Since 2011, CDR has provided a lifeline to more than 3,700 dogs and 1,500 cats – animals that were just days or hours away from being euthanized for no reason other than lack of space. Working closely with high-kill shelters in rural communities with few resources, CDR rescues at-risk adoptable dogs and cats and finds them loving homes. Once a dog or cat is identified, a vast network of supporters (50,000+) raises funds for transportation to DC and for top-quality medical care, vaccinations, and spay/neutering procedures. A trained foster care provider offers companionship until a permanent home is found, usually thanks to social media campaigns, dynamic adoption events, or CDR’s popular volunteer dog-walking program. Demand for these services is huge … and so are the rewards. You can save a companion animal's life and bring unconditional love into a home today.

COVID-19 Update: Within a week of stay-at-home directives, City Dogs relocated intake operations to Congressional Cemetery and switched to virtual home visits to maintain continuity of operations. Additionally, it created a new seven-day trial-adoption policy to allow potential adopters time to meet dogs and cats since in person meet and greets were no longer a responsible practice. This allowed adopters to take the dog or cat home and return them without penalty if the arrangement was not a good fit. Application numbers almost tripled between March and June and adoptions increased by 48%.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 2

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-Loudoun County; VA-Prince William County; VA-City of Alexandria; VA-City of Fairfax; VA-City of Falls Church

Age Groups Served: All

Population(s) Served: All


  • Number of volunteers who work with us annually:   500
  • Dogs and cats rescued (number increases daily):   5200+

Awards & Recognition

Washington City Paper's Readers' Poll, Best Nonprofit 2018 & 2017 (winner), 2016 (Editor's and Reader's choice winner), 2015 (winner), 2014 (runner-up)
Washington City Paper's Readers' Poll, Best Charity Event 2016, 2015, 2014
Washington City Paper's Readers' Poll, Best Place to Volunteer 2017 (runner-up), 2016, (runner-up), 2015 (runner-up), 2014 (winner)
WTOP's "Click-for-a-Cause", 2015 (second place)
Washington Blade's "Best of Gay DC" as Finalist for "Best Non-Profit" (2014) and Finalist for "Best Pet Business" (2015)
Capital Pride Float Award Winner, 2013

Press

Budget (FY2014)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for City Dogs Rescue is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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