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!

  • 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 active, fun-loving people to join in the fun and games and then curl up together when the day is done.
  • When Athena's family lost their home, she was left looking for a new place to land. A shy-at-first, sweet young Golden who gets braver with every new friend, she will thrive with a doggy friend and active people who offer patience, playtime, and a little coaching.
  • Bentley landed at a shelter with a backstory only he knows. He has charmed everyone with his mellow, well-mannered five-year-old  self who is happiest within arm's reach of his people. He is looking for a quiet home, a secure yard, and a family that will stay close by.
  • 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!
  • Cocoa is a whip-smart three-year-old who leans his whole body into a hug once he knows and trusts you. He needs experienced, dog-savvy people in an adult home where he can keep growing into his best self.
  • Aptly named, Colt is a long-legged young boy with pony-like enthusiasm! Sweet and friendly he wants to be a friend to all. Add time, attention, and training to unleash his full potential!
  • 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.
  • Cowboy is a gentleman and a scholar, ready to ride into his next chapter after a change at his last home. A five-year-old Lab and Husky mix with a nose for adventure, he will thrive with easygoing, active people who want a well-mannered partner for trails, campfires, and quiet evenings on the couch.
  • A fun, adventurous and playful girl, one-year-old Hazel is always up for a good time. Respect and seek positive training support for her what’s-mine-is-mine behavior to help her reach her full potential.
  • Lani turned up as a stray in the Central Valley but is putting that behind her and is finding the good in people. Eager to please, she is opening up with the help of her foster siblings and will blossom with patient people to help her complete her transformation.
  • Leo came in with his pal Lucky and is ready for a family that can keep up with him. A two-year-old Golden with miles of energy and a deep desire to please, he will thrive with active people who turn his enthusiasm into training, adventures, and a lifelong teammate.
  • A fetch champion who walks politely on leash and rolls in every patch of grass he can find, three-year-old Louie wants an active family where he can be the one and only dog in the spotlight.
  • Lucky is a big, happy goofball whose family ran short on time, and he is ready to make the most of someone else's. With his tail on permanent wag and his education still on the to-do list, he will thrive with active people who see a lesson in every walk and a reward in every snack.
  • This cheerful and affectionate one-year-old girl, Penelope, is looking for a loving home where she can be an integral part of the family. She is good with kids, cats, and gentle dogs, and needs owners who can dedicate time to her.
  • A happy, people-loving guy who put a ruff start behind him, Philip is ready for his second chapter. Fearful of other dogs but a total sweetheart with humans, he will thrive as the one and only in a semi-active home with older kids and people in search of a devoted companion.
  • Star wasted no time claiming a spot at everyone's feet. A five-year-old shadow with a gentle lap-snuggling style, she is a little nervous at first and then all in, thriving with happy voices, daily walks, and a four-legged friend to borrow courage from.
  • Sugar arrived by way of a kind stranger, and she has been winning hearts since day one.  This cheerful three-year-old is ready for a family who will share the couch, help her find her leash manners, and enjoy a Golden who greets every day like a celebration.

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