I adopted a puppy from Happy Paws Rescue in Yuba City in July 2025.. Lincoln (formerly Bryan) is playful, curious, loving, smart, & coexisting nicely with his cat brothers. He's also visited the vet clinic I've been taking my fur babies to for several years & has a clean bill of health from them. Pros: - Very responsive to my phone calls. - Friendly! - Puppy was as promised, clean, healthy, & I was provided guidance on his current diet, vaccinations, etc. - 20% off a local pet store in Yuba City which did help me save some money on his 1st set of toys & training treats. Things to Consider: - Unable to visit the shelter itself. Not something that bothered me too much as I assumed their small animal rescue is a private residence & I instantly fell in love with Lincoln. Still something to think about though if you want the chance to play with your potential new pet at the rescue to see if you're a good fit for the pet. - Varying pricing according to how much I paid ($750) vs. what other reviews say. They do seem pricier than most rescues I've experienced overall. - My puppy wasn't fully vaccinated or neutered before adoption. Those are add'l costs you may have to consider if you're interested in a young pet from them, but they did promise a $75 refund if you provide proof of the spay/neuter surgery & request the refund. Would I recommend them? Yes, based on my experience. read more

Happy Paws Rescue - Lincoln (formerly Bryan) adopted from Happy Paws in Yuba City in July 2025. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Yuba City, California

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I went to meet a potential adoptable puppy who this rescue told me was "shy." I met the facilitator at a pet store in Yuba city and the dog was unapproachable. Full body tremors, flinched at movement, not treat or toy motivated and also emaciated and covered in fleas. I informed the contact person I was not interested as this puppy would be more work than I could provide. The contact had an additional puppy in her veh which she asked if I wanted to see and I said sure. This puppy was 1/3 of the size but was food and toy motivated, allowed me to pet it and would follow on a leash nicely. After paying a whopping $400, (no spay/neuter or microchip), I got the puppy home to find it also had fleas, a massive round worm problem and double ear infection. After I took the puppy to the vet, (an additional $300), I asked for the contact to at least reimburse me for the dewormer and antibiotics or part of the adoption fee. I was told several times I would receive a check in the mail. (As they do not to Venmo for reimbursement which is odd because that's how I paid the adoption fee). Three weeks later and I still have yet to receive a check. Our puppy has been a TON of work. It was fearful of EVERYTHING and extremely underweight. The worm problem needed two separate rounds of dewormer. Really disappointed in this experience and will never recommend this rescue to anyone. It gives puppy mill vibes. Stay away. read more

I was qualified for a puppy that I was told about and I was waiting for a picture of him. In the mean time I readied myself to drive 12 hours to pick up this puppy without a name. I asked for a picture and when they responded they told me not to leave and the puppy was no longer available and that the "rescue" was no longer adopting out of the state. I am glad now that I see the reviews I am happy that they "did me wrong". They changed policy overnight- literally. They pushed me out of wanting to adopt from a rescue and buy from a breeder. How sad. (I did try with another rescue as well, but they were more ethical with how they did things, but not the right fit) read more

NEGATIVE STARS- This so called "rescue" is, I believe, basically a puppy mill. We adopted a puppy from them, and the puppy was diagnosed with coccidia and roundworms the next day with our vet. They meet you in a place where you can only hold the puppy and can't put him down to see how he interacts with you and his environment. After reading reviews (something I wish we had done first-that's on us) it is clear that there is case after case of them giving people sick puppies. Review after review mentions coccidia infections- so the environment is clearly tainted. I believe these are people that are concerned about making money and not about dogs. Don't fall for their spiel and STAY AWAY! read more

NEGATIVE STARS! Shame on this supposed "rescue". WE rescued a pup from this supposed "rescue". The meeting place was a local pet shop so we could only sit on the bench in front and hold the puppy. So we couldn't see much of him or what he was like before adopting him. The puppy slept the whole drive home which we didn't think anything of. We got home and set him down outside to go potty and he wouldn't move. He basically didn't move all night long, peed on himself and didn't make a sound. We knew by the morning that this puppy was sick. We took him to our vet immediately. He tested positive for coccidia and round worms. This puppy was clearly sick and they knowingly handed him off to us. We had just lost our 10 year old Shepherd two weeks ago and were crying telling them about our boy. Shame on them! Some red flags we didn't catch until after. They lied about a second puppy we were also wanting to see but they told us his foster was out of town and wouldn't be back for a few days. When we told them we didn't want the first puppy they immediately said we could actually see the second puppy that night They sign the "contract" with just their first name. Very shady people. I would never adopt or go near these horrible people. We wish we had read the reviews beforehand because it's clear these people have no business calling themselves a "rescue". They're clearly a puppy mill. read more

I wrote my original review when I was very young, and before the situation had progressed. Let me start this by offering my deepest condolences to anyone else who adopted a sick or abused animal from these people. Let me provide some updates. This place is a puppy mill, or works directly with one. We adopted Booker in 2014 for 300$, and met at a Staples parking lot to receive the dog. Very shady in retrospect, but I was 14 and didn't know any better. The woman who handled the adoption brought her children with her who tugged on his ears and handled what was then an 8 week old very roughly and carelessly. I distinctly remember feeling uncomfortable with it, and the fact that she did not correct her children on it. Apparently that sort of treatment towards puppies was business as usual. When we first received him he was extremely food avoidant and lethargic, which we later came to discover was due to malnourishment and abuse. He was also covered in scabs which we were informed later by our Veterinarian were flea bites. He began eating his feces within the first two weeks of staying with us which our Vet also confirmed was a psychological issue likely caused by being kept in an abusive and/or unclean environment. This aligns with the other reviews you may see where people mention their animals smelling of urine upon adoption. Booker became severely aggressive as he got older and became an outright bite risk despite our best efforts at training, medication management and so much more. We ended up having to rehome him into a skilled placement due to the severe behavioral issues that were a direct result of his horrendous treatment. He was my first heartbreak dog, and I have endless resentment towards this place of "business". Do NOT adopt from here, they are not ethical. The other reviews speak for themselves. I paid 300$ (apparently a paltry price compared to the 1800$ they ask from people commonly now!) for a dog that was neglected, abused, and doomed from the start because of the horrible treatment he received during the first 8 weeks of his life. read more

Somebody needs to shut this place down now! Mom bought a rescue from this place. Feet were stained yellow from this dog living in own urin and feces. She smelled so badly my dad became nauseous holding her on way home. After visiting the vet, the veterinarian said she believed this was a puppy mill dog. Luckily she has a good home now but there's more animals. Ironic that this dog rescue needs to have their dogs rescued from them. There's no access to the actual place they come from offering no clues to the condition of their premises. This woman meets you in front of a random location delivering the poor dog from her car. The address listed as a "suite" is actually a P.O. Box at the UPS store. Also, they never put their full name in paperwork. They sign all documents with first name only, hiding their full identity. ZERO STARS! These people be held accountable charged with abuse and have the poor dogs removed from their "care" read more

Called about a puppy. Was told $1800 adoption fee. I stammered e-e-eighteen hundred for a rescue? Woman said, it's too much money for you and hung up the phone. Not one word about the dog, me, or being a good fit. Super gross money hungry organization. read more

I also had the experience of calling to inquire about a puppy and was told $1800. I've adopted from an SPCA before, the adoption fee was astronomically lower. Something is not right about this place to 'adopt' a dog at this price. read more

Happy Paws Rescue - Poor puppy. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Yuba City, California

This place should be SHUT DOWN!! The woman who answered the phone was more concerned with if I could pay the $300 to "adopt" a dog than actually getting the dog into a wonderful home or talking to me about the dog. I asked about a puppy named Baylor, she immediately stated only the cost of the dog and no other information!! I commented that the adoption fee was really steep but that we would love to come meet the dog, she immediately said to me "no it's ok!!" I was confused, she was going to hang up on me?!?! I begged her to not hang up and to tell me more about the dog, she told me "that you can't afford the dog, sooo." How offensive! My heart breaks for all the dogs and puppies that are being sold for profit, not "adopted". I pray this institution is investigated for abuse! Btw she couldn't tell me anything about her puppy, or her business and she even told me that if I wanted to look at other dogs I have to go back to the website. This lady really upset me, I hope no one has to experience what I just did. read more

Happy Paws Rescue - Animal Shelters Near Me - Yuba City, California

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I found a puppy named Allie on Petfinder.com last weekend, I knew I had to act quick because she is so cute I knew she would find a home in no time. I got a call so promptly that she was available, I drove immediately to get her an hour away. Allie who's name is now Named Shasta is a lab/German shepherd mix and we are so beyond happy with her! Best $400 spent read more

Happy Paws Rescue - Animal Shelters Near Me - Yuba City, California

I tried to call and inquire about one of their puppies. Never got a call back despite repeated attempts. Don't go here - if they won't even answer their phone and try to place pets, I can't imagine how poorly they treat their animals. Go anywhere else. read more

We paid 1200 she lied about bathing and taking care of him this place needs to be shut down they do not care for their dogs. Not only did our little man have blisters on his paws she stated she washed him he smelled heavily of pee and even after a bath still smelled like it. At 3 months she said he had never touched grass. We placed a pee pad outside to establish his spot for potty training and he sat in his pee clearly he was kenneled and used to sit in his own for long periods of time. Here is our sweet boy we couldn't just leave him with her she was eccentric and extremely dirty herself. But either way this is a scam and only care about money. Also they rarely answer the phone which is a cell phone read more

Happy Paws Rescue - Winston previously Charlie - Animal Shelters Near Me - Yuba City, California

I'm so grateful for the many, many bad reviews posted here about this business. Phone calls are never returned! I am suspicious about this business so I started digging around on computer to learn more, to try to figure out the connections among the Gaier Pet Store, the Debs Happy Paws and yet another "service" just called Happy Paws Rescue. It is all very shady with their locations, just who they all are and the connections among them. Yes, there are a teeny, few number of reviews that are rated well. But please do your research before you adopt from them. And check out the wild differences in costs quoted to customers. Geeze, $1800 for a rescue? There is no set fee, just a capricious fee choice for each dog. Thanks to all who have posted here. read more

Updating from my previous post 8 months ago. I seriously have to question whether this rescue is in this business because they care about animas or if they want to make a quick profit. I love my little girl and I'm so incredibly happy that I found her, but I am appalled that once I drove away with her NOBODY has ever contacted me to check in on her. I wasn't even interviewed before she was placed with me. How did you know I was a reputable person and animal lover? How did you know I would fulfill my obligations and get her shots and spayed like I was supposed too? I have done all of these things, but did you care enough to find out? NOPE! They only reason I would recommend getting an animal from here is to truly save that animals life! read more

This ,"rescue" is a hideous place to take cats or kittens. They do not vaccinate, provide vet care as needed, they keep cats in cages and never let them out to stretch or exercise their legs. There is no nurture activity or human playing or affection. This is a place who got a non profit status in order to feed stock to sell in their pet shop once CA law stated that pet shops can only sell pets that come from a rescue!!! Don't take animals to them. How do I know? I have a kitty from there. The emotional scars on her are astronomical!!!! read more

I dont know but I called to see how much was the cost to adopt a dog I seen online and the lady told me it was 950 . I thought it was personally way to much but I have never actually adopted a dog from a place so not really sure if that is the price it actually cost my budget was around 250 and 950 was just to much for me. read more

As to previous reviews, who the hell would even try to get $50 back for a spay/ neuter from a RESCUE? Non-profits struggle and I commend them for saving so many lives. They graciously allowed me to adopt my pup, Gator, 2 years ago. The staff was very kind and also concerned about Parvo so they didn't even let me put him down except in bed of my truck. Bravo! Wish veterinarians showed this much concern. Thank you forever, Happy Paws, for what you do for animals and for entrusting Gator to me! read more

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Very professional. We adopted a Chaweenie to keep my daschund company while we are at work. He is a cutie. This woman is wonderful. The animals she rescues and the stories behind them. She is truly one of gods angels. read more

Adopted a puppy from them, it cost 1800 but we had driven over an hour to meet the dog and immediately felt uncomfortable about leaving the dog in their care. The dog was frightened, jumped at every noise when we got home, and covered in dirt and some sort of debris. She was likely living in a bad environment with them, and while I hated paying potential animal abusers money, i'm glad to have rescued her from a clearly negligent environment. read more

I called within 10 minutes of a puppy being posted on petfinder and had to leave a message as they don't answer their phone. They called me back two hours later to tell me the puppy had an appointment to meet with someone else. Not sure how the6 handle phone messages but it doesn't seem to be first come first served, rather if you are fortunate enough to catch them answering the phone. Having worked for a rescue in the past, this is shoddy business practice. read more

Called about a dog and was told the adoption fee was over $1000. I understand paying for shots and neutering, but this vastly exceeds those costs. For the amount of money they're asking I could have gone straight to a breeder. read more

Aweful people to adopt from! They charged me $250 for my dog but they sell their dogs on Craigslist for $50! They also lie about the animals temperaments just to get you to adopt! Beware! read more

Have called multiple times inquiring about a dog who appears to still be available, but we have yet to move further with the process. I've gotten information on the dog but it doesn't seem that they are eager to let us meet with him in person. Always busy or some excuse about their systems being down. Now when we call, neither my bf or I get an answer. Doesn't seem like a very accountable or sufficient establishment, which is unfortunate for those adorable animals. I'll take my business elsewhere. read more

I absolutely love and adore my dog, but this "rescue" is the worst! They only care about money. The adoption process is on a first come, first serve basis which isn't good for animals. They didn't ask any questions other than if I could pay. I had to meet them at some random feed store in Yuba City (3 hrs away from where I lived) because they don't have a legitimate facility and hoped he would still be available by the time I got there. They also wouldn't take a check or debit card. It had to be cash only, which screams sketchy to me. I had to walk down the street to an ATM for the $400 to adopt him. The person told me he was in his crate LITERALLY 24/7 and it showed. His back legs didn't work properly. He smelled like urine. It's hard being caught in the moral dilemma of "I should just rescue this dog from this horrible situation" and "I don't want to keep feeding into this cycle of giving money to these horrible places". Do what you think is right, but this rescue is disgusting and needs to be shut down. read more

They won't respond to emails or calls. I've tried several times over the past few days. I am going to adopt elsewhere.

I have gotten both our dogs from Happy Paws. They are kind and caring folks. It is first call, first gets, though and you will need to call until they can answer, they also call back it just may take a day or two and the dog you want may be gone by then. They will work with you and let you know about dogs they will be getting so you can be first to adopt. That's what I did with our recent puppy and she is adorable and healthy! 7 years ago we got our other dog from them and he has been a perfect match. Jennifer has been wonderful to work with~thanks! read more

We saw an adorable puppy on Petfinder.com this morning and immediately sent this rescue an email asking about the availability. They called me back immediately with good news: the puppy was still available! I inquired about the adoption process and it turns out it's pretty simple. - Don't call until the day that you can take the dog home - Pass a phone interview (no application form) - Meet them at a local pet store - Pay cash for the dog (in this case $250) - Sign a contract; take the dog home Several things seemed fishy about this whole process, so I googled them to find the website. No website. There is a facebook page and this yelp profile. I also found several connections to Paw Prints Rescue that seems to be the older version of this rescue, also with bad reviews. After more questioning, it appears that this particular dog has never been to the vet. They've had the dog for two weeks and if it appears fine and healthy, they do not go to the vet. The rescue volunteers give the puppies the shots themselves. They are adopting out puppies that have never seen a vet! They don't know the history of these poor dogs and they are asking people to make a donation to the rescue to offset the costs of .... what exactly? I questioned the procedures because of these reviews and the ones on Paw Prints Rescue's yelp profile (http://www.yelp.com/biz/paw-prints-rescue-yuba-city) it's the same people, but she flat out denied it on the phone to me. She also said that if I have concerns about their practices and uncomfortable with the fact that they don't bring the dogs to the vet that I shouldn't adopt from them. OKAY. I'm not adopting from this rescue and I don't think you should either. If you are reading this review, please keep looking for a more reputable rescue group that puts the needs of the animals before trying to make a profit. read more

Just got a puppy from there. They told me he had good health. Took him home & he had diarrhea so I thought it was just because he was stressed after I took him from his family.. After a few days of it I took him to the vet & they tested him for a few things & he ended up testing positive for coccidia so it's very likely that they all have it. They sell sick dogs & don't even think twice. Very disappointed. read more

Happy Paws Rescue - Animal Shelters Near Me - Yuba City, California

We adopted our dog here a year and a half ago. We adore our dog and she's made our lives so happy, but I'm not reviewing the dog here. We were told to give a $50 deposit which would be returned to us once we got her spayed. We sent in the paper work showing she had been, and never received our deposit back. We emailed many many times and were told it would be sent to us in a week or two. A month later we'd email again. This continued for about 6 months and we were eventually informed business was slow so it couldn't be returned to us until further notice. WHAT?!? I am under the impression my deposit has been spent. Beware folks. Also, when we brought our dog home the first day, she started throwing up LIVE worms! It took many many vet visits to get her well. read more

The process of putting in an application was fine but the lady I spoke with on the phone came off as very rude and didn't represent anything "happy" as they say in the name. Definitely needed an attitude change in the customer service department. read more

AVOID AT ALL COSTS! Woman running this business is monstrous! Went to go meet a dog and immediately upon first sight, the dog was nothing like it's description. She never let us interact with it and clinged onto the dog with all her life, she did not bring any sort of leash or collar for it. At one moment our kids tried to play with the dog to which she she grabbed it and flung it back into her lap. Didn't ask us anything about ourselves or our home as she clearly had no interest in the dog going to a good family. She had no paperwork, and was only concerned with cold hard cash. The most horrifying moment was when she discussed how many of her previous customers reported that dogs had health issues and that it was "not her problem the dogs were sick." She bragged to us that she would block their numbers entirely. At this moment everyone in the family was speechless. When we told her we weren't sure about the puppy (for obvious reasons) she once again flung it over her shoulder and threw it in the car. She exhibited no concern for the dog's safety as she was only upset about not making any money. This business should be investigated heavily for the sake of all families affected and the poor dogs that have to suffer. read more

The reviews on here are very harsh I feel for this place. First of all, we had been looking to rescue a puppy for a while, and we knew the risks. Puppies with their immature immune systems, having been abandoned have a high potential for health problems in the first year. We were prepared. Every time I called on a puppy, they were very nice and either answered my phone call or called me back right away. We set up a time later in the week to look at a puppy when late on a Sunday night they got a little of cattle dogs, and I fell in love with one of the puppies I saw on petfinder. I called over night and she returned my call first thing in the morning and we arranged a time to meet with the puppy the same day. Our puppy has been a picture of health and we know we were lucky. He was not found wandering streets or from a neglectful home, he came from a ranch who the owners of the mother cared for the puppies and they were able to wean off their mother. If you go into adopting a puppy, and want to assure a perfect healthy puppy, you will have better chance of finding a breeder. However that goes against the whole concept of rescuing a puppy. Our dog is the biggest joy and we couldn't be happier with the process of rescuing him, and were very pleased with the ease of adoption from Happy Paws. read more

Happy Paws Rescue - When we got Geyser at 8 weeks old, and then two months later at 4 months. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Yuba City, California

We had a good experience with Happy Paws. We found our puppy online & called with questions. They were always happy to take our calls & questions. We made our appointment to see our handsome little guy & went to pick him up. They don't have a shelter or store front per se, but they do their best to save the dogs & keep them clean & safe. I just took him to our vet for a check over. He's a healthy baby boy! He's a joy read more

Happy Paws Rescue - Dash is a beautiful boy!! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Yuba City, California

We purchased two 10 week old boxer puppies from Happy Paws Rescue in Yuba City and in addition to the cost of the puppies we incurred extensive Vet bills . Unbeknownst to us both puppies had serious health issues in that they were both infested with three types of worms that required months of treatment. Both puppies are 8 months old now and doing great . Word of warning be prepared to spend serious cash to save your pet if you buy from them . read more

First off, I'd like to start off by saying Thank You to the giving souls @ Happy Paws! Happy Paws Rescue is 100% above board and proper when it comes to placing animals in loving homes regardless where the paperwork is done or where you meet your new family member! Sure the process for adoption differs here, but that doesn't mean they let just anyone adopt! I once had to jump through more hoops to adopt a pair of Tom cats than buying a car only to bring home a pair of sisters rather than brothers! I was allowed to adopt my girl within 24 hours of her availability and I couldn't be happier. She also had a case of "the trots" they told me was a result of a diet change which did clear up in a few days as I was told it would. 11 weeks later Gypsy's gained nearly 20lbs (while I've lost with all the walks we've taken), she continues to amaze me with how she easily learns new things including crate training, and I believe she's happy...not that I think she was ever unhappy with her previous family who sadly surrendered Ginger so I had the chance to love her. read more

Happy Paws Rescue - Gypsy, formally known as Ginger - Animal Shelters Near Me - Yuba City, California

I adopted a ten week old poodle mix. I'm so happy with my decision. I took him to the vet to get checked out the day after I got him and he got a good bill of health. He is a very happy playful puppy and was a perfect match for me. It has been a very easy process taking him to get his shots at the Yuba city shelter and I have already scheduled his appointment to be neutered even though it's a little drive from Sacramento it's been worth it. I liked that it was all included in the price. I thought both the women were very nice and called and checked up on whiskey to see how he was doing in his new home. I'm sorry others have had such bad experiences. I would get another puppy from them again. read more

Happy Paws Rescue - Animal Shelters Near Me - Yuba City, California

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My experiences with this rescue have always been positive . Remember there is always two sides to a story . People almost always come to write negative reviews but less often do they post all the good . I am sure if every person who had a positive review posted it would far out way the bad . You will never make everyone happy and some People are just sooo difficult to deal with . Happy Paws keep Doing What you are doing don't Let the negative people in this world discourage you from all the good you do for these dogs . read more

We've had a great experience with Happy Paws Rescue. We brought home 2 nine week old puppies from them last month. The puppies were on a nice schedule already sleeping through the night when we brought them home. They both had healthy vet checks and have wonderful temperaments. They've been a wonderful addition to our family. The day we met the puppies the owner was very helpful and even stayed there with us for about 2 hours answering all of our questions. It never felt rushed or like she was annoyed at all of our questions. She was very sweet and helpful. Thank you Happy Paws Rescue!!!! You ladies are awesome!!! read more

I gave 4 stars because we love our puppy we got him in Sept 25 there was a little bit of a problem but it was sovle by taking him to the vet, he was in good health but had a little case of diarrhea which only last a couple of days. But please keep in mind that it's only 50.00 dollars you get back, people who rescue animals don't get allot of money to feed them or take them to a vet dr and sometimes when they get the dog or cat they may not be in good health, so please keep that in mind when judging a rescue. By the way, the more time you spend with your new puppy or dog when you first get them the better the dog will be, my 3mos old puppy was potty trained in 2 mos read more

Happy Paws Rescue - Animal Shelters Near Me - Yuba City, California