Community Outreach
We're Here to help Detroit's Dogs
Detroit Dog Rescue works directly with Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park residents to provide food assistance, supplies, and a helpline for dogs in danger. Use the forms below to request help or report a dog in need.
Request Help
Outreach Assistance Application
Are you a Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park resident who needs help with food, supplies, or resources for your dog? Our outreach team can help.
To qualify for food assistance you must: be a Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park resident, qualify as low income or have had a recent large decrease in income, provide proper ID upon delivery. Your dog must be healthy and spayed or neutered (or you must be willing to work with DDR toward spay/neuter).
Report a Dog
Help Line
Spotted a stray, chained, abused, or neglected dog in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park? Fill out our Help Line form and our team will do everything possible to help.
Please provide the exact location, cross streets, and closest landmarks when reporting. Stray dogs move quickly — the best chance of helping is when our team is already in the field. We log every report but cannot guarantee we will locate the dog.
If your life is in danger, call 911.
⚠ Dog Surrender Policy
We do not accept surrendered dogs at any of our locations without prior approval. Leaving any animal without approval counts as abandonment and is considered a misdemeanor.
If you must surrender your dog, please contact us first. Provide as much information as possible about the dog, including a photo. We will do our best to assist.
To inquire about surrendering a dog, please use the Outreach Assistance form on this page or call (313) 458-8014.
Life Threatening Emergency
If Your Life Is in Danger — Call 911
Detroit Dog Rescue does not respond to life-threatening situations. Please contact emergency services first.
Deceased Animals on City Roads
Detroit Dept. of Sanitation: (313) 628-4268
Wayne County Freeways: (313) 875-9444
