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.
  • Baker is a genuinely energetic three-year-old who loves a good romp and a solid game of fetch. But once he's burned off some steam, he's just as happy flopped against you for a good long scratch.
  • Barley is a soft-hearted six-year-old whose favorite hobby is leaning into you for love. The unpredictable energy of toddlers in his last home left him rattled, so he's after a calmer household with people who appreciate his easy, affectionate nature.
  • 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!
  • Cedar is a big, ball loving sweetheart who loves nothing more than carrying his favorite toy along on a walk. Friendly, easygoing, and kid-approved, he's left his homeland for a second chance at life and hopes of a family to call his own.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Eliana greets every day like it's the best one yet…it’s the kind of joy that's contagious from the moment she meets you. She's learning to take her cues from calmer dogs in the yard, and just needs an active family with kids 13 and up to help her finish the job.
  • Finn is a happy, independent Golden who marches to the beat of his own drum, and that drum usually leads straight to the nearest body of water!  Well-trained and easygoing, he seeks a special bond with people willing to let him warm up at his own pace.
  • This adorable boy is full of puppy but was dealt a faulty heart. Keifer is looking for an angel with a strong heart to help him live his shorter life to the fullest. We provide the medical care; you provide the love.
  • Lava was adopted as a puppy by a family who wasn't quite ready for the energetic young dog she'd become. Affectionate and eager to please, she just needs someone patient enough to help her feel brave around new dogs while she settles into her forever home.
  • With her life of making puppies behind her, Lynette is ready to begin the next chapter. Her foster has shown her a new way of life. Fun and playful with other gentle dogs and mature kids, Lynette will thrive in a quiet home with a dog companion and fill it with love.
  • Maggie Mae's owners adored her but couldn't keep pace with a big, lively Golden as they got older. This friendly, trick-savvy girl just needs a family committed to daily walks, portion control, and plenty of attention. Kids and other dogs are welcome additions to her circle.
  • Milo is puppy energy with the best of intentions: he wants to be everyone's friend, he just hasn't quite learned the rules of the game yet. Patient people willing to coach him along will find a total sweetheart underneath all that enthusiasm.
  • Purdy’s person wanted an obedience show piece; Purdy just wants to be a dog. He seeks a confident handler who can channel all his smarts and drive into some much-missed fun and adventure as your one and only.
  • 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.
  • A gentle giant and a lovable goof, Teddy is a young boy who bonds tightly to his chosen people. Highly intelligent, fiercely loyal, sensitive, and sometimes stubborn, Teddy will thrive with patient and sturdy people who understand the importance of routine, consistency, structure, and love.
  • Thurman showed up as a stray with nothing but good looks and big plans. Now he's ready to trade wandering for belly rubs, dog friends, and someone willing to teach him a few manners. Active families, this one's for you!
  • Wallace was surrendered by a family who adored him but wanted children, and children are the one thing not on Wallace's list. Loyal, playful, and full of puppy energy, Wallace is a boy that bonds deeply, loves hard, and is up for a life of adventures.
  • Well-mannered and trained, Zillah is an affectionate princess who prefers her world filled with people instead of dogs. She can walk peacefully by, just don’t ask her to live with them…she is happiest as your one and only!

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