Rescue

Rehabilitate

Rehome

A black and white drawing of a pug dog on a white background.

ADOPT

Check out our available pugs and learn more about the adoption process. 

A black and white drawing of a hospital with a cross on the roof.

FOSTER

Join our network of loving, safe, and temporary homes for pugs getting ready for adoption.

A black and white icon of a paw print in a cross.

DONATE

Your support provides medical care, supplies, food, and tender loving care for our pugs.

Who We Are

Founded in December 2016, Tiny Paws Pug Rescue is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for pugs and pug-mixes. We also partner with other organizations with similar goals who advocate for animal rescue and adoption. When you adopt from TPPR, you don’t only save 1 life, you save 2. We are a home-based foster rescue, and when a pug or pug mix gets adopted, it opens up a spot for another rescue to join us.


The TPPR team is made up of resourceful volunteers who scour California shelters and accept owner surrenders from people through no fault of their own who can no longer care for their pugs. We have changed the fate of over 1,000 homeless pugs and pug mixes over the last seven years through the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of these beautiful people-centric dogs.

A man in a blue shirt is holding a black pug dog

Meet The Board of directors

If you are interested in getting even more involved, we have an open volunteer position on our Board of Directors. We are currently seeking a Vet or Medical Professional. Please contact us for more information!

A woman is holding a small dog in her arms in a black and white photo.

Kim Smith

President

Board Chair
A woman is holding a pug dog wearing a tie
a man and a woman are posing for a picture with their dogs .

Tady Villatoro

Events Director

Board Member
We are officially one of the top dog rescues and shelters in california !

TOP 100

Dog Rescue & Shelter in California

We are proud to be amongst California's top 100 Rescues & Shelters giving quality healthcare, nourishment and forever homes to deserving Pugs throughout our home state and beyond! Learn more about our ranking on Sniffspot.

Learn More

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Where is Tiny Paws Pug Rescue Located?

    Tiny Paws is based in Northern California with foster homes as far south as Bakersfield.

  • How do I adopt?

    Once you complete the application, our adoption coordinator will email you to arrange a video interview.  During the interview, you will need to show your home, yard, and fencing to ensure the dog will be safe.  Pools must be fenced or have an alarm on them to be approved.  Once approved, you will be connected to the foster of the dog you are interested in to arrange a meeting.

  • Can I adopt out of state?

    Yes! We are open to adoptions out of the area, and have had several in the past. However we will not ship dogs because of the possible health complications. Travel arrangments will need to be made by the adoptive family and include a person picking up the dog in California. We’ve had dogs picked up on cross country motor home trips, and dogs that were delivered to adoptive families near local airports, but dogs will never be shipped alone.

  • Can I apply before I choose a specific dog?

    If you are seriously interested in adopting, but are waiting for the right pug to come along, feel free to apply now and be pre-approved for when the right pug comes in.

  • I sent in my application but haven't heard back, what now?

    If it’s been more than one week since submitting an application, please reach out and contact us again. Our adoption coordinator will reach out via email to the email address on your application.  Please check your spam email for a message from tinypawspugrescue.org.


    Tiny Paws is a volunteer-run organization with a focus on the pugs. Sometimes, their immediate medical needs can distract our focus from the paperwork.

  • How can I become a foster?

    Thank you for your interest in fostering!  Our pugs are all placed in foster homes and the foster families meet the following requirements:


    -all dogs in the home are spayed/neutered and current on vaccinations;

    -foster family has ability to take the foster dog to veterinary appointments during the week and adoption events on weekends;

    -Tiny Paws covers the medical costs for the foster dog but the foster family is responsible for food and love.


    To apply to become a foster, click here! 

  • How do I surrender a dog?

    We understand that unforeseen circumstances can leave families unable to care for their dogs, and we are committed to helping those dogs find new forever homes. If you find yourself in this situation, start by filling out our surrender form. Once submitted, a volunteer will contact you to discuss your options.

  • How can I help?

    We are always looking for help to foster, transport and help at fundraising events.

    If you have extra time and love, contact us for ways you can help the rescue.