Underdog Rescue MN
Our Mission
Underdog Rescue, MN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and permanent placement of homeless dogs and cats of all ages and breeds. We believe that every animal deserves a caring, responsible home and strive to be their advocates through every step of their journey.
Our History
Founded in 2000 by Shannon McKenzie, Underdog Rescue has successfully placed more than 15,000 animals into loving forever homes. Over the past 26 years, we have grown into a dedicated community of volunteers, veterinary partners, and animal lovers committed to saving and changing lives.
How We Operate
We are a foster-based rescue, meaning we do not maintain a physical holding facility. Instead, our animals live in a network of loving volunteer foster homes throughout the Twin Cities area where they receive quality care, nutrition, and essential socialization. Before placement, every dog and cat undergoes a thorough veterinary examination to ensure they are healthy, happy, and ready for their new family.
The Perfect Match
We are deeply invested in the well-being of our animals and take great care to ensure each pet is matched with a home that fits their specific needs. Our application and screening processes are thoughtfully designed to create lifelong, successful partnerships between pets and their new people. When you adopt from us, you aren't just saving one life; you are helping us continue our mission to protect and care for many more.
Take the First Step
Are you ready to welcome a new companion into your family? We invite you to browse our current list of adoptable animals or join us at an upcoming adoption event to meet your perfect match in person. Thank you for choosing to rescue and for supporting our mission to provide the second chance every underdog deserves.
- Staff dedication and transparency
- Thorough and careful placement process
- Restrictive adoption policies
10/19 - What did you do this weekend? Oh, us? We partnered with @austin_bulldog_rescue and welcomed these three sweet faces to Underdog! (These three won’t be available for adoption for a few weeks, but head to our website yo see what bulldogs are ready today) #underdogrescuemn
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10/12 - There’s so many dogs waiting for YOU! Head to UnderDogRescueMn.com to see who’s a match for your family💕 Animals removed from site when applications are in process* #underdogrescuemn
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10/12 - Baby Itsy✨ the limited edition mix of 12 breeds ✨ Head to our website to learn more! UnderDogRescueMn.com Animals are removed from site when applications are in process* #underdogrescuemn
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10/11 - This adorable family is now on our Adoptable Dogs page, but a few weeks ago, they made their treck up to Minnesota for a new beginning. It all starts with a “yes” Once found on the side of a TX street, then to an overcrowded shelter, and now to MN, this is how we save and change lives. And we couldn’t do it without amazing foster homes. Come ioin the team to help the next family (or dog) in need UnderDogRescueMn.com/foster Head to our website for more! Animals are removed from site when applications are in process * #underdogrescuemn
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10/10 - A huge thank you to Mavericks Pet grooming in Minnetonka for helping our Trixie girl feel her best! Shes been seeing our vet partners to help with her skin. Likely from years of neglect, Trixie skin is full of yeast and makes her very itchy. On some supplements, a good shampoo and conditioner, and a good diet, Trixie‘s hair is finally starting to regrow. Thank you to our grooming partners for helping Trixie look and feel her best! Trixie is not yet available for adoption, but when she is, you can find her on our adoptable dogs page on our website. There are lots of dogs there ready to meet you today! #underdogrescuemn
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10/8 - Welcome to the Golden life, Girls 💕 Dixie and Dani found themselves at local animal care and control, but today, they’re in a loving foster home while they get the medical attention they need. Help us in welcoming them - and thanking their foster! [once they’re ready for adoption, you can learn more in our website. Social team does not know timing nor details] #underdogrescuemn
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10/6 - Welcome to Underdog, Harry! Harry is a 9 year old golden retriever who found himself at a local animal care and control after the passing of his beloved owner. We took one look at that sweet white face and said, “Come on over, Harry!” Safe to say he’s enjoying his foster home, wouldn’t you say? After Harry sees our vets, he’ll hit the adoptable digs page where you can learn more and apply for adoption (but only once he’s there!) #underdogrescuemn
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10/3 - This morning, this sweet face was alone in a local animal care and control. This afternoon, she’s in a foster home ❤️ now, she’s an Underdog! Our Biscuits and Brews silent auction closes 10/4 at noon EST. All your bids total up to raise funds that allow our mission of saving and changing lives to continue. https://udr-biscuits-and-brews-2026.auctria.events/ This is one of the lucky ones. This is one of the new Underdogs. #underdogrescuemn
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10/1 - Stop scrolling and go drop a bid! https://udr-biscuits-and-brews-2026.auctria.events/ #underdogrescuemn
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9/30 - How did we get here? Lots of physical therapy, patience, love, and Team Underdog! So many of you helped us love on Dory and we are ecstatic to show you these videos of her WALKING! In honor of her fosters and dedicated volunteer team, we ask you to drop a bit into our silent auction to say “thank you” to the team behind the cute face 😍 https://udr-biscuits-and-brews-2026.auctria.events/ This is what Underdog is. This is what Underdog is about. Her life was saved. Her life was changed. She is an Underdog. #underdogrescuemn
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9/29 - Tiptoe is in such a good mood today because he’s an Underdog and learning so much! Like where the toy bin is, how to play with toys, and better yet, how to romp in the yard with adoptable Pretzel! This is where the funds raised in our silent auction go: to giving pups the best life possible! Drop a bid today! https://udr-biscuits-and-brews-2026.auctria.events/ Auction closes Sunday, so get your bids in! #underdogrescuemn
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9/29 - Biscuits and Brews means more dogs rescued, more tail wags, more lives changed. Drop a bid in our silent auction to help us reach our goal of fundraising $50,000 this week. https://udr-biscuits-and-brews-2026.auctria.events/ Every bid get us $1 closer. Join the change. Join the team. Join our silent auction! #underdogrescuemn
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