I have a senior dog that I need to surrender. Can you help?

Pepper’s exists to help ease the overcrowding of local shelters while giving “unadoptable” senior dogs a FURever home here at our sanctuary. We do not accept owner surrenders and only senior dogs from other shelters, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations. Shelters and rescue groups are frequently at capacity, and we must reserve our limited space for senior dogs that are in imminent danger of being euthanized. We recommend contacting local shelters that could provide your dog the gift of adoption. 

Can I foster or adopt one of the dogs from Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary?

Not at this time. When we receive a call from a shelter asking us to consider adopting a senior dog into our sanctuary, it is because that rescue/shelter has tried everything possible to place the dog into an individual home and is out of options. While these dogs have finally found their FURever home with us and are safe and happy in our sanctuary, hundreds of other dogs (of all ages and breeds) in local shelters need a home. We strongly encourage that if you have the time and resources, please consider adopting or fostering a dog currently seeking someone to love them and provide them a second chance.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes - donations are tax-deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code and directly benefit the dogs at Pepper's Senior Dog Sanctuary, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our Tax ID number is: 87-3612767.

What type of dogs does PSDS accept?

We accept geriatric dogs who cohabitate well with other dogs, and medical conditions are not an exclusionary item. Our sole mission is to provide a forever home for special-needs senior dogs with little to no chance of being adopted—whether it's because of specific medical needs, high veterinary bills, time commitments, and/or overcrowding. We do not have a size limit, and every senior dog is eligible for a permanent home at PSDS. Dogs that are NOT good candidates for our facility include those who are easily adoptable, puppies, and aggressive dogs. All of our dogs share a common area and co-mingle with the community. Health and safety are at the heart of PSDS, preventing us from accepting dogs with aggressive tendencies.

What is your intake protocol?

Many of the senior dogs who come to us have health concerns and, upon arrival at the sanctuary, undergo a comprehensive physical examination by our onsite veterinarian. Following the examination, our vet performs baseline blood, urine, and fecal testing while the dog is under strict quarantine. If our dogs are stable and/or healthy enough to undergo surgical procedures, they will be spayed or neutered and have dental procedures, if necessary. More advanced diagnostics, therapeutics, medications, and holistic supplements are determined after initial intake exams and testing. From when our dogs arrive to when it comes time to cross the rainbow bridge, they're carefully monitored by our on-staff veterinarians.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

We accept volunteers 18 years and older. Volunteers must also be able to pass a background check and complete a volunteer orientation and shadow session prior to volunteering with us. 

What in-kind donations do you accept? When can I drop off my donations?

Commonly Accepted Gently-Used Items:

• Dog beds, small/throw blankets, towels

• Dog collars and/or leashes

• Dog strollers 

• Stainless steel dog bowls

Commonly Accepted New Items:

• Unopened dog food consisting of the following brands (Royal Cannin, Purina, Hills)

• Dog toys

• Pee/Puppy pads

• Rescue Cleaner

• Pill Pockets/Pill Wrap

• Plastic Wrap

Check out our Amazon Wishlist here: Amazon.com

Do you offer tours?

Absolutely! To arrange a tour ahead of time, send your request via email to Development@psds.org. Tours are scheduled depending on staff availability. Given that some of our dogs may have compromised immune systems or be undergoing medical treatment during your visit, we do not allow pets to tour the sanctuary facility. Please note that facility tours do not incorporate opportunities to sit, walk, or interact with our animals. If you're interested in spending meaningful time with our senior dogs, we encourage you to explore our volunteer opportunities.