Every Dog Deserves a Second Chance.

Ziva Dog Rescue was founded in 2017 under the name A Second Chance for Ziva, Inc. In 2025, we officially became Ziva Dog Rescue to reflect how we have grown. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to rescuing dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. Ziva Dog Rescue is funded solely by adoption fees and the generosity of our donors. 

Our name honors Ziva, one of our founder’s beloved rescue dogs. Her name means “brilliant,” and to us, that captures the spirit of every dog. Ziva, like so many others, overcame a difficult start in life and blossomed with love, courage, and grace. Her story inspires our mission — to give every dog the chance to shine in a safe and loving home.

Our dogs are rescued from many different situations, including high-kill shelters, owner surrenders, strays, backyard breeders, and legal cases. Every dog that comes through our rescue receives veterinary care appropriate for their needs, is spayed or neutered, microchipped, evaluated, and placed in the comfort of a foster home while they wait for adoption. As a foster-based rescue, we do not operate a shelter — instead, our dogs begin healing and learning to trust again in homes.

We know that welcoming a new dog is a life-changing decision, and our goal is to make the right match for both the dog and their family. Since our founding, we’ve rescued more than 2,600 dogs, working alongside trusted partners across the south and the tri-state area. Ziva Dog Rescue is licensed as a charitable organization in the following states:  New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

At Ziva Dog Rescue, we believe that wherever there’s a dog in need, we will do everything we can to be part of their second chance.