Homeward Bound Dog Rescue

Homeward Bound Dog «Rescue» has unjustifiably and unethically removed an adopted, stable, beloved, well cared for dog from his home due to what they presume to be safety issues (puppy escaping from the yard). This dog has always been happy to be within the fenced yard (this is not an old broken fence that has been patched here and there — its a recently built six foot high privacy fence joining a four foot chain link at the back). First time he got out the family thought the gate had not been properly latched, the second time they found a narrow spot where they figured he may have squeezed between an end post and the house. This third time, they are at a loss. They have asked the «Rescue» for help understanding and fixing the problem and have received no support, but rather critiscim, judgment, and the seizing of their pet.
Important point is that he only tries to escape if he thinks no one is home (he has doggy door access) AND their other dog is gone. Only then does he attempt to get out.
It is easy for others to be the judge and jury without actually knowing the situation… end result is a loved pet was removed from a loving home where he has learned to trust and he has bonded with for several months.
It is beilived the practices underlying this organization’s actions are financially motivated and not truly in the best interest of the animals involved. They have not supported this family when they asked for help. They have put this pet back in foster care unnecessirily. They seek to rehome him when he has a family desperately awaiting his return.
Please do not «adopt» from this «Rescue». It is a lease agreement at best and your pet can be reclaimed at their discretion.

Very dedicated to their mission

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!!!

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.

Adopted our family dog from them about 5 years ago! I’m a volunteer at another local (larger) shelter, and they seem to only take in more «adoptable» dogs, which is fine — just different from where I volunteer. Our little dog is awesome, and was great when we got her. My boyfriend’s family also adopted one of their dogs last spring. He has some behavioral issues, but NOT TO DO WITH HOMEWARD BOUND.
Homeward Bound rescues dogs from shelters/​pounds in the south and brings them here to foster homes and then forever homes. I guess that leaves room for paperwork errors, but our dog was marked as a Tibetan Spaniel (she’s definitely a Beagle/​Sheltie mix…) and fixed. She went into heat about 2 months after we got her. We got in contact with her foster mom who put us in touch with whoever we needed to talk to and they did pay for her spay surgery (but it had to be at their vet, who is pretty good, just not the same as going to your own) no questions asked after our vet said she was definitely intact.
Overall, they do great work and have a good selection of dogs. The adoption price is fair (if you only care about a price tag, though, don’t get a pet!), and they’re so helpful but can seem a little busy at their adoption events so make sure to push to get your questions answered. They do home checks (yay!) so be prepared for that, too.