Since 2011, City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue has provided a lifeline to more than 5,100 dogs and 5,000 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, CDCKR rescues at-risk adoptable dogs and cats and finds them loving homes. Once a dog or cat is identified, a 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 CDCKR’s Community Outreach Events. Demand for these services is huge … and so are the rewards. Save a companion animal's life and bring unconditional love into a home today.

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 (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $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 Spur Local

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

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

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