8 Best Small Dog Rescues in Colorado!

Are you a Colorado family or individual who would enjoy the company of a small, furry companion? Someone, to sleep at the foot of your bed or ride along on road trips? Then you’ll want to check out our list of the best small dog rescues in Colorado.

We’ve researched non-profit and independent small dog rescues across the state of Colorado so that you can find your new pet. The rescued puppies in these shelters are usually there through no fault of theirs. They’ve been abandoned, abused, neglected, or surrendered by their owners and now await a loving home like yours.

Before scrolling down this list of small dog rescues in Colorado, check out these recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Havanese Rescues in Colorado and Best Yorkie Rescues in Colorado.

Find a Small Dog Rescue Shelter Near Me in Colorado

Our team at We Love Doodles created this list of the best small dog rescues in Colorado for you to check out.

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1. Mile High Canine Rescue

Mile High Canine Rescue is based in Mead, Colorado. The shelter is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that greatly appreciates help from the community. Whether you can donate, volunteer your time, foster a dog, or adopt an animal permanently, you’ll be helping this rescue fulfill its mission.

First, view the available dogs to adopt a puppy from Mile High Canine Rescue. Their pictures, a short biography, and their adoption fee will be displayed for you. Within the bio, you’ll learn more about the dog’s needs.

For example, one dog may need a fenced yard, while another may require that no children be in the home. Adoption fees are based on the length of time the dog has been in the rescue and age, health, and other attributes. You’ll only be permitted to meet a dog once you’ve submitted an application and it has been approved.

There is no physical shelter, so meet-and-greets will be held in a place convenient to both you and the foster family. A fun way to support the Mile High Canine Rescue is to shop their merchandise. You’ll find tees, decals, and more, and your purchase helps fund the care of dogs in this rescue system.

Mile High Canine Rescue Details

• Location: Mead, Colorado
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Mile High Canine Rescue

2. Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue

Next on our list of the best small dog rescues in Colorado is Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue. This shelter is based in Colorado Springs but uses a foster family network to house dogs. There is no physical shelter you can visit. For that reason, you must fill out and have an application approved before you’ll be permitted to meet a dog.

The adoption fee for your dog will range from $200 and $275, depending on the puppy’s age, pedigree, and health. The fee may be tax-deductible, so speak with your tax adviser to learn more. The money you pay for your dog will go directly toward assisting the shelter in caring for dogs and recovering the expenses incurred while your small dog was in Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue’s care.

All dogs will be spayed or neutered before going home with a new family. Your new pet will be brought current on vaccinations and will have been heartworm tested. Dogs in foster care are also socialized, with attention given to reacquainting them with the day-to-day activity of household life.

Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue Details

• Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Contact: Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue’s Contact Page
• Website: Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue

3. Whimpers to Wags Rescue

Whimpers to Wags is another of the best small dog rescues in Colorado. Like Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue, they are located in Colorado Springs. The shelter is a 501(c)3 non-profit that relies on contributions from local citizens and businesses.

They’re focused on rescuing small dogs from tricky situations and educating the community about responsible dog ownership. Click “Available Dogs” to view the adoptable pets, then fill out an application to be considered an adoptive pet parent.

The volunteer team will review information about your household, lifestyle, and experience with dogs and then notify you that you’ve been approved. At that point, you can make your final selection and bring your dog home. 

The adoption fee will be between $300 and $350, depending on the dog’s age. You can be assured that your adoption fee will go to help defray the costs of caring for rescued puppies. Your dog will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, and treated for any known health conditions before being released.

Whimpers to Wags Rescue Details:

• Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Whimpers to Wags Rescue

4. Farfel’s Farm and Rescue

Farfel’s Farm and Rescue is located in Boulder, and they’re a little different from other rescues. Farfel’s features a dog and cat boutique that sells toys, food, treats, and more, but also, of course, Farfel’s operates a small-scale dog rescue. Dogs at Farfel’s Farm and Rescue have been saved from high-kill shelters around Boulder and other areas of Colorado.

The rescue will occasionally obtain dogs from other parts of the country when the need arises. All dogs are vet-checked, altered, and vaccinated before joining the Farfel’s Farm crew. An adoption application must be approved before you’re permitted to adopt a puppy. Let the shelter know if there are any puppy characteristics you prefer and about your lifestyle.

Tell them about your experience with other dogs and, if you have one, give them your veterinarian’s information. Once approved, take a peek at the list of adoptable dogs. There are typically ten or so small dogs waiting for a forever home like yours. You can read more about eah pup’s history, including the state they came from, their personality, and the adoption fee.

Farfel’s Farm and Rescue Details

• Location: Boulder, Colorado
• Phone Number: (303) 443-7711
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Farfel’s Farm and Rescue

5. 2Blondes All Breed Rescue

As you may have inferred from this rescue’s name, 2Blondes All Breed Rescue doesn’t only specialize in small dogs. However, there are frequently little dogs that await a home like yours. When this list was compiled, several chihuahuas, dachshunds, and other small-breed puppies were on the list of adoptable dogs.

To bring home your 2Blondes dog, you’ll need to fill out an application. The team at 2Blonds wants to match puppies with the best home possible, so be sure you’re honest about your answers. You’ll be permitted to attend an adoption event when you’re approved to bring a dog home with you.

Only approved families will be present at the events, and adoptions are first-come, first-served, so be sure to get there early to have the “pick of the litter.” Except for purebred dogs, your adoption fee will range from $325 for an adult to $575 for a young puppy. This is a non-refundable fee but is also likely tax-deductible. Check with a financial adviser to be sure your tax status qualifies.

Your dog will have been nose-to-tail vet-checked, brought current on vaccinations and wormer, altered, and microchipped. If you’re interested in signing your new dog up for obedience classes, speak with the 2Blondes team. They partner with several trainers in the area and can recommend one or two to you.

2Blondes All Breed Rescue Details

• Location: Denver area, Colorado
• Contact: 2Blondes All Breed Rescue Contact
• Website: 2Blondes All Breed Rescue

6. Mother Gaia Animal Rescue

Mother Gaia Animal Rescue is a non-profit specializing in rescuing small animals from high-kill shelters and rescuing them from homelessness. They’re a volunteer-run non-profit that relies on donations of time and money from the local Colorado community.

Your contribution will be greatly appreciated if you can support them or even shop their merchandise. Available small dogs and other animals are listed via the Wagtopia platform. If that information is available, you can view information about the animals’ backgrounds, health, and sometimes pedigree.

From there, you can choose to apply to adopt or foster a small dog. Mother Gaia Animal Rescue is a very small organization, so declined applications will receive no response. If you’re accepted as an adoptive family, you’ll be contacted within four days of your application.

You will schedule a meet-and-greet which will be followed by a home check. If all goes well, you can bring your puppy home with you. The adoption fee may vary based on your pet’s species, breed, age, and health. Your dog will be spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped when it’s time to go home.

Mother Gaia Animal Rescue Details

• Location: Lafayette, Colorado
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Mother Gaia Animal Rescue

7. National Mill Dog Rescue

National Mill Dog Rescue takes care of breeding dogs that have been abandoned, surrendered, abused, or otherwise discarded. They’re a 501(c)3 organization, and in addition to their rescue, National Mill Dog Rescue utilizes its resources to educate the public about responsible breeding and pet ownership.

To begin the adoption process, you’ll need to apply, then set an appointment to meet with an adoption coordinator. It’s a good idea to look at which puppies are available before setting your appointment, but the national Mill Dog Rescue team will help match you with the best dog for your family. In most cases, you’ll need a fenced yard though other arrangements may be considered.

All your other animals must be spayed or neutered, no exceptions. Applicants from any state are considered, but priority is given to Colorado residents. Your adoption fee will range from $250 to $400, depending on your dog’s age. Puppies will cost more, while seniors are slightly discounted. Puppies will be rehabilitated, vaccinated, altered, and microchipped before joining your family.

National Mill Dog Rescue Details

• Location: Peyton, Colorado
• Phone Number: (719) 683-3334
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: National Mill Dog Rescue

8. Colorado Puppy Rescue

Colorado Puppy Rescue is your best bet if you would like to adopt a puppy instead of buying one from a breeder. It’s one of the top small dog rescues in Colorado; be sure you verify your dog’s breed with the volunteers at this shelter before you finalize your adoption. As you know, those cute puppies sometimes grow to be quite large.

There is a required adoption application for prospective puppy owners. Once you’ve submitted all the required information, the team will contact you – usually, you can expect to hear back within 24 hours. Your approved application will remain on file for six months.

Within that time, be sure to attend the puppy adoption events. These events are held on Saturdays and Tuesdays; registration is required. On adoption event day, you’ll be able to meet the puppy you like the most. If all goes well, you’ll pay between $375 and $475 to bring your dog home with you. Before attending the events, choosing a dog or two you’re interested in is best.

The Colorado Puppy Rescue website has a brief biography about each adoptable puppy. You can learn more about your animal before bringing a dog home. In addition to the information listed on the Colorado Puppy Rescue website, you’ll also find news and updates on the team’s social media pages. Facebook, in particular, is updated regularly. You can find updated schedules of events and more recent pictures of the puppies.

Colorado Puppy Rescue Details

• Location: Aurora, Colorado
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: Colorado Puppy Rescue

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about adopting from a small dog rescue? Here are a few questions frequently asked by our readers. 

How much does a rescued dog cost to adopt?

Your rescue may cost you anywhere from $50 to $500 (or sometimes more if it’s a purebred pup) and adoption fees are set by the shelter. In most cases, adopting from a shelter is less expensive than purchasing a dog from a breeder. In fact, shelters sometimes have fee-free events – your dog may cost nothing at all, upfront. 

Additionally, when you adopt from a shelter your dog will be vaccinated and neutered or spayed, so you’ll incur fewer medical bills in the first weeks. In any event, be sure you consider the cost of feeding, housing, and medically caring for your dog over the long term. 

Why should I adopt instead of purchasing a dog?

There are actually quite a few benefits to adopting a dog from a shelter. First and foremost, of course, is the fact that you’re saving the lives of two dogs: the dog you bring home and the dog that takes your pup’s place. 

Secondly, it’s typically cheaper to adopt. You may not get pedigree papers with your dog, but so what? Your dog is just as affectionate and loyal without them!

Your dog will be spayed, neutered, wormed, and vaccinated when you bring him home. This amounts to huge cost savings on medical care. Your pup will probably also be trained, at least on the basics, which saves you frustration and time. 

How do I choose from small dog rescues in Colorado?

Trust your instincts. Check the shelter out in person, if you can, or schedule a meet and greet with the foster family. Bring all your family members, too! 

If the shelter has a physical facility, make note of the sights and sounds. Are dogs happy? Are the volunteers friendly and kind to the animals? Does the shelter smell fresh and clean? 

Read reviews online and ask neighbors for their recommendations. Sometimes word of mouth is the best way to connect with a dog shelter you love. 

Finally, you can use a service like CharityWatch to see what others have said about the group, and to verify that they’re a certified organization that’s registered in your locality. 

Conclusion For The “Best Small Dog Rescues in Colorado”

Centennial State residents that wish to adopt a small dog need to look no further than our list of the top small dog rescues in Colorado. These shelters are all not-for-profit organizations with a common goal: to decrease homelessness among animals and the overpopulation of high-kill shelters.

Choosing a new puppy from a breeder is fun, sure. But you can make a difference in a dog’s life by choosing a deserving puppy that has been abandoned, abused, or neglected. Giving a forever home to a shelter dog will make room for another dog looking to find a family of its own.

For more guides similar to this list of Small Dog rescues in Colorado, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team:

• Best Poodle Rescues in Colorado
• Best Small Dog Rescues in Ohio
• Best Small Dog Rescues in North Carolina

Before you adopt a small dog from a rescue in Colorado, you can learn more about small dogs by watching the “10 Surprising Facts About Small Dogs” down below: