Paws Above Rescue

Animal rescue in King City, Ontario

Get in touch with this rescue

Address

15340 Dufferin St, King City, ON L7B 1K5

Contact

Dawn Lemay-Hayward

Phone

Donation

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Adoptable Pets at Paws Above Rescue

Shelter FAQs

Paws Above is a small foster based rescue that operates in the Greater Toronto Area. It was founded by Ola Zalewski. Ola has been caring for and training dogs her whole adult life, 20 years! She runs a successful dog daycare business out of King City. She is most passionate however when it comes to homeless dogs. She has been rescuing and rehoming dogs for as long as she has been training them. She specializes in taking in dogs with challenges, we work on their issues and match them up with the perfect family. She saves dogs in Canada and also rescues from abroad. If there is a dog in need and we are able, Paws Above will help out!
Paws Above is a foster based rescue that operates in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
  • 1. Submit Application
  • 2. Meet the Pet
  • 3. Approve Application
  • 4. Home Check
  • 5. Sign Adoption Contract

Additional adoption info

All potential adopters must fill out an application, have their references checked and go through a home visit. Adoption fees are set on a case by case basis.

https://www.paypal.com/ca/fundraiser/charity/3717433

Pets at shelters and rescues near Paws Above Rescue

Saint Cats Rescue Richmond Hill

PO BOX 99900 EF 019 085, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0X7

Canyon Hill Animal Hospital

11000 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3E4

Photo of Rosie

Rosie

American Bulldog

Female, 6 yrs 8 mos

King City, ON

Color
N/A
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
House-trained
Story
This inseparable pair was surrendered to us when their family became homeless. Gunner and Rosie have been together for life and it shows! They get along like two peas in a pod! We usually can find them snuggled up in the same bed. Rosie is deaf and looks to Gunner whenever she needs it. They love to wrestle, eat treats and most importantly CUDDLE! The pair can be nervous when first meeting people but they warm up quickly, for this reason we recommend they go to a home with teens or older. Overall, they get along with dogs with a very controlled introduction. They can be overly excited and reactive on the leash when meeting a new dog. It's important their future family keeps up with their leash and overall training and provides them with lots of exercise. Rosie and Gunner would do amazing with a strong and active caregiver.
Photo of Brown

Brown

German Shorthaired Pointer

Male, 3 yrs 6 mos

King City, ON

Color
N/A
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
No Details Provided
Story
Brown is one of the happiest dogs you’ll ever meet! His enthusiasm is contagious, and he finds pure joy in just about everything—walks, treats, belly rubs, and all the love he can get. With his high energy, Brown is looking for an active family who can provide plenty of exercise and ongoing training to keep him engaged and happy. He’s wonderful with people, including children, but his excitement can make him a bit jumpy, so a home without very small kids would be best. Brown is currently being assessed for his interactions with other dogs. He’s doing well with female dogs but will need slow and careful introductions to ensure positive relationships with other canine companions. Resilient and full of spirit, Brown has overcome a lot. He was transferred to us from another shelter, where he was rescued from a neglect and cruelty situation. Shortly after arriving, Brown was diagnosed with leishmaniasis, a disease transmitted by sand fly that requires daily medication and routine blood and urine testing. He also tested positive for two tick-borne diseases, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma, both of which have been successfully treated, though his blood values still need regular monitoring. Despite these challenges, Brown’s vibrant personality hasn’t wavered. He was recently diagnosed with pemphigus foliaceus, an immune disorder affecting his skin, but with treatment of a low-dose steroid, he’s doing well. Is Brown the loving, resilient companion you’ve been waiting for? His medical needs don’t slow him down, and they shouldn't slow you down from welcoming this wonderful boy into your home!
Photo of Lulu

Lulu

Pomeranian

Female, Senior

King City, ON

Color
N/A
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids
Good with cats
Story
Ollie and Lulu were surrendered to us when their owner no longer had the time to care for them. They both had untreated medical issues and severe dental disease, leaving them extremely uncomfortable and lethargic. After receiving treatment they became almost entirely different dogs. Ollie and Lulu may be seniors but they sure do like to go for walks and run around the yard together. They are a volunteer favourite because of their goofy and sweet dispositions. They are selective with dogs and would only do well in a home with another calm dog that does not intimidate or become rough with them. Ollie does bark at other dogs in passing, while Lulu ignores them. Ollie and Lulu would do well in just about any home. They have been great with respectful children that are experienced with dogs. Lulu can sometimes have grumpy moments when she wants her space to nap. It's important to look for the obvious signs when she needs alone time. Ollie is always happy and ready for a cuddle. This cute duo have great house manners, they frequently go on sleepovers with our dedicated volunteers who report they are always on their best behaviour.
Photo of Riley

Riley

German Shepherd Dog

Female, 9 yrs 2 mos

King City, ON

Color
N/A
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids
Not good with dogs
Not good with cats
Needs experienced adopter
Story
Riley has had a rough past, and because of this it will take some time to earn her trust. She is touch sensitive, and is scared of many things. She will need a very experienced owner who will be comfortable with that. She will also need a home with no other dogs, as well as no children.
Photo of Timon

Timon

German Shorthaired Pointer

Male, 3 yrs 9 mos

King City, ON

Color
N/A
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids
Good with dogs
Needs experienced adopter
Story
Timon is a German Pointer mix with a sharp mind and a deep devotion to his people. This intelligent boy thrives in a structured environment where he can put his skills to good use—whether it's playing a game of fetch, learning new commands, or simply being by your side. While Timon is incredibly loyal to those he trusts, he needs time and patience when meeting new people. Slow, muzzled introductions are essential to help him feel safe and build positive associations. He also has some resource-guarding tendencies, so he’ll need an experienced adopter who understands how to manage and work through this behavior with consistency and confidence. Because of his breed and personality, Timon will do best in a home familiar with working breeds—one that can provide both mental and physical enrichment. With the right guidance, he will make an incredible companion for someone who respects his boundaries and is committed to continuing his training. Timon isn’t the kind of dog for everyone, but for the right person, he will be an unshakable, devoted companion. If you have experience with dogs like him and are looking for a smart, loving partner, Timon is ready to meet you!
Photo of Dottie

Dottie

Bull Terrier

Female, 12 yrs 5 mos

King City, ON

Color
N/A
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with dogs
Story
Meet Dottie - a joyful, resilient soul with a heart full of love to give. Dottie came to us under heartbreaking circumstances after her beloved owner passed away. With no family able to provide the care she needed, Dottie was at risk of euthanasia—until we stepped in to give her a second chance. And what a gift it’s been to get to know this special girl. Despite the upheaval in her life, Dottie's loving and cheerful spirit shines through. She greets each new day with a wagging tail and a heart full of affection. Whether she’s meeting new people or soaking in the sunshine, her happy-go-lucky demeanor is simply contagious. Like many of us, Dottie has her quirks. Car rides make her a little uneasy, and she can be cautious in unfamiliar situations. But once she feels safe, her true personality blossoms—playful, cuddly, and oh-so-sweet. Her dream day? A long nap on a soft bed followed by her absolute favourite thing in the world: belly rubs! Dottie has had positive experiences with children, though her enthusiasm can sometimes be a bit much—so a home with teens or older would be best. Medically, Dottie is on the mend and receiving the care she needs. Dottie is on a liver supplement to manage previously elevated liver enzymes, which have since stabilized. Ongoing bloodwork will be important to continue monitoring these levels. Dottie is ready to start her next chapter—a chapter filled with love, stability, and the warmth of a forever family. If you're looking for a loyal, affectionate companion who will adore you endlessly, Dottie may be the perfect fit.

Animal Charities in King City, ON

HeARTs Speak

HeARTs Speak develops resources that help shelter animals to be seen and find homes, ultimately transforming public perceptions of pet adoption, shelters, and animals in need. Each year our work helps nearly 1 million pets in your community and beyond.

Learn more

Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs

There is a tremendous need for new methods of sterilization that are faster, easier, more accessible, and less expensive than surgery. ACC&D works tirelessly to bring together key stakeholders to advance this field.

Learn more

Animal Legal Defense Fund

Every day, Animal Legal Defense Fund works to enact tougher animal cruelty laws, provide care and legal assistance for animal victims of cruelty, offer rewards to bring abusers to justice, and provide free legal assistance to prosecutors and law enforcement to put abusers behind bars.

Learn more

Shelters and rescues in other locations