Homeward Trails

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue is a small non-profit animal rescue organization based in Arlington, VA. We rescue dogs, cats and small animals from rural mostly lower- income shelters in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and as far away as Georgia. Sadly, without our help, all of these adoptable animals would face almost certain euthanasia - usually within days or hours of our rescuing them. Each year we take in hundreds of wonderful animals who were left at shelters by no fault of their own. Many are puppies and kittens - innocent victims or irresponsible pet owners who don't practice spay/neuter. Many are abandoned hunting dogs who served their owners well and were dumped in woods or left at shelters when they were no longer wanted. Many are house pets whose owners simply grew tired of caring for them or moved and did not take them along. And even more are animals that have been injured, abused and neglected. Whatever the reasons, these animals all deserve better. And once with Homeward Trails, they get better! Homeward Trails finds the animals we rescue permanent, loving homes in and around the Washington, DC area. We provide medical attention and training and help to find the most suitable homes for each animal. Click here to read about our dedicated shelter partners and the animals in their counties. In four years of operations, we have rescued more than 3,000 animals. Read on to learn about our humble beginnings and how a small twist of fate led to the creation of this remarkable rescue operation!