Hopalong Animal Rescue

We’ve had the honor of adopting dogs from Hopalong twice. One is no longer with us but lived to the age of 14. Both are/​were great girls. This organization is amazing.

They deserve 10 stars. Everyone from the Executive Director Juliet to every volunteer I have met works so hard to give these animals the best care. I absolutely love and adore this organization. We have partnered with them and helped find 46 kittens and cats loving homes. The cats from Hop Along has brought so much light and joy to the Rockridge neighborhood. So grateful to continue our work to help more animals find homes.

We found a dog in our neighborhood with a Hopalong Tag on it’s collar. Nothing on the Hopalong phone tree or the Hopalong website deals with this situation,
Took 18 hrs. But finally got a very helpful and committed response. Got the dog back to it’s foster/​to adopt family.
THE WEBSITE NEEDS AN EMERGENCY NUMBER WHEN DOGS WITH THEIR TAGS ARE FOUND.
Dogs get out. It happens. Any dog they have may well have a history of escaping. we were really frustrated when we could not reach them. OTOH It was a holiday weekend.
Ended well.

I’m happy that others have had a great experience because it is the objective of giving an animal a new home that is the important result, however my experience was quite unfortunate. This is my own experience and because I am not giving a great review, there is no reason for anyone to be hostile toward me.
i had found a dog through a foster owner and had gone through the process of application. The foster owners met my husband and I and liked us both and were confident that we would be able to adopt the dog.
We shared our history: lifetime dog and cat owners, living in a home with a large fenced yard, maximum time without humans would be 6 hours a day 4 days per week. We wanted the dog as a playmate for our loving lab. I passed the first phone interview, then the second came around and this person asked what the plan was for the dog. I explained again (as I did on the first interview) that we would crate at the beginning, and train the dog to be in the back yard, like the other dog, with our supervision. Once the dog seemed to be secure with the back yard, we would let the adopted dog be with the other while we were away but when we were home, they could be in or out.
The interviewer was very adamant about keeping the dog crated all the time. I explained that dogs were social creatures and we were getting this dog as a companion for the other, that there have been dogs in our house and yard for more than 25 years without problems. She still was not satisfied that I wouldn’t crate the dog all day while I was away. I became concerned that this interviewer would think that the quality of the dogs life would be better all day alone in a crate vs outside with the companionship of the other dog in our secured yard, She stated that they did not adopt out any dogs to anyone who would not crate it indoors all the time when there was no one home. I stated that we had different views on the quality of life for the animals and that i thought it was unfortunate. I was denied the animal.
i feel that I was denied, not based on my qualifications, because we did pass two interviews, but merely due to the spite and poor judgment of the last interviewer. I don’t think it is right to deny someone a pet unless it was obvious that conditions were not good. I would say there was no substantial reason to deny us the dog. I think these adoption agencies are great, however I wouldn’t trust all of the people that work there. I was heartbroken to not get that dog, as i had searched for more than a year for the right fit. The story does have a great ending because I found the perfect companion for our lab. I found him on a rescue site online. He was rescued by this couple who take animals in on their ranch. They do this at their own expense because they don’t have very many rescues. They are incredibly loving and caring people. Now, my two dogs play together inside and in the back yard when we are not home! It has certainly improved the quality of life for both dogs lives. It shouldn’t be so difficult to want to adopt an animal. It is for the reason’s I explained of my own personal experience that I give this agency a poor rating.

Love love love this rescue group! They are very knowledgeable about the animals in their care and they really seem to enjoy rescuing animals! Most definitely would refer them if you are looking for an animal to adopt!

This is a wonderful organization with the most hard working and dedicated staff I have ever seen. I read some of the negative reviews, because we were in the process of adopting a puppy who was in foster care, so I wanted to see what others’ experiences were with this rescue. I read the heartbreaking stories of what a handful of folks have gone through and understand the struggle they had, but I must say our experience has been quite different. Yes, we had to be persistent and check on our application to be sure it was received, which we did by going into the office. These folks are BUSY rescuing animals!!! And when I say they are busy, they are BUSY! They are doing huge work here, working to get animals out of shelters and into homes. They manage hundreds if not thousands (it seems) of cases and all for the good of keeping animals alive and safe. My feeling is, if you’re not being treated like you’re a customer at a pet store, it’s because you’re not a customer at a pet store! Be patient.
After a short wait, we were cleared and have adopted the most wonderful little puppy who was found on the side of the road and surely would have been euthanized in the shelter, but was given a ‘second chance’ due to the dedication and hard work of the staff at Hopalong. Now he is making our lives happier because of them. Thank you, Hopalong!

Juliet and the Hopalong Organization have given our family the most amazing experience. After several attempts to adopt a lab, we found this organization, which was featuring two beautiful labs in their pet survivor program. Not only did I fall in love with these labs, but I had never seen a program such as this. I called Juliet and we had an instant connection. It was as if a gift was dropped in my lap. She was so friendly and intuitive and knew that my family was a good match by a phone call and a few follow– up emails. She was responsive and set up a meeting right away with the owner and his precious dogs. I had the same chemistry with the owner and everyone was happy with the arrangement. Im now the proud owner of two beautiful English labs. I can’t say enough about this group, their programs and dedication to finding the loving families these animals deserve. There was no judgement, interrogation or anything that would make someone feel uncomfortable during the adoption process. I highly recommend this group and will certainly continue to spread the word!

I’ve had my Hopalong rescue, Betsey, for 2 years. She’s been such a great addition to the family. Everyone at Hopalong was delightful. I highly recommend them.

What a great organization. They rescue and place a bunch of puppies to good homes.
We rescued our pup from here and couldn’t be happier!

Excellent process — was so very pleased to adopt my next cat to keep company with my old cat. They are very thorough and considerate. Bit of phone tag, and never actually met any of the principals. met on of the volunteers. Would give four stars — but for the noble work they do — just the best. Hope they have ironed out any old shortcoming that I noticed here from a while back. Super duper — I’m in love with my new kitty and she is fixed and purrrrr-​fect. Thanks for the work you do. Perfect transaction.

I adopted a little mutt named Mojo a few years ago from Hopalong Animal Rescue. He’s the sweetest, cutest little boy! FIVE doggie paw shaped stars!

If you’re considering adopting through this rescue, please read this!
I visited them outside Fenton’s in Piedmont. First, if you want people to come, don’t pick Piedmont which has limited parking. Their spot outside Fenton’s was hectic. Had I’d been passing by (as opposed to going to look at a specific dog), I probably would’ve said «Forget it». I almost did not go because of the traffic just to get there.
I was approved to take my dog home that day. I was told his medical records would come by mail. I was thinking if you’re going to adopt a dog out potentially THAT DAY, why would you not have his records on hand? Had I been smart, I would’ve said «Um…no, show me proof of vaccination before I bring him in to my home».
Trusting as I was, I didn’t think this would be a big deal. Until I got the dog home. Major behavioral issues (not his fault. He’s had a rough life), full of fleas, and full of worms. Now I’m wondering what ELSE they didn’t tell me.
I think this rescue has no funding to get simple things like worm and flea control. I consider it a «donation» having to pay for the cost of my new dog’s care. What I am NOT ok with is that they’ll not release his medical records. Now I’m told it takes up to 2 wks for processing. Processing what? What takes 2 wks?
This dog needs care IMMEDIATELY. MEDICAL CARE, major grooming (baths at home are not doing the job), and then behavioral training. He has no doggie manners, severe separation anxiety from his foster dad, and is very stressed out. I can’t take this dog to the groomers or doggie daycare w/​o proof of vaccination. If I take him to a vet for care, I’m spending hundreds of dollars more and risk making him since from over-​vaccination.
I’m praying that no major emergency comes up nor a medical question I cannot answer. I think it’s incredibly irresponsible of Hopalong to refuse me those records even when I called to explain why I need them. Their office admin was quite rude. I was not done making my case and she kept interrupting me and said «Can I talk now… Can I talk now?». (Well, clearly you don’t give a hoot about my dog because you’re not LISTENING to me and only caring about what you’re going to say, so go ahead I guess).
And thanks Hopalong for obligated me to not only spend money on multiple vet visits, but then another $ 300 over the next 2 wks to take my current dog to daycare so he’s not around the new little one screaming all day. Dogs are expensive enough. You don’t need to make it worse on people.
Oh, and their website had my dog’s stats all wrong. He was not 10pds. He was double that. He is also not a Westie Mix.

4 ½ years ago I got my Beemer at the pet smart in albany (which is closed now) I fell in love with her from the start and it was wonderful to know she was already fixed, had her shots, and microchipped. I was so happy with her a week later I got my Portia! They are the most loving and beautiful cats! Thank so so much for all you do! EVERYONE PLEASE Spay/​Neuter YOUR PETS!

My review is a little late, as I only recently opened a Unilocal account, but the information is the same nonetheless.
I started off as a foster mom for Sweetie Pie, a 5 or 6 year old dog that had been found on the streets in bad shape with her puppies, and been through quite a few foster homes before me.
My family fostered her for a couple of months and fell in love with this sweet, quirky dog and adopted her. I appreciate how organized and efficient Hopalong is, both with the fostering and adoption process.
If it wasnt for Hopalong, Sweetie Pie would’ve never found a permanent home. It still makes me cry to think that this amazing, 5 or 6 year old dog (who spent the last 9 years of her life with us) would’ve been put to death in a shelter and never had a chance to experience a good, loving home (we suspect she was abused in her original home because of her timidness and fear of certain objects and movements).
It is amazing to me what a good home can transform a shy, fearful dog into. As she warmed up to us, her anxiety of being abandoned disappeared, along with many of her other fears. Her eyes lost that sad look and she won the hearts of not only me and my ENTIRE family (aunts, uncles, grandparents included), but my friends/​teammates/​neighbors as well. It’s one of the most rewarding feelings in the world.
I urge people to open their hearts to adopting older dogs as well, even though i know it’s hard to resist the cuteness of puppies. Many of these older dogs have been through a lot, and deserve to know a good home and be part of a family that loves them.
I know Sweetie Pie was very greatful, as she used to try to visit Hopalong’s old headquarters during any of our walks past the building (we lived only a few blocks away).
Thank you Hopalong– for what you do, and the care and efficiency that you do it with.

I’m not sure how people can give a rescue anything less than 5 stars-​they are RESCUING animals and placing them in good homes. What else is up for discussion?
My immediate family (in total) has adopted three WONDERFUL dogs from Hopalong and we couldn’t be more thankful! I think these folks deserve a pat on the back and a big «THANK YOU» for their time and dedication.
On the topic of fostering: I know several people who foster animals through Hopalong and have all had nothing but positive experiences. Don’t let the negative reviews about fostering discourage you-​it is important work and they are able to save more animals with more people fostering animals!
If you are considering getting a dog or cat PLEASE adopt a rescue animal-​you WILL find a fantastic animal through Hopalong!

I recently adopted a kitten at one of Hopalong’s adoption events. She has brought so much happiness to me in the short time I’ve had her. As kittens have immature immune systems, she had a couple of minor medical issues that needed addressing and Hopalong was fantastic about making sure she got the medical care she needed. After my own illness and weakened immune system, I couldn’t take care of the kitty for a short time until she was healthier, so Hopalong found a wonderful foster home for her until I can have her back.
I couldn’t be more impressed with the staff and their compassion and helpfulness!

My family and I fostered a dog, fell completely in love with him, and adopted him a month later.
For fostering, they were great. Before we started fostering, we never really had a dog: just a cat, guinea pigs, and chickens. Not only did they give us EVERYTHING for the dog, but they were very helpful when we had questions.
The adoption events are okay. The one we went to with our guy before we adopted him was very eventful. It was at Fenton’s Creamery, which is a very popular place. There were other dogs and foster parents there and the volunteers were nice and helpful. Our guy, as well as the other foster dogs (and kittens!) attracted a lot of attention from people waiting for ice cream and tables. It was nice, though the foster dogs didn’t have some sort of bandanna or way to identify they were adoptable, so it was probably hard for people to tell if they were adoptable or not.
In general, I would say this is a great place to foster from if you don’t have a lot of experience with dogs.

Our little baby turned 1 today! Well not really. When we got her they said she was 1.5 years old and estimated a birthday in April. I’m pretty sure she was younger than that and the reason I say she turns 1 today is because we got her exactly 1 year ago today (so an anniversary really).
I love my kitty like crazy, and am so glad we found her. She’s got a lot of personality. A lot of spunk. Sure she’s wild and crazy and climbs the walls but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
She greets us at the front door with her toys to play fetch, she snuggles every chance she gets, and she head butts and kisses on command.
We loved adopting from hopalong so much that we’re considering adopting one of their dogs that’s been up on the site for awhile.

I am so inspired by the people at Hopalong Animal Rescue. There was a horrible story in the newspaper about a 4 week old puppy that was burned in the microwave, and how Hopalong rescued the dog and was helping the puppy recover. The article stated that the Rescue foundation was requesting donations to cover the medical expenses for all of the costly procedures to rescue the puppy. What happened to this poor puppy is so horrific, that I felt the need to donate. I hope that my donation and other people donations are able to help and keep this place afloat so that they can continue to do miraculous things.

2 months ago, we adopted a Jack Russell Mix from Hopalong Animal Rescue. The organization was very professional and quick to respond. We submitted an application during the week and were able to meet with the dog over the weekend.
When I first laid eyes on 6 month old Jack Russell mix Sailor, I fell in love! He is the sweetest dog there ever is. We re-​named him Cookies because he reminds us of Cookies N Cream. (He is all white with black spots all over his body.) We were happy to learn that Cookies is a healthy puppy, as Hopalong provided us with his medical background.
Since having Cookies in our lives, these past couple months have been filled with so much love and joy. He is extremely mellow for a Jack Russell; he loves sitting on the couch and watching tv with us. I am forever grateful to Hopalong for giving us the most wonderful dog in the whole world! I would definetely recommend this organization to ANYONE who is interested in adopting a lifelong friend. Thank you!