Our Mission:

Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue (DLRR) is a non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to finding loving, life-long homes for displaced Labrador Retrievers. The rescue provides medical care and/or rehabilitation for DLRR dogs and then matches them with appropriate, permanent homes. We also provide Labrador Retriever breed and training information on request. Through public education, we strive to help eliminate animal overpopulation by requiring the spaying and neutering of pets. We are a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 31-1706380).


DLRR Turns 25!

It is our privilege to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue with all our supporters. Because of you, we have been able to save more than 6,000 Labs since 1999! We hope you enjoy a brief glimpse into DLRR, our dedicated volunteers and a few of our more memorable Labs that we were able to give a second chance at the life they deserved.

View the 25 Year Anniversary Commemorative Booklet:

Our Board of Directors:

President – Dan Grimm

Vice President – Steve Schwab

Secretary – Karen Bateman

Treasurer – Karen Aubert

Phoenix Director of Operations – Rob Ahrensdorf 

Tucson Director of Operations – Jane Holschuh

How it Works

As a non-profit organization, all of our funds are used to help dogs directly or to fund the operations of the organization (buying supplies, supporting a website, etc.)

DLRR is a network of volunteers who work together to make sure that every Lab has a loving, lifelong home. Most of us are Lab owners with firsthand knowledge of how wonderful Labs are and the amount of responsibility it takes to care for these fun-loving dogs. Most of us got involved in rescue because we could not bear the thought of Labs without homes and we know how much love they have to give to the right family.

DLRR takes in dogs from the pound, other animal shelters, strays and from owners who no longer want them or are unable to provide them with a home. Once we intake the dog, we provide vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip and any other medical care the dog needs, as well as behavioral assessment if required. Typically, the dog is placed in a foster home; however, there may be occasions that the dog will be placed in an approved boarding kennel to decompress for a couple of days before going into foster care. The foster home provides temporary care for the dog until a new family adopts him or her. The foster home also evaluates the dog’s temperament and behavior, so that we can find just the right family for each dog.

Please take a look at the Faces of DLRR!

Our Partners