We adopt dogs to homes in Northern California. Very few exceptions are made, and we never ship dogs. We receive many wonderful applications from people in the Pacific Northwest, Canada and Southern California. The issue with long-distance placements is this: We have no reliable way of getting the dog back to us if the adoption falls through. For this reason we must deny these applicants.

Adopters will sign a contract stating that the dog is to be returned to rescue if they are unable to keep the animal. We will take a dog back at ANY time. It is our deep commitment to these animals that they not be returned to shelters. We will also provide you lifelong assistance.... Please contact us at any time with questions about health, nutrition and behavior. We'd rather meet up with you and do some needed training than to have you surrender the dog. Adoptions are a life-long commitment. We are here to help you fulfill the promise to your new dog.

People who are fostering a dog, or are "fostering-to-adopt" must observe the following:

* Do not allow your dog to be off-leash in ANY unfenced area.
* Do not incur any expenses for which you wish to be reimbursed without checking in with us beforehand.

We strongly recommend that any newly adopted dog be kept on leash in all unfenced areas until he or she has a well-developed RECALL. Many rescue dogs come from rural settings, where they are accustomed to running freely. This kind of dog may simply want to take off, until he is trained otherwise.... Be wise, take your time, and give the dog time to settle in and learn.

Please email adoption@wonderdogrescue.org with any questions or suggestions!