A Guide to Welcoming Your New Best Friend

Person kneeling and hugging a large dog in a blue coat

Adopting a dog is a heartwarming decision that changes two lives—yours and the pup’s. Whether you're seeking a jogging buddy, a snuggle bug, or a loyal companion, here’s how to navigate the journey from "just looking" to "happily ever after."

1. Reflect on Your Lifestyle Before stepping paw-first into adoption, think about what kind of dog fits your daily rhythm. Are you active or more of a homebody? Do you have space for a large dog, or is a smaller breed more practical? This self-awareness helps match you with a dog that thrives in your environment.

2. Research and Choose a Shelter or Rescue Not all shelters are the same. Look for local animal shelters or breed-specific rescues with good reputations. Many have websites with bios, photos, and even videos to help you connect with potential adoptees before meeting them in person.

3. Meet the Dogs Once you find a pup that sparks your interest, arrange a visit. Meeting face-to-face allows you to see their temperament, energy level, and compatibility with you (and your family, if applicable).

4. Ask the Right Questions Don’t be shy—ask about the dog’s history, health, behavior, and whether they're spayed/neutered or up to date on vaccinations. The more you know, the better you can prepare for life together.

5. Prepare Your Home Before your dog arrives, stock up on essentials: food and water bowls, leash and collar, cozy bed, toys, and perhaps a crate for training. Dog-proof your home—remove hazards and secure anything you don’t want chewed.

6. Commit to the Adjustment Period It can take weeks for a dog to settle in. Be patient, consistent, and loving. Training and bonding take time, but the payoff is a well-adjusted companion for years to come.

Tiny black French Bulldog puppy in a blue outfit

7. Celebrate the Beginning of a New Chapter Once your new friend is home, it’s time to celebrate.

Whether it’s their first walk around the block or a goofy zoomie session in your backyard, cherish every moment.

Rescue and Adoption Process

Playful black dog on its back in a person's lap

At Tails of Rescue in Kahoots, our guiding principle is simple: the animals are our clients. Every decision we make centers on finding the best possible homes for them—homes where they will be loved, respected, and truly understood.

Many of the animals we rescue come from heartbreaking circumstances. Some have spent their entire lives confined to crates, allowed out only to relieve themselves—if at all. Others have endured life on a chain, exposed to the elements with little food or water. Some have been neglected, beaten, or abandoned.

But rescue is not about perfection—it’s about compassion. We rescue animals of all kinds: young and old, healthy and sick, blind, deaf, or missing limbs. We welcome those with heartworm, cancer, and other complex conditions. Some come from loving homes that could no longer care for them; others have never known love or safety until now.

Every animal is unique, and so are their needs. That’s why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to adoption. Our application process and interviews are designed to ensure each match is thoughtful and lasting.

Wet dog with suds on head being rinsed in a bath

Our volunteers pour countless hours into this work—not for recognition or compensation, but for the reward of seeing a rescued animal finally find their forever home. The more lives we’re able to place in loving homes, the more lives we can continue to save.

Our adoption fees vary for each dog, reflecting their unique needs and the comprehensive care they receive—from spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations to any extra medical treatments, testing, or special procedures. This ensures every dog goes home happy, healthy, and ready for their forever family.

While adopting from a city or county shelter may cost less, it’s important to understand that rescues and shelters serve different roles. Unlike government-funded shelters, Tails of Rescue in Kahoots is a 100% nonprofit organization. We receive no city, county, or state funding. Our work is made possible through adoption fees, the generous support of donors, and proceeds from our nonprofit pet supply store.

Scruffy dog wearing an Elizabethan collar

Each dog we rescue receives complete and thorough medical care. This includes, but is not limited to:

Spay or neuter surgery
Full vaccinations
Heartworm testing and treatment (if needed)
Deworming
Treatment for skin and ear infections
Dental care
Hernia repairs
Surgical correction of entropion and cherry eye
Mass removal and biopsy
Microchipping

Medical expenses typically range from $200 to $2,000 per dog, though in some cases, costs can be significantly higher. This level of care is rarely available to dogs at public shelters, where those with serious conditions are often euthanized.

What are the benefits of adopting from a nonprofit dog rescue in Anderson or Redding? Our rescued dogs receive veterinary care, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and microchipping before adoption. Because our animals live in foster homes, we learn about their personalities and needs to help create lasting matches. Adoption fees support the care of future rescue animals

How do I adopt a dog in Anderson or Redding, California? View our available dogs and complete an adoption application at TORinKahoots.com. Approved applicants will be contacted to schedule a meet-and-greet. Adoptions are by appointment, and landlord verification is required for renters

Ways to Help

Unleash your Kindness

Donating to animal rescue is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference. Your generosity helps provide food, shelter, medical care, and love to animals who have nowhere else to turn. Every dollar goes directly toward saving lives—giving dogs a second chance and the opportunity to find safe, happy homes. When you donate, you're not just supporting a cause—you're becoming a lifeline for animals in need. Together, we can offer hope, healing, and a future full of tail wags and second chances.

Tails of Rescue in Kahoots is a nonprofit program supported by donations, adoptions, and proceeds from our pet supply store. Shop pet food and supplies online through our Online Store. Store proceeds help fund veterinary care and rescue services for animals in our program. Our pet supply store is at 2644 North Street in Anderson, California. We carry pet food, dog collars and leashes, toys, and supplies for cats, plus a selection of small-animal products.

Where can I buy dog collars, leashes, toys, and accessories in Anderson or Redding? Visit Tails of Rescue in Kahoots at 2644 North Street in Anderson, California. We carry collars, leashes, toys, treats, food, and other supplies for dogs, cats, and small animals.

Since 2015, we have been very successful with our efforts, and we hope you will consider making a donation so we can continue. As the partnership with our donors continues, it is our hope that Tails of Rescue in Kahoots will become known not only in Northern California, but throughout the United States.

Mutts Transport Service Inc., doing business as Tails Of Rescue in Kahoots, is recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.

To donate by PayPal or Venmo click on the Donate button.