Megan Started This.
Megan didn't start with a business plan. She started with an animal that was going to die if she didn't do something. So she did something. Then she did it again. Then she kept going until the people who felt the same way she did started finding her, one by one. Since 2020, what started as one person refusing to look away has grown into a volunteer family that has placed 400+ animals into Yuma homes. Not one person on this team has ever taken a salary for it.
Megan Springer · Founder
Our Mission
To rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome cats and dogs at risk in the Yuma area — while building a community culture where every life is valued and every pet gets a real chance at a home.
Our Values
Compassion, radical transparency, and community trust. We measure our success not by the number of animals processed, but by the quality of care each one receives — in both body and spirit. Every volunteer, every dollar, every foster home is essential to how this works.
Our Promise
No animal in our care will ever be euthanized for time or space. Every dollar donated goes to animal care: food, vet bills, medications, spay/neuter surgeries. Not one person draws a salary — ever. That's not a slogan. It's how we've operated every day since 2020.
Foster-Based. Community-Powered. Volunteer-Fueled.
YHBR is a foster-based rescue — most of our animals live with foster families in real homes across Yuma while they wait for adoption. Some cats are also housed at our shelter at 1020 S 4th Ave, Suite B, Yuma, AZ 85364, where you can walk in Mon–Fri 12–5pm to meet them.
Animals in home environments are calmer, healthier, and adopt faster than kennel-housed animals. When you foster, you give an animal the space to relax, show their real personality, and become genuinely ready for a family.
Every rescue is fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and health-checked before adoption. We also run a foster-to-adopt pathway — care for an animal while we finish their vet work, and adoption is finalized once they're cleared.
What We Stand For
Every decision we make flows from one conviction: every life has value. Here is what that looks like in practice.
We do not euthanize for space or time. Period. Every animal in our care receives every possible chance.
Not a single person on our team earns a salary or stipend. Every dollar you give goes directly to the animals.
Born during the pandemic, built by Yuma people. Our community roots are our greatest strength.
Come in during business hours, fill out an application on the spot, and take your cat home the same day if approved.
Our Programs
Beyond rescue and adoption, YHBR runs programs that address root causes and support the broader Yuma animal community.
Animal Surrender Support
Surrendering a pet is one of the hardest decisions a person can make — and we treat it that way. YHBR reviews every request with compassion and without judgment, matching placement to current foster availability and the individual animal's needs. When people feel safe being honest, we can find better placements faster. Submit a surrender request →
Spay/Neuter Assistance Program
The most cost-effective thing any rescue can do is prevent future animals from needing rescue in the first place. YHBR connects Yuma residents with free and low-cost spay/neuter resources — reducing the number of animals entering shelters before they're born. Request assistance →
Emergency Vet Care Program
When a pet's life is on the line and a family can't afford emergency treatment, YHBR steps in. Based on available resources, we coordinate with local vets to fund urgent care. A single timely intervention can save a life and keep a family together — which is what this program is for. Request emergency help →
Hearts & Homes Foster Network
Our animals don't live in kennels — they live in Yuma homes, with families, in real rooms. Animals in home environments are less stressed, more social, and adopt out significantly faster. We provide all food, supplies, and vet care — foster families provide the space and the warmth. Become a foster →
Bulldog Rescue — Molly's Heart Dogs
Among the many animals YHBR helps, bulldogs hold an especially dear place in volunteer Molly Mayer's heart. Molly personally leads our bulldog rescue program — pulling them from high-kill shelters across the region — because she knows firsthand what extraordinary, loyal companions they are. Their unique medical needs and the challenges they face in traditional shelters make rescue all the more important for this special breed.
While YHBR rescues all kinds of cats and dogs, when a bulldog is in need, Molly steps up with particular dedication and care. If you are passionate about bulldogs — or have one that needs help — reach out directly.
Learn About Bulldog Rescue →Found a Stray or Dangerous Animal?
For found animals, stray animals, or situations involving dangerous or aggressive animals, please contact Yuma Animal Control directly — they are the appropriate agency for these situations and are equipped to respond safely.
Yuma County Animal Control
For found animals, bite reports, animal cruelty, or dangerous animal situations
🔍 Lost a Pet?
Check with the Humane Society of Yuma (the municipal shelter) — stray animals are often brought there first. Visit hsoyuma.com or call them directly to check their intake listings.
For life-threatening emergencies or immediate danger involving an animal, please call 911.
Please Note — What We Are Not Able to Help With
YHBR is a foster-based rescue. Most of our animals live with foster families across Yuma, with some cats also housed at our shelter on 4th Ave. Because our foster homes are real family environments, we are not able to assist with dangerous or aggressive animals under any circumstances.
- ⛔ We cannot take in animals with a history of aggression or biting
- ⛔ We cannot assist with dangerous wildlife or feral situations — for wildlife, contact Vida Wildlife: (928) 264-7804 · azvida.org
- ⛔ We do not take in reptiles — for reptile rescue and rehoming in Yuma, contact Yuma Reptiles
- ⛔ We are not a traditional shelter and cannot house all animals
- ✅ For these situations, please call Yuma Animal Control at (928) 341-8800
Need Specialized Help?
For spay/neuter assistance, emergency vet care, or to surrender a pet — we have dedicated forms that get you the fastest response.
The People Behind Homeward Bound
These people drive animals to vet appointments before work. They answer messages at midnight. They show up on weekends and holidays because the animals don't know it's a holiday. Nobody earns a dollar for any of it. They do it because an animal's chance at a good life is worth more than a Saturday morning.
Megan built this rescue from nothing — no grant, no committee, no roadmap. Just a conviction that Yuma's animals deserved better and the willingness to do something about it. She still shows up every day.
Samantha keeps the shelter running — caring for the cats, supporting volunteers, and making sure every person who walks through the door feels welcome. The day-to-day works because of her.
Jenine coordinates every vet visit, follows up on every medical need, and makes sure no animal falls through the cracks. Every healthy animal that leaves YHBR has Jenine in their corner.
Shiann built the tools that keep YHBR running — KittenTracker, RescueBase, and the infrastructure behind the scenes. The rescue operates smarter because of her.
What Our Community Says
"YHBR is a true community treasure. Megan and her volunteers work tirelessly every day with zero pay. The animals of Yuma are so lucky to have this rescue."— Rosa K., Yuma Community Member
"I've seen a lot of rescue organizations, but YHBR stands out for their genuine care, thorough vetting, and incredible community presence. They're the real deal."— Mike T., longtime YHBR Supporter
"As a local business, we've sponsored YHBR events and seen firsthand the impact they have on Yuma. They truly embody what it means to be community-first."— The Hernandez Family, Yuma Business Owners
Every animal you share could find a home tonight.
Real animals. Real urgency. No fluff — just the ones who need you right now.