded by a group of animal advocates, Sloppy Kisses Animal Rescue is on a mission to rescue as many homeless dogs and cats as possible. They collaborate with animal shelters facing high numbers of homeless animals, facilitating their transportation to Colorado, where they are fostered and ultimately adopted into loving homes.
Sloppy Kisses Animal Rescue’s website contains detailed information about their adoptable dogs, including each dog’s history and personality.
4. Rescue Puppy Yoga
- Location: Unavailable (rescue resource) — refer to their contact information instead.
- Highlights: a rescue resource, connected with various dog shelters, hosts regular yoga-themed puppy adoption events
Rescue Puppy Yoga is not your typical dog shelter; however, their positive impact as a rescue resource resonates with various partner dog shelters and pet parents who have found their perfect four-legged companion.
Rescue Puppy Yoga hosts regular puppy adoption events in Denver (among other locations), typically in the form of puppy yoga. Puppy yoga combines traditional yoga practice with the playful presence of adorable puppies. Not only is this great for lowering stress, but it may also be the perfect setting to meet a very special puppy.
5. Soul Dog Rescue
- Location: 1245 Factory Dr, Fort Lupton, CO
- Highlights: non-profit dog shelter, fosters, dog adoption, puppy adoption, cat adoption
Soul Dog Rescue is a non-profit animal rescue organization with a dog shelter in Fort Lupton, around 40 minutes from Denver. They have a variety of adoptable dogs and cats. Their website contains detailed information about each adoptable furry companion, down to their personality traits and behaviors.
On top of helping dogs get adopted and find loving homes, Soul Dog Rescue also actively promotes animal welfare by advocating for spaying and neutering pets as a proactive measure to mitigate overpopulation.
6. Humane Colorado
- Location: Leslie A. Malone Center – 2080 S Quebec St, Denver, CO
- Highlights: nonprofit dog shelter, shelter-based with foster support, dog adoption, puppy adoption, cat adoption, equines & small mammals are also available
Humane Colorado, formerly known as Dumb Friends League, is a well-known nonprofit animal welfare organization in Denver. They have various dog shelter locations in Colorado, including one in Denver. Their website contains detailed information about each adoptable dog, including their personality, what kind of household they will thrive in, and which Humane Colorado shelter they are located in.
Dedicated to ending pet homelessness in Colorado, Humane Colorado has a variety of initiatives aside from their shelter services, including lost and found services, temporary pet housing, and more.
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt a Dog in Colorado?
Getting a dog from a pet breeder may cost thousands of dollars per puppy; in comparison, dog adoption involves an adoption fee that ranges from around $300 to $600 (as of this article’s last update).
Final Thoughts on Dog Adoption in Denver
This wraps up our article on dog adoption in Denver and the best dog shelters to check out. At Sploot, we are passionate about animal rescue and adoption. Now and then, we also have our own puppy adoption events, in partnership with various dog shelters in Denver.
Follow us on Instagram (@splootvets) to stay updated on our upcoming adoption events — as well as dog-friendly events for Denver pet parents.As an added note, make sure to check out these helpful pet parenting resources, carefully put together by the Sploot team!
- Dog Care Routine | Puppy Guide | Caring for a Senior Pet
- Healthiest Food for Dogs
- Dog-Friendly Activities in Denver
Sploot Vets: Your Trusted Denver Vet Clinic
Whether you are a new pet parent or looking for additional furry family members, dog adoption in Denver is a wonderful experience. We, at Sploot Veterinary Care, would be honored to be part of your journey!
As a top-rated Denver vet clinic, we provide next-level, all-in-one veterinary care, available 365 days a year. We provide primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services under one woof™. Visit us in one of our vet clinics in Denver today!
You can easily book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app. As always, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
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