Underdog Rescue, MN is small 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the  placement of homeless companion animals.  We are a  foster-based rescue group  who works to rehabilitate dogs and cats of all ages and breeds.  We believe that  all animals deserve caring,  responsible homes and we work to place pets with responsible individuals or families.

Help Wanted!  Click Here if You Are Seeking an Exciting Opportunity!

Underdog Rescue can now receive Donations, via a secure website!

In the News! 

• Underdog Rescue launches a new Blog. Want to find out the very latest Underdog New?  Wondering who the latest adopted dog or cat is?  Want to talk about animal stuff? Check it out!
   

• Underdog Rescue speaks out on animal abuse.  Watch WCCO Channel 4 News tonight (2/11/2008) at 6:00 PM to see UR Director, Shannon McKenzie with her canine companion Parker.  See WCCO-Channel 4 News for the replay video of the news story.
   

• Recent publication, "Your Adopted Dog: Everything you need to know about rescuing and caring for a best friend in need,"   by Shelley Frost & Katerina Lorenzatos Makris features none other than our Executive Director, Shannon McKenzie.  Shannon was interviewed by Shelley in February 2007 and parts of that interview can be found in Chapter 8.  To purchase copies of this book, Click Here.
  The publishers have this to say about the book: "Just as first-time parents often wish their newborns came with instruction manuals, families adopting/rescuing dogs also need clear-cut advice at their fingertips. To make life easier and more enjoyable for those who cannot turn away, YOUR ADOPTED DOG provides step-by-step guidance and support including: The pros and cons of adopting from shelters, private rescue groups, or picking up that pooch wandering alone on the street; What to do in the critical first 48 hours after your dog comes home; Creating a dog-safe, dog friendly home and yard; Handling health and behavior problems common to rescued dogs; Advice on integrating the rescue into your home; True dog rescue stories with happy endings; Finding a new home for a rescued dog; Finally, after all the hard work you've done to help your friend in need, how to take the time to have fun together."  Visit their website at www.youradopteddog.com/home.html

Our Story

Underdog Rescue and Placement was founded in 2000 by Shannon McKenzie, its current Executive Director.  Having volunteered for several other animal rescue organizations, Shannon saw a need to help the dogs and cats often overlooked by other rescuers, the "under-dogs." Our very first rescues included a pair of black kittens named Fenway & Wrigley, a little “Pit Bull” puppy named Lucy and a tiny Toy Poodle named Lily (who was suffering from a head injury). No other rescue groups would take Fenway or Wrigley because black kittens are often overlooked by potential adopters, and, up until the time we rescued Lucy, rescue groups had not been allowed to rescue any dog considered to be a “Pit Bull” from Minneapolis Animal Control. 

While in law school, Shannon McKenzie had the anti-"pit-bull" policy changed, with the assistance of Attorney, Marshall Tannick.  Underdog Rescue continues to successfully rescue and place 1-3 "Pit Bulls" each week through a continued partnership with Minneapolis Animal Control. 

In the last seven years, Underdog Rescue has placed almost 1850 dogs and cats into loving homes. We could not have done so without the help of our wonderful foster homes, the amazing work of Minneapolis Animal Control officers and staff, the incredible cooperation of Uptown Vet and Hopkins Pet Hospital.  Because of our dedicated volunteers and these wonderful vets with which we work, Underdog Rescue successfully re-homes 20-30 animals each month! 

Click to see our events!

See Our Happy Re-homed Underdogs!

Attention: Our Adoption Event Time is Changing!

Pet Meet and Greets are held each Saturday from 12:30 - 2:30 pm at UrbAnimal in Uptown Minneapolis.  To see who is attending the adoption event, please check each individual pet's profile.  These are updated each week. If you want to meet a specific animal, call ahead to ensure their attendance (952-929-0777). To expedite the adoption process, our adoption applications are available on this website.  If you are hoping to adopt an Underdog(cat) you should fill one out prior to Pet Meet and Greet.