Shelter First Colorado Springs

Before you text the number on that puppy sign.

Take one minute to check local shelters and rescue groups. A dog who is already here may be waiting for the same home.

See adoptable pets Choose a rescue path

Scan to action

Pick the path that matches right now.

I want to meet a dog today

Open the live shelter list, check hours, and shortlist two dogs before you drive.

Start with Humane Society

I wanted a specific puppy

If the appeal is a young dog or a certain breed look, check rescue options before texting a seller.

Try NMDR first

I am not ready to adopt

Fostering, sharing one dog, donating supplies, or visiting an event can still move a dog toward home.

Foster or help

Sticker fundraiser

Put the rescue check where puppy ads happen.

Every Shelter First sticker points to ridgenotch.com/shelter. 100% of net proceeds from sticker sales will be donated to Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

Independent Ridge Notch fundraiser; not affiliated with or endorsed by HSPPR.

Shop the stickers Browse HSPPR pets

Sticker

Puppy sign pause

A rescue check is not a lecture. It is a better first move.

If you scanned from a sticker beside a puppy ad, use these questions before you send money or agree to meet.

Check 1
Have you seen where the dog is living?
Check 2
Can the seller show vet records and let you meet the mother dog?
Check 3
Are they rushing payment, pickup, or a parking lot handoff?
Check 4
Have you checked whether a rescue dog nearby already fits what you want?

Local rescue router

Start with the group that fits the kind of help you can give.

Best first stop for shelter adoption in Colorado Springs

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region

Colorado Springs and Pueblo adoption centers, lost pets, foster care, and animal law resources.

Browse adoptable pets

For people tempted by a puppy seller

National Mill Dog Rescue

A Colorado Springs area rescue focused on discarded breeding dogs and puppy mill education.

See adoptable dogs

For a match with training support

All Breed Rescue & Training

Foster based rescue with training, education, and lifetime support for adopters.

Meet their dogs

For small dog adoption

Whimpers to Wags

Colorado Springs small dog rescue using foster homes and volunteer care.

Visit the rescue

For foster based rescue dogs

Karl's Canine Krew

Colorado Springs foster based rescue helping dogs find forever homes.

Meet their dogs

For all breed rescue and adoption events

CLAWA Animal Rescue

Foster based, PACFA licensed Colorado rescue with adoption and foster pathways.

Find adoption options

Independent and careful

This page points people toward rescues. It does not replace them.

Shelter First is an independent Ridgenotch civic page. We link to official rescue and shelter sites, but we do not imply endorsement, partnership, live animal availability, or adoption approval.

Do not confront sellers, trespass, film strangers, or take animals. If you suspect cruelty or neglect, use official reporting channels.

Humane Society animal law resources

One minute shelter check

Make one shelter check before any puppy purchase.

Shelter First is a small pause with a real next step. Save this page, send it to someone about to text a seller, or put it behind a sticker QR so rescue dogs get a fair look first.

Open one shelter list

Start with the Humane Society pets page and bookmark two or three dogs you would actually meet.

Check one rescue match

If you wanted a puppy or breed look, scan local rescue groups before sending money to a seller.

Use official channels

If something feels unsafe or cruel, do not confront anyone. Report concerns through the right local channel.

QR target

ridgenotch.com/shelter

Use this short URL on stickers, community posts, and group chats. It routes people to official shelter and rescue options without making them decode an acronym first.

Open QR route

Send this line

Before you buy, check the dogs already waiting near Colorado Springs: ridgenotch.com/shelter