Pets Return Home

Saving lives, enriching well-being and building adoptability of homeless dogs About Pets Return Home

Pets Return Home is a No-Kill sanctuary, rehabilitation center, and adoption center dedicated to giving homeless, abandoned, abused, and neglected dogs a genuine chance at life. Founded on compassion and fueled by commitment, we serve as a safe haven for dogs who have run out of options—those who

have been failed by the system or people, or labeled as “unadoptable.”

Located in Northern Arizona, Pets Return Home is unique in both philosophy and practice. We provide an enriched, free-range environment where dogs learn to trust, play, and rediscover what it means to be a dog. We specialize in behaviorally challenged, medically complex, and senior dogs—those often left behind in traditional shelter systems. Our Mission
To save lives, enrich welfare, and build adoptability for homeless dogs, especially those who are behaviorally misunderstood or at risk of euthanasia. What Sets Us Apart
Free-Range Sanctuary Living – Our dogs are not confined to kennels 24/7. They live in structured, open environments where they can play, learn boundaries, and form bonds. Behavioral Rehabilitation – We work extensively with fearful, reactive, and unsocialized dogs, helping them become adoptable and safe. Lifetime Safety Net – Dogs who are not adoptable remain in our care for life—safe, loved, and free. No-Kill, No-Surrender Ethic – We are fiercely committed to protecting every life we take in. We do not give up on dogs because they are inconvenient. In-home Living – Dogs enjoy living in our home as they would in their own home. Who We Are
Mark Happe, a dedicated animal welfare advocate, is the founder and leader of Pets Return Home. The small, hardworking team of volunteers makes Pets Return Home more than just a shelter or rescue—it’s a promise. Our team includes on-site caregivers, volunteers, and veterinary partners who all believe every dog deserves a future. Achievements
-Program Acceptance of over 1,200 dogs deemed "unadoptable"
-Rehabilitation of over 1,100 dogs once considered too “broken” to save
-Placement of 1,000+ dogs into loving homes through love, rehabilitation, and training
-Reunification of more than 149 lost pups with their families
-Transfer of 40 dogs to other facilities for additional care and placement
-Placement vs. intake rate of 96%
-A current pack of 25+ sanctuary dogs living safely and freely
-Built a growing network of supporters, adopters, and donors who keep the mission alive
-Euthanasia rate of just 1.6%—far below the 10% standard—with only 0.5% related to behavioral challenges
-Providing safe homes and helping 34 dogs cross the rainbow bridge

Join Us www.petsreturnhome.org
We rely on people like you to continue our life-saving work. Whether through adoption, volunteering, donating, or sharing our mission, you can be part of something that truly matters. Visit our adoptable dogs, learn about our sanctuary residents, or walk a dog. Help us prove that no dog is beyond help—and that love, patience, and safety can change everything. Pets Return Home: Because every dog deserves to come home. Facility and Campus
Pets Return Home is located near Sedona, just outside Clarkdale, Arizona, on a seven-acre “dog ranch” surrounded by two national forests, a canyon, and the Verde River. The property offers a safe, serene, and stimulating environment where dogs can run free, decompress, and thrive. Most of the dogs enjoy full-time free-range access to the property, with plenty of space to play, den, socialize, and release anxiety. Over the last decade, we’ve made numerous capital improvements to create a facility that supports rehabilitation, enrichment, and adoption. Medical Clinic – Designed for medication administration, preventive care, and treatment. Also serves as a hands-on training space for volunteers and adopters to learn essential medical care, helping reduce vet costs and deepen the human-animal bond.
-2,000 sq. Covered Nursery Facility – Houses five individual 200 sq. wards for pregnant dogs and their puppies, with separate areas to reduce stress, control disease, and enable healthy early socialization.
-200 sq. Covered “Doggie Condo” Area – Equipped with heaters in winter and shade and pools in summer for dogs who prefer staying outdoors.
-2,100 sq. Covered Kennel Facility – Contains ten 100 sq. luxury kennels, each with shelter, a raised bed, and automatic waterers. A misting system cools the area in summer, and high-powered heaters ensure warmth in winter.
-Twelve Fenced Play Yards – Offering nearly 6,000 sq. of running space, these yards provide shelter, soft footing, and free access to water.
-3,000 sq. Agility & Working Yard – Helps build confidence, provide mental stimulation, and strengthen the bond between dog and handler, while offering a fun and challenging activity.
-Three-Acre Enrichment Area – Distraction-free trails ideal for walking, training, and peaceful exploration for dogs and humans alike.
-Four Large Fenced Playgrounds – Accommodate up to 40 dogs at once to socialize, gain confidence, and practice manners, reducing reactivity and promoting adoptability.
-Water Features & River Access – Including small ponds and kiddie pools on-site, plus a 15-minute walk to the Verde River—great for teaching swimming and providing joyful enrichment.
800 sq. Workshop – Supports ongoing construction, repairs, and maintenance of the facility. Our facility and campus layout, set in a natural setting, encourages dogs to socialize, exercise, and rebuild trust—essential steps toward healing and adoption. Visitors, volunteers, and adopters are immersed in hands-on experiences that deepen understanding and relationships with the dogs. We are always in need of volunteers, especially those with trade skills, to help with repairs, maintenance, and enhancements. Visits are by appointment, and our operations are supported primarily by generous donations.