The Bond Between rescues so many dogs that would have been overlooked by other rescues, including our dog. She was an almost 7 year old breeder mama from the south when she was saved. She was a very shy and frightened border collie who probably would have been excluded for being reserved and standoffish. She hardly moved from her corner when we adopted her and was so scared of men. While she will always be timid, she has come so far and provides so much love and joy to us and guests in our home. We are so grateful The Bond Between took a chance on this little girl who now brings smiles to all she meets.Heather Hultquist
The Bond Between is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that focuses on the bond between humans and animals. We were founded in 2009 as Secondhand Hounds. Since then, we have rescued over 29,000 dogs and cats with the help of thousands of fosters, volunteers, and supporters in our community. Our organization has grown from a rescue to a first-in-its-class animal wellbeing organization... now The Bond Between! We continue to provide safe shelter, proper veterinary care, and daily necessities for animals while working hard to help them build a bond with humans. We also focus on supporting the bonds that already exist between people and pets with our pet food shelf, respite foster care program, and focus on social services.
We wake up every morning saying YES to connecting people and animals, caring for them, and helping them fill each other's hearts.
You can help support us today by donatin
Mission and Vision
We wake up every morning saying YES to connecting people and animals, caring for them, and helping them fill each other's hearts.
Adoption Policy
Potential adopters search Dogs for Adoption or Cats for Adoption and fill out an application for animal they are interested in! Adoption Coordinators process applications and reply to applicants within 48 hours of submission (Please note that our staff does not work on Sundays so that may delay processing). The Bond Between adopts animals to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Illinois. If you are outside of those states, but interested in adopting a BB pet, please email our adoption team. Your application shows that you are truly interested in meeting an animal; it is not a binding contract. Once your application is reviewed, it will be sent to the foster.The foster reviews applications, reach out to you via phone or email to talk more about the animal, and if a good fit, schedules a meet and greet. This meeting could take place at an adoption event, our office, or at a home. Keep in mind, the foster may be meeting with multiple applicants depending on interest. This process may take a few days so please be patient as we ensure you and your potential new family member are set up for success! Once the foster selects the adopter, the adoption coordinators request payment and send the electronic adoption contract to be signed.Adoption fees include the cost of spay/neuter surgery, microchip implant, de-worming, flea/tick preventative, heartworm test (for dogs and puppies over nine months), feLeuk/FIV test for cats and kittens, and age-appropriate rabies/distemper vaccinations. The adoption fee for each animal can be found on their individual website listing. Adoption fees are non-negotiable. Puppies and kittens must be at least eight weeks old and weigh at least two pounds to be spayed/neutered before adoption.The foster will contact the adopter to coordinate pick up after the adoption agreement is signed. For tips on adjusting to your new family member, check out our adoption resources!
"The Bond Between rescues so many dogs that would have been overlooked by other rescues, including our dog. She was an almost 7 year old breeder mama from the south when she was saved. She was a very shy and frightened border collie who probably would have been excluded for being reserved and standoffish. She hardly moved from her corner when we adopted her and was so scared of men. While she will always be timid, she has come so far and provides so much love and joy to us and guests in our home. We are so grateful The Bond Between took a chance on this little girl who now brings smiles to all she meets."
— heather h.
Adoptee
"Loved their process of adopting! They thoroughly vetted me as an adopter and really care about their animals; they go straight into foster instead of sitting in the shelter!"
— megan s.
Adoptee
"The Bond Between's approach to take in so many animals each year regardless of their medical complications makes this rescue really special. They perform complicated surgeries, do expensive tests and treatments, and whatever they need to do to save the animal. Their hospice and respite programs show their commitment to animals and the community beyond those animals who eventually help TBB to make up some of the funds through adoption fees. The vets and support system for fosters are really wonderful!"
— sarah l.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Fan
"The Bond Between is so much more than an animal rescue. It’s all about keeping families and pets together, providing support for the community, and mostly saving lives!"
— peg b.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter, Fan
"Adopting from The Bond Between (formerly known as Secondhand Hounds) has been a life-changing experience for me. This incredible organization doesn't just rescue animals; they redefine love and compassion. They fearlessly tackle the most challenging cases, running neonatal and hospice programs with unwavering dedication. Every animal that enters their care is met with boundless affection and support.
Their network of volunteers and fosters ensure that every animal receives the attention and care they deserve. They are truly a beacon of hope for animals in need."
— sue m.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
Support this rescue by writing a testimonial.
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Minneapolis
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...