About Yuma Homeward Bound Animal Rescue | No-Kill Mission Since 2014

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Our Mission

To rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned, neglected, and at-risk animals in the Yuma, Arizona area — while promoting responsible pet ownership and the importance of spay/neuter programs throughout our community.

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Our Vision

A Yuma community where every pet is valued, every home is loving, and no healthy animal is ever euthanized for lack of space or resources. We envision a future where shelters are empty because every animal has a home.

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Our Promise

We are a no-kill rescue. We do not euthanize animals for time or space. Every animal that enters our program is given every possible chance — whether that takes weeks or months to find the right home.

YHBR volunteers walking dogs in Yuma, Arizona

🐾 How We Operate

Foster-Based. Community-Powered.

Unlike traditional shelters, YHBR doesn't have a building. Our animals live in real homes across Yuma — with loving foster families who prepare them for adoption.

This model means our animals are less stressed, better socialized, and more accurately matched to adopters. It also means we can save more lives with fewer resources, because our community IS our shelter.

Every rescue is fully vetted, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered before being listed for adoption on Petfinder. We don't cut corners on medical care — ever.

Become a Foster → Support Our Work

A Decade of Milestones

From a small idea to 1,000+ lives saved — here's our journey.

2014

The Beginning

YHBR is officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with 5 founding volunteers united by a single mission: save Yuma's animals.

2016

First Adoption Event

We host our first public adoption event in Yuma, finding homes for 12 animals in a single day and generating tremendous community excitement.

2017

100th Adoption

We celebrate a major milestone as our 100th rescue — a three-legged terrier named Hop — finds his forever home in Yuma with the Jensen family.

2019

Spay/Neuter Program

YHBR launches a community spay/neuter assistance program, providing free and subsidized surgeries for low-income Yuma residents' pets.

2020

Transport Program Launches

We establish our out-of-state transport program, partnering with rescue organizations in the Pacific Northwest to find homes for high-demand breeds.

2022

500 Lives Saved

We surpass 500 total rescues — a testament to our incredible volunteer network and the generosity of the Yuma community.

2024

1,000 Lives Saved 🎉

A decade of dedication leads us to a monumental milestone: over 1,000 animals rescued from at-risk situations across Yuma and surrounding areas.

Our Programs

YHBR operates several programs that together create a comprehensive safety net for Yuma's animals.

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Foster Network

Our 50+ active foster homes across Yuma provide safe, loving environments for rescued animals until they're adopted. Foster parents are YHBR's biggest heroes.

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Transport Program

We partner with rescues in the Pacific Northwest and other regions to transport animals to areas with higher adoption demand, saving lives that might otherwise be lost.

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Spay/Neuter Outreach

We provide free and low-cost spay/neuter services and referrals to Yuma residents, directly reducing the number of unwanted animals entering shelters.

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Community Education

We visit schools, community events, and local businesses to teach responsible pet ownership, humane treatment, and the importance of adopting vs. shopping.

The Hearts Behind YHBR

Our team is made up entirely of passionate volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and homes to saving Yuma's animals.

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Shiann Bowman

Founder & Director

The heart and driving force behind YHBR since day one. Shiann's passion for animals is the reason 1,000+ have found their forever homes.

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Veterinary Advisors

Medical Team

Our network of partner veterinarians in Yuma ensures every rescue gets top-quality medical care before adoption.

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Adoption Team

Coordinators

Our dedicated adoption coordinators review applications, arrange meet-and-greets, and help match every pet with the perfect family in Yuma.

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50+ Foster Parents

Our Heroes

These extraordinary Yuma residents open their homes every day. Without our foster network, YHBR would not exist.

Join Our Team →

What Our Community Says

"YHBR is a true community treasure. Shiann and her team work tirelessly every day with zero pay. The animals of Yuma are so lucky to have this rescue."

— Dr. P. Reyes, Yuma Veterinarian & YHBR Partner

"I've seen a lot of rescue organizations, but YHBR stands out for their genuine care, thorough vetting, and incredible community presence. They're the real deal."

— Linda M., longtime YHBR donor and community supporter

"As a local business, we've sponsored YHBR events and seen firsthand the impact they have on Yuma. They truly embody what it means to be community-first."

— John A., Yuma local business owner

A Story of Hope & Heart