We adopted the cutest most loving,, and eccentric chihuahua mix from Homeward Bound nearly seven years ago. He continues to be featured in their annual calendar as well as in our home. While their fee is a little higher than most, part of it is returned once the adopted puppy is neutered. In retrospect we regretted not adopting Diego's brother as well. My one issue was that because we are seniors, they were concerned as to how we would provide for our dogs as time progressed. We explained that our respective wills provided for immediate family, our daughter and husband, to assume guardianship in the event of our demise or incapacitation. Thank you Homeward Bound from us and Diego. He is in his forever home being loved. read more

Unfortunately, our experience with this organization was extremely frustrating. We are experienced and responsible dog owners who work from home, have a large fenced in yard, and have successfully adopted and raised several dogs. Despite all this, the process turned into what felt like an endless stream of emails about our dog's veterinary files, with repeated requests and questions that were often unclear or inadequately explained. The biggest issue was communication. Several emails were short and on the rude side, others incomplete and confusing, leaving us unsure about what information was actually needed. Rather than resolving things, each exchange seemed to generate another email and another question. A simple phone call could likely have clarified everything in a matter of minutes, but the volunteer in question, Tamara, didn't leave one nor do I have her last name. I completely understand and support careful screening by rescue organizations. The welfare of the animals should absolutely come first. But a thorough adoption process also needs to be clear, consistent, and respectful of prospective adopters' time. In the end, the process became so unnecessarily complicated that we decided not to continue. It's a shame, because we were genuinely hoping to give another dog a loving home. I hope the organization considers improving its communication with prospective adopters. read more

When you've loved pets your whole life, spent a small fortune over the years, own a home with fenced in yard, and all your fur babies are like children, it is insulting to have someone like Tamara imply you're not responsible or worthy to adopt a lonely homeless pet. Even after providing extensive vet records, she nitpicked a detail and was condescending. People like this are more interested in their "power" than sincerely caring about the welfare of dogs. Never use this so-called rescue. She is the reason there are too many homeless pets. I ended up paying a lot for this sweet girl and worth every penny. read more

Homeward Bound Dog Rescue - Animal Shelters Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Terrible communication and I really fear for the dogs they place in homes. They do not inspect the home. How can a rescue adopt out puppies and dogs without actually seeing where the pet would be? Irresponsible. read more

Stay away. Not even worth the time. Refused my application because of my vet history despite me working at two different vet hospitals. I have had little dogs my whole life and my most recent boy had to be out to sleep at the age of 13. They wouldn't consider me because they didn't have "proof" that I took my dog to the vet despite me providing records for him and letting them know I worked at a vet. I guess my dog that I had to put down at the age of 13 who was a rescue mind you wasn't proof enough that I was a great pet parent. They are why these rescues cannot get adopted. Sad!! read more

Carol helped me rehome my mother's 2 dogs after my mom went into assisted living. She was wonderful. She agreed to foster them herself until she found them homes. They were used to my mom being home everyday with them and needed more attention than I would be able to give them. She still is fostering one and the other is living her best life with a new family who loves her as much as she loves them. Dog rescue is very hard work. My mom was in dog rescue for 20 + years before she had to stop due to her age. Carol made a sad stressful time better with her understanding and love of animals. Thank you Carol read more

i applied to adopt a dog after mine suddenly passed away. I wrote her a couple weeks later to ask about the process of my application. She wrote me back and said I'm not a good fit for adoption. I asked her why and she blocked me on Facebook. How rude and unprofessional. read more

Tamara is completely unprofessional and rude. She denied us based on misinformation she received from our vet. Then she proceeded to accuse us of being bad parents to our current rescues. It's quite sad that any pet is under her care, because they could have happy homes otherwise. The absolute worst experience I've ever had communicating with someone because Tamara lacks at that skill. I would recommend H.O.P.E. Animal Rescue over this one. read more

Homeward Bound and their volunteers work tirelessly to save dogs and puppies in need. Both of my pups, Callie & Bella, are Homeward Bound Dog Rescue alumni! They work with you to make sure the dog or puppy you're getting is the right match for your family. read more

I thank Homeward bound for rejecting my application I did adopt another dog from another agency and he is the most perfect most beautiful dog I have seen he's a sharpei just what I wanted and he was a whole cheaper than what Homeward bound wanted and he already has his first vet appt set up don't give up cause this place says no I got my pup for 500 dollars cheaper than they want mine is also a rescue neutered with all shots and is a very happy boy also has heartworm pills and flea pills NY boy came from a top notch very clean and friendly shelter.Homeward bound was and is very rude read more

The wife and I just lost two cats that we raised from a barn to 19 years old, and have been looking for a dog and possibly a dog and cat. Both of us have had dogs and the past before we were married, and decided to try Homeward Bound we were refused a puppy that needed a good home because Tamara did not deem us a good fit. basically because we couldn't provide vet records, well that was because my sister-in-law is a veterinarian. And her services were free .The fact that we raised two feral cats to 19 years old proves we did something right. Tamara seems to be a hoarder herself of animals, or have a God complex because nobody is ever good enough. And based on the reviews that I have read, I am correct, if you want to be made to feel like a piece of shit and not worthy of owning a dog that is in need of a loving home,call homeward bound read more

Great experience finding my new pet family member. They helped me find the right match. Both Benji and I are very happy. read more

Homeward Bound Dog Rescue - Benji - Animal Shelters Near Me - Schenectady, New York

We are very happy with Homeward Bound. We have a beautiful, loving puppy thanks to them! read more

Homeward Bound Dog Rescue - Playing in the sprinkler. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Run by a woman who has let a little bit of power go to her head. She thinks there is only one way to raise a pet- so narrow minded and unfair to pets. I 'adopted' my mother's cat, Memo, after she passed. Memo and her brother showed up at my Mom's house. My mother got both of them to eat and they let her pet them. Just before bringing Memo to my home I had Memo and her brother spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated- approx. $600, at my mother's Vet in Geneva, NY. I did not take Memo to my vet until her shots were due. The animal hater who runs this rescue told me I was negligent for not taking Memo to my Vet immediately. My Vet could have easily verified that my pets never want for anything- but she didn't bother with good references. I wanted to meet 'Roxie' but was turned down. I've adopted another little dog and very happy. Not a good rescue. read more

Homeward Bound Animal Rescue in Indiana is as poorly run as the reviews of the New York facility say. After going through an extensive application, I arrived to meet the dog I thought I was adopting. Instead, they brought out a different dog telling me I was mistaken. I was told that was my puppy, just bathe so color was off. They were very pushy and take it now! I believed them until I got home hours away. The poor girl had bloody stools, lots of worms, and worst was dehydrated and malnourished according to emergency vet. Also, the dog seen by vet was not the same one on the papers. Wrong age. Wrong breed!! Do NOT trust them. read more

Stay away they are not interested in adopting there animals..particularly if you are over the age of 60,, dont have a spotless vet record etc,etc read more

Tamara, who seems to be the primary contact for inquiries seems to be under the impression she is the only human who is a "good fit" to own a pet. I have owned dogs all my life, and have always gotten my pets as rescues, from shelters, rehoming, or actual rescues. I had applied to Homeward Bound roughly 5 years ago and each dog I inquired about, I was told I wasn't a good fit, so I finally went to a local shelter and got a dog. I recently re-applied to Homeward bound as our dog passed away earlier this year, and Tamara, in classic Tamara form, rejected my application because 5 years ago I had expressed frustration with their blocking people from adopting pets. She responded to my most recent application, telling me since I was dissatisfied 5 years ago, I "wasn't a good fit." I told her that I was under the impression Homeward Bound was about the animals, not her ego. Everyone I have spoken to has reported the same issues with Tamara. It's unfortunate that she would deny animals loving homes because she is thin-skinned, and an egomaniac. #pathetic read more

This organization's "rules" are ridiculous. I had a dog . greatly loved and receiving regular care by a local vet. I was considered not an appropriate adopter as Chico has "sporadic, heart worm testing- as a pt, I approved any annual tests, perhaps sporadic as visits may have changed due to Covid. I was denied as Chico did not receive heartworm prerventative- He did not tolerate medications. Also Chico was rarely out. Really to be considered not appropriate is such as insult. If you checked references and maybe asked the Vet , they would have told you Chico was well cared for. I am disgusted by this organization.. read more

I was denied adoption when I have a lot of experience with dogs. I live with a vet tech. Tammy, the owner was dismissive and rude. She barely read my application and misunderstood simple things. I was diligent, but she did not care. Tammy has received a lot of bad reviews online. This place doesn't want the dogs to have a good home. She just wants to foster them out to her selected people. This place needs to be shut down if they are not truly helping the animals. read more

Very conscientious staff, dedicated to all aspects of caring for rescue dogs and making sure they land in a safe, loving environment. We were able to adopt our puppy "Stan" (pit/pointer/hound mix) on January 4th, and he's become an inseparable part of our family. Homeward Bound had fostered Stan before we got him, gave invaluable tips on what he would need in the weeks ahead, and assured us they're always available as a resource, if needed. We can't say enough good things about HBDR! read more

Homeward Bound Dog Rescue - Stan, after a couple of months in his new home! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Schenectady, New York

These guys are the absolute best! We have them to thank for introducing us to our angel Gracie. It's been about a year and a half slice we adopted Gracie at the 2012 Pup-a-palooza in Balston Spa. If you are thinking about rescuing a pet I can't recommend HBDR of NY enough. The kindness, love, attention, and dedication all the volunteers show the dogs is truly heart warming. What's great about rescuing a dog via Homeward Bound is they are all fostered with the volunteers at their home so thy can really tell you a lot about your soon-to-be family member! Keep up the good work guys!!! read more

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My wife and I were in the search for our first dog. We found a dog from a pet site and filled out an application. I was in contact with Tamara that we were interested. We have a cat and was waiting for response from our vet. We have had our cat for a short time and have not had enough visits for check ups. Due to the pandemic and family matters it was delayed due to the vets restrictions. After finally getting our cat checked out to have Tamara contact them for references our dog was given to someone else without notice. Our intention that the dog was being held for us as we did what was expected from the shelter. The dog we wanted was perfect for our household. There were no other options that we liked. I would not recommend this shelter at all if this is how your going to do business. Karma is a bitch! read more

Shame on this organization's president, Tamara. My dog of 9 and half years recently passed away and my husband and I have applying for various adoption agencies in the area to get a new dog for our family and my other dog. I began emailing with Tamara, as she was asking about our vet history. I gave her permission to contact my current vet and past vet, and also sent her records from our previous vets in Colorado, where we recently moved back to NY from. Tamara was clearly confused on timelines of veterinary visits and I tried explaining over email, offering to give her contact information for my vets in Colorado. I also sent her records from our visit to a specialty surgeon we saw when my dog was diagnosed with cancer. She continued to ask for more vet history. I asked her to call me over the phone so I could get some more clarity on what other information she needed. She stated she was too busy to call me. I continued emailing back and forth, making sure my vet gave her all the information they could. I finally called the main line stating that I was having trouble communicating with her, and requested that someone else call me. After I left the message, I got an email from Tamara stating she was no longer willing to work with me. She was clearly offended I said I was having a difficult time communicating with her. All I wanted was to get someone on the phone. The point of reviewing veterinary history to ensure owners take care of their pets. From the history I sent Tamara, you could see that my dogs have always been up to date on vaccines and that I go above and beyond caring for them including taking them to specialists and maintaining dental care. For a dog rescue to deny potential adopters for this is bizarre. My husband and I bring our dogs hiking, camping, on road trips, and give them amazing lives. It is unfair for these dogs to miss out on good homes because someone is on a power trip. I know people that have had great experiences working with other volunteers with this organization, but from what I see in the comments, it looks like others have had similar experiences with Tamara. read more

I really appreciate this rescue and was able to find and adopt the perfect dog for me.

Very organized! Helpful! We love our new family member! Very blessed to have her! Great! Place to go for your new pet!

These committed volunteers take their work seriously. I appreciated my new pets foster home and agency's tenacity in making sure adopters are committed to the pets they take home. Sometimes their approach seems over the top but given our throw away approach to many pets, I think it is nee read more

Homeward Bound Dog Rescue - Our homeward Bound puppy is now in his Forever Home. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Schenectady, New York

I put in a application many times with this company and process is extremely long and drawn out. no one ever gets back to check in

We adopted a jack russell puppy in June. The entire experience was absolutely fantastic! these volunteers really care about these pets and your success as an owner. We got good information from his foster mom and felt fully prepared to take on our newest family member. It was the best adoption experience we have ever had! read more

Sadly for the dogs they neuter them too young. As the dog matures the legs dont grow properly and cause much pain for the hobbled dog. $11,000 later another vet, familiar with this situation, operated. Dog is running and happy, again. However Homeward Bound takes ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSIBILITY for the disaster they created. read more

A close friend adopted a two-year old dog from Homeward Bound after, sadly, loosing three dogs within a 1.5-2 year period. These dogs, two girls and a boy, have been in his family for at least 8-12 years and was (and is still) heartbroken and missing them each day. He decided he was ready to open up his home to another dog to complete his family once again. We looked on Homeward Bound's website and after weighing pros and cons of all adoptable dogs, we decided to meet a terrier/hound mix. She made herself very comfortable and was very affectionate and loved to snuggle. We were only told that she could not be homed with any other female dogs, which was fine. Sounds perfect, right? As time went on, the same loveable dog he adopted quickly became an excessively hyperactive dog, began nipping at people and showing aggression toward other dogs no matter if they were male or female. Upon VERY careful and lengthy consideration, we both decided it was in the dog's best interest to return her as my close friend was not able to provide the extensive training (she) required. A new profile was written once she was placed back up for adoption and it was very passive-aggressive with the comments they thought the "dog (was) making," such as she was "sad, mad, rejected, etc..." These jabs were throughout the profile and I could not sit back without setting the record straight. If Homeward Bound really wanted the absolute best fit for the dog and home, they would not make people feel like crap for acknowledging they are not able to provide the dog what he/she needs. I thought the whole point of taking in dogs to rehome, fostering them, introducing them to new environments, etc., was all part of the process. If a family adopted a dog they were able to meet for 30 minutes and this was a perfect fit, then God bless them. This, however, is not always the case but Homeward Bound has a way of making honest people who acknowledge limitations feel like they are awful people for returning a dog who would not be able to thrive if he/she remained in that setting. read more

Very nice and professional and doggie was in great shape. Can tell the love and care for the foster dogs. Thank you for all you do.

My sister and I went for what we thought was the final step in the application process to adopt a puppy. When we walked in one of the volunteers excused herself and came back with someone who never introduced them self but looked at us and said she would not allow us to adopt a puppy because we were TOO OLD. We are in our early 70's and have extensive experience with dogs and came with glowing references from veterinarians. This person was so RUDE and on the biggest power trip ever. I have sent an inquiry to the NYS Attorney General's office about a possible discrimination complaint. My hope is that other organizations will look into this rescue as I see many negative reviews. The losers here are the dogs who are missing out on what are probably great forever homes. read more

I experienced the same thing that many of these 1 star reviewers did. The main issue is the President, Tamara. I made the mistake of telling Tamara that I previously had a dog who died of lymphoma. My vet talked through options with me and we decided it was best to put her down peacefully instead of submitting her to the pain of another year of treatment. Tamara immediately questioned my (and my vets) decision to do so and seemed put off by our decision. She then performed her "vet history check" consisted of calling the random front desk receptionists at the multiple vets we had been to over the years (we lived in many different cities). When some of the vets told her that my dog required vaccinations in 2018 she immediately discounted me for not having record of those vaccinations. These vaccinations were not performed because my dog died in 2017. When I explained this to her she seemed flustered and confused and told me that my vet history is too complicated and I will not be approved to adopt. I would suggest going to another shelter that is willing to put in the due diligence required to accurately judge someone's ability to care for a pet. read more

I adopted my dog from homeward bound and they were great! I was not expecting to go there and take a dog home that day within a couple hours which was great. I feel like it happened so quick because I already picked out the dog on petfinder and put an app in for him. Although I did think that the price was a little too much for a senior dog. Tucker is 10 and the adoption fee was $250 but he was well worth it. They stay in contact after adoption about how the vet visit was and how everything is working out. Great people and always great dogs. Would not suggest bringing a dog with you that you currently have unless they are very dog and people social because it's a little crowded and there's a lot going on. Also...ADOPT A SENIOR PUP! read more

Homeward Bound Dog Rescue - This is Tucker from homeward bound! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Was looking on Petfinder and saw a puppy I was interested in adopting, and sent a request and an application. I am a previous dog owner, having my last dog for 12 years and also having a fenced in area for dog. Never got any response, ended up calling numerous times being told that the foster person would get a hold of me and make a decision but never heard from her ever. Called back again and was told foster mom said no with no explanation of why I wasn't a good fit. Still never heard anything from foster mom. This place is run unprofessional, if foster people do not want to communicate with prospective adoptees then they shouldn't be in the business. I was told by the person who answers the phone that i am not getting the puppy cause the foster mom said no and "their is nothing i can do about it" still with no explanation or hearing from foster mom herself. I recommend not dealing with this place. read more

I've been trying to adopt a dog from homeward bound, filled out application, more then once, I'm 68 so apparently to old I guess because they never got back to me. I'm a novice dog owner, raised two Shepard's, take good care of my animals, would have given a dog a wonderful loving home but was not even considered. I have cats and figured they would know more about dog getting along with cats which is why I chose to go this way instead of shelters, but I'm going to check out shelters and hopefully find a dog that needs a great forever home. read more

I still have not gotten a call back and I did my form, I wanted a puppy for my birthday this month but no one has gotten back to me and I filled it out last week read more

Since my first review we adopted a second rescue dog from Homeward Bound. Our lives have been so full of joy and laughter since these amazing dogs joined our family. I should also note that the location of HB's weekly clinic has moved to 202 Front Street in Schenectady. HB rescues dogs from all kinds of situations and bring them to Upstate NY where they stay in foster homes until they are adopted. They have a careful screening process which is so important. HB makes a life-long commitment to you & the dog you adopt from them. All of their dogs are chipped, spayed/neutered and up-to-date on their shots. It's a great organization that's also a worthwhile charity if you'd like to see your charitable dollars used locally to benefit dogs. read more

Adopted both my puppies within 3 months of each other and couldn't be happier with this organization. The foster moms as well as everything was simply amazing and I can't thank them enough for bringing such love and happiness back into our lives read more

Such a great experience with Homeward Bound Rescue - HIGHLY RECOMMEND! As first time dog-owners, we were a bit nervous, but our puppy's foster family could not have been more helpful!! A thorough interview then included tips on care, food, training, what to expect in terms of costs, etc. The whole process was friendly, fast and easy. Our friends adopted our puppy's sister, and that is how we got connected to Homeward Bound. What a great find, from the foster family to our adorable puppy, who has completed our family! read more