No. Because we are foster-based, we do not operate a public facility. All of our dogs are cared for in foster homes.

We love bully breeds but, regardless of their breed, we will help dogs in need when we have the resources and foster availability and capability to do so.

Our dogs are primarily located in foster homes throughout the Tri-Cities (Richland, Pasco, & Kennewick) and surrounding areas of Eastern Washington State.

Yes. If a dog you are interested in is attending one of our events, you are welcome to come meet them. We often bring dogs to fundraising events as well, and those can be a great opportunity to interact with our dogs and speak with volunteers about the dog’s personality and needs.

Please do not bring your current dog(s) to meet our dogs at events. For the safety of all dogs and attendees, we do not conduct dog-to-dog meet-and-greets during public events. If your application is approved, a proper meet-and-greet with your dog(s) can be scheduled at a later time.

Start by completing an adoption application. Once your application is reviewed, our Adoption Coordinator can contact you to schedule a phone interview. If that goes well, a home check can be scheduled and finally a meet-and-greet with your household members and other dog(s).

Yes. Out-of-area adoptions may be considered depending on the dog and our ability to safely and responsibly complete the adoption process. If adopting across state lines, a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) can be arranged from our vet as required.

Not necessarily. While a securely fenced yard is beneficial for most dogs, it is not always required. Adoption and Foster decisions are based on the individual dog’s needs, energy level, and training requirements.

Homes without fenced yards may still be a good fit if the adopter is committed to providing regular leash walks, exercise, and appropriate supervision.

Some dogs in our program may require a fenced yard due to their behavior, energy level, or safety needs. We will discuss these requirements with you during the interview process to ensure the best match for both the dog and your household.

Foster-based means our dogs live in volunteer foster homes rather than in a shelter or facility. Having our dogs in a home environment allows us to better understand each dog’s personality, behavior, and needs, and helps ensure they’re matched with the right adopter.

We are so glad you asked!! You can click here: “Apply to Foster”. Once your application is submitted, a volunteer coordinator can reach out. We’ll make sure you feel prepared and do our best to match you with a dog that fits your home, lifestyle, and experience level.

We don’t do random placements. We match dogs to fosters based on needs, experience, and what sets everyone up for success.

Fosters can absolutely share preferences, and we encourage potential (and current) fosters to be upfront about what they can and can’t handle (behavior, medical, size, energy, etc.).

A home check is part of our adoption process to help ensure the environment is safe and appropriate for the dog you are interested in adopting. Our Home Check team will coordinate a date/time to briefly visit your home to confirm things like fencing, living space, and where the dog will spend time.

Our goal is not to judge your home, but to help set both you and the dog up for success.

For adopters who live a significant distance away, we may complete the home check remotely by asking for photos and a short video of key areas of your home, including both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Yes.

That said, distance does make things a bit harder, our meet-and-greet events are where many of our dogs are seen by potential adopters.

If you’re outside the area, we’ll rely more on you to send us consistent photos, videos, and updates so we can get your foster dog get in front of the right people.

The rescue provides an I.D. tag, food, veterinary care and guidance and support. If a foster needs other supplies such as beds, crates, leashes, collars, toys, or training resources those can also be provided.

Reach out.

If something comes up, medical or behavioral, we want to know so we can help you make the right call.

If it is a medical emergency, seek immediate veterinary care, then notify us as soon as possible.

If it is not an emergency, we ask our fosters to please contact us so we can coordinate and support them appropriately. Our goal is the same as yours: a safe, stable, successful dog.

Every dog is different. Some are adopted quickly, while others may stay in foster care longer while we work on medical needs, training, or finding the right match.

The Pit Bull Pen is run entirely by volunteers. Many of us work full-time jobs in addition to caring for foster dogs. We do our best to respond as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience.

We understand that rehoming a dog can be difficult, and sometimes urgent.

Because we are a foster-based rescue, we can only take in dogs when an appropriate foster home is available. Without that support, we’re not able to safely accept additional dogs.

In some situations, we can help owners rehome their dog while the dog remains in their care. Owners must be able to continue housing and caring for the dog during this time. We do not take possession of the dog or move the dog into one of our foster homes. Our role is to assist with promotion and placement, but we cannot guarantee a successful rehome. If a new placement is not secured, the owner remains fully responsible for the dog.