Small Dog Rescues: How Small Breed Rescues Save the Day

We tend to associate smaller dogs with breeders, but there are actually several small-dog rescues across the country filled with both purebred and mixed-breed pups. Turns out, this is a win-win: These dogs get loving homes, and you, in return, get a new bestie that won’t cost the steep fee that breeders charge. 

The reality is, without adoption, many of these pups would be left neglected, facing all sorts of dangers that the “streets” present — which can be even worse for smaller dogs. Facing the threat of euthanasia in overcrowded shelters (many, after being surrendered by pet parents in times of hardship), there are countless little canines waiting for stable homes. And here is how you can find them.

Why small dog rescues matter

Small-dog rescue groups focus on the unique needs of pint-sized pets, with the goal of finding them forever homes. “Our rescue is a little more focused, because we have a wonderful following of supporters, donors, and adopters who come back to us,” says Michele Mazzei, president of DREAM Dachshund Rescue. 

People tend to have a preference for their pets — no surprise here — be it Wirehaired Pointers, bully breeds, or small dogs. So focusing on one type of pup makes it easier for an organization to raise funds, locate enthusiastic foster families, and connect with volunteers knowledgeable about that canine type. “Having a niche rescue helps our fosters,” Mazzei explains. “Our foster homes know how to handle Dachshunds. They know how to handle them on a leash [because of their backs]. Things like that make it very beneficial to have that focus.”

Many of these rescues, including DREAM, also transport small dogs from high-kill shelters to other areas of the country to give them a second chance at life, forming a network that prevents dogs from falling through cracks in the system.

Small dog rescues doing big things

Looking for a small dog to adopt? Check out these amazing niche rescues across the country, from the hills of Hollywood to the shores of New England.

facebook / DREAM Dachshund Rescue/

DREAM Dachshund Rescue

DREAM Dachshund Rescue is dedicated to rescuing Dachshunds (and Dachshund mixes) from high-kill shelters in Georgia — with a focus on Atlanta, north Georgia, and Savannah. DREAM is committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Dachshunds. But they’re also educating the public on dog parenthood for all breeds, common long-dog behavioral and health issues (such as Intervertebral Disc Disease, or IVDD), and planning for the future with pet trusts. 

This small-dog rescue operates through an all-volunteer team, and has rescued more than 2,000 dogs since its inception. With 10 to 20 rescued dogs placed in foster homes at any given time, each weenie gets the one-on-one attention they deserve.

facebook / Tobies Small Dog Rescue/

Tobie’s Small Dog Rescue

Tobie’s Small Dog Rescue, based in Hollywood, California, is a compassionate foster-based organization dedicated to the well-being of small dogs weighing under 15 pounds. With a mission to rescue these tiny companions from local shelters and streets, Tobie’s gives each adoptable dog comprehensive health care prior to adoption. This includes vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. Beyond immediate rescue efforts, Tobie’s Small Dog Rescue addresses the broader issue of animal overpopulation. They actively promote responsible pet parenting by educating the community about the importance of spaying and neutering, as well as the humane treatment of animals.

facebook / All About Paws/

All About Paws

All About Paws is committed to rescuing, providing sanctuary for, and rehoming pups. Specializing in saving small and hairless dogs, this Bolivar, Missouri, organization has saved more than 1,500 pets since forming in 2011. Each dog here is spayed or neutered and gets medical attention for common small-dog concerns (in particular: dental problems, fear and anxiety, patella issues, and trachea disorders) before adoption, explains founder Alex Moore. The organization works with a dedicated team of volunteer fosters who carefully screen potential adoptive pet parents so that the animals are guaranteed warm, loving family environments.

facebook / Tiny Paws Rescue & Sanctuary/

Tiny Paws Rescue & Sanctuary

Tiny Paws Rescue & Sanctuary, a compassionate rescue nestled in Oakdale, California, extends its reach some 285 miles — from no-kill shelters in Sacramento to Bakersfield. They overachieve in scope, providing lifelines to pregnant dogs, small-breed puppies under six weeks of age, medical cases, and surrenders of all ages. Tiny Paws thoroughly vets all canines, making sure they receive comprehensive medical attention before they’re put up for adoption. Prospective adopters undergo a pre-screening process, vet references, and fenced-yard verification, ensuring a meticulous match between dogs and their new families.

facebook / Small Dog Rescue of New England/

Small Dog Rescue of New England

Small Dog Rescue of New England is a non-profit dedicated to the rescue, vetting, and transportation of small dogs from Southern kill shelters. Operating as a foster-based rescue without a brick-and-mortar location, the organization relies on foster homes to provide a caring environment for these rescued companions. Small Dog Rescue of New England adopts out exclusively to pet parents living in New England states, including Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. While the final adoption decision rests on the experienced fosters who intimately know the dogs, they will not place small dogs in homes with children who are under 10 years old.

facebook / Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee/

Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee

Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee (SBRET) finds forever homes for displaced or abandoned small-breed dogs. Operating as a foster-based organization and all-volunteer nonprofit, SBRET places all dogs in foster homes in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area. Each dog in their care undergoes spaying or neutering, microchipping, vaccinations, heartworm/flea prevention, dental cleaning, and any necessary medical attention. While adoption fees help cover these expenses, SBRET relies heavily on donations. Aside from rehoming small dogs, SBRET is passionate about public education on crucial issues such as pet overpopulation, the benefits of spaying/neutering, and the realities of puppy mills.

facebook / Tiny Paws Rescue/

Tiny Paws Rescue

Tiny Paws Rescue is a foster-based rescue committed to placing small dogs into permanent homes across Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania, as well as in Central and Southern New Jersey. Their mission extends to both the neediest and readily adoptable dogs, offering all-inclusive veterinary care, including spaying or neutering, and placing pups in nurturing foster homes while awaiting adoption. Tiny Paws stand out among small-dog rescues with their Gizzy’s Gift program, which provides forever-foster home care to senior dogs with terminal illnesses or those with disabilities. They also have a program called Tiny Wings, which takes in animals who have only hours or days to live, and provides them with comfortable homes until they cross over the rainbow bridge.

How to support small dog rescues

If you’re not ready to adopt but want to pitch in, there are many ways to support these organizations, which are typically run through the kindness of volunteers and donors.

Fostering

One way to make a difference is by opening your home to fostering a dog. Becoming a foster parent not only provides a safe haven for dogs in transition, but also plays a crucial role in their journey towards a loving home.

Donating

For those not ready to adopt or foster, consider making a donation. Every dollar is crucial, and goes towards veterinary care, food, and shelter, ensuring that these rescues can continue their life-saving work. 

Volunteering

And, of course, the gift of time is immeasurable. Volunteering allows you to directly impact the lives of these small dogs, whether it’s assisting with adoption events, transportation, or administrative tasks. Whether you choose to foster, adopt, donate, or volunteer, your support makes a difference.

How to adopt a small dog

If you’re ready to welcome a small dog into your family, start your search online at Adopt a Pet. Use the search feature to customize your preferences based on the size, breed, or location of the type of small dog you have in mind. You can even set up a pet alert to notify you of new matches in your area. Once you’ve explored the profiles and found a potential match, reach out to the respective small-dog rescue or shelter through the contact information provided on the site.