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!

  • A busy, fun-seeking girl, two-year-old Bella is always up for a good time! A training work-in-progress who needs regular exercise, she will thrive in the care of dog-skilled people who know how to transform a bouncy teenager into a responsible canine citizen!
  • 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 Golden/Newfie mix, Ellie has the best traits of both. A gentle, loyal soul, kind nature and heart of Gold, this three-year-old beauty has lived happily with kids, cats and dogs and will make a wonderful family companion.
  • 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.
  • A beautiful soul who thrives on love, Honey is funny, devoted, and a little shy until you've earned her trust. She's looking for calm, dog-savvy grown-ups, ideally with a yard big enough to patrol, who will take the time to win her heart.
  • 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.
  • Penny is spicy, smart, outgoing, and builds a strong, affectionate bond with her trusted person. She needs dog-skilled adults who will go slow, keep a predictable routine, and let that special relationship build at her pace.
  • Spared from a life of breeding, three-year-old Poppy is ready to learn about the life of a loved family dog. She seeks loving, patient people and a dog companion to show her the way and introduce her to the life she deserves.
  • Lucky girl who escaped a life of breeding, three-year-old Rosie is anxious to start a fresh chapter as a loved dog. Sweet, petite, and a bit mischievous, patience and TLC will help her blossom.
  • Two-year-old Scotty was too busy playing to be a good breeder dog. Lucky him! He is looking forward to living inside and learning about the life of a loved family dog. A blank slate, he needs everything but will happily bring the party that makes it all worthwhile.
  • Toby is a sweet, friendly, adventure-seeking one-year-old puppy in a grown dog’s body. Fill in the blanks with consistency, training, and the love of an active family and watch him blossom into your best boy ever!

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