California Bully Rescue (CBR) is a small but mighty 501(c)(3) nonprofit driven by compassion and a commitment to dogs who are too often overlooked or left behind. We exist to reform the dog agenda through intentional rescue, education, and structural change, focusing on at-risk dogs, especially bully breeds.

Through medical care, behavioral support, and rehabilitation, we work to address the barriers that prevent adoption and give each dog a fair chance.

Who We Are

  • Bully breed dogs, including pit bull-type breeds and related companions, are disproportionately represented in shelters and face significantly higher risks of prolonged stays and euthanasia. Breed stigma, medical needs, and behavioral stress caused by shelter environments often prevent these dogs from being adopted, even when they are highly adoptable with the right support.

    CBR was created to intervene at this critical point. We focus on dogs other organizations may not be able to take, providing the time, care, and resources needed to stabilize them and improve their chances of adoption.

  • Our work centers on humane, community-based solutions that prioritize both the dogs and the systems impacting them.

    Intentional Rescue
    We pull dogs directly from high-intake shelters where they are at immediate risk due to medical needs, age, breed bias, or behavioral stress. Every intake decision is made thoughtfully, based on our capacity to provide proper care.

    Medical Intervention & Rehabilitation
    Each dog receives comprehensive veterinary assessment and treatment. We prioritize medically urgent and complex cases that might otherwise be euthanized due to cost or limited shelter resources.

    Behavioral Support & Stability
    Dogs are given the time and structure needed to decompress, heal, and build skills that improve their adoptability. This individualized approach allows us to address challenges that often stand in the way of successful adoption.

    Foster-Based Care
    CBR is entirely foster-based. Dogs recover and grow in home environments rather than kennels, reducing stress and allowing their true personalities to emerge. This model significantly increases adoption readiness and quality of life.

    Spay & Neuter Commitment
    All dogs are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, unless delayed for urgent medical reasons, helping address one of the root causes of shelter overpopulation.

  • Shelter overcrowding and euthanasia remain urgent issues nationwide, particularly for larger and misunderstood dogs. CBR helps reduce this pressure locally by serving as a compassionate bridge between high-risk shelter environments and adoption-ready outcomes.

    By focusing on fewer dogs with greater needs, we maximize impact where it is most urgently required.

  • California Bully Rescue is powered by a dedicated volunteer community spanning the Bay Area and Central Valley, including Daly City, Fairfield, Los Osos, Novato, Oakdale, Richmond, San Francisco, Sacramento, Lakewood, Woodland, San Rafael, Modesto and Turlock.

    Volunteers support every aspect of our work, from fostering and transportation to medical advocacy and adoption support. This grassroots network allows us to respond quickly, keep dogs out of stressful shelter conditions, and strengthen the human–animal bond across our communities.

  • We believe transparency, accountability and compassion are essential to ethical rescue work. By publicly sharing our mission, approach, and outcomes, we aim to build trust with adopters, donors, partners, and the broader animal welfare community.

    Our focus remains simple and steadfast: intervene where the need is greatest, invest in each dog’s recovery and adoptability, and create better outcomes for dogs who might otherwise be left behind.