All of these dogs come to us after being used, abused, neglected, or surrendered for various reasons. Our goal is to find these dogs their FOREVER homes. We want to ensure they don’t have to come back to rescue, though they are always welcome to. We have had dogs come back to us for various reasons, and now we try to prevent that where possible.

• Proof of Landlord approval

  • Ensures the dog doesn’t get returned because the landlord demanded it.

• Home Owner’s Insurance Check

  • Ensures honesty of applicants so the dog doesn’t get returned because the landlord demanded it.

  • Ensures the adopters are aware prior to adopting of any breed restrictions or lack of coverage for bites, so a dog doesn’t get returned after an incident because of lack of coverage.

• Reference Checks

  • Allows us to gain some insight to your character. We don’t get the privilege of getting to know you personally, so we rely on those that do to to tell us about you and your fit to adopt.

• Meet and Greets

  • Allows you with an opportunity to get to know the dog personally.

  • Allows for an opportunity to see if the dogs get along, though they may do fine at meet and greets, but not in the home.

• Sleep On It & Let Us Know the Next Day

  • Allows for emotions like excitement to settle after meeting a dog.

• Background Check

  • Ensures we rehome dogs to adopters that have no history of abuse and/or neglect towards animals or humans.

Nope! Most of our fosters where these dogs are being cared for are in apartments, townhomes, condos, or rent. In our experience, owning a home does not mean you will be a responsible dog owner. Owning or renting does not dictate your chances of being approved for adoption.

Nope! A yard does not dictate a families dedication to providing exercise in our experience. We will always be honest as to what a dog needs energy wise from their time with us, and allow you to consider if you can meet their needs either with walks, structure socializing, hikes, etc., whether you have a yard or not.

Yes! Dogs from us are not deemed “ready for adoption” until the following has been done:

• Up to date on DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies Vaccines

• Only rabies for major medical dogs when a vet advises against the others to not impact the immune system.

• Spay/Neuter (This is a state law requirements

• Fecal Test for Parasites and/or Worms

• Routine Blood Work

• Heartworm Test

• Microchip

If any of the tests come back concerning, we do not post a dog as available until the issue is cured, if it can be. If a dog has a lifelong ailment that requires maintenance, the dog is not available until they have stabilized. We will disclose all medical concerns prior to an adoption being finalized. If a dog has a terminal illness, they become hospice fosters and live out their days with our rescue.

All dogs need continued training whether they are from a rescue or you got them as a puppy. Will a dog need you to hire a trainer after being adopted, that is completely up to you (unless you adopt a puppy from us). We will always disclose the behavioral concerns or bite incidents (if any) a dog has that we are aware of. Most dogs undergo training while in rescue, so we can better advise whether a dog will need continued training or if it’s just recommended prior to finalizing the adoption. We will provide resources, answer questions, and ask questions to ensure the dog is a fit for your home. If we don’t think the dog is a fit based on their behavioral needs, we will let you know why, and suggest others.

If you adopt a dog from us under the age of one, you must enroll in training with an approved California Bully Rescue prior to picking up the dog. The list of approved trainers can be found under the “Shop” tab on this website for your reference.

Every dog is different, some may warm up in days, others may take months. The bare minimum timeline we have seen is:

• 7 days to decompress

• 5 weeks to get a routine

• 3 months to feel comfortable