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







