Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary

Kathleen Caron

2024-04

We adopted our beautiful golden Winston in 2023. Homeward Bound helped us identify a good match for us, and we went home with an older boy who had sadly been abandoned without collar or tags. He is friendly, sweet, and eager to please. Reactive to dogs on walks, which we're working on. Many thanks to HB for rescuing Winston, rehabilitating him, and bringing us together.

Brett Frazer

2024-02

We have been very pleased with our experience with adopting a new pet golden retriever through Homeward Bound.Team of volunteers have been very helpful throughout the entire process on the initial intake through the home suitability inspection to helping us plan our visit to their premise near Sacramento, where we found and adopted a wonderful 3-year-old golden retriever.They provided us with all of the necessary essentials from food to a leash, collar, and harness, as well as a sleeping crate and bed pad.I'd highly endorse them for anybody looking for a new golden retriever pet.

Neha Sharma

2023-11

Found my best friend here almost 8 years ago. I remember the staff being very sweet. They also sent over somebody to check out our house to ensure it would be a good environment for a dog, which is very responsible.Twix passed away last year at 13. He had the sweetest temperament I’ve ever seen in a dog. I will always cherish our time together.

Charity Scarbrough

2024-04

Applied to adopt and found them to be extremely judgemental. I was upfront and said I couldn't adopt until mid-may (this is march) then they claim I don't respond quick enough. Keep in mind I responded within a week. Personally I have a child in remission and we are scheduled for her make-a-wish trip so I was trying to be responsible and not take on a pet until after. Then they say my fence needs repaired off a picture that they asked for. There is nothing wrong with it. We live on a corner lot and out lot slopes down. So the fence slopes down too. They also said i may be too busy with my family and job. I work from home and my kids schools are less than a mile from my house. Save your time and go somewhere else unless you are retired and nothing significant in life.

Lucas Harris

2023-10

My wife and I recently adopted a golden retriever from Homeward Bound, and we had a wonderful experience.The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They took the time to get to know us and our lifestyle, so they could help us find the perfect dog. Once we met our new golden, we were immediately smitten. She is the sweetest, most loving dog we could have ever asked for.The shelter is very clean and well-maintained. The dogs all have spacious kennels and plenty of fresh food and water. It is clear that the staff cares deeply about the animals and is committed to finding them good homes.I am so grateful to Homeward Bound for helping us find our new furry friend.

Joey Rubino

2024-01

Editing review to add more stars. Thanks to Carolyn for reaching out and making a difference to help find these pups loving homes.(Original 2 star review) While I'm sure this is a wonderful place I'm extremely disappointed by their false hope of "exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis" in terms of having a fenced yard. During the application process they made zero attempt to find additional info about what kind of home a dog would be accepted into. Please remove that from your website if there's no attempt made in getting dogs good homes.

Yvonne Loaec

2023-12

Very knowledgeable and helpful. We have had the best experience with Homeward Bound and our new addition Zoey. Highly recommend them. I wouldn't go anywhere else to adopt.

Galen Tom (Jynxx)

2024-01

This rescue is legit! It is like a day spa with several private yards, toys, play structures, pools...Unfortunately, I needed to surrender the Goldie I adopted to this organization. They informed me why my Goldie had the behavioral problems she had due to her being a kennel breeder, which was not disclosed to me.As soon as my Goldie got out of the car, she came out of her anti-social attitude, which I had not been able to relieve.Their website does not do this facility justice. It was a Saturday when I dropped off my dog and there had to be at least 10 volunteers present.

Elizabeth Forrester

2024-01

We have adopted, over 30 or more years, 4 dogs from HBG. We watched them grow from a shoe-string operation on Eastern Avenue to the magnificent, amazing service that it is today. This shelter and adoption venue is absolutely the best there is. They take great care with each dog, each application, and each decision. They follow through with their veterinary care when promised, and are all around above board. Any comments to the contrary are very suspicious. My most recent adoption, a blind 5 year old, was 2 and 1/2 years ago. HBG would not let us formally adopt him until his cataract surgery and care was successfully completed--though we were willing. He is just a fabulous dog--my soul mate in many ways. Don't hesitate to trust HBG for their services--they are good for their word (and more!).

Richard Campagna

2024-02

This is a wonderful place that does great things for these animals. They take them from kill shelters as far away as Ohio. Dogs here are never euthanized. Everybody who works here is a volunteer.

Floyd Sims

2023-05

We thought the facility itself was absolutely beautiful. As far as the staff goes they were all top notch. Jana who did our home visit was so professional and kind. Carol who kept us up to date on the available dogs was an absolute pleasure to work with. We went today to hopefully meet our new forever family member and there she was waiting for us. A perfect fit and we are whole once again. Thank you Homeward Bound.

Elise O'Bayley

2022-05

If you're looking to adopt a dog, and want somewhere with a friendly and knowledgeable staff you're in the right place. All the dogs are happy and well cared for. Visitation is outside and everyone wears masks. I highly recommend them.

Nick Garrison

2023-12

They were fantastic from the start, I appreciate that they want to make sure the dogs go to the right home. We’ve had our boy Andy for a little over a year and it’s been great.

Brian Hunt

2023-11

DO NOT TRUST THESE PEOPLE WITH YOUR SURRENDER. I recently surrendered my dog, and they assured me that he would go through an extensive vetting process. This process includes interviewing the person, visiting their home with a dog to observe their behavior and demeanor towards the dog, and evaluating if their home and location are a good fit for a dog. HOWEVER, THESE ARE ALL LIES!It was brought to my attention that my ex-mother-in-law was going to adopt my dog. I voiced my concerns to their director, Judy, and she was extremely hostile towards me. She completely disregarded anything I had to say and is still going through with the adoption. It's clear they do not have your or your dog's best interests in mind. STAY AWAY!

Izzy Lemus

2018-05

My dog is awesome! I love him! We adopted him from here and it was the best experience. They are very sure to make sure the dog goes to the right home.

Steven Bailey

2023-12

We adopted our boy Kipu from HBGRR back in 2007 when he was 2 years old so sadly he passed in February of this year (2023), one month after his 16th birthday. Needless to say, we were devastated to lose our best friend who we cared for as if he was our child and we felt nothing but love from him as well.We spent the remainder of this year in grief from his loss and expecting to see him dancing at the front door when we would come home or missing taking him on trips in our RV which he loved to ride shotgun on the passenger seat next to Dad looking out the window. We have finally decided it's time to go back to HBGRR and find a new friend to help mend the hole in our hearts, see you soon. SnP

shane rice

2023-10

O. M. Gosh What a Amazing Place, we are so Happy with there Help Finding a Rescue Dog!!!

Christina Snow

2024-02

I volunteer here and it's an amazing facility. They truly care about the dogs.

Patricia Redemeyer Knutson

2020-05

This rescue is more like a resort than a rescue. You have to watch their video on their web page. They have a full time vet, swimming pool?, trainer on Sundays and Jody the president is Amazing. I rescued a dog with fear agression. The shelter would have euthanized little Wilson a 38 pound golden mix. They took Wilson and they are teaching him not to be afraid. They deserve to get big donations for what they do.They are simply amazing!!!!!

arturo casino

2023-12

Very snooty and arrogant! It's almost like they don't want you to adopt their dogs. Do yourself a favor and just go to your local shelter.

Tony Potter

2023-05

Very professional staff. Excellent helpers. Went above and beyond to get proper dog placement.

Dana Campbell

2022-05

Super nice people, wonderful environment for the dogs, careful evaluation of potential adopters.

Cindy Lake

2023-11

I adopted the best dog for my family. They really go above and beyond to ensure a successful placement!

Stephanie E

2022-05

We got our dog from Homeward Bound as a puppy. Wonderful rescue. Out pup is now 7 years old.

Erin Avila

2021-05

We have been on the waiting list for months to adopt a dog as you all know during the pandemic it’s almost impossible! I finally got in touch with the representative in the area I live and she was wonderful by email and encouraged me to call the rescue ranch a few days after they received my file. I called the ranch and spoke with a really sweet and kind volunteer that knew everything about me having school-age kids and a cat in the home and what our family‘s needs were. She told me that she had the perfect dog for us and we scheduled an appointment to come down and meet the dog. We arrived at the rescue and a very rude and unprofessional lady came to get us, NOT WEARING A MASK ON HER FACE BUT INSTEAD AS A CHIN STRAP, and immediately said that the dog we are going to meet doesn’t like cats! Of course we have a cat and that was made well aware in our file and by communication with both volunteers previous (who were great!) She then said she had another dog that needed training and was very mouthy. She walked away and came back and said never mind that dog can’t be around kids. SERIOUSLY! We just drove 45 minutes and you knew this and couldn’t call us to let us know! AND we had our kids with us, super excited thinking we might be meeting our family dog, and cried after! I asked her why she didn’t call us and let us know and her response was, “You were already on your way!” We are extremely disappointed and don’t know how someone can be so brash and unprofessional!

Jean Rooker

2019-05

I was tremendously impressed with the procedures used to find the best match for dogs with people, as well as their facilities and how friendly and well informed their volunteers were. It couldn't have been a better experience. It's wonderful to know that there are places like this, and the extensive work they do in readying dogs for adoption. They need our support for the wonderful work they do!

Janice Fast

2018-05

They amazing! Their love for the dogs shines through. It was so very difficult to surrender my part golden, but I had few choices. Knowing she is with Homeward Bound is the only reason I was able to do it. I thank God for the awesome ladies I met. It was humbling sering the setup they've made. It is truly a sanctuary. If you're looking for a good charity to support, this is the one!

Ash C

2020-05

We went through the adoption process this year and truly had the most wonderful experience with HBGRR. Although it’s a process, it’s nice knowing they take the time to pair dogs and families. We have dealt with multiple rescues as fosters and adopting other animals but we were thoroughly impressed with how much this rescue puts so much love and care into everything they do. The owner and volunteers have hearts of gold. I would recommend them over and over again!

Kellie Borges

2020-05

We adopted our golden from Homeward and they were GREAT! Yes, they ask a lot of questions but it is because they are looking out for the dogs best interest!! Most people who want a dog just want one cause they think they are cute, they work all day long and the dog doesn't get any attention or exercise. If you are looking for a place that does through research and pairing for a dog and family, then this is the place! You can tell they actually care and take care of the dogs, they do basic overviews of the dogs before they are sent home so that the new adoptive families have peace of mind that their dogs are okay and dont have any issues.So if you're mad that they dont think you're a good fit for a dog, its because they have a good reason, go to Bradshaw Animal Shelter if you cant handle Homeward Bounds process.

John Henkel

2022-05

Such a beautiful facility. The staff are all quite knowledgeable and the grounds are truly amazing. Great areas to meet your future companion. We didn’t find a fit on our first trip there but will be back for sure! No need to go anywhere else. We trust HB to help us find our next four legger.