We save the abandoned, the unwanted, and the abused.
Since opening in 2018, we have rescued more than 2500 dogs. See some of our dog rescue stories.
We save dogs like the puppy you see here, who (along with his sibling) was thrown in a trashcan with a rubber band wrapped around his snout. He will likely bear the scars of that abuse for the rest of his life.
Luckily, we were able to give this puppy a happy ending and a loving home, thanks to the help of people like you.
Click the above button to donate any amount or text TAILS to 53555.
We are volunteer run and 100% donor funded.
Desert Tails is a more than 7000-square-foot, no-kill shelter in Scottsdale, Arizona – but we also partner with rescues in neighboring areas and states to help facilitate transport and care from high-kill zones to no-kill partner rescues.
Due to limited capacity and resources, we unfortunately cannot accept owner surrenders.
We save dogs of:
- all breeds
- all sizes
- all temperaments
Many of the dogs rescued have been abandoned and left to die and/or are at high risk of euthanasia, including pregnant mamas, newborn pups, and dogs that have never been shown love before.
We’re here to change that and help these often overlooked dogs find their forever homes.
Desert Tails is a registered 501(c)(3) charity. EIN 83-1089653.
The (Monetary) Costs of Running a Dog Rescue
(To see the benefits of running a rescue, which can’t be measured in dollars and cents, check out some of our rescue stories below.)
There are six puppies in an average litter, and mama needs care, too!
These costs do NOT include:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Transport
- Carriers
- Cleaning Supplies
- Etc.
Want to help?
Donate immediate via one of the methods below. Or visit our donations page for more options.
Zelle
Text
text TAILS to 53555
Every Dog Has a “Tail” to Tell – Rescue Stories
Select the tabs to see each picture or video of some of our dog rescues. We’ve interspersed cute, happy pics as palate cleansers in between the videos, some of which may contain sensitive or disturbing content.
As upsetting as many of their stories are, this is the reality of rescue. Sometimes we see the results of humanity at their worst – abandoned pregnant moms, abused and neglected dogs left to die.
But we also get to see how resilient dogs are, how they learn to trust and to give and accept love.
Heart-Nosed Puppy
Shania & Pups (video)
The Power of Love (video)
Adama and Richard
Pamela & Pups (video)
Tulsa (video)
Puppy Love
Roo & Pups (video)
June Bug & Fam (videos)
Let’s start off with this cutie. One of many sweet pups from litters that we’ve rescued.
Sweet heart-nosed puppy that we rescued
Just some of the love we give all our dogs.
Adama showing love to Richard (aka Chili Jr, because he looks like like his mom)
Two sweet puppies we rescued!
Puppy love! Two of our rescue pups share a sweet moment.
Shania was found in a storm drain with her babies. When we met her, she was so scared and shut down. But we gave her lots of love, and she and her pups had a happy ending!
This poor guy was on a chain for most of his life. Check out the transformative power of love.
Another pregnant mama dog who was dumped and abandoned. She was found in a cave with her babies. We took them in.
Tulsa had an incredibly sad life. But we took her in and cared for her.
Roo’s newborn puppies were thrown in a dumpster. They were rescued by a good Samaritan and taken in by us.
This family of dogs was found outside a warehouse, struggling to survive – especially little June Bug, who was born a tripod and was extremely tiny. She weighed 5 oz when her siblings were already 5 lbs.
June Bug was a fighter. Unfortunately, love and medical care aren’t always enough.