Cherished Tails Senior Sanctuary rescues senior dogs (and a few cats) at high risk of euthanasia in shelters because of age or illness. We give sanctuary until they find a forever home and hospice care for the unadoptable.
Together, we've saved over 1000 pets. Join us to give these pets their best last chapter. We are a 501(c)3, all volunteer, foster based rescue group in Marana, AZ.
At Cherished Tails, we are dedicated to rescuing senior dogs who face risks in local shelters due to age, medical issues, or behavioral challenges. Since our inception in 2017, we have proudly saved over 1,700 animals.
Beyond adoptions, we provide "fospice" care for dogs too advanced in age or with medical/behavioral conditions that prevent them from being adopted. Our network includes over 60 foster homes, offering short-term or long-term care tailored to each dog's specific needs.
In the summer of 2021, we launched Cherished Tomorrows, a program aimed at younger dogs at risk due to space limitations in rural "border" shelters. Thanks to dedicated fosters, we have rescued over 50 dogs under 5 years old who would otherwise face euthanasia in these overwhelmed shelters.
Adoption Policy
Adoption Guide
Thank you for considering adopting a dog - we are excited to guide you to finding your new family member.
Step 1
To meet one of our adoptable dogs, email us at [email protected] or message our Facebook Page to locate our next adoption event and to check if the dog will be there. As a 100% foster-based organization, we do not have a physical facility and foster homes are spread out across Tucson and the greater Southern Arizona area.
To set up a meet & greet with one of our dogs, please fill out an adoption application located on our website (www.cherishedtails.com). Applications will be considered in the order they are received. We will review your application to determine if the dog is a good fit for your family, and If we believe the animal would be a good match and is ready for adoption, we will contact you. Please be patient, as our volunteers and fosters have full-time jobs and busy families. We consider foster-to-adopt situations as well.
Complete an adoption application on our website: www.cherishedtails.com or at Dog Application
Step 2 - Home Check
A home check is required as part of our adoption process to ensure the well-being and safety of all our rescue animals. The home check will be conducted either before you take your new pet home or during home meet and greets.
Step 3 - Adoption Fee and Contract
Once you are ready to officially adopt, you will complete adoption paperwork, receive medical records, take an adoption photo, and pay the adoption fee. All our pets are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. The adoption fee helps offset the cost of medical care and typically covers 50% or less of the medical bill. 100% of the adoption fee goes directly back into rescue to help pay for medical care and other needs of the animals in our care.
Adoption fees are as follows:
• Dogs 10 and over: $100
• Dogs 6 months to 9 years: $125
• Puppies 6 months and younger: $225
We accept cash, check, Zelle and PayPal.
Step 4 - Register the microchip and with your local county
The microchip can be registered for a one time $20 fee at homewardboundpet.com or akcreunite.org.
There are several ways to register for rabies and licensing in Pima County:
1) Through specific vets
2) Email to: [email protected]
3) Fax to: (520) 791-6627
4) Mail/in person to: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N Silverbell Rd, Tucson AZ 85745
Along with the application form linked below, a copy of the adoption contract, a $19 fee, and the rabies information is required for licensing.
Application Form: http://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Community/Animal%20Care/Pet%20Licensing/PACC_ANIMAL_LICENSE_APPLICATION_2015r.pdf
Phoenix and Arizona Adopters (not located in Tucson):
Please fill out an application first. We will contact you if your application has been approved, and will then set up a home check. We can schedule a phone call with the foster. Once pre-approved, you may meet and pick-up your new family member.
Outside of Arizona:
We rarely adopt outside of Arizona. We cannot provide transport and require a home check before adoption.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start...
Your dog's nose is an amazing tool. Did you know they have 40 times the olfactory receptors than humans? Scent training for dogs taps into this superpower,...
It's a cringe-worthy moment every dog owner dreads: your furry friend chowing down on something truly disgusting. If your dog has a penchant for poop, you're...
The shelter ride home goes one of two ways. Your new dog either plasters themselves against the car window, tongue out and tail going like a helicopter, or...
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too...
Herding dogs are amazing, intelligent companions. But that also means they need more than just a simple game of fetch. Finding the right toys for herding...
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with the remnants of plush toys? Are you tired of wasting money on "indestructible" dog...
Every dog needs to move, but how much is actually enough? The answer depends on more than just breed. Age, health, and even your own lifestyle all play a...
Ever feel like your dog is restless or bored? They may be getting enough exercise, but still need more. That's where enrichment activities for dogs come in....
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed...
If your dog lunges, barks, or loses their mind at the sight of another dog, a stranger, or a bicycle, you’re living with a reactive dog (and you’re far from...
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people—barking, lunging, or growling when they see their triggers? Whether they're a rescue still settling...
Does your dog transform into a barking, lunging tornado the second they spot another dog across the street? You're definitely not alone. According to our...
Does your dog's reactivity make walks stressful? You're not alone. Many dog owners face similar challenges. This guide offers practical advice and support...
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in...
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an...
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned...
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have...
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a...
The best dog fields in the US offer something that traditional enclosed parks simply can't match: acres of open space where your pup can truly stretch their...
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United...
Is your pup giving you those pleading "let me run free" eyes? Whether you're a new dog parent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh adventures, finding the...
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to...
Looking for the perfect dog park? Whether you need a wide-open public space or a private, fenced-in spot, this guide will help you find the best dog parks...
Ready to discover Portland's best dog parks? Whether you're looking for a public park or the unique experience of a private Sniffspot, this guide has you...
The German Shepherd Dog (GSDs) are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and striking appearance. They're also incredibly versatile, excelling as working...
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their...
Golden Retrievers: they're gorgeous, playful, and incredibly popular. But before you welcome one into your home, you need the right golden retriever advice....
Think American Staffordshire Terriers are tough? Think again. While their muscular build might intimidate some, these dogs are known for their playful and...
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is...
Discover the Siberian Husky, a breed celebrated for its curious, intelligent, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, Siberian Huskies were...
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users.
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of...
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of...
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...