Living in Colorado, you know that people love their dogs here. Whether you’re on the hiking trail or taking a seat on the patio of your favorite brewery — everyone brings along their four-legged friends. Chances are, you’ll see a few dogs roaming around the Superbowl party, too.
For many Coloradans, the “other big game” on Superbowl Sunday is the Puppy Bowl. There’s surely been game days where you watched and enjoyed the puppies more than the game itself.
What makes it so darn cute? Dozens of precious pups dressed in football gear, running around a field playing together, of course!
If you catch the Puppy Bowl this year you might be tempted to add a new furry addition to your family. After all, you could train them to be the next Puppy Bowl star! But if you do decide to do this, be sure you consider adopting from a reputable and responsible organization.
Colorado’s Front Range is home to a number of amazing animal rescue organizations — a majority of which are nonprofits. Most offer veterinary services ranging from preventative care to emergency needs. You’ll also find they care about their relationships with their communities and provide educational programs, too.
When you adopt, you save a life and change their world forever. You also make room at the shelter for another sweet animal to take refuge until their forever home is found.
As you make the decision to open up your home and your heart to a new best friend, take the time to consider which Colorado dog rescue is best for you.
Dog Shelters in the Denver Metro Area
MaxFund
Since opening in 1989, MaxFund has found forever homes for more than 30,000 dogs and cats. As one of Colorado’s most popular no-kill shelters, no animal ever faces the risk of euthanasia.
Before you apply for adoption, you have the opportunity to meet the animal you’re considering — just call to make an appointment. They do require a fair amount of information upfront, like veterinary records of any other pets in your home, as well as 3 personal references.
The Dumb Friends League
The Dumb Friends League is one of the largest animal shelters in Colorado. With 6 locations throughout the Denver metro area, they serve the community by rescuing sick, injured, and neglected animals and providing humane educational programs. They saw 100% placement of all animals they housed in 2020.
This shelter does require you set an appointment in order to meet the animal you hope to adopt. You’re not guaranteed to see the animal, but if it’s the right match, you get to take them home that day!
Denver Animal Shelter
As Denver’s main municipal animal shelter, the Denver Animal Shelter is always busy.
The shelter is open-admission and provides a home to around 6,000 dogs and cats each year. It also serves as an enforcer of animal ordinances throughout the city and prides itself on the educational resources they provide to the public like behavior training, pet health and safety, and local laws.
The folks at the shelter update their roster of adoptable pets on an hourly basis. But because they’re so busy, animals move quickly through the adoption process. You don’t need an appointment to meet the animals — visit them anytime during their business hours, which are 10:00am-6:30pm weekdays and 11:00am-5:00pm weekends.
Dog Shelters in Ft. Collins
Animal Friends Alliance
Founded in January 2020, the Animal Friends Alliance is a “limited admission, adoption guarantee shelter.” This means that due to restricted space and finances, the shelter takes in a limited number of animals. But they stay with them until they find a loving home.
Before you head to the shelter, you’ll have to fill out a questionnaire — whether you’re meeting one animal or all of them. If you have a specific animal in mind, you’ll want to check that they’re at the shelter when you go to visit and not with a foster family.
Dog Shelters in Boulder
Humane Society of Boulder Valley
The Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV) has been serving animals and the community since 1902. This socially-conscious shelter provides homes to over 10,000 animals each year. While animals are in their care, they’re supported by the shelter’s training and behavior center, which helps them ensure each pets success in their new home.
HSBV allows for drop-in visits for interested adopters. If an animal hasn’t been put on hold, you can meet with them that day and see if you’re the right fit.
Dog Shelters in Colorado Springs
No Hound Unhomed
No Hound Unhomed is a no-kill shelter with the goal of providing a second chance for animals who haven’t passed initial interviews at other shelters. For these pups, what may have been a death sentence becomes the opportunity to be socialized, trained, and rehabilitated.
Because of the work the shelter puts into these dogs, there may not be many available for adoption at any given time. If you fall in love with one of their dogs, call the number listed on their profile so you can set up a meet-and-greet.
Dog Shelters in Pueblo
Paws for Life
What started as a foster care system in 1978, Paws for Life swiftly became the no-kill, limited admission shelter it is today. The staff behind Paws for Life work hard to support the 50-60 animals they house at a time.
The shelter has a 5-step adoption process through which you’ll be screened ahead of meeting any animals. If you’re scheduled for a time to meet the animal, they do ask that all members of your household be present (along with any animals in your home).
Support Your Pet as They Adjust to Their New Life
There’s no joy quite like adopting a dog. Not only do they bring you unconditional love, but rescue pups are emotionally and psychologically beneficial for you, too.
Knowing you’re helping an animal in need also brings its own level of happiness. Hundreds of dogs fill animal shelters in Colorado each year. Helping even just one makes a huge impact.
But once they’re home, your dog will need some time to adjust to their new space and routine. You’ll also need help with some behavior and training as they get used to things.
If you’re not quite sure where to start, we’ve got you covered!
Sign up for our eBook from expert Ian Krammer for tips on how to teach your dog everything from basic commands to impressive stunts.
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