Our goal is to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation of at-risk dogs from shelters that need a little more time, a more home-like environment, more individualized support, and/or have minor medical issues. So many AMAZING dogs just simply do not thrive or show well in a kennel environment. We aim to help rehabilitate and rehome these dogs with the goal of quality homes over quantity of placements. Our small rescue works with local shelters and rescues in Southern California to network, transport, foster, and adopt.
Mission and Vision
Mission: To assist in the rescue and rehabilitation of overlooked, neglected, and/or medically fragile shelter dogs in order to find them permanent placement in adoptive homes.
Adoption Policy
Our dogs are adopted into loving homes of a wide variety! We do not discriminate based on type of housing, yard, or other household characteristics. As long as we feel the prospective adopter can provide a safe and loving home.
https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/194567/available-pets/pets
Testimonials
See all testimonials"Mad mutts rescues & rehabs so many dogs from shelters. She gives all dogs a chance & finds wonderful homes for them. We don’t get a lot of rescue support for our shelter but mar mutts always supports our pups!"
— marissa l.
Volunteer / foster
"They are an amazing rescue and fabulous advocate for animals. I have enjoyed any interaction with them, and they have always been so open and warm!"
— daniele m.
Volunteer / foster
"Made Mutts have saved hundreds of dogs that were about to be euthanized in shelters across California. They have stepped up so many times for dogs that have had no interest by adopters or rescues. They are very transparent about how they spend their donors money and how the dogs are coming along in their care . I would highly recommend anyone who is looking for a dog to adopt to inquire with them because they have lots of great dogs up for adoption."
— jo a.
Supporter
"Mad Mutts is an amazing rescue that is run by an amazing woman. Mad Mutts rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes dogs at risk of being euthanized at shelters in the Southern California area. Mad Mutts will even rescue a dog on the day that it is scheduled to be killed. Mad Mutts does not shy away from dogs that have medical or behavioral histories and they are especially good with the pit bull-type mixes that are often stigmatized and overlooked. Not only does Mad Mutts directly rescue dogs, but they also support other rescues in doing so. Mad Mutts uses their network to help other rescues find homes for their dogs, and they have hosted events with a local bully breed group to bring people together for the good of the dogs. Mad Mutts also shares educational information with the community on how to properly care for a rescue dog and dog welfare in general. Mad Mutts has also used their resources to help out a former foster youth whose dog was hit by a car. Mad Mutts truly helps all dogs no matter what and any funds received will save several lives."
— madison m.
Supporter
"We adopted our dog Penny three months ago from Mad Mutts. Sheila made the whole process so smooth and pleasant. She talked to me for weeks about dogs and what would be a great fit for us before we adopted. She even brought three different dogs to our house to meet. I had my eye on a couple different dogs than the one we ended up adopting. Sheila ended up choosing a different family for the first dog because of the dog’s specific needs which was completely understandable and respectable. The other dog I had asked to meet ended up being more energy than our household needed so we ended up choosing Penny which was one of the dogs Sheila brought over additionally because she thought Penny would be a better fit. And boy are we glad she did. Penny is the perfect dog for us! Mad Mutts not only pulls dogs who are on the euthanasia lists at shelters (like our Penny) all across southern California but she gets to know each dog and is able to give fosters and adopters really important information to make sure it’s the best fit for both dogs and people. We are so grateful to have worked with Mad Mutts and will always recommend and adopt through this organization in the future."
— brittany l.
Adoptee
"Mad Mutts has gone above and beyond to help save countless dogs from euthanasia at some of CA top high kill shelters. She is one rescue who continues to advocate for her dogs even once they have left the shelter! Her dogs are often seen at numerous events, and provides so many awesome updates of these babies living their best lives of freedom! Mad Mutts has also saved TriPawds & medical dogs- giving them a true second shot at life! She supports her fosters and friends in rescue! We love Mad Mutts❤️🐾"
— hailey w.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"Sheila is the best person ever she helped me so much wit my dog that got hit by a car if it wasn’t for her help i wouldn’t of been able to get him the help needed"
— naadiya a.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"Sheila embodies what a rescue founder and animal advocate is - she works tirelessly to save dogs from high kill shelters, running around after her career job wraps up in the evenings, and all weekend in her “free” time, literally driving hours to get to the areas of most need in SoCal, going above and beyond to place them in homes that are the right fit for them. I’m writing this with my Mad Mutts dog fat head snoozing on my lap, because she drove to our house in LA from San Diego with several kid friendly dogs to meet w our toddlers, when she knew how important the right fit with kids would be. Our dog was a Mad Mutts foster fail that I never would have met if she didn’t make all the extra effort she does to pull from shelters hours from her home because they are so overwhelmed, then getting to know the dogs and her fosters as well as she does. She takes the time to assess the dogs as much as possible and takes every step to get them into the right homes. I’m in awe of all she juggles and the big heart she has!"
— jana b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
"Mad Mutts is an amazing rescue. Their founder Sheila is truly tireless in her efforts to rescue and rehome the dogs. We put in an application for the dog we ended up adopting - I received a call within an hour where she discussed our lifestyle and the dogs they currently had in their care that sounded like they would be ideal for us. All while she was on the road to bring back a previously-adopted puppy that was not working out in the adoptive home (no fault of the dog). This is a small local rescue that deserves its flowers!"
— alison a.
Adoptee
"I have worked with Sheila on many occasions, she is the president and founder of the organization. When I say she is the goat, I just don’t throw that word around. She is an advocate for getting her dogs seen, making sure they go to the right home, and does all of this while also working another full time job. She is wonderful and her group deserves all of the recognition and praise. The world needs more of them."
— dana s.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
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David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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