Local Adoptions

Since we don’t have an adoption centre, we offer two options for selecting a pet:
Virtual Matching

• Start by submitting an adoption application.
• We will work with you to recommend potential matches based on your lifestyle and preferences.
• You review online profiles and let us know if you have questions.
• Once you have made your selection, we will deliver the animal to your home for a trial adoption.

Sanctuary Visit (dogs only)

• Start by submitting an adoption application
• Our sanctuary is outside of the city and you will need to schedule your adoption visit with us.
• A volunteer will escort you to the sanctuary. We drive or you drive, either way.
• Be aware that there are a large number of dogs at the sanctuary and they are all free roaming. It can be a bit overwhelming to select a dog.
• A sanctuary visit may not be appropriate for very young children or some people with disabilities.

For dog adoptions in Mazatlan, we offer a one-week trial adoption. Spend a week getting to know each other. If it’s a great fit, we’ll formalize the adoption and collect the adoption fee. If it’s not right, we’ll take the dog back.

We encourage you to select a dog based on you and your family’s lifestyle,

For example:

• If you have a very active lifestyle, a young energetic dog would be a good fit.
• If you are a couch potato, consider adopting a senior dog.
• If you have young kids, we will help you select a friendly, easy-going dog.

Please don’t select a dog based on appearance alone.

Our volunteers interact with and observe the dogs on a daily basis. We see them interact with other dogs, with people and on walks. We will share everything we know about a dog’s temperament.

We do not routinely cat test dogs, however we can do so on request.

Dogs that are not well socialized are not placed for adoption. Instead our volunteers work with them or, when possible, they spend time in a foster home. Some dogs blossom and become adoptable quickly. Some dogs take longer. A few may become long-term sanctuary residents.

We are a rescue organization and the majority of our animals were abandoned and have spent time living on the street. Sometimes we find animals (especially litters of puppies and kittens) abandoned at the sanctuary gate.

We focus on rescuing abandoned dogs that are sick and injured. We have an on-site vet clinic and the resources to return them to good health.

Some of our dogs spend weeks or months in rehabilitation. Most make a remarkable recovery. Our vet decides when they are healthy and clears them for adoption. If an animal has long-term health issues, we will advise you during the selection process.

Cats generally come to us as kittens and, with a few exceptions, generally arrive in good health.

Unless a dog has been in a foster home, we have no way of knowing if the dog is house trained. The majority of our rescued dogs were once family pets. Many of them are house trained, but we do not guarantee this.

We do not hold animals for potential adopters. Our goal is to get animals into homes, therefore they remain on our adoptable list until a forever family is found.

We encourage adopters to give animals several weeks to relax and learn the routines of your family. The transition can be very stressful and may affect behaviour. We are available to provide advice and support.

If you decide you cannot keep the animal, you must return it to us. DO NOT rehome the animal yourself.