Image of dogs at play

Available Dogs

Dogs arrive weekly at Homeward Bound, each undergoing medical and behavioral vetting before being made available for adoption. Many are adopted before they ever appear on the website. Please read about our dog ratings and adoption process below. If you have been approved to adopt, call us Thursday or Friday after 11 AM to learn about newly Available Dogs. Leave a message and stay in touch with us so we know you are still actively searching. Thank you for your patience and understanding

Meet the Dogs!

  • Brady is a sweet, people-devoted boy with a big heart and some special medical needs that are  fully supported through our Permanent Foster Program. An enthusiastic road trip co-pilot, playful, and Velcro boy...all you need to bring is love and a quiet street. No other dogs, please, but teens and adults are very welcome!
  • Bruno needs about twenty minutes to trust you, and then you're his for good. He's easygoing with other dogs, great with most kids, and just waiting for someone patient enough to earn that first head-on-the-leg moment.
  • At ten, Buster still thinks he's a puppy. He lives life full speed ahead with leash manners still a work in progress. This car-ride-loving, stuffie-hoarding senior has serious size and even bigger enthusiasm. He just needs a confident handler to help him put it all together.
  • Teddy is a sweet, Golden Lab Mix with the best of both breeds and a manageable special need. Sweet, sensitive, and a loving companion, Teddy seeks a home with people who see his special need as a bonding opportunity and not a chore, and where he can be your one and only.
  • Doug plays hard, loves harder, and knows exactly how to work a room. He is a young, dog-selective boy who bonds tightly to confident, experienced handlers who understand the perfect mix of structure, exercise, clear expectations, and love.
  • Dusty lived an isolated life. When his people had to return to the office, his world was turned upside down. He needs a slow approach to new people and situations but proves loving and trusting with time and patience.
  • Goldie showed up with big Golden Retriever energy, though her family tree only goes part of the way there. Whip-smart, people-charming, and toy loving. An active home with older kids, a secure yard, and being your one and only will bring out the best in this clever girl.
  • Jackson's veteran dad loved him fiercely; he just lost the home that came with keeping him. This goofy, dog-loving, loyal Lab is ready to bring his fetch-loving, pool-splashing energy to his next family, bringing much-needed peace of mind to his former dad.
  • Don't let the number fool you. Mojo is ten years old going on three! This big, toy-obsessed, life-loving Lab is all heart and enthusiasm. Good in the home, he's looking for an active, fun-loving home full of sturdy people to join in the fun and games!
  • A devoted companion and adventure co-pilot seeking equally dedicated humans and a chance to be a full-fledged member of the family. Fun-loving with great energy and Lab loyalty, Olive will thrive with training and your loving care.
  • Paige showed up as a scared stray with her sister Payton by her side. She’s done living in her sister’s shadow and has mastered the pleading eyes which mean extra pets and love. She might be a mystery mix on paper, but she's golden at heart, and she warms up quickly if you show her your heart.
  • Payton has already cracked the code: people equal treats equals love, and she intends to collect on all three. She's the bolder half of a sister duo, always the first to trot over and introduce herself…sometimes face to face! Payton will fully blossom with patience, training and love.
  • With a forgiving heart and a briefcase packed with updated training, River is ready to put his past in the rear-view mirror and move forward with hope and devotion. Smart and eager to please, River seeks a dog-experienced human and loving companion to help him chart his next course.
  • Rusty spent eight happy years as his dad’s dog and former hunting companion, until his  new trucking life on the road meant leaving Rusty behind. This handsome, red, Golden boy still has plenty of fetch, swim, cuddles and love left to give the right family.
  • Tanner spent the last year by his person’s side through his cancer journey. Now his person’s final wish for Tanner is to know that he has found a home. This gentle boy has excellent house manners, a love of swimming, and a truly loyal heart. He's looking for people willing to make him their one and only...because he has earned it.

Adoption Eligibility

Homeward Bound generally adopts dogs within Northern California and Northern Nevada. Some exceptions may be made in special situations.

We are looking for safe, loving homes with people committed to the dog’s health and happiness and who will consider the dog as a family member, living and sleeping inside. While some of our dogs come from loving homes, all have been unexpectedly uprooted. Many come with training, confidence-building, or care needs that should be supported with positive reinforcement, patience, and ample time to bring out the best in your new companion.

We generally require that you have a fenced yard (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis).

We ask that you are realistic about the right dog for your lifestyle and that you trust in our experience in making these matches.

Click here for additional information.

Dog Ratings

The Level 1 dog is an easy dog with typically low energy level and has no behavioral issues. This level of dog would do well in virtually any home regardless of owner experience.

Level 2 has energy that can range from low to high. This dog needs average leadership, generally lacking obedience and/or house manners, but responds well to training. This level may have other minor issues that are easy to address.

Level 3, moderate, high or very high energy/drive. Level 3 dogs typically have a challenging behavior, but are good dogs. These dogs might have an intense focus to work, be dog reactive or dog aggressive, may have to be an only animal in the home, or may require daily physical and mental stimulation, etc. These dogs can be strong, pushy and/or dominant. This level of dog is not an average pet. This dog needs an experienced owner familiar with how to provide direct leadership and proper management as well as the commitment to provide the dog with the guidance and training he/she needs to be successful.

Adoption Fees

Youngsters up to 3 years $350
Adults 4-7 Years $300
Adults 8-10 Years $250
Golden Oldies 11+ $200