#70 in United States, #9 in California
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
Discover the Jack Russell Terrier, a breed celebrated for its intelligent and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Jack Russell Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fox hunting and vermin control starting in the 19th century.
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Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.
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44.5 percent of all American households share life with a canine companion. Pet professionals like dog trainers, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists are more important than ever as our modern society becomes increasingly difficult for four-legged friends to navigate—dog reactivity, anxiety, and general stress from lack of proper enrichment are on the rise in domestic dogs.
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.
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You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
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.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* 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.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
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!
* 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.
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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.
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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.
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Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
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Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.