Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Request information

    You can now request information from this business directly from Yelp

    Services - Baja Dog Rescue

    Animal shelters

    Community Service/Non-Profit

    Baja Dog Rescue Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Baja Dog Rescue

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Glamor shot
    Anthony K.

    Super nervous about this but after speaking to the owners and working through multiple emails we pulled the trigger. We requested a few dogs to meet but it's challenging for them to bring multiple dogs across the border. We met outside one of the dog stores in SD. Had to meet super early. Still a little sketchy in our minds but we are Uber conservative. Met Josh. He had 3 dogs with him. We had requested 2 or the 3 but had our eye on one. Few things. The dog we thought we were looking at looked big on camera but was a puppy so keep that in mind. We went in with poker face but within minutes "Lola" was in our car and we headed home. Dog has been amazing. Vet gave it a clean bill of health. We are 2 weeks in. Already potty trained and an absolute love of the family! We highly recommend this service!

    FAULTY spay paperwork, lies, got aggressive when we asking questions about her medical history, etc... Please read. My boyfriend and I rescued the sweetest angel ever in April of this year. We found a wonderful pet shop in our neighborhood and met Lucy and instantly fell in love with her. This store is one of the places Baja Rescue sends their dogs to. The majority of dogs the store receives are extremely nervous street dogs, and Lucy was no exception. We rescued Lucy under the impression she was already spayed, vaccinated, and chipped. Of course we took their word for it because why would we doubt it? A few months after taking Lucy home, we realized she started going into heat - something obviously not supposed to happen when a dog has been successfully spayed. This now meant she needed to see a vet to confirm if her surgery was botched or never even completed. After sedation and an ultrasound, our vet determined that Lucy has all of her organs - she was NEVER operated on. Although, she has a scar on her tummy??? What happened to my dog?? We attempted to reach out to the clinic listed on her original paperwork from the rescue. We had NO luck reaching anyone by telephone or email - the numbers provided were actually out of order. After doing as much research as we could, we did not find any information on the clinic she was treated at or the vet himself. Being desperate for answers, we contacted the store we got Lucy at (who are absolutely wonderful/loving/helpful people) and they were able to provide their direct rescue contact who actually originally brought Lucy in. This man's name is Josh. We attempted his phone number multiple times with no response. Finally, we received an email response from him. After explaining Lucy's situation, we were trying to find a solution to this. Our main goal was to obtain correct medical records. But, this began a battle with Josh. He became extremely defensive immediately about the situation ensuring she was operated on and we were wrong. He stated that the only solution would be to send Lucy (extremely nervous, previously abused dog) back to Mexico to get the same surgery by the SAME clinic that lied the first time? Since she was clearly not spayed, the legitimacy of her vaccine/chip records came into question. I have attached Josh's response to expressing concern for Lucy. This dog has became the love of my life and all I want is to spread her story and the way this rescue handles issues. They clearly do not care about their dogs and it shows. It's horrible because the dogs that come from this rescue are wonderful and in dire need of help. It breaks my heart to think of all the dogs out there just like Lucy that are being mistreated. I am adding the fake medical record given to us showing my dog was spayed when she was not. I have also attached a happy photo of Lucy to show her in the beautiful life we are honored to give her.

    Jennifer S.

    We had such a good experience adopting our sweet Fiona, formerly Fia from Baja Dog Rescue. They were very detailed in explaining their process and left no stone unturned. They were quick to answer any questions via email and were very organized at the meet and greet. When I took her to her first vet visit and presented the vaccination and test records from the rescue, the vet was impressed with the thoroughness of their exam and treatment prior to adoption. I did read the reviews on here prior to adopting with them, and all the negative reviews seemed to be due to the consumer not following through with their part of the process- having your paper application ready at the meet and greet etc. We would definitely adopt from here

    Kora
    christopher g.

    I can't speak for any of the questionable reviews on here but that was not the case with our experience. Baja was over top incredible. They were responsive after a day of outreach. We promptly put down our 60 dollar deposit and scheduled a time to meet our little girl We showed up 30 minutes early and met her, signed the paperwork, thanked the VOLUNTEERS who take care of these dogs, and we were on our way. Thank you Josh and the rest of the team! A+ experience and service for our beautiful Kora :)

    Arlo

    Thank you Baja Dog Rescue for uniting/introducing my best bud Arlo and I! It was the best decision I made going with this agency. They genuinely care about their shelter animals and take care of them from start to final adoption. Their adoption process is straight forward, just make sure to follow their instructions and as a safety measure follow up once more the Friday before the Saturday meet-and-greet. The first scheduled appointment I had, the wrong dog was brought, so we had to reschedule for the following week. Which was totally okay because the wait was 100% worth it. Arlo has been in my life for 3 weeks now and I couldn't be happier. One final note, do not take adopting a puppy, or any dog, lightly. They are A LOT of work (currently dealing with teething) and a big commitment, but it'll be the best decision you'll make if you stick it through and do your best!

    Natalie C.

    We rescued our precious fur baby through BDR and could not be more grateful. They basically do Gods work. They are rehabbing abandoned, neglected and abused dogs south of the border and adopting them out to loving homes. Given their locale, they are inundated with at-need pups and go to great lengths to save every one. This is a small organization with a big heart. I have friends and have met countless strangers at the dog park who have adopted through BDR and all have nothing but wonderful things to say about this non-profit. So it's unfair that a couple of people with perceived bad adoption experiences have left reviews here. A note on the adoption process: You may be able to show up to the weekly Saturday adoption event and get the dog you like, but someone else may already have an appointment to meet that dog (and therefore be first in line to adopt if they wish). To get the dog you can want, you will need to apply and get approved. Understand this usually takes a few days, as with any adoption org. You can then make an appointment to see the dog by emailing BDR before the adoption event. They usually post online weekly which dogs will be there, or you can ask for the list of dogs in advance. Also, the dogs are kept at the sanctuary in Baja and brought across the border for adoption. I'd guess this makes for tricker adoption coordination than with other groups, and this is volunteer-run, so have a little patience. Sooner than you realize, you'll be cuddling up with your new family member.

    ChuCha (Hope) and Dexter.
    Cecilia V.

    The work that Baja Dog Rescue does for the dogs in mexico, is beyond remarkable. Both of my rescues are from BDR, and they're the best dogs. One of my dogs ChuCha, formally known as Hope, was found in ditch with severe burns on her body. Thankfully someone from BDR found her and their medical staff got her strong and healthy! They also provide low-cost medical care for people who have a low income and can't afford to spend several hundred dollars on a vet visit. All donations that are given go right back to medical care for the dogs. Everyone who works at BDR truly, and genuinely cares about every animal that is brought in. If you're looking to adopt, I would highly recommend visiting their website and/or Facebook and making an appointment to have a meet and greet with the dog you're interested in! I'm very happy that I came across Baja Dog Rescue!

    Most playful little corgi I've met
    Audrey C.

    We moved here across country this summer & fell in love with Bandit (now Doug) Adam was awesome & made sure we knew Doug was a street dog and had teeth issues & leash issues. We knew 100% what we were getting into & he's been a joy! He's a little tub of love, and very easy to train. He came with all of his medical papers, all the information we needed. Adam was so friendly & our next adoption will definitely be through them!

    Our sweet girl ollie!! ( formerly Denali)
    Bel A.

    My husband and I adopted ollie (used to be Denali) almost 3 years ago from Baja dog rescue. It was the best decision we ever made. I researched many dog rescues and came upon Baja dog rescue because 2 dogs caught my eye ( Denali and another dog). I was hesitant to meet ollie (Denali) because she was a chow mix and I heard chows are very aggressive but after speaking to one of the guys at Baja dog rescue, I was talked into meeting her at one of their events. The rescue described her as 35 lbs and very sweet. I thought they were exaggerating. But after we met her, she is beyond sweet and somewhat shy and I could tell the people at Baja dog rescue really took care of her. The rescue answered all our questions via email, phone, and in person. They also provided all the necessary paperwork ( she had all her shots and was neutered) and offered a free check up with a local vet!! They even checked to see how she was doing after we adopted her. They are a wonderful rescue who actually cares about their animals and cares where their animals find their forever homes. Fast forward to two three years later, ollie is awesome!! She has an amazing personality and is still super sweet!! I'm glad I got talked into meeting her Cus now she's a big part of our family!!

    Happy to be home forever!
    Julie S.

    This rescue is what it's all about. They take the beaten, unwanted, neglected dogs out of horrible situations and connect them with great people. I adopted Foxy a little over a week ago and had a great experience. I will outline my experience and tips, because they are all important! 1. Fill out an application for the dog you want. Do this immediately, as this starts the process. The application isn't ridiculous like some others I have filled out and they don't require you to jump through a million hoops. Just be responsible, have the means, and want a dog. 2. They will follow up with you in about 48 hours via email. I did not have any success calling their phone number listed on the website. This is common with shelters though--volunteers can only do so much! Be patient, but follow up with them via email if you need to. 3. They will set an appointment for you to meet the dog you are interested in the following Saturday at the sports arena Petco. They will ask for a refundable deposit ahead of time to set the appointment, and will outline reasons why they would not refund it to you (basically flaking on your appointment with no communication). The deposit can be through paypal or credit card online. ***Bring a hard copy of your application or you will have to fill out a new one*** 4. If you have an appointment, you have first "dibs" on the dog. Make one even if you are not 100% sure because someone else could end up making one and you will miss out. I believe they only make one appointment per dog, so you are still able to go meet the dog if you do not get one, you just will not be guaranteed it won't be adopted before you can do so. 5. BRING CASH for the adoption fee. The deposit will be applied to your adoption fee should you decide to adopt the dog, so bring the difference! Just in case, even! Do not miss out on the dog because of this. There is another form to fill out once there and then they will give you all vet records and then the dog is yours. 6. Remember--These people are volunteering their time. They may not have all the answers about the dog, they may not have recommendations or a ton of knowledge on certain topics, but they are good people who want to help you adopt a dog. Other tips: -The dogs are driven up from Tijuana in kennels in a large van, and then are in makeshift pens. Give the dog time to relax if you are meeting with it, and also realize that it might not. This isn't a true representation of their personality and you will have to look for glimpses of it! (Foxy didn't even look at me during our meet and greet, and he is the most snuggly dog I have ever encountered! Look for the little signs! He showed them and they all will!) -The volunteers will have some odds and ends of leashes and collars, but you will be at Petco and can purchase one if they do not have one that works. -Be there a little early. If you make an appointment for a dog that won't work with you and your family, you will have time to meet a few others. -Be persistent with your emails. You may have to follow up a time or two to set an appointment or to confirm one. Do not get discouraged! -Keep an eye on their facebook page to see which dogs will be at the Petco event. They only bring maybe 5-7 each time, so unless you make an appointment for one it might not be there. -Dogs may or may not be potty trained, may or may not be socialized, or may or may not be afraid of people. Please don't expect a perfectly trained dog. You will set the expectations incorrectly. Foxy has been great, and he does have a few things we have to work on. Expect this. Rescues are a challenge, but they are worth it! Baja Dog Rescue has made the process quick and easy. Start to finish, it was less than a week from applying for Foxy when I got to bring him home. I highly recommend this rescue to anyone!

    Baja Dog Rescue finds a home for this mama, Darla!
    Camille R.

    So I've never written one of these reviews before but I've been volunteering with Baja for about 3 months now and I just gotta share about this organization. First off, to call this place a rescue, truly is an accurate label. Baja is unique in the sense that they are LITERALLY rescuing dogs who have been abused, neglected and stranded. I've learned through this experience that rescues in San Diego can actually receive dogs in good health from various sources and then turn around and adopt them out for a fee. Did you know that? I didn't. My rescue dogs came to us in a more direct way as they were both stranded and my partner didn't hesitate to take them in. So I never knew the inside of what it takes to run a dog rescue. I still don't know it all but I can tell you, Baja is legit in these efforts. Baja spends WAY WAY more on every single dog than they will probably be able to recoup. This is a rough model for a nonprofit but that's just how important this mission is for Baja. Medical is onsite at the facility in Mexico and if a dog needs chemo or full xrays, Josh drives back and forth across the border for every appointment. Baja takes in dogs that quite frankly, don't seem to have a shot at surviving sometimes. But they give it all they got until the dog recovers and can eventually be healthy enough for a home. The dedication blows my mind. Second, my experience has been mostly with the director Josh. I volunteer every week at the adoption event and spend my Saturdays watching families expand to include a new furry addition. What those families don't know (unless you stick around to hear me gush on and on about this place) is that Josh is the heart and soul of Baja. He probably won't admit this, but he gives and gives for these dogs with no expectation of thanks. Now, aside from the medical attention and rehab he personally sees to. Josh is without a doubt a dog lover. Just ask him how many dogs he's taken in when they couldn't find a home. Seriously, it's like a lot. Since I could go on, I'll end my comments with the actual adoption process you may choose to enter with Baja one day. Here's how you gotta do it. 1. Be persistent. When you email to show interest in a dog, stay on top of it. Josh has a handful of volunteers doing work that would amount to a full time job at times. If you are serious, you'll stay on track and follow up. 2. Be prepared. When you see that cutie that you want to take home, check them out on the website and Facebook. Ask to set an appointment with the doggie and do your application ahead of time for them specifically. 3. Be realistic. When you show up for that appointment set aside just for you, have a copy of your application, bring the relevant family members and be mindful. The event can be stressful on the pups and it may not accurately portray their personality. Take that in stride and spend the hour chilling with them and let the dog check you out. When you show up knowing your living situation and work schedule you'll have less to weigh out and you'll be less likely to change your mind. If you jump in for just any dog because you felt like getting a dog one Saturday, you may find that you're in over your head. Then you'll bring the poor pup back and rehoming that little guy will be much harder on the dog the next time around. Remember, this isn't just about you wanting to make them a member of your family it's about these sensitive, emotionally intelligent creatures too. Hopefully you'll find in your research of all the options for adopting a doggie companion that Baja is the right choice for your family. They do awesome work and I'm proud to be a volunteer. Not to mention, Baja dogs are some of the cutest around ;) Good luck and come see us!

    See all

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sherry J.

    Sherry J.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Pat I.
    1
    53
    4

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sherry J.

    Sherry J.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    horrible. adoption fees and rude staff. no support after adoption if something goes wrong after adoption

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sherry J.

    Sherry J.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sherry J.

    Sherry J.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sherry J.

    Sherry J.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bel A.
    112
    81
    45

    11 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Adam P.

    Adam P.

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erin P.
    228
    104
    140

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ruben C.
    12
    17
    18

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J M.
    6
    8
    0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Adam P.

    Adam P.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vera P.
    58
    25
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Baja Dog Rescue

    Review Highlights - Baja Dog Rescue

    This organization made the adoption process completely seamless.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Chula Vista Animal Care Facility - This is tank he stayed with them for 2 months he's dead. They said he had a seizure in the night he died of exposure to the heat elements an

    Chula Vista Animal Care Facility

    (96 reviews)

    Otay

    Went to look for a companion/add on to the family and were very lucky with our pick. Staff were…read morevery friendly and professional at front desk as well as during our meet and greet with our new family member. They will take their time and answer all your questions. The facility looked well kept and clean. There's a very big selection on dogs specifically and if you are a bit educated about shelter pets and are willing to be patient and maybe even consider some training, you will find a pet there for sure. I always like to remind people, specifically people who've never done this before, this is a place where animals from all walks of life get taken to. Some of them, if not most, will be showing some signs of kennel stress. It's always good to take your time with looking at them and ask as many questions as you can. Adoption is not something one should be impulsive about.

    Very hostile and aggressive workers, I found a dog on the freeway after noticing cars swerving to…read morenot hit her so I took her to this shelter but I didn't have my I.D yet offered to give them my information. They would not accept that and told me I would be charged with animal abandonment which is insane because they used to have cages you can leave pets in after hours ? I didn't have a choice but to leave the dog . I thought I was doing a good deed to prevent the dog from getting hit but left feeling with regrets . One of the employees stepped in front of my car to prevent me to leave which is false imprisonment and I will counter sue for . They were also screaming at me while I was leaving , officer that came in didn't try to deescalate or see what the situation was . Crazy how our tax dollars are being spent . Sad part is that I wanted to give them my information in case the pups owner were not found . I just saw a collar and tag and assumed she was chipped and wanted to do the right thing . I hope she is doing well , although all this drama came from it I will not let these people make me feel bad for doing the right thing .

    San Diego County Animal Services - South Shelter

    San Diego County Animal Services - South Shelter

    (110 reviews)

    Alright, listen up. Captain 619 here. I usually deal in... other kinds of operations. But last…read moreweek, I had to make a trip down to the San Diego County Animal Services joint in Bonita. See, my associate was lookin' for a new four-legged "enforcer," if you catch my meaning. I'll be straight with yous--I wasn't expecting much. A government facility? I figured it'd be all bureaucracy and headaches. I was ready to make a donation and keep it moving. I wasn't even really in the market to adopt, see? But let me tell ya, these people... they're the real deal. The staff there, they're not just on the payroll--they're made. Made of the good stuff. Incredibly helpful, extremely nice, and kinder than you'd ever expect. They answered all my questions without making me feel like a palooka and they handled the whole operation with class. The facility itself is what it is. It's an older establishment, you know? They're workin' with what they got. But you don't judge a book by its cover, and you don't judge a place by its linoleum. It was clean, and that's what matters. The process, though? Smooth. Very professional. No funny business, no hidden fees. I'm attaching the price sheet they gave me--everything's on the level, very reasonable for what you're getting. They made sure the pup and I were a good fit. It felt less like a transaction and more like... an introduction to the family. So now I'm a believer. I went in skeptical, and I came out a big proponent. This place shows you the great possibilities and relationships that can be made with a future family member. We couldn't be happier with our new associate. If you're looking to expand your organization, you know where to go. Tell 'em the Captain sent you. They'll know what it means. Capisce?

    Adopted a 4 month old malinios and I'm so happy I did I'm in love we named him koa . He's already…read morelearning so much. Loves his sister and brother. Needs a little bit more training he's one smart cookie

    Shelly's Shelter - Hi good evening. My daughter is heading off to college and I wish to put these puppies into good homes.

    Shelly's Shelter

    (11 reviews)

    I recently adopted a bunny for the first time and it was a great experience, all thanks to Shelly!…read moreI love the fact that she has the rabbit's best interest in mind when it comes to adoptions. I feel like many rabbit adoption centers are very specific when it comes to their adoptions, but not in a good way. Shelly does not judge, but she does make sure that you're fit to adopt. She also does not pressure you into adopting. Luna (previous Dustina) is the rabbit I adopted and she has tear duct issues due to neglect from a previous owner (we believe). Though I came in wanting her for certain, I still wasn't sure due to her condition. Shelly assured me that I can do it but to think about it, just in case I was hesitant. I came back the next day and here I am with Luna happily, two months later. She gives you a box of hay, a care booklet, and a free veterinarian visit at her workplace. She basically gives you everything necessary in order to care for one of her rabbits, all you have to do is give it love.

    As far as I know, Shelly's Shelter deals only with rescuing and placing rabbits. Over the years,…read morewe've adopted two bunnies from this wonderful woman. Shelly keeps here animal holding areas immaculate. She is extremely knowledgeable about good bunny care. The woman has worked closely with arguably one of the finest exotic animal vets in Southern California for years. This is a woman who is motivated purely by a love of these animals. She even tosses in a box of fresh hay with every bunny she adopts out.

    Baja Dog Rescue - animalshelters - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...