#65 in United States, #10 in California, #2 in Santa Rosa
https://www.cwob.org/index.html
Service areas:
Sonoma County and surrounding areas
"CWOB team achieves amazing rescue results and is financially the best at putting support $ into animal programs."
— beth b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"I have volunteered with Compassion Without Borders for 6 years. This organization truly lives up to the "Compassion" in its name... whether for the many dogs and a few cats they care for and re-home, to the many volunteers and fosters, to the adoptive families, to the staff, to the world around them and all they come in contact with... there is such a feeling of care and compassion and love. The dogs are all given such individual attention, to their medical needs (we take in some very complex medical cases, dogs that would otherwise be euthanize), their unique personalities and likes and dislikes (finding them toys that suit their personalities)... and to understanding their unique personalities to place them in exactly the perfect home for dog and humans. I have seen CWOB staff go way out of their way to work with and re-train what many would consider "problem dogs" that would otherwise be euthanized, when so often the "problem" is based in past bad experiences and fear. I've seen dogs that might be considered "unadoptable" due to bad habits and behaviors become retrained and find "furrever homes" with happy adopters. I've seen blind dogs, deaf dogs, three legged dogs, and dogs with all kinds of "disabilities" - or differently abled – find happy, loving homes through the time and training this non-profit offers. (Did you know it is possible to teach a deaf dog sign language?) Dogs are giving all the time and attention and training they need, after sometimes coming here severely traumatized and with complex behaviors. I simply cannot say enough good things about this amazing organization and it's co-founders - and am proud to be one among their many loyal and devoted volunteers."
— dianne m.
Volunteer / foster
"This is an outstanding group based on number of dogs saved and number of dog owners helped with critical services. The team is great to work with as a volunteer or an adopter."
— beth b.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"Compassion Without Boarders is more than a rescue. Christi and Moncho foster a community of supportive and loving people. I adopted my Mexi - Mutt, Luna, in 2020. She is a true gift in our lives. Luna is full of love, joy and fun. She’s always happy and inspires me to make the best of everyday. My appreciation and love for Luna motivated me to volunteer in the Spring of 2023. I started as a dog walker and decided to focus on helping the Animal Care Technician (ACT) Team. This is an amazing frontline team of dedicated staff who feed, clean kennels, administer medications, do laundry, walk the dogs and anything else these sweet souls need. They work very hard. I was happy to use my volunteer time to assist them. One day I was asked if I’d like to work part time as an ACT and of course I said yes. I am proud of being a part of a work environment helping animals on their journey to their best lives. The volunteers and staff are committed to making our rescue dogs time with us as full of love and joy as possible."
— jerilyn h.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter
"Compassion Without Borders (CWOB) isn't only a shelter. Its benevolence extends beyond caring for abandoned / abused animals from Mexico and California's Central Valley, to regularly offering free spay and neuter services in its hometown of Santa Rosa, as well as free wellness clinics for cats and dogs owned by low income families there. Its commitment to the welfare of the dogs and cats it takes in is for life: anyone who adopts a dog or a cat from CWOB can return the animal at any point during its life if the adopter is no longer able to care for it for any reason. I have seen dogs returned up to three years after their adoption, for all sorts of reasons; the dogs are taken back, and the marketing process to find potential adopters starts all over again. CWOB has a cadre of dedicated volunteers and employees who between them work hard to ensure that every animal in their care is sheltered and regularly fed, exercised, trained, and medically cared for during its stay. Animals are only euthanized for dangerous (and non-correctible) behavioral or untreatable medical conditions affecting the animal's quality of life; at CWOB, no animal is euthanized simply because a home cannot be found for it. I have been volunteering there for more than five years now, and will continue to do so as long as I live nearby. My wife and I have fostered around thirty CWOB dogs over five years; all were transitioned to loving homes after lives of desperation on the streets of Mexico or the Central Valley; thousands of others have been rescued, cared for, and placed over the last 20 years thanks to the various programs offered by this outstanding non-profit organization and the determination of its visionary founders. I have never known an organization like it, and am proud to be a part of its mission."
— paul m.
Volunteer / foster
"Compassion Without Borders is truly an organization that lives up to it’s name. With a clinic and Mexico and a facility in Santa Rosa, California it transports, heals, loves, comforts and adopts out 100’s of dogs each year. Dogs that would not have had a chance at knowing a loving, safe home. It provides low cost wellness and spay/neuter clinics once a month to the community. It’s founder Dr. Christi Camblor, DMV works tirelessly to provide a better life for animals."
— sunny p.
Volunteer / foster
"CWOB leads with love and compassion in every aspect of their mission. Compassion Without Borders doesn't let their community feel that they are alone regardless of race, nationality, gender, or financial stability. I am proud to be a part of something so special."
— morgan t.
Staff member
"I HAVE BEEN A VOLUNTEER AT CWOB FOR 4 YRS. CWOB TAKES CARE OF THE "WHOLE DOG". MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED, MANY DOGS ARE FOSTERED, OTHERS ARE HOUSED AT OUR SHELTER MUTTOPIA. EACH DOG IS EVALUATED AND TREATED AS AN INDIVIDUAL SO THAT THEY WILL BE ADOPTABLE. MANY OF MY FRIENDS HAVE ADOPTED CWOB DOGS. IT IS AN HONOR TO VOLUNTEER WITH SUCH A DEVOTED GROUP."
— debi p.
Volunteer / foster
"Compassion Without Borders is all heart. Working tirelessly to help dogs from California and Mexico with medical conditions and fully supporting spay/neuter and Wellness Clinics for loving pet-owners through low cost programs."
— susan s.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"Amazing dedication to giving dogs a second chance in life. Awesome staff and volunteers!"
— karen o.
Volunteer / foster
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought those dreaded middle-of-the-night potty breaks were over. You were finally free from cleaning up puppy puddles. Then, suddenly, your furry friend starts having accidents again. It's frustrating, right? This puppy potty training regression is more common than you think. Don't worry; we'll help you get your pup back on track. We'll cover the common causes, offer practical solutions, and give you actionable steps to tackle this challenge together.
It's a cringe-worthy moment every dog owner dreads: your furry friend chowing down on something truly disgusting. If your dog has a penchant for poop, you're dealing with coprophagia. It's more common than you think, and thankfully, often manageable. This article explores the reasons behind dirty dog syndrome, from instinct to learned behavior. We'll also give you practical tips to help break this unpleasant habit.
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
Herding dogs are amazing, intelligent companions. But that also means they need more than just a simple game of fetch. Finding the right toys for herding dogs is key to keeping them happy and stimulated. This article explores some of the best toys for herding dogs, including options specifically for breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. We'll help you discover the perfect herding toys for dogs to tap into their natural instincts and keep them entertained for hours.
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Does your dog suddenly transform into a barking, lunging Tasmanian devil on walks? It's stressful for both of you. If this sounds familiar, you might have a reactive dog. Understanding what is a reactive dog is the first step to calmer walks. We'll explore the common triggers and give you actionable strategies to manage and modify this behavior. Let's turn those stressful walks into enjoyable outings.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
Does your dog's reactivity make walks stressful? You're not alone. Many dog owners face similar challenges. This guide offers practical advice and support for managing reactivity, including finding the best online dog training for reactive dogs. We'll connect you with reactive dog support groups, share training tips, and explore resources like the best dog training app for reactive dogs. Let's build a stronger bond with your dog, together.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Searching for the best off-leash dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for public dog parks with open spaces or private, fully-fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover top-rated parks across the country, plus essential tips on what to bring and what to expect for your next adventure.
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
Looking for the perfect dog park? Whether you need a wide-open public space or a private, fenced-in spot, this guide will help you find the best dog parks across the US. We'll cover top-rated public parks, the perks of private dog parks, and even explore Sniffspot locations – giving your pup a safe and fun place to play. Ready to find your dog's new favorite spot? Let's go!
Ready to discover Portland's best dog parks? Whether you're looking for a public park or the unique experience of a private Sniffspot, this guide has you covered. We'll help you find the perfect spot for your pup, with tips on what to bring, how to prepare, and even understanding dog body language. Plus, we'll explore some top Portland dog parks, including public and Sniffspot options, so you can plan your next dog-friendly adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Think American Staffordshire Terriers are tough? Think again. While their muscular build might intimidate some, these dogs are known for their playful and loyal personalities. This guide draws on the experience of nearly 10,000 AmStaff owners to reveal the truth about this often misunderstood breed. Want to learn more about caring for an American Staffordshire Terrier? You're in the right place.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.