We’ve compiled a list of trusted dog rescues in South Dakota that you can rely on for various breeds. These rescues made it to our list because of their experience, dedication to helping dogs, and after-adoption support.
South Dakota is a pet-friendly state with many dog lovers and dog-friendly restaurants, bars, and play centers. The state also boasts many breeders. However, adoption can be more rewarding, as you’ll save a pet’s life — and save a lot of money in the process. When you adopt, you’re giving a dog a second chance at life, as rescued pets need a lot of love and attention.
Fortunately, there are tons of dog rescues in South Dakota. That said, your first step to choosing the best rescue organization starts with determining the dog breed you want.
You need to do your findings to know the breed best suited for your lifestyle, home, family, and personality. There are all-breed and breed-specific rescue groups out there, so you should know the dog breed you want before reaching out to one of them.
Before you scroll down this list of dog rescues in South Dakota, check out: 5 Best Labradoodle Breeders in South Dakota! (2023) and 8 Best Dog Breeders in South Dakota! (2023).
1. Almost Home Canine Rescue
Almost Home Canine Rescue (AHCR) is one of the few trusted and reputable dog rescue organizations in South Dakota. AHCR is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating homeless, stray, abused, neglected, and abandoned dogs.
The rescue comprises a passionate team of volunteers who care about homeless animals and would go the extra mile to ensure they are healthy, safe, and happy. All the volunteers are animal lovers, and they dedicate their free time to giving these pets a second chance at life.
AHCR seeks to pair rescued dogs with loving families where they will receive the love, attention, and care they deserve and need. This rescue organization was founded in Madison, South Dakota. The group was later re-established in Sioux Falls, where more volunteers and fosters joined the program.
Despite having its base in Sioux Falls, this rescue team extends its services across Madison and the entire state. Whether you’re looking for a small, medium, or large breed dog, you can rely on this rescue organization for one.
They rescue dogs of all breeds (mixed or purebred) and provide all necessary medical care before listing them for adoption. Their rescue hand is also extended to helping cats of all ages and sizes.
The rescue mission works to meet the needs of every dog and cat in their care, including those with severe health issues. All the volunteers, fosters, and donors involved play a key role in the success of the rescue mission regardless of their race, gender, age, national origin, education, and ethnicity.
ACHR also has a dedicated team that screens potential adopters to ensure they are the right fit for their dogs and cats. After-adoption support is also provided to ensure you have all you need when raising your new family friend.
Almost Home Canine Rescue Details:
- Location: Sioux Falls, SD 57109
- Email: info@almosthomecaninerescue.com
- Website: Almost Home Canine Rescue
2. B-Squad Dog Rescue
B-Squad Dog Rescue (BSDR) rescues, transports, fosters, medically treats, and finds forever homes for at-risk dogs in South Dakota. BSDR is a 100 percent volunteer-led organization and the volunteers dedicate their free time and resources to helping these dogs and placing them in loving forever homes.
Since its emergence in 2014, BSDR has rescued and rehomed more than 9,500 dogs of various breeds and sizes. You can also rely on them for puppies, as they occasionally rescue nursing or pregnant dogs.
The organization has many volunteers, with some specializing in certain dog breeds. They also have trainers, vets, and diet specialists on their team. The team works together to relocate abandoned, unwanted, abused, sick, and injured dogs from unfortunate situations to safety.
They rescue these dogs to safety within their program or transport them to other trusted partner rescues where they will be cared for and loved. They focus on evaluating every rescued dog’s need to provide premium quality vet care.
Dogs with severe health issues are treated immediately and monitored closely until they recover fully. B-Squad Dog Rescue does not adopt sick or injured dogs. If a dog has a lingering health condition, you will know prior to adoption.
What’s more, the team offers lifetime support for all their dogs and adopters, so rest assured you will not be raising your new friend alone. All rescued dogs go to loving foster homes to help them heal emotionally and physically while they find the best forever homes for them.
In addition, the team educates about responsible pet ownership and the importance of animal rescue. They also encourage spaying and neutering as a means to help stymie pet overpopulation.
B-Squad Dog Rescue Details:
- Location: Brandon, SD 57005
- Email: info@bsquaddogrescue.com
- Website: B-Squad Dog Rescue
3. Aberdeen Area Humane Society
Aberdeen Area Humane Society also made it to our list because of its dedication to helping needy pets find permanent homes. This rescue serves southern North Dakota and northern South Dakota.
They are on a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray, abused, neglected, and injured dogs and cats in the state.
AAHS rescues and places homeless dogs and cats into good, loving homes. They take pets from high-risk shelters and abusive situations. AAHS has a shelter facility southwest of Aberdeen where they house as many animals as possible.
This non-profit rescue organization gets funding from memberships, fundraisers, donations, and adoptions. You can adopt a dog from this rescue organization by filling out an online adoption form or visiting the shelter to fill out a paper copy.
They work with all adopters to help them find the right pet for their families. This rescue team considers the interest of both the dogs and the adopters during a match.
After filling out the form, you have to wait for approval, which is usually at least 24 hours later. You will receive an email or a phone once your application is approved. Upon approval, you will be required to visit the rescue facility to spend some time with the adoptable dogs to find the perfect match.
They have friendly staff to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and finalize the adoption. The adoption fee for dogs starts at $184, which covers rescue expenses, medical care, and microchip.
All rescued dogs are health tested and treated for all known health issues. They are vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped before being placed for adoption. Their pets are also spayed or neutered, which does not come at any extra charge.
In addition to guiding you through the adoption process, the organization also provides lifetime support for all adopters, ensuring they have all they need to raise a healthy and happy dog.
Aberdeen Area Humane Society Details:
- Location: 2511 385th Ave S, Aberdeen, SD, 57402
- Phone Number: 605-226-1200
- Email: info@anewleashonlife.net
- Website: Aberdeen Area Humane Society
4. Sioux Falls Area Humane Society
Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (SFAHS) is an open-admission charitable organization on a mission to help abused, abandoned, unwanted, and homeless animals that need tender loving care until they find their forever homes.
This rescue group has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming pets since 1919. They have many years of experience with these pets and know how best to find suitable forever homes. In addition to rescuing, SFAHS also prevents animal cruelty and educates people on the humane treatment of animals.
SFAHS is volunteer-based and community-funded. The program is not affiliated with nor funded by any pet organizations or humane societies. Since they don’t receive financial aid from the federal, state, and city governments, all funds are raised through bequests, donations, adoption fees, special events, and community fundraisers.
Their goal is to be the human voice and safe haven for all pets in need. SFAHS saves and rehomes more than 8,000 animals yearly, including dogs, cats, and other small pets.
SFAHS has a no-kill policy, meaning they don’t believe in the euthanization of adoptable and treatable pets. They don’t leave any pets behind in the rescue program, including the sick and injured.
They provide all necessary medical care to ensure the dogs are healthy and strong before adoption. You can rely on this rescue team for various dog breeds, including puppies.
Sioux Falls Area Humane Society Details:
- Location: 3720 E Benson Rd, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104
- Phone Number: 605-338-4441
- Email: frontoffice@sfhumanesociety.com
- Website: Sioux Falls Area Humane Society
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the AKC, the most popular purebred dog is the French Bulldog.
Life in the Doghouse is a 2018 documentary following Danny & Ron’s Rescue.
A rescue dog will require patience and understanding as it acclimates to its new environment. Create a safe space for your new rescue dog, slowly introduce new people and experiences, and create a routine to help them feel more comfortable.
Conclusion for “Best Dog Rescues in South Dakota”
A considerable number of dogs are euthanized in the United States. We can significantly reduce that number if more people opt for adoption instead of buying from a breeder.
You will save a life and free up space in shelters when you adopt. You can also consult these well-regarded rescues in South Dakota if you’re uncertain of which dog breed to adopt.
For guides similar to this list of dog rescues in South Dakota, check out:
- Goldendoodle Puppies in South Dakota! – Top 3 Breeders (2023)
- Bernedoodles For Sale in South Dakota: Top 6 Breeders! (2023)
- The 6 Best Dog Daycares in Sioux Falls, SD! (2023)
Before you adopt a dog from a rescue shelter in South Dakota, learn more by watching “25 BIZARRE Dog Facts You Need To Know” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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