Pets Return Home
Helping dogs become dogs again!
Saving Behaviorally Challenged Dogs since 2013.
A 501(c)(3) charitable organization .EIN: 46-409-0196
Volunteer FAQs
Find the answers to frequently asked question about volunteering at Pets Return Home below.
About Pets Return Home
Pets Return Home is a No-Kill sanctuary, rehabilitation center, and adoption center dedicated to giving homeless, abandoned, abused, and neglected 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 enriched, 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.
What Sets Us Apart
Free-Range Sanctuary Living – Our dogs are not confined to kennels 24/7. They live in structured, open environments where they can play, learn boundaries, and form bonds.
Behavioral Rehabilitation – We work extensively with fearful, reactive, and unsocialized dogs, helping them become adoptable and safe.
Lifetime Safety Net – Dogs who are not adoptable remain in our care for life—safe, loved, and free.
No-Kill, No-Surrender Ethic – We are fiercely committed to protecting every life we take in. We do not give up on dogs because they are inconvenient.
In-home Living – Dogs enjoy living in our home as they would in their own home.
Who We Are
Mark Happe, a dedicated animal welfare advocate, is the founder and leader of Pets Return Home. The small, hardworking team of volunteers makes Pets Return Home more than just a shelter or rescue—it’s a promise. Our team includes on-site caregivers, volunteers, and veterinary partners who all believe every dog deserves a future.
Achievements
Program Acceptance of over 1,200 dogs deemed "unadoptable"
Rehabilitation of over 1,100 dogs once considered too “broken” to save
Placement of 1,000+ dogs into loving homes through love, rehabilitation, and training
Reunification of more than 149 lost pups with their families
Transfer of 40 dogs to other facilities for additional care and placement
Placement vs. intake rate of 96%
A current pack of 25+ sanctuary dogs living safely and freely
Built a growing network of supporters, adopters, and donors who keep the mission alive
Euthanasia rate of just 1.6%—far below the 10% standard—with only 0.5% related to behavioral challenges
Providing safe homes and helping 34 dogs cross the rainbow bridge
Join Us
We rely on people like you to continue our life-saving work. Whether through adoption, volunteering, donating, or sharing our mission, you can be part of something that truly matters.
Visit our adoptable dogs, learn about our sanctuary residents, or walk a dog. Help us prove that no dog is beyond help—and that love, patience, and safety can change everything.
Pets Return Home: Because every dog deserves to come home.
Leadership
Mark Happe is the founder and driving force behind Pets Return Home, a no-kill dog sanctuary, rehabilitation, and adoption shelter based in Clarkdale, Arizona. With deep compassion for abused, neglected, and misunderstood dogs, Mark has dedicated his life to providing a safe haven for those with nowhere else to go.
Mark’s journey in canine rescue began long before founding Pets Return Home. From 1981 to 1987, he worked almost full-time with redlined fighting and bait dogs—canines considered too dangerous or damaged to be adopted. His early hands-on experience with highly reactive and traumatized dogs laid the foundation for a lifelong mission: to give the most vulnerable dogs a second chance.
He took a break to pursue education and, in 1992, earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Physics, followed by graduate studies in engineering at Rutgers University until 1994. While his academic focus and subsequent occupation temporarily pulled him away from canine work, his passion never faded. In 1995, he resumed helping "unadoptable" dogs, rehabilitating 5–10 dogs per year until 2007, when he relocated to Arizona and returned to full-time work in dog rescue and behavior rehabilitation.
Since founding Pets Return Home in 2012, Mark has overseen the care, rehabilitation, and adoption of over 1,200 dogs. Many arrive with severe behavioral issues, medical needs, or traumatic pasts. Mark and his partner, Elise, live on-site, managing a free-range, home-based sanctuary that prioritizes healing, training, and lifelong support. Dogs not eligible for safe placement live in a permanent, safe, and loving home at the sanctuary.
Mark brings decades of hands-on experience in canine behavior, rescue operations, and nonprofit leadership. He works around the clock, leading everything from behavioral evaluations and pack integration to fundraising, outreach, and volunteer coordination. A strong advocate for dogs labeled as "unadoptable," Mark works to show the community that every dog deserves a second chance—and that labels can be misleading.
Since its inception, Pets Return Home has:
Accepted over 1,200 dogs deemed "unadoptable" into its programs
Placed 1,000+ dogs into loving homes through rehabilitation, training, and compassion
Reunited more than 149 lost dogs with their families through search, tracking, and trapping
Transferred 40 dogs to other facilities for additional care and placement
Rehabilitated and returned over 100 behavior-challenged dogs to community shelters and rescues
Achieved a 96% placement vs. intake rate
Cared for a current pack of 25+ sanctuary dogs living safely and freely
Rehabilitated over 1,100 dogs once considered too “broken” to save
Built a growing network of supporters, adopters, and donors who sustain the mission
Maintained an exceptional euthanasia rate of just 1.6%, with only 0.5% related to behavioral challenges
Provided safe, loving homes and peaceful endings for 34 dogs who crossed the rainbow bridge
Despite the challenges, Mark and Elise continue to operate with limited resources—currently, only one volunteer provides 8 hours of help every other week. Elise works full-time as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse, leaving Mark responsible for nearly all the daily care of the dogs and the shelter's operations, working an estimated 126 hours per week.
Mark is deeply involved in community education and collaboration. He writes and speaks about responsible dog ownership, humane treatment of animals, and the importance of rescue and rehabilitation. He also advocates for sustainable support through monthly donations to keep rehabilitation, adoption, and sanctuary efforts operating, and to ensure ongoing medical care, food, and training for the dogs.
Mark’s mission is simple: to give every dog the love, security, and dignity they deserve. Whether through adoption, lifelong sanctuary care, or intensive behavioral rehabilitation, he believes that no dog should be thrown away.
You can often find Mark in the middle of a large dog pack, working with a team of volunteers, or at local adoption events advocating for the voiceless. His heart and vision are what make Pets Return Home not just a shelter, but a true home.
To learn more about Mark Happe’s mission and how you can support the dogs at Pets Return Home, visit http://www.petsreturnhome.org or email mark@petsreturnhome.org
Facility and Campus
Pets Return Home is located near Sedona, 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:
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.
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.
200 sq. ft. Covered “Doggie Condo” Area – Equipped with heaters in winter and shade and pools in summer for dogs who prefer staying outdoors.
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.
Twelve Fenced Play Yards – Offering nearly 6,000 sq. ft. of running space, these yards provide shelter, soft footing, and free access to water.
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.
Three-Acre Enrichment Area – Distraction-free trails ideal for walking, training, and peaceful exploration for dogs and humans alike.
Four Large Fenced Playgrounds – Accommodate up to 40 dogs at once to socialize, gain confidence, and practice manners, reducing reactivity and promoting adoptability.
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.
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.
Mission
To save lives, enrich well-being, and build adoptability in homeless dogs.
For more than 12 years, Pets Return Home has committed to providing neglected, abused, abandoned, and misunderstood dogs with their last chance at life, transforming them into loving family companions through professional behavior rehabilitation, exercise, socialization, and love.
Our intimate familiarity with each dog's behavior and needs allows us to ensure perfect matches with adoptive families, providing individualized care and post-adoption support. We strive to rehabilitate special needs dogs, offering them a safe lifelong home when adoption is not possible.
Dependent on the generosity of supporters, we are committed to finding the best homes for every dog, ensuring their happiness and well-being.
This leads to creating happy families and lifelong love. This is the purpose of our existence and the driving force behind everything we do.
Our Vision
We envision a world where no dog is discarded, abused, or left to suffer. Pets Return Home is committed to creating a life-saving, healing environment & sanctuary for homeless dogs, especially those labeled "unadoptable."
Our long-term vision includes:
Partnering with animal rescues and shelters to rehabilitate behaviorally challenged dogs.
Serving our community through dog retention outreach and education programs.
Helping families experience the joy and companionship of safe, loving pets through behavioral management education.
Providing a working facility to teach others how to replicate our life-saving model.
Provide a sanctuary for dogs needing love and a safe haven until they cross the bridge.
Our Values and Guiding Principles inform every decision and interaction—defining who we are, what we believe, and how we lead.
Life – Every animal’s life matters—regardless of breed or history.
End Suffering – We believe no animal should suffer.
The Lost – We honor those still waiting to be found.
Family – Companion dogs belong in safe, loving homes.
Social Connection – We strengthen the human-animal bond.
Education – We teach people and dogs how to coexist with love and respect.
Safety – We prioritize the safety of all beings.
Professionalism – We uphold high ethical and performance standards.
Accountability – We take responsibility, always.
Integrity – We own our decisions and their impact.
Ethics – We do what’s right, not what’s easy.
Observation – We act based on direct knowledge and firsthand experience.
Impartiality – We act with fairness and equity.
Leadership – We lead by example.
Collective Growth – We inspire others to grow, help, and lead.
Excellence – We strive for nothing less.
Position Statements
Our Position Statements define where we stand on topics within the animal welfare community. Our actions always support our Position Statements.
Unadoptable Dog Policy
Position Statement: Pets Return Home believes no dog is "unadoptable." Every dog deserves a chance. Some dogs have special needs that require knowledgeable, committed guardians with strong management skills to maintain a safe, happy, and loving companionship.
Canine Aggression Policy
Position Statement: Every dog deserves humane and respectful treatment regardless of past behavior. Each dog merits an accurate behavioral evaluation and the opportunity for rehabilitation, compassion, and acceptance.
If a dog, with no provocation, inflicts a serious injury on a human or another animal, we apply proper management techniques. These include non-lethal remedies such as muzzling, behavior modification, and compassionate confinement. Pets Return Home promotes rehabilitating dogs with aggression issues.
Dogs do not choose to be aggressive—they are often victims of the human environment. We implement management strategies at our facility to transform behavior and support successful adoption. We exhaust every available option before considering euthanasia. If it becomes necessary, someone with a relationship to the dog provides love and comfort at the time of passing.
Compassionate Management of High-Risk Dogs
Position Statement: Pets Return Home believes even dogs with significant behavioral challenges—such as fear-based reactions, resource guarding, reactivity, or aggression—deserve a chance at rehabilitation and a fulfilling life.
We commit to understanding the root causes of behavior and using tailored, humane management strategies that promote healing, safety, and trust. Each dog receives an individual evaluation, and we implement proven techniques such as:
Positive reinforcement-based training
Structured routines
Predictable environments
Muzzling (when necessary for safety)
Secure handling protocols
Incremental exposure and desensitization
These tools build confidence, reduce stress, and create safe boundaries for dogs and caregivers. We prioritize empathy over punishment, focusing on relationship-building, mutual respect, and long-term well-being. When immediate placement isn’t possible, we provide sanctuary care with ongoing behavioral enrichment and professional oversight.
We are dedicated to showing the world that “last chance” dogs can still have meaningful, joyful lives.
Behavior Modification and Training
Position Statement: Pets Return Home builds adoptability and saves lives through behavior modification, dog-specific management plans, and structured training. Our methods emphasize respect, modeling, socialization, humane correction, and exercise.
Each dog receives a unique training program based on their temperament and needs. We ensure training is consistent and repeatable so new guardians can maintain progress at home.
We do not support training methods that rely on excessive force or pain. When necessary, we may use methods that cause temporary discomfort, only to ensure safety and support long-term adoptability.
Aversive Training Methods
Position Statement: Pets Return Home does not support training methods that rely on excessive force or pain. We use positive behavior modification as our primary approach. When needed for safety, we may use limited aversives. Our approach requires a strong human-dog bond and a deep understanding of behavioral challenges.
Pregnant Dogs
Position Statement: Pets Return Home believes that nursing mothers should not be separated from their puppies for convenience. A mother’s presence is vital for healthy puppy development.
Removing her too early causes emotional instability that can lead to adult dogs being euthanized in shelters. We provide dedicated whelping and pediatric care to give these families the best chance at a future in loving homes.
Dog Debarking/Devocalization
Position Statement: Pets Return Home strongly opposes surgical debarking. This procedure is unacceptable. Dogs bark to communicate emotions like fear, boredom, and distress. Removing this ability often leads to other behavioral problems.
We encourage compassionate, evidence-based training to address excessive barking.
Sterilization (Spay/Neuter) Policy
Position Statement: Pets Return Home supports spaying and neutering for all dogs. Sterilization saves lives by reducing overpopulation and preventing unnecessary euthanasia in shelters.
Sterilization prevents unwanted behaviors, reduces cancer risks, and discourages roaming. It does not cause laziness or weight gain. We seek homes that reflect this belief and support breaking the cycle of unwanted pets.
Euthanasia Ethics
Position Statement: Pets Return Home believes euthanasia should only occur when a dog’s quality of life is irreversibly compromised due to illness, unmanageable pain, or unresolvable danger to others.
We never use euthanasia for convenience or due to a lack of space. We commit to compassion and presence in every dog’s final moments, with someone who cares for them guiding them across the Rainbow Bridge.
Shelter Enrichment
Position Statement: Enrichment is essential, not optional. Pets Return Home provides daily enrichment to reduce stress, prevent boredom, and support mental and emotional health.
Activities include pack walks, social play, puzzle feeders, agility work, and human interaction, chosen based on each dog’s temperament and needs. Enrichment prepares our dogs for home life and supports behavior rehabilitation.
Responsible Rehoming
Position Statement: Pets Return Home is committed to placing dogs in homes that meet their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs. We ensure this through adopter screening, education, home checks, and post-adoption support.
Rehoming is not a handoff—it’s a lifelong commitment. We strive to create lasting, positive bonds between dogs and their new families.
Supporting Sources
ASPCA – Behavioral Rehabilitation Center: https://www.aspca.org/animal-placement/behavioral-rehabilitation-center
AVMA – Behavioral Euthanasia in Companion Animals: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/behavioral-euthanasia-companion-animals
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists – Aggression Position: https://www.dacvb.org/about/position-statements/aggression/
AVSAB – Position on Humane Dog Training: https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-1-25-21.pdf
Karen Pryor Academy – Training Resources: https://karenpryoracademy.com/
Humane Society – Caring for a Pregnant Dog: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/caring-pregnant-dog
AKC – Dog Pregnancy Guidelines: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-pregnancy/
AVMA – Devocalization Policy: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/devocalization-dogs
ASPCA – Position on Debarking: https://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-policy-and-position-statements/position-statement-devocalization-dogs
ASPCA – Spay/Neuter Information: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/spayneuter-your-pet
AVMA – Early-Age Neutering Policy: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/avma-policy-early-age-neuteringspay
Humane Society – Pet Overpopulation Facts: https://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet-overpopulation
Fear Free Shelter Program – Shelter Enrichment Guide: https://fearfreeshelters.com/resources/
ASPCA – Adoption Best Practices: https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/best-practices-dog-adoption
Maddie’s Fund – Lifesaving Transport and Placement Guidelines: https://www.maddiesfund.org/lifesaving-transport-and-placement-guidelines.htm
Our Commitment to Transparency
At Pets Return Home, transparency is a cornerstone of our mission. We are committed to operating with openness, honesty, and integrity in every aspect of our organization. Our supporters, donors, volunteers, and adopters deserve to understand how their contributions and efforts impact the lives of the dogs we care for.
What Transparency Means to Us:
Open Communication: We strive to provide clear, accurate, and timely updates about our programs, operations, and the outcomes of our work.
Accountability: We are committed to responsibly managing the resources entrusted to us, ensuring that every dollar is used to save lives, enrich welfare, and support the adoptability of dogs in our care.
Accessible Policies: All our organizational policies, protocols, and practices are publicly available on this page. We believe in sharing how we operate to build trust and confidence with our community.
Financial Integrity: We maintain rigorous financial oversight, and our most recent financial statements, including details of donations and expenditures, are available for review.
Ethical Practices: Every decision we make reflects our values of compassion, respect, and ethical care for animals and people.
By embracing these principles, Pets Return Home remains dedicated to creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. We invite you to explore our policies and protocols below and reach out with any questions.
Together, we can continue making a life-changing difference for the dogs who need us most. Our Commitment to Transparency
At Pets Return Home, transparency is a cornerstone of our mission. We are committed to operating with openness, honesty, and integrity in every aspect of our organization. Our supporters, donors, volunteers, and adopters deserve to understand how their contributions and efforts impact the lives of the dogs we care for.
Policies
State of Arizona Filings
IRS
IRS 990 Tax Returns 2015-present