ABOUT PETS RETURN HOME
Because every dog deserves to be home.
Pets Return Home is a No-Kill sanctuary, rehabilitation center, and adoption center dedicated to giving homeless, abandoned, abused, and neglected "Last-Chance" dogs a genuine chance at life. Founded on compassion and fueled by commitment, we serve as a safe haven for dogs who have run out of options—those who have been failed by the system or people, or labeled as “unadoptable.”
Located in Northern Arizona, Pets Return Home is unique in both philosophy and practice. We provide an enriching, free-range environment where dogs learn to trust, play, and rediscover what it means to be a dog. We specialize in behaviorally challenged, medically complex, and senior dogs—those often left behind in traditional shelter systems.
Our Mission
To save lives, enrich welfare, and build adoptability for homeless dogs, especially those who are behaviorally misunderstood or at risk of euthanasia.
Our Vision
We envision a world where no dog is discarded, abused, or left to suffer.
Our long-term vision includes:
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Rehabilitating behaviorally challenged dogs in partnership with shelters and rescues
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Preventing surrender through education and early intervention
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Teaching families how to manage behavior safely and compassionately
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Providing sanctuary care for dogs who cannot safely be adopted
What Sets Us Apart
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Free-range living — not kennel confinement
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Personalized behavioral rehabilitation
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Dogs helping dogs through structured pack integration
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Lifetime safety net for dogs who cannot be adopted
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Extremely low euthanasia rate, used only for irreversible suffering
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Over 1,200 dogs have entered our programs and live in loving hoomes.
Facility and Campus
Pets Return Home is located near Sedona, AZ just outside Clarkdale, Arizona, on a seven-acre “dog ranch” surrounded by two national forests, a canyon, and the Verde River. The property offers a safe, serene, and stimulating environment where dogs can run free, decompress, and thrive. Most of the dogs enjoy full-time free-range access to the property, with plenty of space to play, den, socialize, and release anxiety.
Over the last decade, we’ve made numerous capital improvements to create a facility that supports rehabilitation, enrichment, and adoption. Key features include:
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600 sq. ft. Medical Clinic – Designed for medication administration, preventive care, and treatment. Also serves as a hands-on training space for volunteers and adopters to learn essential medical care, helping reduce vet costs and deepen the human-animal bond.
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2,000 sq. ft. Covered Nursery Facility – Houses five individual 200 sq. ft. wards for pregnant dogs and their puppies, with separate areas to reduce stress, control disease, and enable healthy early socialization.
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200 sq. ft. Covered “Doggie Condo” Area – Equipped with heaters in winter and shade and pools in summer for dogs who prefer staying outdoors.
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2,100 sq. ft. Covered Kennel Facility – Contains ten 100 sq. ft. luxury kennels, each with shelter, a raised bed, and automatic waterers. A misting system cools the area in summer, and high-powered heaters ensure warmth in winter.
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Twelve Fenced Play Yards – Offering nearly 6,000 sq. ft. of running space, these yards provide shelter, soft footing, and free access to water.
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3,000 sq. ft. Agility & Working Yard – Helps build confidence, provide mental stimulation, and strengthen the bond between dog and handler, while offering a fun and challenging activity.
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Three-Acre Enrichment Area – Distraction-free trails ideal for walking, training, and peaceful exploration for dogs and humans alike.
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Four Large Fenced Playgrounds – Accommodate up to 40 dogs at once to socialize, gain confidence, and practice manners, reducing reactivity and promoting adoptability.
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Water Features & River Access – Including small ponds and kiddie pools on-site, plus a 15-minute walk to the Verde River—great for teaching swimming and providing joyful enrichment.
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800 sq. ft. Workshop – Supports ongoing construction, repairs, and maintenance of the facility.
Our facility and campus layout, set in a natural setting, encourages dogs to socialize, exercise, and rebuild trust—essential steps toward healing and adoption. Visitors, volunteers, and adopters are immersed in hands-on experiences that deepen understanding and relationships with the dogs.
We are always in need of volunteers, especially those with trade skills, to help with repairs, maintenance, and enhancements. Visits are by appointment, and our operations are supported primarily by generous donations.
Behavior Development Philosophy
At Pets Return Home, we specialize in helping dogs that others may have given up on. Most of our dogs arrive with behavioral or medical issues from reputable rescues, municipal shelters, or community members—often pulled from euthanasia lists or deemed “unadoptable.” As space allows, we take these dogs in and begin the life-changing process of rehabilitation.
Our Approach: Building Trust Through Reset and Respect
Our behavior work starts by “resetting” the dog using a variety of proven techniques. We assess the dog’s understanding of audible and hand signals, reinforce known commands, and introduce new ones. This builds the foundation for trust, communication, and structure.
A central pillar of our philosophy is this: the new family must earn the dog’s trust and respect—just as we do. That’s why every adoption includes post-adoption training and personalized instruction tailored to the dog’s specific behavioral history. We aim to set both the dog and the adopter up for lifelong success.
The First Three Days: Observation and Introduction
Each dog begins their journey in a three-day quarantine. During this time, they are safely exposed to the sights, sounds, and rhythms of our ranch without direct interaction. This allows the dog to observe human routines, other dogs, and environmental dynamics without fear or pressure.
Just as the new dog is learning about the pack, the staff, and the space—they’re also being evaluated. This period allows our team and dog packs to “read” the new arrival and determine the best approach to integration.
Healing Through the Pack
We utilize multiple specially trained dog packs to assist with behavior development. These seasoned dogs serve as role models, mentors, and sometimes disciplinarians. Each has a specific role in teaching manners, building trust, and guiding acceptable behavior.
Behavioral staff work with each dog one-on-one and within the packs to increase confidence and predictability. Continuous assessments ensure that each dog receives a fully customized training plan—there are no “one-size-fits-all” approaches at Pets Return Home.
Enrichment, Exercise, and Courage
Socialization, movement, and mental challenges are critical to every dog’s development. Each week, our dogs participate in pack walks, hikes, and swims—covering 1 to 5 miles per outing, depending on weather, ability, and confidence levels.
Our unique "courage courses" along the Verde River and canyon cliffs provide physical and psychological enrichment. These challenging environments push dogs to overcome fear, learn to trust their handler, and celebrate small victories. It’s here, in these moments, that transformation becomes visible.
Methods That Respect the Dog’s Nature
We employ a range of humane, science-backed behavior techniques including operant and classical conditioning, reinforcement, and, when necessary, corrective feedback. Every method we use is guided by a deep understanding of canine psychology and learning styles.
We don’t try to suppress or dominate the dog. We work with the dog—to help them uncover the stable, confident, and loving companion they were meant to be.
We invite you to join our team of volunteers and experience the incredible process of helping dogs overcome trauma and become adoptable. There is no greater reward than seeing a once-frightened, shut-down dog rediscover joy, trust, and connection.
Leadership
Pets Return Home was founded by Mark Happe, an animal welfare advocate with over four decades of hands-on experience working with severely traumatized dogs.
Mark and his partner, Elise, live on-site and oversee daily care, rehabilitation, training, fundraising, and operations. Together with volunteers and veterinary partners, they ensure every dog receives dignity, safety, and compassion.
👉 Learn more about our leadership and governance → (link to Governance & Transparency)
Our Commitment to Accountability
We believe trust matters. Pets Return Home operates with transparency, ethical governance, and responsible stewardship of donations.
👉 Explore our governance, policies, and financial transparency →