I started volunteering with Homeward Trails in 2013, after losing both of my dogs to age-related illnesses. I have beenfostering, volunteering, and donating regularly since then because this is a wonderful organization that is truly focused on saving and improving animal lives. The Director and employees are dedicated and tireless. I am proud to be a 7-year volunteer and supporter. Pic is my dog who I adppted from HTAR and a few of the foster dogs we've had over the years.
Review from Guidestar
Ziggy (Orca) is celebrating his 6-month adoption anniversary today. He has come a long way. He is happy and playful enjoying life with his big sister.
Gail P
I urge you to be cautious with this group, especially when considering the adoption of a dog who has been identified as a high flight risk. This is a red flag! Be sure to find out if others attempted to adopt the dog before you, how many times, and if/how much of their adoption fee was returned. No remedial therapy will have been provided traumatized dogs, so please ensure that your good intentions are also realistic.
After having lost one of our senior cats last fall to an unexpected case of congestive heart failure, we were just devastated. I visited Kitty City in December, and had this amazing little Lynx Point Siamese come right up to me and start talking. As soon as I sat down, he jumped into my lap and started snuggling. Needless to say, I fell in love right away. HT was thrilled for me to adopt Augie (now known as Simon), but was concerned that he needed serious dental work. So we agreed that I would take him down to Richmond for a teeth cleaning (and possible extraction) since they didn't have a driver available right away, but that HT would handle the expense. Thanks to this cleaning, his dental health has improved significantly and my regular veterinarian thinks he is in great health.
A few months later, our sixteen years-old tabby and fourteen years-old chihuahua also passed away. We realized quickly that Simon was pining for more social interaction. I visited Kitty City again and met Lavender (now known as Zoe), and just felt she would be a great fit with Simon. As soon as we brought her home, the two cats immediately hit it off, and now are just the best of playmates.
I was impressed with the adoption process for both cats, as it was simple and straightforward. The adoption areas were clean and humane for the pets, even letting the cats socialize together when there was more than one. The volunteers were kind and friendly, and understanding of our recent losses.
We are incredibly grateful to HT for helping us give Simon and Zoe their forever homes. We would recommend (and we do) to others looking for a forever pet companion to visit HT's adoption center and events.
Review from Guidestar
Homeward Trails is NOT a good charity. Per their IRS 990 for 2014, over 40% of their income of $800,000+ went to salaries. Rather than provide behavioral and /or rehabilitation training to dogs with problems, they are killed. All of the Michael Vick fighting dogs allowed to go to rescue were rehabilitated to be wonderfully loving dogs. I personally have knowledge of at least 7 dogs killed in 2015. This after the Director (who personally earns over $100,000 annual salary) claimed fewer than 12 dogs had been 'put down' in 10 years. Dogs are locked up in their facility for 23 hours a day with little interaction with other dogs or people. NOT a good thing. We need to work to get rid of the current 'administration' and stop this abuse of their charitable status and make this charity uphold what it was meant to do.
Adopt yes. Help these rescue animals find new homes. Donate? NEVER.
It appears they knew about the liter of dogs having Parvo. The person that interviewed us didn't mention that to us, the foster owners didn't mention it to us. Complete scam. They said we could take it to there approved vet for a discount, they would teach us to treat the dog at home, like we are a Vet, or give the dog back. These guys are slime bags and the Director didn't have the courage to call us. I guess we are going to have to shut them down in order to get them to pay the medical bills. stay away from these guys.
I'm not sure this "non-profit" is looking to actually find homes for the dogs they rescue. A few days after filling out the online forms indicating I was interested in a specific dog, the coordinator asked for vet records of a dog my parents owned from over 20 years ago. I couldn't find the records and asked why it was necessary to have such paperwork from so long ago. I immediately received a response indicating there were other applicants and if one of those adoptions fell through, we may get a chance. I also indicated we were approved at a few other animal rescues in the the area, but Homeward Trails does not "work" with any other rescues to share information. A few days later, she indicated she was still waiting for the paperwork and couldn't go through approving me without it.
We went back and forth on email a few times and each time I indicated this would be easier with a simple phone call.
Between wasting time and obfuscating information, it seems like this group do not want to home any dogs or they don't have the dogs to adopt. I am severely disappointed in this shelter and they aren't doing the animals any service.
Try the Humane Society, FOHA or Lucky Dog instead.
I first adopted from Homeward Trails in 2004. It was my first experience with a rescue and it was amazing. I met my dog's transport when she arrived. Homeward Trails had said that if I didn't want to adopt, they would place her in foster care. However, after 5 minutes I knew that was not a problem.
We adopted two cats after that from Homeward Trails and added another dog a couple of years ago. I'm looking to adopt another dog now that some of our senior pets have passed on. Homeward Trails got right back to me about the puppy I inquired about. I have looked at other groups while I search for a specific type of dog and have yet to hear back from any of the other organizations that I have contacted.
I have volunteered for Homeward Trails in the past (can't anymore due to work obligations) and have seen firsthand how dedicated their volunteers and staff are. Homeward Trails puts the safety and well-being of animals first.
Homeward Trails volunteers are open and up front about their adoption policies and I know how much they are spending on medical bills and other needs for their animals (they spend more on most animals than they get back in adoption fees, I've helped volunteer at many of the fundraisers they have held to make up the difference). Their adoption fees are right in line with other animal rescues that do not receive any government funding.
Review from Guidestar
This organization makes a potential adoptee feel like a negligent criminal. I hope they have many foster homes because by the time they were done questioning me, the last place I would go to adopt an animal is homeward trails. They are keeping pet stores in business
Review from Guidestar
I adopted my dog Blondie from this organization and could not have been happier with the process. HTAR makes sure their adopters know that they are with you through out the dogs life, whether it's referrals to good veterinarians or boarding, advice on training (they offer a free 30 minute consult with a certified trainer when you adopt). When my boyfriend and I were considering adopting a dog, they never pressured us and listened to our concerns and helped us find the right fit. Finally, I have never met a more enthusiastic group of volunteers. Each of them are dedicated to helping orphan animals good homes.
Homeward Trails is an excellent organization that truly cares about the animals. They offer wonderful volunteer opportunities and take great care of the animals they care for. I love volunteering for them and would encourage others to become involved.
Review from Guidestar
I adopted my cat Sassy from Homeward Trails several years ago and I am a current, regular donor to the organization. It was the second time I used a rescue organization to adopt a companion animal. Homeward Trails Rescue impressed me as a responsible and effective non-profit organization for the following reasons:
1. They responded quickly to my initial inquiry regarding the cat I wanted to adopt.
2. They quickly sent a volunteer to do the home inspection and set up a meeting between myself, the cat I wanted and her foster care person.
3. They quickly responded to my emails, both pre- and post- adoption.
4. Sassy's foster care person gave me her complete medical history.
5. They were knowledgeable about what Sassy's reaction would be to other cats and dogs.
6. The application and adoption contract were thorough and they inquired of my own vet about the care I gave my other cat and dog.
7. My own vet verified my new cat's good health when I took her for our first vet visit after the adoption was complete.
8. Homeward Trails was honest about Sassy's somewhat changeable temperament.
9. They have an active internet presence and a regular, attractive, easy to read, newsletter that keeps the plight of their animals front and center.
10. They are serious and organized about their fundraising efforts. They keep in touch with their donors and promptly send out acknowledgements.
11. Their volunteers were knowledgeable and deployed quickly.
Review from Guidestar
As a Board Member, your comments on the break up of the animal hoarding situation are despicable. Are you not aware that Homeward Trails continues to work with the hoarder? Have you not noticed all the RGA dogs posted on your website? Disgraceful. Shame on you.
As to the review above, since you are a board member for Homeward Trails, what methods did you use to determine the compensation of the executive director? Specifically, what organizations did you use in your comparison?
I'm proud to serve on the Board of this wonderful rescue. Homeward Trails manages not only to rescue hundreds of companion animals a year, but also steps in when animal cruelty, neglect or hoarding threatens the lives of companion animals. Homeward Trails implements innovative and creative ways to fundraise and administer the organization, and has a fantastic network of volunteers and fosters.