Top 10 Largest Animal Shelters in the USA

Doguesser celebrates all dogs, from purebreds to mixed breeds. Below is a list of 10 of the most impactful animal shelters across the United States, dedicated to saving lives every day.

1. Best Friends Animal Society (Utah)

Located in Kanab, Utah, this is the largest no-kill companion animal sanctuary in the nation. It spans roughly 3,700 acres and houses around 1,600 animals including dogs, cats, and horses.

2. North Shore Animal League America (New York)

Based in Port Washington, NY, they claim the title of the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, having saved over 1.1 million lives since 1944.

3. PAWS Chicago (Illinois)

PAWS Chicago has revolutionized animal welfare in the Midwest. Their medical center and adoption events have helped reduce the euthanasia rate in the city by over 91%.

4. Austin Pets Alive! (Texas)

Austin is often cited as the largest "No-Kill" city in the US, and APA! is a huge reason why. They specialize in saving animals most at risk, including puppies with parvovirus.

5. The Dumb Friends League (Colorado)

Based in Denver, this massive organization helps over 20,000 homeless pets and horses every year. The name comes from an old expression meaning "those unable to speak."

6. San Francisco SPCA (California)

One of the oldest humane societies in the West. Their campus in the Mission District features a visionary veterinary hospital and adoption center.

7. Arizona Humane Society (Arizona)

Serving the Phoenix valley, this shelter takes in the toughest medical cases. They have a sprawling campus and a dedicated ICU for orphaned kittens and puppies.

8. Atlanta Humane Society (Georgia)

Founded in 1873, this is one of the longest-serving organizations in the Southeast, operating multiple campuses and facilitating thousands of adoptions annually.

9. MSPCA-Angell (Massachusetts)

This organization is home to the Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, one of the most advanced animal hospitals in the world, alongside their adoption services.

10. Pennsylvania SPCA (Pennsylvania)

Headquartered in Philadelphia, the PSPCA is the second oldest humane society in the country, famous for their Humane Law Enforcement division.