I can't say enough about the dedication and commitment of this special organization. I've worked in the animal health field for 25 years and highly recommend WCLRR to anyone looking to volunteer, foster, or adopt. Their volunteers are superior, truly look for the best situation and family for their rescues, and have built an impressive network of support. Thank you team WCLRR.
We lost our dog Dexter in the summer of 2022 to cancer. Neither my husband nor I were confident we would be ready for another dog, ever. Two years later we realized the joy we were missing without the companionship of a dog. Through a series of events we were introduced to West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. We found a small liter of female yellow Labrador Retriever puppies on their site and our hearts swelled. Their administrative process was conscientious but not complicated. Within a matter of days we had completed the interview process and found ourselves in the middle of our local pet store gathering supplies. When we picked up Sunny the following morning, you could tell she had been well cared for and nurtured by her foster mom. Our Vet agreed. Both our foster contact and Sunny's foster mom have been appropriately attentive. We would highly recommend West Coast Labrador Retrieve Rescue for anyone looking to rescue a retriever.
We were looking to rescue a lab after saying goodbye to our last lab after 17 years. WCLRR was incredibly thorough—both making sure we would be a great fit for the pup we were hoping for and also that Scarlet would be a great fit for us. The whole process felt incredibly protective and wise, and we are so grateful. Scarlett is the perfect pup to complete our family, and I think she thinks so too. But we would have never found her without WCLRR, and we are so thankful!
I cannot recommend WCLRR strongly enough. Thanks to their tireless efforts we were able to adopt our beautiful girl Maddie in November 2024. The entire adoption process (application, home visit, meeting the foster mom) was seamless and handled with the utmost care. These volunteers go above and beyond to provide happy solutions for these wonderful dogs.
To Jolene, Sandra, and the WCLRR team - thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Scott and Patsy (and Maddie)
My husband and I adopted our first dog through WCLRR and were blown away by them, their competence, and care for their dogs. Their process makes sure that your household is a good fit for the dog and that the dogs personality is a good fit for you. Rosie, our golden girl, was fully treated for a few pre-existing medical issues and spayed before we got her with a full vet physical and work up. She was well loved and taken care of by her wonderful foster. When we picked her up we knew immediately she was our perfect match and have been loving her since and we are so grateful they picked us to adopt her. They are still very easy and open to communicate with even a year after adopting her. We will get all of our future dogs from them and again are so grateful for our Rosie girl.
After losing our beautiful Golden Retriever after 10 short years, we reached out to WCLRR with the hope of giving a home to another pup looking for their forever home. We chose WCLRR and really respect the careful screening process an applicant goes through to ensure any dog they place is going to a safe and loving home. They matched us with a loving and beautiful pup and both dog and parents could not be happier! They also continued to reach out to ensure the transition was going well and answer any questions we may have had and address any issues, if any. I would highly recommend WCLRR. Big thank you for our new family member!!
We were looking to get our three year old lab a dog friend for companionship and heard about West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue from a friend. It was really easy to look at their website and find a dog who was a good match for our dog. Everyone at WCLRR was great and easy to work with.
I learned of West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue from a friend, who highly recommended them. I decided to “take a look” at their website, as I had lost my “best friend” a year prior. I thought that the website was done very well, it was thorough and I was able to gain perspective on what they expected of me, a potential adopter, as well as view the current dogs up for adoption. The “bios” written by the foster parents, were extremely informative and of course the attached photos are worth “a thousand words”. I decided to complete an application, just in case I wanted to move forward in the process.
Jill, a volunteer, contacted me to conduct an interview of my application and virtual tour of my home and surroundings. She was professional, kind and very helpful to me in the initial stages of the process. She explained what WCLRR expected from me as well as how to navigate through the process. This helped me to understand what steps I would be taking if I wanted to follow through and adopt a WCLRR dog. I was approved to adopt shortly thereafter. Although I hadn’t intended to adopt right away, I found a dog on the website that I knew was “the one” and applied to adopt her. Her bio, written by her foster “mom” Sandra, was so well written and so heartfelt that I fell in love with the dog at the end of the last sentence. I think “soulful eyes” was what did it. After a phone call from Jolene, telling me I was chosen to adopt her, I was put in touch with Sandra to arrange a time to meet. In speaking with Jolene, I was very impressed with her thoroughness, care and concern for the well being of the dogs and the people and homes that they would be adopting out to. It clearly is about the dogs. I appreciated that and knew that I was adopting from the right rescue. I made the journey to meet my new dog. Her foster mom, Sandra deserves more that a “thank you” for the love and dedication that she bestows on all the foster dogs in her care. What a Saint. She provides a loving and caring home, exercise, nutrition, play time and as much of her own time as she can give. I went home with this beautiful, well cared for dog, whom I named “Hope”. Jolene provided me with medical records generated by the rescue. WCLRR provided thorough Veterinary care prior to adoption. I took Hope and her medical records to my Veterinarian for an introductory check up. My vet examined Hope, looked at her prior veterinary records, commended WCLRR on the thorough exams, lab work and spay, and then told me that I “hit the jackpot”. But I already knew that.
If not for people like Sandra, Jill and Jolene, these beautiful dogs would not have the chance to be cared for and adopted. This is a great organization that deserves more than 5 stars. I am forever grateful to WCLRR, Jolene, Jill and Sandra for allowing me to adopt my “best friend” Hope.
I adopted a 7 year old wonderful labrador from this rescue. Everyone I interacted with was kind, professional, and most importantly, put the dog's best interest first. They were thorough and really wanted to ensure that the dog was a good fit for my home, and my home for him. It was a seamless process, and I ended up with just a wonderful 90 lb boy that I love (as does everyone he meets).
I've volunteered fostered, volunteered etc.. quite a bit in the rescue realm, and WCLRR truly is one of the best. Just real nice people doing their absolute best to find homes for dogs. Top notch!
WCLRR is a truly amazing organization staffed with professional, compassionate, and caring individuals who are genuinely focused on the welfare and wellbeing of their dogs, - finding the perfect forever home. We adopted a 10 mo old golden retriever a year ago and last month we again adopted a 3 yr old golden from WCLLR rescue. Both adoptions were great experiences.
All WCLLR staff provided clear instructions and concise communications.
We couldn’t image life without our two beautiful boys!
Thank you WCLRR! ❤️
We had such a great experience working with WCLRR. We were excited to welcome a new member to the family and their team was very helpful and responsive along the way. Their team thoroughly vetted our family, lifestyle, house and ability to care for an adopted dog, which we appreciate the hard-work that must go into placing a dog. After our application was approved we were placed in touch with the potential foster family and arranged for a meeting. We fell in love and now are so happy to have Mac as a part of our lives. He truly is such a gift and makes our lives brighter. We can't thank WCLRR for helping dogs in need and finding them great homes and for giving us Mac.
WCLRR is really all about the dogs. With their screenings of adopters and dogs, a great match is practically guaranteed. We adopted our old girl Stella and she fit right in. We couldn’t be happier. I highly recommend this group if you are looking to adopt a lab. They have all ages and are very honest in their evaluations. WCLRR is also a perfect place to donate to a dog rescue organization.
Five paws up for West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue!
I can't say enough good things about my experience adopting from West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. From the moment we reached out to them, the staff and volunteers were incredibly welcoming and passionate about the dogs in their care. It was clear their top priority is finding the perfect forever home for each animal.
The adoption process was thorough and informative and definitely worth the effort. The staff took the time to understand our lifestyle and what we were looking for in a dog. They were incredibly knowledgeable about each dog's personality, history, and needs.
Thanks to their guidance, we were matched with the most amazing sweet puppy! The staff helped make the introduction smooth and answered all our questions with patience and care. It was obvious they were genuinely happy for us and our new furry friend.
Even after the adoption, West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue has been a great resource. Our pup's foster mom was able to offer follow-up support and training tips, which has been incredibly helpful as we adjust to life with my new dog.
If you're looking to adopt a dog, I highly recommend checking out West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. They are a fantastic organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of animals.
This organization is truly all about the dogs!♥️. We were treated professionally, compassionately, and they heard our needs and met them immediately. The dogs are healthy, happy, and beautiful. We are so happy with Waylon. His foster mom recommended which pup would fit best in our house and boy was she right! Waylon fit right in immediately. We can’t love him enough and thank WCLR for all of their kindness.
We cannot say enough positive about West Coast Lab Retriever Rescue. From the first step of filling out application, to our home interview, to finding our girl on their website. West Coast and their volunteers were the most caring and supportive group. West Coast is most definitely “All About The Dogs”
I had an absolutely amazing experience with West Coast Lab Rescue. Their process is thorough and 100% focused on finding the best fit between dog and human. They foster their dogs in a family home for a few weeks before making them available to adopters which helps the dogs adjust and makes sure they know the dog's needs and best fit. They also took the time to get to know me and my needs and to help me find the best dog for me. My first dog I adopted through them was the light of my life. When he tragically died, they were patient with me and helped me find the next right fit, when I was ready. They really care about and love their dogs and do everything before/during/after adoption to make sure things work out well for their dogs and their new family. I would highly recommend them to anyone I know and care about who is looking to adopt a dog.
We’ve had labs a long time and were thrilled to find West Coast Lab Rescue. After a thorough application and home inspection, we chose a chocolate lab puppy. He is a joy and pretty goofy, as labs tend to be. The foster from the rescue took very good care of the puppies and they all were happy and healthy. The director, Jolene, is easy to work with and has followed up with us several times. Their procedures for adoption are sensible and helped to insure good homes for the dogs. Communication is excellent. We highly recommend this rescue and hope to adopt from them in the future.
We were looking to adopt a Labrador retriever. My son found West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. We reviewed the website and decided that we wanted to work with a group that truly took care in not only rescuing dogs, but also ensuring that dogs were placed in a home that was the right match for both the dog and the family. After an extensive interview, continued communication, and the opportunity to meet and play with our new family member, we were able to bring home our lovely puppy. She is perfect for our family. Additionally, the volunteers from WCLRR reached out to us after the adoption was complete to ensure we were happy and doing well. This group truly carries about labs and the humans who welcome them into their families.
West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue was there for us when we had to make a very difficult decision to give up our 8 mo old pup. We could not further provide the time and attention our pup needed and it was not fair to our pup. He deserves so much better. They took him in without making us feel judged and worse about ourselves as we felt we failed our pup already. Our hearts were aching still the next day when we received an update with pictures and video of our pup looking so happy even as if smiling. The update also letting us know that he is having a blast and getting tons of attention in his foster home . Thank you all so much at WCLRR. We are so grateful!
We applied for WCLRR over a year ago. We were met with a thorough FaceTime house tour meeting and a very long application process. We really appreciated how in depth this rescue goes to make sure their candidates are qualified and the best families possible for their available dogs. We never thought we’d be able to ethically rescue a Labrador puppy but when we saw Daisy’s litter we immediately applied. We had a phone call and multiple emails back and forth to make sure we were a good fit. Once it was confirmed we were approved- we were able to bring our adult dog to the volunteers house who was taking care of the pups- so he could come and make sure the puppy and our dog got along. Poppy aka Roxy took an instant liking to him. We received her vaccine records, a bag of food, and toys. Ever since bringing Roxy home- we’ve been checked on many times to make sure everything is going well. We really appreciate how serious the volunteers here take the role and responsibility of finding the best option for dogs they have rescued. We are so grateful this ethical breed specific rescue exists! Thank you.
Hello All,
Our story starts with the loss of our precious Boy Mr. Mac Attack! We lost him suddenly in November, his litter mate Miss Nikki Pink became very sad. So in researching Lab rescues we came across WCLRR, we inquired got approved and then on separate visits to the sight we both found Wesley. Next day I said I found this guy Wesley and Laur said ` me too.
We got Wes in part to help with Nikkis sadness (and ours) well Miss Pink passed away from the same cancer as her brother on March 20.
We are blessed to have found WCLRR! We got to meet with Jolene and Laura his foster Mom.
Wesley is a very kind sole! Even being almost 7 he has learned all his new commands and is a huge cuddlier!
At first I felt like I was having to jump through hoops but it was all for the safety and well-being of Mr. Wes. We are grateful to have him. Grateful to this rescue for all they do for these great pups.
Think of adopting first these kids need cozy places to lay their heads.
Last Saturday, my family adopted a 2 month old chocolate lab puppy named Lily from Daisy's litter. We thought finding a puppy from a rescue would be impossible, but it wasn't. Little Lily has brought so much joy into our house for me, my wife, our little girl, and three cats. Fantastic experience! Here's how it happened...
For the last four years my family contemplated bringing a Labrador Retriever into our home and we decided to wait and find a rescue organization. This year we stumbled upon WCLRR and followed their website and socials. After a lot of thought and consideration, my wife and I decided to start the application process in an effort to find a Lab three or under. Going through a breeder didn't feel right to us based on a few past experiences -- adopting from a shelter or rescue was our preference.
WCLRR is a fantastic organization that deeply cares about the dogs and finding the best homes for them (my wife and I loved this). We would talk about the available dogs on the website and should we apply or not (some were too old for us and we have three cats of various ages and activity levels). The website lays out the WCLRR philosophy in great detail which helps manage expectations -- everything on the website is correct and it was exactly as described, "nothing guarantees you will get a dog." And it's true.
I decided to start the adoption application process while we were on spring break. It's a thorough application that covers everything about your situation, reason for adopting, experience with dogs, and lifestyle. This might rub people the wrong way as I'm sure you can lease a car faster or adopt from a shelter in a number of hours. It took me about 45 minutes to accurately complete the adoption application. The next day I received an e-mail from a volunteer (not going to name them as a courtesy) to schedule the home interview/inspection over FaceTime. The entire family sat for the interview. I showed him around the yard and main living areas, answered questions, and asked a few. We were told it may take up to a week for our application to be reviewed and decided upon. There's a $30 donation to help with costs, which is reasonable.
I applied for Gus and wrote an e-mail to the address indicated on the website. Soon after I received a response to thank me for my interest and my family would be added to the list of interested families. I was optimistic but knew our chances were slim considering our cats. I saw the posts about Daisy and her pups. We decided to keep looking for available dogs and try to adopt one of Daisy's pups.
One day I decided it was time to reach out and express our interest in adopting one of Daisy's puppies. Our daughter was excited, but we told her not to get her hopes up given the amount of interest for a puppy. I received a response from the same volunteer acknowledging receipt of our interest. Five days later I received an e-mail from a different volunteer to schedule a phone call. We spoke about the puppies, our experience with puppies, the disruption a puppy will cause to a family routine, and not taking the puppy to public places before being fully vaccinated for parvo. I was told a decision would be made several days later.
The family discussed the change a puppy would bring and we all agreed we wanted a puppy if lucky enough. Several days later I sent a follow up e-mail to the volunteer and on Monday morning she called to give me the exciting news: we were selected to adopt one of the puppies. She explained the process, e-mailed the time and location, and we showed up as agreed upon. There were volunteers at the foster family's home. The puppies were hanging out in a playpen in the backyard. We were able to become acquainted with the volunteers and the pups. Then sweet Lily bonded with our daughter and that was it. We found the right puppy. The paperwork was prepared and e-mailed to me. I read and signed the adoption agreement on my phone and made the agreed upon donation. My family received the folder with paperwork (vaccinations and a dog tag), a bag with some toys, a can of the wet food fed to the puppies, and a bag of kibble.
The entire experience was fantastic. There were no surprises. Everyone was professional, courteous, caring, and clear about the expectations on all sides. They really care about these marvelous dogs. The volunteers have all been fantastic, every one, and they checked in the next day to see how things were going. My family is very thankful to everyone at WCLRR for their hard work and dedication running such a fantastic rescue.
WCLRR really does take the time to find the perfect home for their dogs. We were looking to add another lab to our family and wanted a puppy, to our surprise WCLRR had a litter of puppies. The whole process was so smooth and it was all meant to be. Response time was excellent and all volunteers were wonderful. It was a great experience for our family and now we get to love on our adorable Molly girl.
West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue is a wonderful organization. We were so impressed with the adoption process and follow up once we adopted our dog. They are true to their mantra “it’s all about the dog” and as they told us, their priority is finding the best home for the dog and not finding a family a new dog. We found the application and home walk thru process very straight forward and thorough. We were promptly approved and after we communicated the dog we were interested in, somebody contacted us to tell us more about the dog to ensure it was a good fit. We then set up time with the foster family to meet our soon to be new dog. We were asked to bring our current dogs so they could see them interact and identify if there may be potential issues. We all fell in love and adopted our new lab: “The Fabulous Miss Mazie”. WCLRR has followed up several times to ensure Mazie is adjusting okay and we have the foster family’s contact information and have reached out when we had questions. Not a day goes by that we don’t say how lucky we were to find WCLRR and to adopt Mazie.
We adopted Whiskey in February. He is the perfect fit for our family. He is a huge lap dog and wants to be on top of us at all times. He loves his sister, Violet, and is just the best boy. I am grateful to West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue and the foster family for saving this boy. He is the best!
A Pawsitively Remarkable Rescue: West Coast Labrador and Retriever Rescue (WCLRR)
I got my dog Finn from West Coast Labrador and Retriever Rescue. They stand out as an exemplary rescue organization that truly lives by its slogan, "we're all about the dogs." Their commitment to preparing dogs for successful adoption is evident, everything from providing basic training and medical care before the adoption to the thorough vetting process of adoptees, they truly only want what’s best for the dog.
What sets WCLRR apart is their holistic approach to adoption, considering the compatibility of dogs with other pets, children, and matching the energy level of the household. Their vetting process is meticulous, matching each dog with a family that meets that dogs specific needs. The professionalism and courtesy displayed by WCLRR's volunteers underscore their genuine love for these beautiful animals.
In summary, WCLRR is a 100% dog-centric organization that prioritizes the best interests of their rescues. If you're considering adopting a new family member, there is no better organization to work with than WCLRR.
We adopted Lucy Rose in February of 2023, had an amazing experience with this organization. They were honest, engaged and showed great concern and care for their animals, we continue to highly recommend them wherever we go!
We needed an assessment for a Silver Lab we rescued. Joline was incredibly helpful and responsive.
When Scott came by, he spent almost two hours with us - we learned a lot about the process and her demeanor. We ended up keeping her and are so happy. This decision was made with the help of West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue.
We have had several Labradors in the family. After having lost our most recent to an unexpected illness this past February, we were suddenly without a four legged companion for the first time in nearly 30 years. We decided to adopt a rescue and scoured websites in search of our next family member. We eventually found WCLRR, had interest in one of their available dogs, and completed their adoption application. We were contacted quickly, arranged an interview, and completed the home inspection. Within a very short period of time we were able to arrange a meeting with the dog and his foster parents. We instantly fell in love and were able to bring him home that afternoon.
We appreciated the transparency of the dog's description as well as the thoroughness of the process in preparing us for our first adoption. WCLRR ensures that their rescues all go to a good home and receive the kind of love and care that they deserve. We have had Jackson since March and have addressed his listed "challenges" (high energy, counter surfing, leash pulling, etc...) with some hard work, love, and by spending a lot of time together. He recently completed a board and train program to make sure that he responds to a short, yet important, list of commands. He's learned a lot and so have we. Training will be an ongoing process; however, it is one that we all enjoy.
We can not recommend WCLRR highly enough. Their volunteers are engaging, informative, communicative and extremely helpful. The adoption process is thorough, straightforward and reasonable. The adoption fees were affordable and the supplemental information provided has been useful. WCLRR are not just looking for a home for their Labradors, they are looking for the best home and the ideal match for each dog. We have appreciated the follow-up from them in the months after the adoption. Given Jackson's playfulness with other dogs I'm sure that a little brother or sister is in his future and we would not hesitate to work with WCLRR again when the time comes.
Working with WCLRR was an amazing experience from Tammy who conducted the virtual home tour and interview, Jolene who worked with me in finding the right adoptee (I was very particular that I was trying to honor my Molly I lost November 2021 looking for a yellow female between 2-7 years old). Jolene kept in contact with me working on the perfect fit for me and the adoptee. Finally Terri the foster who conducted the meet and greet, Terri spent time to share Shelby’s story with me, Shelby’s habits and insuring that Shelby was the right fit.
After the adoption both Jolene & Terri kept in touch to see how things were going.
4 weeks into my adoption Shelby has settled in to her new home and a perfect fit! Well worth the wait! Thank you Tammy, Jolene, Terri and WCLRR you guys are truly dedicated to finding the forever home for your rescues without borders.
We had a wonderful experience with WCLRR. After losing our beloved senior dog in October 2022, we slowly started looking to add a rescue puppy to our family. We applied to 3 different rescues to get the process going since we knew it could take a while for us to find the right match and to get through their screening process. We were surprised with how quickly WCLRR volunteers contacted us and screened our family. We had a good discussion about what we were looking for and we were happy to find out that quite a few of the volunteers had previously worked at the rescue where we had found our last dog. We kept an eye on the WCLRR website to see if a good match came up. We were pleasantly surprised when they reached out to us about 2 young dogs that were likely to be arriving that they thought would be a match. We have had our beloved Roxy now for 6 months and are so happy. The foster was amazing, friendly, and available for us to meet Roxy. The volunteers were even able to obtain vet information from the previous owners and passed along all of her shot information. Overall, we are very happy with everyone we have worked with at WCLRR and appreciate the selflessness of all the volunteers there. Please keep in mind as you work with them that these are all volunteers though and be patient and gracious as you go through the process.
I am so thankful for WCLRR because I wouldn't have my new fur baby without them. They were wonderful to work with from the home inspection to understanding my life and what I need out of a dog. It was tough being patient, but I wouldn't trade any of it for the fur baby that is now all mine. I credit the organization with taking the time to understand me and matching the perfect dog for me.
We feel so lucky to find a lab that was a good match for us . WCLRR are honest and detailed about their description of the dogs, extremely responsive, and clear in their communications.
Truly a professionally run organization by people who really care for the dogs.
WCLRR is a great organization. I lost my 14-year-old boy at the beginning of the pandemic. I had raised him from puppyhood, but loved him as an older dude, so decided I wanted to adopt an older Lab. I knew I’d have to wait, but the process was deliberate and well-considered, and the WCLRR team were great communicators throughout. My lovely Mari G has been with me 1-1/2 years now, and I couldn’t be happier. I refer all my dog-loving friends to WCLRR.
WCLR is an amazing dedicated group of lab owners!
They take great pride in the care of their labs and do an outstanding job vetting potential owners.
We came across WCLR just over a year ago and we’re lucky enough to adopt Houston into our family! The initial process was through which we very much appreciated as they want to know that both the family and dog are the correct fit.
Once we brought Houston home we quickly learned about some preexisting conditions that were not uncovered during the initial screening. The team at WCLR was quick to respond and answer all the questions they could. They even went to far as to offering up a full refund of our fees to help cover future medication needs which was an amazing gesture that we kindly denied.
We highly recommend WCLR to any family looking to add a lab to their family!!!
Rescue work is not for the faint of heart. And while some of the application may seem basic and trivial, clearly it is necessary given the number of animals that need adopting, are in foster, rescues, shelters, and worse yet, neglected and euthanized every day across this country. I don’t envy people who do rescue as they are faced every day with the shortcomings of humans, so if they come across as abrasive or rude, I try to remember their goal is to just find loving, permanent homes for dogs that have already been discarded. I’ve adopted several Labradors from two Southern California rescues, WCLRR being one of them, and I’ve gotten amazing dogs from both of them. They ask for a very reasonable donation, which I highly doubt even covers the amount they put into each of these dogs. They’re super upfront about what history and information they have on their dogs to help you make a decision as to whether a particular dog fits into your home and lifestyle. The couple of fosters I interacted with were really great as well. I always say I can have any breed, mixed or purebred, I want, because people dump them all. I only have to provide consistent love, care, maybe some training (as many people fail to train their dogs and that’s why they end up on the streets and in the shelters) and in return, I have these great lifelong companions.
We contacted a lot of rescues and shelters when we considered adopting a dog, but West Coast Labrador was by far the best service we worked with. They were incredibly responsive, precise, informative, and caring the whole way through. In less than two weeks after applying, we were able to adopt Frankie, who has been a perfect fit for our family! With West Coast Lab, we felt like we had as much information as we could possibly want in order to make an informed decision. Highly recommend!
Had a terrific experience - we were a bit late to the process and fell in love with a pup on their website. They were able to schedule me a same day virtual visit at night and kept me involved throughout the process so we knew what to do. We knew the chances of getting him were low and we were so happy to find out we were chosen to meet our newest family member. 5/5 stars - if the process seems like a bit much, it is because they are doing everything they can to ensure the best possible experience and home for the dogs. Truly a rescue putting the dogs interests first!
Incredibly rude and difficult to work with. Application is written at a first grade level. Assumes People do not know the dogs have to be fed or or given Water or go outside to exercise.
Any mention of the application, being a little bit redundant and unnecessary questions, and they immediately refused to work with you.
The owner is very rude, difficult, and not recommended
WCLRR is the best! We had a really wonderful experience working with them. Our dog Kobe past in Aug 2020 and we had just been approved a month prior to adopt with WCLRR, we didn’t feel ready at the time to get another dog. I continued to follow WCLRR on Instagram. In Oct 2022 I saw Harper (now Sage) and they did a follow up since it had been 2yrs since our approval. We have had Sage for 2 months and we can’t imagine life without her. She keeps our older dog on her toes and brings a smile to our faces everday. We look forward to many more adventures with her.
Jolene and the WCLRR team are really “all about the dogs”.
Heather and Ryan
WCLRR is a wonderful caring rescue! Ziggy’s story touched our hearts and within a few weeks we brought him home to join our family. He is relaxing and enjoying his furever home! Diana, Jolene and the foster parents have been supportive throughout the entire process. So sweet to see him learning to play with toys and Minnie & Crash.
WCLRR cares so much about their dogs. They really are "all about the dogs!" We have been lucky enough to have adopted 2 labs (Conor and Sadie) from WCLRR and each time our experience with Jolene and the foster families have been wonderful. The website descriptions of the dogs are honest and accurate. Jolene follows up once there has been a placement (evidence of her truly caring that the dogs are happy and adjusting in their new environment). They really and truly are wonderful people who volunteer here ... I can't say enough about them!
WCLRR has been amazing during Mickey's adoption process. Mickey is a wonderful addition to our family. I fell in love with Mickey's picture, after filling out his application I was contacted very quickly by Jolene. Next was the meet and greet with our dog Goose. 2 weeks later he was home with us. We are thankful to WCLRR for giving us the opportunity to have such an amazing dog and for all the hard work they put into all their dogs to make this possible.
Our family recently decided to get another lab. We got our first lab through a rescue and we dicided to go through the same route. In researching WCLRR I found everything about them to be professional and legitimate. The whole process was smooth and WCLRR's volunteer staff were very clear about expectations and wait time. They were honest and forthcoming.
We got our call to meet a 5-year old chocolate lab named "Bailey". Our family was so excited and Bailey's fosters were amazing. They took the time to speak with us before our meet day. So many of our questions were answered and they sent us more pictures of her.
We visited Bailey on 12/23/22 and that was her "Gotcha Day". It's only been a wek and she's been a princess. The match has been as close to perfect. Bailey is now "Hershey" which is appropriate to her soft dark brown coat. She's excellent on her walks and when she meets new people and other dogs and critters. She loves her pet octopus and wants to show it to everyone.
Thank you to WCLRR for what you do for these dogs and how you all carry yourself. Have a wonderful New Year!
WCLRR is fantastic!!! Their staff is truly devoted to doing what is best for the dogs they foster and eventually place with individuals and families. The team is friendly and extremely easy to work with. All of their dogs are healthy and well cared for. The staff does their best to provide an accurate profile of every dog, so that adopters are less likely to be surprised by any unexpected behavior. They matched me with a wonderful 5-year-old named Stanley. His temperament is exactly as they described. I am extremely happy with the entire experience!!!
We are a lab family and were broken hearted when our 3rd lab, Sammy, a 10 year old chocolate lab succumbed to her heart problems right after Christmas 2021. We always knew we'd get another dog, but we needed time to heal our hearts and also reclaim a little of the freedom that we had lost caring for a sick dog. I filled out the thorough application with WCLRR and were contacted quickly to do a virtual home interview. Since we weren't quite ready yet, we postponed that a month. The interview went well and we were approved. We knew that we probably would adopt towards the end of summer but I always referred back to the available dogs for updates.
When the timing was right for us, we found Bella Luna ready for adoption. Working with the WCLRR team was very easy and as they say, they are all about the dogs and what is best for them. We are proud that we were chosen for Bella Luna. All of the information about her has been accurate and thorough and we're happy she's a new member of our family.
I would highly recommend looking for your next Labrador through WCLRR. With Bella Luna, someone has put in a lot of work with her and we are reaping the benefits. She's a doll!
we have been a Labrador family for over 30 years. When the time came for our fourth lab, we decided to rescue an adult dog, so we began to investigate WCLRR. We looked at the dogs available and put in our application.
It wasn’t too long before we received an invitation for a zoom call. During the call, we were vetted, and we showed our home and family. We introduced our other rescues, a chihuahua and mixed terrier, and generally had just a real nice conversation about dogs and WCLRR.
We were told we would be placed on a waiting list, but we should keep checking the site. And that is what we did. Then, one day, we saw an 8-year-old chocolate lab named Kona. We asked about him and was put in touch with his foster family. We were warned he pulls when he goes on walks (he really doesn’t) and likes to steal shoes (he does, but just to keep him company, he doesn’t chew them up).
We were invited to visit Kona in person. We fell in love with each other, and he decided he wanted to come home with us.
We just wanted to take the time to thank WCLRR for the blessing which is Kona. We highly recommend this organization for their professionalism, commitment to labs and their people, and the passion they demonstrate with what we would assume based upon our experience, the pairing of families and dogs.
The Schutz family.
Our family has been fortunate enough to have adopted two labs from WCLRR. This breed rescue is top notch and they are truly focused on making the very best match for each of their dogs. Jolene communicated with me throughout our adoption process and facilitated everything to the point we met with the foster Sandra. Our experience was exceptional and we are grateful to have another WCLRR lab in our family!!
Just got back from a walk/fetch with my two rescue labs. Peanut and Butters. The entire process to get these two from WCLRR was awesome. Easy application. Quick home (virtual) inspection. And then a call/email/text notifying me that there were two lab siblings needing rescue from a divorce. The process was simple. The people running this operation were genuine and tremendous. And we absolutely love these two dogs. I nicknamed them the Smotheringtons, because we cannot sit or lay on the couch without them draping themselves across our laps. I know they appreciate us, but I am pretty sure I am getting more from rescuing them than they are getting from me. Thank you WCLRR! Peanut and Butters make an awesome sandwich here!
I had an absolutely great experience with WCLRR. I had been looking to rescue an older Lab, as it's the right thing to do, and I also wasn't in a position to deal with the chaos of adding a puppy to our family (one other dog and two cats). WCLRR supported me the whole way. After completing the extensive home inspection, I feared that my husband's illness might disqualify us, but the volunteers were understanding and accommodating. Once we passed, I kept checking their site until I saw the description of Chance (billed as the "perfect" dog, which he is!). I applied (and pestered just a little bit) and was accepted. After connecting with his wonderful foster mom, I brought my other dog to meet Chance, and when all worked out, I was able to bring him home. All the volunteers were very professional, compassionate and responsive. I highly recommend this organization and plan to volunteer when I have more time. Thank you WCLRR!
We adopted our girl, Raney, back In January and couldn't be happier with her. Jill was incredible in her approach with her due diligence on us, showing they truly care where their dogs end up. Raney is a perfect fit in our family and we will recommend anyone we know who is looking to rescue a lab.
We are so grateful for all of the hard work Jolene, Jill and all of the volunteers do at West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. Were are so grateful that we were able to adopt our black Lab, Logan, this year. He truly has brought so much to our lives and we are so happy that we were able to find such an amazing dog ! It's nice to know that the money we donated as an adoption fee is going to help many other dogs find GREAT homes. They really are ALL ABOUT THE DOGS!
I am extremely impressed with the WCLRR, after having just adopted our five-year-old black lab shepherd mix now named Toby! I researched a couple lab rescues in SoCal and was pulled to this one so much so that I only looked at dogs from their site. From start to finish, their expectations were laid out very well, and the interview process was appropriate in that they want to make sure you're going to be this dogs forever home. Everyone I spoke with was kind and respectful, from the intake interview to when I expressed interest in a dog and meeting the foster family.
The descriptions and pictures of all the dogs on their site were really helpful because I was able to immediately know if a dog was going to be what we were looking for: some years under his belt, active and good with kids. We also wanted a black lab, male. I probably waited 6 months checking almost every day because I knew one day my guy would come and he did!
I sent in my inquiry and received a response within 24 hours. We arranged a time to meet with his foster mom and Toby. I appreciated that they asked everyone that the dog would live with to be present at the meet n greet. My 11 year-old-son warmed to him immediately because he was friendly and active--just as described. They let us take him home on the spot and their adoption package we were given was extremely helpful! We got to take with us a martingale collar, a chuck-it for playing fetch (his favorite), his slow feeder, an awesome dog water bottle ( best dog invention ever), his food and a few other toys. It helped to totally set us up for success from the minute we got him home.
The woman who manages the adoptions checked in with us that night and the next day, which I thought was kind. Luckily it was all good things to report, but I imagine if that weren't the case they'd continue to go above and beyond until it was right.
It's been a bit over a week and Toby is happily part of the pack. We're working on his leash training with a gentle leader but aside from that he's just a love bug with a lot of energy. My son is overjoyed and they have a great time together, as do I, playing fetch with him in the yard. We can't wait to take him to the beach and on hikes but first want to make sure he knows this is his new forever home and we're his people.
Rescue dogs are the best, and when a nonprofit like this one goes out of their way to make sure it's all about the dog's future, everyone wins.
We adopted Samantha from wclrr last month and couldn't be happier! The website and online application were easy to navigate. Jill, Jolene and Virginia were so great! They answered all of our questions and walked us through every step of the process. The quality of care the foster families give is wonderful. Samantha already had a full health check up and had clearly lived in a stable, loving environment for some time before coming to us. They know each dog so well and the online descriptions are so detailed that we felt like we knew Samantha even before we met her. Our other dogs adore her and I can't imagine a better fit for our family!
They really are dedicated finding the perfect fit for each dog and family!!
We adopted one chocolate English lab from WCLRR in October of 2020 (KAHLUA) and a second one In November of 2021 (JAVA). WCLRR has been an absolute delight to work with. They are so conscientious and are very particular about which dog goes where. Our second dog I had mentally rejected as I thought he wouldn't be a good fit when I read the description, though we very much wanted a second lab. WCLRR thought differently and talked us through our concerns and strongly suggested we give him a try. He is a total love bucket and getting through a long healing period from a challenging surgery two months before we adopted worked out just fine. He now runs and plays without a care. Our WCLRR labs adore each other and provide great company and companionship to us and to each other, plus these two have great playtime fun. I can highly recommend working with WCLRR and when we want another lab we will definitely be back in touch with them. They really DO know their dogs very well!
Two months ago, we adopted Luna (formerly known as Juliet) from WCLRR. It had been a number of years since our previous Yellow Lab, Leo, passed away. We had him from the time he was a puppy until he was almost 13. You never get over their passing, which is why we waited so long before we considered getting another dog. From the moment we met Luna we fell in love. She had been rescued from a breeder and her medical issues (ectopic cilia and being spayed), were taken care of by WCLRR. What I appreciated most about their adoption process was that it was clear from the start that the welfare of the dog was their greatest concern, which is the way it should be. Being vetted was not a problem for us as Jolene, along with volunteers Eric and Jill Epstein and Wendy Boice were very clear and organized about everything, which made the adoption so much easier. We are eternally grateful to them for allowing us to become Luna’s caretakers.
Marc Rubel
I adopted Lulu in October of 2020 after losing my 13 year old black lab. I stumbled upon the rescue looking for reputable rescues in the area. I filled out my application and it was clear the team cares deeply about taking care of the dogs and finding the right homes and families to match for adoption
After a few months of looking and applying, the team responded to my application and I adopted Lulu! They talked me through her story, what help she needed and everything they knew about her.
I’m so happy to have her! She’s my shadow and is having a ball. We’ve got her in training - she’s done really well and continues to go to camp with her buddies, she’s also a regular on pack walks. She loves snuggles, car rides with puppucinos and is an all around happy go lucky dog. We love her and are so happy to have her as part of the family.
Thank you to everyone on the team for all you do.
I was ready to adopt another lab after losing my Layla to cancer. I filled out my application for WCLRR and soon after I was approved to adopt. I have a cat so I needed to wait for a lab that was “cat friendly”. I got a call from Jolene that she may have a lab for me. I was so excited to meet Skye. She was very very shy and scared of everything. People, wind, noises and lots of other things. But she has made tremendous progress!! She is the sweetest most gentle beautiful girl. I appreciate how Jolene took her time to match me with the perfect dog. WCLRR is a wonderful lab rescue who puts the needs of their dogs first and foremost. I respect them for what they do for their labs and I will adopt from them again with no hesitation.
WCLRR is a fantastic rescue! We were looking for a new golden/lab during the pandemic and WCLRR was incredible to work with. Their team is so dedicated to finding wonderful homes for all of the dogs they rescue. They thoroughly (and safely) vet the fosters, dogs, and potential owners. They were very communicative and responsive. The WCLRR team does a great job setting expectations up front and waiting patiently to match their dogs to the best home possible. You can tell that the WCLRR team takes a lot of pride in their rescue and they do a fantastic job finding new homes for dogs in need. We are completely in love with the dog we rescued from WCLRR and are so grateful to their team!
WCLRR and the people who work there are wonderful so it is no surprise that the dogs are great too! I rescued Jordan in February and he is such a great companion and an integral part of my life already. Jordan had a rough start in life; WCLRR rescued him first and he had surgery for a broken leg, then Liz cared for him while he was in a cast for 10 weeks, then I rescued him and he had 8 more weeks of restricted activity while his leg continued to heal. Jordan has just been cleared to be a dog!
He is a sweet guy who is the love of my life. Jordan just graduated from his beginning training class and we will move on to intermediate level. Now that he is cleared for longer walks we will practice proper leash walking.
Jordan and WCLRR are the best! They ensured Jordan's unfortunate start in life turned around, he healed, and he will enjoy a long happy life.
I cannot say enough about Jolene and Diana and all they do. I honestly do not know how they accomplish so much and provide the care they do for all their dogs.
We adopted Arlo last year and although I've adopted several dogs through rescue groups this was the most well-run and organized process I've been through. They are generous with their time and really do make it about the dogs. All labs are special dogs but when we got Arlo I feel we were so lucky to have this gift of a dog. The foster mom really cared about him and took me through all the specifics of his care and feeding. they also continued to follow up to check on Arlo. I really thank them and their whole organization for doing what they do and making a better life for these wonderful dogs.
My experience volunteering with West Coast has been very fulfilling. It is hard work at times but fun helping as rescue is sometimes the only hope for dogs needing a second chance. West Coast is very professional and well run. They are also tireless and always ready to rescue a dog in need. I recommend them highly to anyone wanting to adopt a Lab or Golden, or anyone wishing to foster or donate their time or funds to help save more dogs.
I adopted my second rescued Labrador Retriever this time through WCLRR and it was and still is a great experience. The people running this organization are so passionate about rescuing all these dogs and then finding the perfect new home for them. We had a thorough home inspection to see which kind of dog we would be perfect for and if that aligned with what we had in mind. It is about the dogs and preventing another rehoming and trauma for them. And the perfect one made its way into my family and he certainly was one of their special cases and without their dedication his life might not have turned out the way it did. Anytime again!
So I found West Coast after one of the hardest periods of my life. In the winter of 2019 I lost two of the things I valued most in the world. First my dad passed suddenly and then my 13-year-old Labrador retriever died a few months later after a hard fight with a difficult illness. It’s safe to say without hesitation my house was a sad place to be. It was me, my lonely eight-year-old golden retriever that I just inherited because he too lost his father, and a fussy four-year-old tabby. Well I knew it was time to welcome a new family member. I had a lifetime of experience with retrievers from little puppies who ate shoes to seniors crossing the rainbow bridge needing extra care. I decided the best option for us was a youngster. I started my search for just the right addition to our family. I was directed to the WCLRR website and immediately came across this spunky looking 12 week old little black puppy. His bio said he was healthy except he has some problems with his right eye so he was given over to the rescue. The vet was not certain if he would lose vision entirely or not but any potential adopted needed to come to terms with the possibility. Well you’re not gonna believe it but when I was born I lost vision in my right eye too so the idea of adopting a puppy with the same malady to me seemed like fate. And almost one week to the day after I came across his picture, little Augie became a member of our family. He is almost 2 now and our life is forever changed. Yes he’s done a lot of the same things every puppy does. We’re still not sure that socks or shoes have a safe place on the floor, and he seeks out tissue paper with laser focus! Even with all of his typical Labrador puppy antics I can say with all my heart that he has replaced some of the sadness in our home with a level of empathy and joy we thought was lost. He is a great little brother to my older golden, only mildly annoys the cat (who frankly is annoyed by most things), and has more love than you can possibly imagine. He chose us. I owe more to this rescue than I can ever put into words. This is the best pet rescue that I have ever worked with. I’ve gotten to know some of the people involved in this organization and I’m going to start my own volunteer journey very soon too. I know they say it’s all about the dogs but I think it’s important to know that the work they do is a gift for all the adoptive families to. It’s a gift I am forever grateful to have received. Very truly yours, Michele, Buzz, Augie, and Breezy the cat.
We adopted a lab from WCLRR in January. I cant say enough about how great Jolene and Diane are. They were responsive and organized from the get go. WLCRR clearly cares about each and every pup that they place into a new home. The web site is very user friendly and is updated every day. They also have great presence on social media including Facebook and Instagram. We were so lucky to have connected with them. I have recommended them to all who have asked and every one in the neighborhood who has met our new puppy. Thank you WCLRR for all that you do!
I can't say enough good things about the West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. This organization without a doubt earns 5 stars.
My wife and I lost our Yellow Lab to cancer in October of 2020 and had been looking for a new "best friend". We have adopted all of our previous dogs through various rescue organizations throughout the years. The adoption experience with WCLRR was without a doubt the most positive and transparent of any of our adoptions.
Diana and Jolene are absolutely the best. The website is very well done and technologically up to date. The application process is seamless and complete without being intrusive. Communications can only be described as remarkable for a volunteer organization. Responses to any questions I have had were answered quickly and to my satisfaction.
We met and adopted our new housemate in December, a beautiful Yellow Lab. The adoption fee was very reasonable, actually only slightly more than we paid for our last Lab over 6 years ago. The dog was spayed, microchipped and we got copies of all her pertinent medical records.
Our experience with WCLRR was extremely positive and we highly recommend them if you are looking to adopt a retriever.
We began volunteering with West Coast when they started a few years ago and we also donate. I am every day impressed by their dedication to helping Labs and Goldens in need. The volunteers are busy 24/7 every day whenever there is a dog who needs rescue. The vet care they provide is often expensive but the dogs always receive whatever is needed. West Coast has wonderful dogs looking for their forever home. A five star rescue group.
Before I begin, I do need to share that I'm a volunteer with WCLRR so my opinion may be just a tad biased. I've volunteered with a few rescues in my past but WCLRR is undoubtedly one of the best! I'm so proud to state when doing home visits that I volunteer with this wonderful Rescue and it makes me feel proud when our applicants tell me that that we're one of the only rescues that actually respond to emails and requests.
On another note...My husband and I adopted our sweet Carter (he's a Chocolate Lab) from WCLRR last May (actually over Memorial Day Weekend). Since we have a young granddaughter, it was extremely important that we have a dog who's perfect with kids. That's our Carter!!! The team at WCLRR was instrumental in allowing us to adopt Carter pointing out how wonderful he was with young children. When we saw his Bio and his pictures on Facebook with his foster family's toddler grandson and Carter laying on a doggy bed, we knew it was going to be the perfect fit. It definitely is!!!
So, whether you want to Volunteer with our wonderful Rescue or adopt, I can honestly tell you, it will be well worth your while.
I have adopted TWO dogs from WCLRR, a beautiful and young black lab, and an older chocolate lab. I am really impressed by how dedicated all of the volunteers are, and especially the group that runs this organization. They care so much about getting the dogs healthy and in a stable environment with foster care, and then they do a very thorough job in placing the dogs in the best potential home for the dogs. A lot of dog rescue groups mean well, but they often lack the capabilities to run their organizations well. This is the best group -- it runs very smoothly, and because of it they are able to rescue a lot more dogs!
scottbwclrr 05/16/2023
Ah, our friend who gave us our first Yelp! review. It's been three years now...... “There is nothing so unattractive as a whiny person. We can have empathy for a person in deep emotional pain. But a whiny person who gets overwhelmed with perceived unfairness and acts like a two-year-old child who did not get his or her way—well, it can be difficult to relate to that person.” ― Gary Rohrmayer