Homeward Bound Rescue

About us

Small scale, big heart

Homeward Bound Rescue is a non-profit dog rescue that is volunteer-run, foster-home based and community funded, with volunteers all across Ontario.

Frank and Rocky, two senior pugs, sitting together on a couch

Mission

Care, foster, adopt, educate

We specialize in the care, support, fostering and adoption of brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, and in teaching our communities what these amazing dogs need.

Our vision is to raise awareness of dog rescue and flat-faced breeds through advocacy, education and community support.

How we work

  • No kennels. Every dog lives with a foster family until adoption.
  • Run by volunteers: a board of directors plus coordinators for fostering, adoptions, fundraising, events and home visits.
  • Dogs come to us from owner surrenders, puppy mills, humane societies and shelters.
  • Every dog is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, health checked, dewormed, microchipped and treated for fleas and ticks.
  • Funded entirely by donations and adoption and surrender fees. All of it goes to the dogs.
Kathy, founder of Homeward Bound Rescue

Our founder

Kathy's rescue

Homeward Bound began when Kathy started rescuing one or two dogs at a time, often paying for their vet care out of her own pocket so they were ready for their new homes.

She'd never let any animal suffer, so alongside the flat faces she rescued the odd goat, pig and cat. Her four children helped with every part of it, and you'd rarely see her without her phone, answering emails about a dog coming in or going home. Kathy passed away unexpectedly in 2014. Her spirit lives on in all of us, because we're still doing what she loved best.

The team

Board of directors

Tammy Harper with a rescue dog

Tammy Harper

President and Adoption Coordinator

With HBR since 2011. Her family's very first foster was Maya, a puppy-mill Jack Russell and Pug mix she couldn't let go of. These days it's Paizley the Dogue de Bordeaux and Eddie, a self-appointed boss.

"Being part of Homeward Bound Rescue is like being part of a big family."

Kristi Smeets with her white Boxer

Kristi Smeets

Vice-President and Foster Coordinator

Kristi's family started fostering for HBR after seeing a plea for a senior Boxer pair. Many dogs have passed through their door since, and her three boys help with fosters, events and transports.

"Until there are none, rescue one!"

We can't save every dog, but everyone can save someone

Adopt, foster, volunteer or donate. There's a place at Homeward Bound for flat-faced dogs and the people who love them.

Join the teamAdopt