Hopeful Paws Finder
Illustration of dog at a fork in the road

Rehabilitation & Sanctuary Options

Explore facilities specializing in dogs with territorial and resource guarding behaviors. Filter by specialization to find potential matches. Remember to contact facilities directly for the most current intake information and costs.

Filter by Specialization:

All Ears Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
Bridgton, ME | 501(c)(3) Sanctuary

Specialization:

Bite History, Resource Guarding, Territorial Aggression, Fear Aggression

Cost Indication:

Donation-based (typically no fixed fee, relies on donations)

Intake Notes:

Case-by-case, often via referrals. Intake paused Feb 2025.

Notes:

Specializes in behavioral euthanasia cases. Lifelong sanctuary option.

Visit Website
ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center
Weaverville, NC | Rehabilitation Center (Shelter transfers only)

Specialization:

Fear Aggression, Undersocialization

Cost Indication:

Free (for partner shelters)

Intake Notes:

Only accepts dogs from partner shelters/rescues, not owner surrenders.

Notes:

Focuses on fear-based issues, not primarily territorial/resource guarding.

Visit Website
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Kanab, UT | 501(c)(3) Sanctuary

Specialization:

Various Behavioral Issues, Special Needs

Cost Indication:

Donation suggested, potentially subsidized

Intake Notes:

Very limited, prioritizes network partners and specific cases. Not typically for owner surrenders with aggression.

Notes:

Large sanctuary, takes complex cases but intake is highly selective.

Visit Website
Speranza Animal Rescue
Mechanicsburg, PA | 501(c)(3) Rescue & Sanctuary

Specialization:

Bite History, Abuse/Neglect Cases, Aggression

Cost Indication:

Donation-based (surrender fee may apply, varies)

Intake Notes:

Case-by-case, requires application and evaluation.

Notes:

Known for taking difficult cases, including aggression. Offers sanctuary.

Visit Website
iWag (formerly "It’s a Dog’s Life Rescue")
Temple, GA | Rescue & Sanctuary Program

Specialization:

Behavioral Issues, Aggression

Cost Indication:

Owner surrender fee applies (amount not specified, likely several hundred dollars)

Intake Notes:

Requires owner surrender application, vet records, behavioral assessment.

Notes:

Has a dedicated sanctuary program for dogs deemed unadoptable due to behavior.

Visit Website
Smiling Dog Farms
Wharton, TX | 501(c)(3) Sanctuary

Specialization:

Aggression, Bite History, Elderly/Special Needs

Cost Indication:

Donation-based (often requires ongoing sponsorship or significant initial donation)

Intake Notes:

Very limited, case-by-case, requires detailed history and evaluation.

Notes:

Focuses on providing lifelong sanctuary for difficult dogs.

Visit Website
Milo Foundation Sanctuary
Willits, CA | 501(c)(3) Rescue & Sanctuary

Specialization:

Various Behavioral Issues, Unadoptable Animals

Cost Indication:

Donation-based (surrender fee likely, potentially significant)

Intake Notes:

Case-by-case, requires application, prioritizes shelter transfers.

Notes:

Large sanctuary, takes in animals deemed unadoptable, including behavior cases.

Visit Website
Majestic Canine Rescue
Yoder, CO | Rescue & Sanctuary

Specialization:

Bite History, Aggression

Cost Indication:

Donation-based (surrender fee likely, amount varies)

Intake Notes:

Case-by-case, requires application and evaluation.

Notes:

Specifically mentions taking dogs with bite histories.

Visit Website

Disclaimer

Information provided here is based on research conducted in May 2025 and may change. Costs, intake policies, and availability are subject to frequent updates. Always contact the facility directly for the most accurate and current information before making any decisions. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any specific facility.