Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about adopting, fostering, volunteering, and donating — organized by role so you find answers fast.
Browse dogs on Petstablished, then submit an application — it takes about 5 minutes. Our team reviews applications within 1–3 business days. Once approved, we arrange a meet & greet with the foster family (usually within 3–7 days), followed by final paperwork and bringing your dog home. Most families complete the entire process in 1–2 weeks.
Yes! Walk in to our shelter at 1020 S 4th Ave, Ste B, Yuma, AZ during business hours (Mon–Fri 12pm–5pm). No appointment needed. Fill out an application on the spot and, if approved, take your new cat home that same day. Cat adoptions are our fastest and easiest option.
Absolutely — we welcome adopters from anywhere in the United States. You can travel to Yuma to pick up your pet, or use a pet transport service to have your new companion delivered to your area (typically 5–14 days). We'll help coordinate transport options once your application is approved.
Yes. Every dog and cat adopted from YHBR is fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and health-checked before adoption. You're getting significant veterinary value already included in the adoption fee — and peace of mind from day one.
Fees vary by animal age and species and are listed on each pet's individual profile on Petstablished. Fees help offset the veterinary costs for each rescue. Contact us at [email protected] if you have questions about a specific animal's fee.
Some animals arrive before completing their spay/neuter or vaccination series. With foster-to-adopt, you bring them home now — we handle their remaining medical care at zero cost to you — and adoption is finalized once they're fully cleared. Most families who foster-to-adopt end up keeping the animal. Learn more about foster-to-adopt →
Absolutely. Our volunteers work with first-time pet owners to help match you with an animal that fits your lifestyle and experience level. We provide guidance throughout the process and remain available after adoption — because the relationship doesn't end at the handoff.
Yes — 100% no-kill. We never euthanize animals for time or space. Every animal in our care receives every possible chance at finding a forever home. That commitment is non-negotiable.
Our volunteers stay reachable after adoption. Have a behavior question at 10pm? Not sure which vet to call? We're here. Reach us at [email protected] anytime.
Zero. YHBR covers 100% of all food, supplies, medications, and veterinary bills. The only thing you provide is a safe indoor space and your care. There is no financial cost to fostering with us.
No prior experience is required. We match animals to foster families based on lifestyle, home setup, and comfort level. We provide guidance, and our team is always available to help with questions. Many of our most dedicated fosters started with zero experience.
We provide all food, litter, crates, bedding, medications, and any supplies the animal needs. All veterinary care — including emergencies — is covered by YHBR. You focus on love and a stable home environment; we handle everything else.
It varies. Some fosters last a few weeks; others go several months, especially for animals needing extra medical recovery time. We never pressure you to keep an animal longer than you're able, and we work hard to find adopters as quickly as possible.
Often yes. We carefully match foster animals to households based on existing pets, children, and living situation. Some animals do best as the only pet; others thrive in busy households. We'll work with you to find the right fit.
Foster-to-adopt lets you bring an animal home before their medical care is complete (spay/neuter, vaccinations). You live with them, we cover their remaining care, and adoption is finalized once they're cleared. It's a way to know before you commit — and most families end up adopting.
"Foster fails" — where a foster family adopts their foster animal — are one of our favorite outcomes. If you want to adopt your foster, let us know and we'll make it happen. Just be aware that keeping your foster opens a spot for a new animal who needs a home too.
Contact us immediately at [email protected]. YHBR covers all emergency veterinary costs — you are never responsible for vet bills. We'll guide you to the appropriate vet and handle authorization directly.
We have a variety of roles: Transport Driver (drive animals to vet appointments), Cat Cuddler (socialize shelter cats during business hours), Event Helper (assist at adoption events and fundraisers), Admin/Social (help with communications, social media, or data entry), and Fundraiser (help plan or promote fundraising efforts). Many roles can be done remotely or on a flexible schedule.
No formal minimum for most roles. We welcome volunteers who can give one hour a month and those who give twenty. The animals don't care how much time you have — they care that you showed up.
Sign up through RescueBase at yhbr.org/volunteer.html. Create a free account, select your preferred roles, and we'll be in touch to get you started.
Some roles (cat cuddling, transport, in-person events) require being in Yuma. Others — like social media support, admin tasks, graphic design, or fundraising — can be done entirely remotely from anywhere in the US.
Yes, with parental consent. Some roles are well-suited for younger volunteers, especially cat socialization and event support. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss options for minors.
Absolutely. Corporate volunteer days, school groups, and community organizations are welcome. Email us at [email protected] to arrange a group volunteer event.
Yes. Homeward Bound Animal Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 87-1834208). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt for your records.
100% of donations fund direct animal care — food, veterinary treatment, spay/neuter surgeries, medications, supplies, and shelter operating costs. Not one person on our team draws a salary. $15 covers one week of kitten milk replacer. $40 funds a full vaccination series. $120 covers a spay/neuter surgery. $300 covers an emergency vet visit.
Multiple ways: PayPal at paypal.me/yumahomewardbound · Venmo @YumaHomewardBound · Cash App $yumahomewardbound · Text-to-give: text Rescue2024 to 53-555 · Cash or check at our shelter (Mon–Fri 12–5pm). See all donation options →
Text Rescue2024 to 53-555 from your mobile phone. You'll get a link back — click it, choose your amount, and confirm. Nothing is charged until you complete that step. The whole process takes under a minute. You can cancel anytime by replying STOP.
Yes — and monthly giving is the most impactful way to support us. Text Rescue2024 to 53-555 to start a monthly gift, or select "Monthly" when donating via PayPal. Even $10/month adds up to $120 a year — enough for a full spay surgery.
Yes! Most-needed items: Friskies Land & Sea dry cat food, Kitten Chow, Fancy Feast wet kitten food, KMR (kitten milk replacer), clumping cat litter, and Churu treats. Ship from our Amazon Wishlist or drop off at the shelter during business hours.
Many employers match charitable donations — some will double or even triple your gift. Check with your HR department to see if your company has a matching program. Our EIN is 87-1834208 and our full legal name is Homeward Bound Animal Rescue. Email [email protected] if you need a donation receipt or verification letter.
The Treat app lets you play free games on your phone and earn points that are converted into food and treats for shelter animals — at zero cost to you. Select Homeward Bound Animal Rescue in the app and your gameplay directly sends meals to our animals. It's completely free to download and use.
Still Have a Question?
Our team is real people who actually care. Email us and we'll get back to you — usually the same day.