Pets In Need’s Cause for Big Paws program is dedicated to saving large dogs from euthanasia. Our team regularly travels to shelters in the Central Valley, East Bay, and South Bay, where financial and space constraints often limit the capacity to house big dogs. We rescue those at the greatest risk of being put down, providing care for them at our shelter or placing them with foster families until they find loving homes.

Did you know that big dogs are more vulnerable to euthanasia than smaller dogs?

Big dogs often take longer to get adopted and face a higher risk of being put down due to several factors. These include breed restrictions that prevent apartment residents from adopting larger breeds, the higher costs associated with their care, and the fact that many puppies grow up to be larger than expected.

October is Cause for Big Paws Month!

Reduced Adoption Fees and Free Training!

Throughout October, we are reducing adoption fees to just $50 for all Cause for Big Paws dogs (adults who are 35+ pounds)!

We understand that adopting a larger dog comes with unique training needs. That's why we are also offering two free training sessions from a certified positive reinforcement trainer at Underdog Academy. We want to ensure that you and your new furry family member have the best start together.

Open your heart and your home to big paws!

Adopt

Each time a dog is adopted into a loving home we cheer, knowing that we were true to our credo that says we will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes for every animal we save. You can welcome a wonderful dog into your life through adoption and remember that when you adopt a big dog, there’s even more to love.

Foster & Volunteer

The Cause for Big Paws program relies heavily on fosters who volunteer to take dogs into their hearts and homes until they find a forever family. Pets In Need provides fosters with all of the supplies and support they need from our behavior, foster, and medical teams. In return, volunteers open their homes for as long as they can, whether for two weeks or several months.

Donate

Cause for Big Paws was launched in 2019 with a seed grant from a local foundation. As the program continues to expand, we rely on generous support from donors to ensure that we can continue to rescue big dogs, provide them with the behavioral support and medical care they need, support them in foster care and find them forever homes. 

Get Your Business Involved

To raise awareness of the program and our need for foster volunteers and adopters of large breed dogs, and in an effort to support local businesses, we launched the Cause for Big Paws Community Partner Program.