Safe Harbor has been in continuous operation since its founding in 2002. Through October 2023, we have rescued over 4500 Labs.  We are an all-volunteer organization with our work done by teams of volunteers dedicated to Lab intake, Medical Care, Foster Care, Transportation, Adoption, Website management and Social Media presence. Safe Harbor holds a current Pet Animal Care Facilities (PACFA) License issued by the State of Colorado.

Our Mission

To rescue, provide a high level of compassionate care, and successfully rehome stray, abandoned or surrendered Labrador Retrievers giving priority to those in Colorado.

Our Vision

Every adoptable Lab will have a good quality of life in a loving home.

Our Values

Compassion and care: Our dedicated all-volunteer staff works with professional medical, behavioral, and other community animal care partners to provide top-notch ethical care and treatment to rescued Labs of all ages.

Sustainability: Founded in 2002, we follow good business practices to maintain our work into the future.

Commitment: Once a SHLR Lab, we are always there for them.

Gratitude: We are grateful to our donors, supporters, adopters, volunteers, and partners

Some Facts and Figures about Safe Harbor Lab Rescue

  • Safe Harbor was founded in May 2002 and has been in continuous operation since its founding
  • Through October 2023, we have rescued over 4500 Labs.
  • We are a non-profit charitable 501(c)(3) corporation; donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
  • A Board of Directors is responsible for the stewardship of the SHLR.
  • We are an all-volunteer, foster-based organization with no salary expense or physical facility. Our work is done by teams of volunteers dedicated to Lab Intake, Medical Care, Foster Care, Transportation, Adoption, Website Management, Fundraising/Community Events, and Social Media presence.
  • Safe Harbor Lab Rescue holds a current Pet Animal Care Facilities License (PACFA) issued by the State of Colorado.

How Do We Care for the Rescued Labs In Our Program?

  • All are vetted upon arrival. They receive a health exam, basic shots, a heartworm test, are microchipped and are spayed or neutered (very young puppies are placed with a contract provision they must be altered by a given date and a deposit is required). Other health needs are also addressed.
  • Our Labs reside in Foster Care or with one of our approved boarding facilities. While in our care we strive to learn as much as possible about each individual Lab to maximize a successful placement.
  • There is no time limit on how long an adoptable Lab remains in our program.
  • Our Rescued Labs are placed in adoptive homes that have been thoroughly screened. Requirements for adoption include: An adoption application, reference checks, phone interview, meeting the Lab, a formal adoption agreement and an adoption fee.
  • We partner with members of the community for training, fostering, and veterinary care to help us meet our Rescued Labs’ needs.

You Can Help The Rescued Labs!

  • Donate – The cost of caring for our rescued Labs a year is our biggest expense. As with people, excellent and thorough medical care that we give our Labs is expensive; many of our Labs are sick, in pain, or injured upon arrival.
  • Foster – If you have room in your home and heart please consider fostering one of our Rescued Labs. Foster homes for our Labs are always needed and critical for saving the lives of Labs abandoned at shelters.
  • Other Ways to Volunteer – If you have busy schedule but need a little “fur time” now and then, you might enjoy volunteering with our Transport Team (aka “our Lab chauffeur service”) to pick up Rescued Labs when they arrive or need a lift to the vet or their Foster. Adoption application reference checkers can help us from home. Helping with community events and our annual fundraiser LabFest is a great way to meet other Lab lovers and spread the word about Safe Harbor.We are also looking for those who