Humane Rescue Alliance (formerly Washington Animal Rescue League)

We got our current dog from Lucky Dog -- they were very easy to deal with. Some rescues take themselves very seriously -- Lucky Dog was flexible and they have lots of adoption events around the area.

City Dogs

Anonymous wrote:Homeward Trails!! Was so fun. They had new dogs and puppies who had not even hit the web list yet. We walked out with a cute dachshund puppy.

+1. They were great to work with, very responsive to emails, and no home visit needed. We have had our dog about a year and she is just wonderful.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd start at the Arlington or Fairfax animal shelters, both of whom do a solid job evaluating and vetting their adoptable animals. If they don't have a dog who's a good fit, they can also point you to local rescues with whom they work.

It is definitely easier to adopt a dog from the animal shelters than from the rescues. Rescue-wise I've gotten dogs from K-9 Lifesavers (dog was with foster family, which is a really good way to go) and City Dogs. I've also volunteered with Lost Dog and they are good.

PP here. I know of quite a few people who have had health issues with animals (dogs and cats) from Lost Dog - nothing incurable, but certainly things that could/should have been caught ahead of time (upper respiratory infections in kittens, heartworms in dogs, etc.). Just a possibility to be aware of with any of the rescues that are pulling dogs from rural pounds and immediately placing them up for adoption here.

Anonymous wrote:I'd start at the Arlington or Fairfax animal shelters, both of whom do a solid job evaluating and vetting their adoptable animals. If they don't have a dog who's a good fit, they can also point you to local rescues with whom they work.

It is definitely easier to adopt a dog from the animal shelters than from the rescues. Rescue-wise I've gotten dogs from K-9 Lifesavers (dog was with foster family, which is a really good way to go) and City Dogs. I've also volunteered with Lost Dog and they are good.

Homeward Trails!! Was so fun. They had new dogs and puppies who had not even hit the web list yet. We walked out with a cute dachshund puppy.

Anonymous wrote:https://www.chaamp.org/
The local Malamute rescue, if you want a giant fluffball.

They r good people.
I went to one of their get togethers, it was amazing to see so many mals in one place. Got my husky from another local group, though.

https://www.chaamp.org/
The local Malamute rescue, if you want a giant fluffball.

I'd start at the Arlington or Fairfax animal shelters, both of whom do a solid job evaluating and vetting their adoptable animals. If they don't have a dog who's a good fit, they can also point you to local rescues with whom they work.

Also location: most are regional.

That said, I live in NoVA and was happy with Lost Dog. I thought they had the right mix between caring who the dog went home with, and actually wanting to place the dog which honestly I wonder if all these rescues do want to place their dogs.

Adult dog, medium energy, flexible on breed, house-trained, 1 elementary school kid, townhouse (fenced). Are there groups that are particularly good to work with?

Age and breed would help, as well as any other considerations (dog will be around kids, fence, etc)

Looking to adopt a dog. What rescue groups would you recommend? Thanks!