It’s hard not to love beagles. These pooches are cute, friendly, and trusting towards everyone they meet – a characteristic that, all too often, leads to them being exploited in research laboratories. However, these sweet little dogs can be quite a force to be reckoned with! Because of their formidable sense of smell, they are frequently used by security forces around the world to sniff out contraband substances, foods, and weapons at international airports. And so, in honor of these loveable animals, we have compiled a list of ten beagle rescue groups across the U.S. that cater to the needs of these amazing dogs.

1. Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue

This Florida-based rescue center specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of abused or neglected beagle and beagle mix dogs, as well as educating members of the Tampa Bay community “on the behavior and special qualities of the Beagle breed.” Some of their residents include Noah II, “a super sweetheart of a Beagle boy,” and Rambo, who “has those pleading brown eyes and big ears we all love.”

If you live in the Tampa Bay area, and are willing to open your heart and your home to some of TBBR’s beautiful pooches for a while, why not consider becoming a foster parent? Some dogs need a home for just a few days, while others may need to stay in a foster home for a month or longer. Most fostered beagles are adopted from their foster parent’s home and taken to their forever home within three months.

You could also become a transport volunteer, or offer a financial donation. All information is available here.

2. Arizona Beagle Rescue

Arizona Beagle Rescue does not have a single shelter facility. Rather, the organization oversees the work of various dog shelters throughout the state, helping them to understand the special requirements of the beagle and carrying out regular “shelter checks.” They also run an annual Beaglefest event, with all proceeds going to the rescue, medical care, and placement of beagles in need.

ABR, just like TBBR, urgently require loving foster homes for their dogs. They say, “We’re very much in need of families throughout the state, from Flagstaff to Tucson and everywhere in-between! However, our greatest need remains in Maricopa County.” They are also looking for ordinary volunteers to help out with initiatives such as fundraising, transport, clerical tasks, county shelter checks, and photography. Donations are also gratefully accepted!

3. NorCal Beagle Rescue

NorCal Beagle Rescue says that their mission is “to help beagles find loving homes throughout the Northern California region and provide education to current and potential beagle owners about this marvellous, challenging breed.” To help meet this mission, they run a “sleepover program” with all potential adopters, whereby the selected beagle lives with the adopter for a short trial period, and is then permitted to live with them for good if the “sleepover” works out. NCBR also helps members of the Bay Area community to access spay and neuter programs for their pets.

Information about volunteer opportunities with NCBR can be found here, while donations can be given here.

4. Beagle Freedom Project

This fantastic organization is based in Los Angeles, Calif., but operates nationwide. The BFP has devoted itself to rehoming beagles who have been used in animal experimentation facilities. They have strong words of advice for anyone who is interested in fostering or adopting a former lab beagle:

They will not be accustomed to life in a home and will not have experience with children, cats, or other dogs. … They may be fearful of people initially and may have phobias from a lifetime in confinement or from being restrained. They are likely to have been surgically de-barked by the breeder and have an ID number tattooed in their ear. Please also be aware that although these beagles are considered healthy, you will be given very little information about the beagle’s medical history, and you will not be told its origins or what kind of testing they may have been used for.

Adopting a lab beagle can be a challenging experience, but if you are still interested in opening your heart and your home to one of them, you can find out how to adopt or foster with the BFP using this link. Alternatively, you can visit their online shop, or register your interest in volunteering here.

5. Beagle Rescue League, Inc.

The Beagle Rescue League’s motto is, “Because Every Super Dog Needs a Hero!” They are active in Northwest New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. In addition to holding a fantastic annual fundraising event called Barktoberfest, this group also runs a specialist Lab to Leash program to help beagles who have been used in scientific experiments.

Want to help support them? Donate here, find out more about volunteer opportunities here, and learn about their adoption process here.

6. SOS Beagles

This group operates in New Jersey, Tennessee, and Alabama, but does not have one central public facility or shelter. Instead, all of the beagles they care for are in foster care or with their new owners. SOS Beagles caters for these dogs by providing veterinary care, behavioral evaluation, socialization, and appropriate training.

You can help them with their work by fostering or adopting one of their beagles, donating money or supplies, or sponsoring a specific dog.

7. Seattle Beagle Rescue

Seattle Beagle Rescue caters to abandoned, abused, or neglected beagles in the state of Washington, as well as educating members of the public on some of the specific qualities and requirements of this breed. Some of their dogs who have experienced a “happy ending,” and been successfully adopted, include Tipper, Lucky, and Baxter.

You could sponsor a beagle – prices range from $10 for a collar and leash to $100 for a spay/neuter operation and a geriatric bloodscreen – consider adopting one, or become a volunteer.