Borrow A Canine Buddy On Your Lunch Break, Day Off, Or For The Weekend!

Our Borrow-A-Buddy program enables you to take a dog on a fun local field trip. The dog gets some exercise, a break from the shelter, exposure to people and potential adopters. You get a fun-loving buddy for the day and if you hit it off… possibly longer!

Visitors and locals alike are welcome to participate!

Save time: You can check out our available dogs and fill out the   Borrow A Buddy application ahead of time.


When you pick up your buddy we will provide a collar and leash, doggie doo bags, treats, water and a travel dish, towels, an “Adopt Me” vest, plus food and destination recommendations!


Coming back from a Borrow A Buddy visit? We’d love to hear how it went (and get pictures)! Borrow A Buddy reports help us learn more about the dogs in our care and give us insights into behaviors that might not show up at the shelter.

BORROW-A-BUDDY POLICIES

Dogs must be leashed at all times when being handled on or off-site, including in areas designated for off-leash use.
Not all shelter dogs are eligible for Borrow A Buddy: Staff can tell you who’s available and make recommendations based on your experience, plans for the day, and other needs!

Call us immediately in the event of a bite or fight, if a medical issue comes up, a dog slips off-leash, or another situation arises!

Mendo Loves Dogs!

The Mendocino Coast is a Dog Person's Paradise! Whether you want to visit a park, sit on a patio and drink a beer, or find a hotel that accommodates pets, our friends at Visit Mendocino   have you covered! Not sure where to go? We have a few recommendations below for dog-friendly spots…and if you find a new one, definitely let us know!

DOG FRIENDLY PARKS + BEACHES (Please follow each location'specific policies for dogs when arriving)

  • Mendocino Headlands State Park
  • MacKerricher State Park
  • Van Damme State Beach
  • Big River Beach and Trail
  • Noyo Headlands State Park and Coastal Trail
  • Jughandle State Park
  • Seaside Beach
  • Caspar Beach
  • Pomo Bluffs Park
  • Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Station
  • Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
  • Jackson State Demonstration Forest

DOG FRIENDLY EATERIES

  • Overtime Brewing, Fort Bragg, CA
  • Cucina Verona (Patio Only), Fort Bragg, CA
  • Trillium, Mendocino, CA
  • Stanford Inn, Mendocino, CA
  • Good Life Cafe, Mendocino, CA