Why Detroit Dogs Need Us
Since our inception in 2018, Rebel Dogs Detroit has rescued and adopted out over 1,080 dogs.
Detroit’s lack of infrastructure to support pet owners has left countless dogs in need. When families face hardships like job losses or foreclosures, they’re often forced to move suddenly, leaving their pets behind with no resources or care. Compounding the issue, many people lack access to education about the importance of spaying and neutering, leading to a growing population of homeless animals.
Every day, we receive calls about dogs abandoned in empty homes, struggling to survive. Without rescue, these dogs face harm, starvation, or life as strays, leading to even more feral puppies. It’s heartbreaking to find puppies in abandoned houses who have never seen a human—but we’re grateful when we reach them in time.
This cycle is dangerous for both dogs and the community. While this issue exists in many cities, Detroit’s limited animal welfare resources and lack of education on responsible pet ownership make the situation even more critical. We wish Rebel Dogs wasn’t needed, but the calls for help never stop.
What is True No-Kill Dog Rescue?
At Rebel Dogs Detroit, we do more than rescue dogs — we give them a chance at life.
Many dogs we save suffer from serious medical issues like heartworm, wounds, broken bones, or embedded collars. Others struggle with fear and trauma, requiring patience and expert care to rebuild trust. Because rehabilitation takes time and resources, many of these dogs are turned away by other rescues or euthanized in shelters. But we don’t give up. Instead of euthanizing due to behavioral challenges, we focus on safe handling, enrichment, and healing.
As long as a dog has a good quality of life, we stand by them. That’s what true no-kill means.
Our Mission
Rebel Dogs Detroit is a radical no-kill rescue collective based in the heart of Detroit, Ml. Our mission is to aid the epidemic of stray dogs, through rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing. We also focus on supporting pet retention for members of our community who wish to continue providing a loving home for their pet despite obstacles.
We assist our surrounding community in accessing much needed resources in order to keep their pets. We are committed to addressing the needs of our city’s dogs through a radical socioeconomic framework. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you find a dog on the street, know of one being abused, or need help keeping your dog happy and healthy. Call/text 313-338-4398 24/7 if it is an emergency, 1am–9pm daily for non-emergency.
