Ridgebacks & Friends is dedicated to saving Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Ridgeback mixes and placing them in suitable homes. Since 2014 we have fostered and re-homed 150+ dogs.
A Dogs-First Approach
We operate in California, focusing on rescuing dogs from the state’s high-intake shelters. We also re-home owner-surrenders and homeless strays.
All dogs are carefully screened for good behavior and receive proper veterinary care, including spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations, before being matched with appropriate adopters or fosters.
The group provides sanctuary to a limited number of sick and/or under-socialized dogs.
Volunteer Opportunities
Ridgeback & Friends relies on a dedicated cadre of volunteers to assist with transport (retrieving dogs from shelters), temporary fostering, and vet appointments on an as-needed basis.
Get in touch if you are interested in being a Ridgeback & Friends Volunteer.
Ridgebacks & Friends runs on a shoe-string budget. Please contribute today. A general contribution will go to support transport, vets, training, and fostering (food, supplies, and medication). Contribute specifically to Soraya Seniors to provide medical care for our elderly rescues and to support the gracious fosters and adopters who take in these deserving animals.
In Memorium
This site is dedicated to Barbara Davilman, founder of Ridgebacks & Friends. Barbara’s tireless work on behalf of Rhodesian ridgebacks, ridgeback mixes and all dogs continues to inspire us. We love you and miss you.
To honor Soraya Kohanzadeh, a cherished Ridgeback & Friends board member, we established Soraya’s Seniors, a special fund for our most vulnerable, older rescues.
Adopt or Foster a Ridgeback
We require that all members of the family – human and canine – meet each other prior to adoption.
All of our dogs are located in California, mostly Southern California.
Our adoption contracts include a clause that the dog must be returned to us if the adopter can not keep the dog for any reason. Due to our small organization and the complexities of transport logistics, this means that we adopt to applicants WITHIN CALIFORNIA ONLY. On very rare occasions, we may adopt to adjacent states (Nevada, Arizona, Oregon). Thank you for your understanding.
Click here to complete our Adoption Application Form*
Fosters Are the Heart of Our Rescue
Ridgebacks & Friends does not have a kennel or boarding facility, so we’re always on the lookout for foster homes in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties.
We do everything to ensure successful foster placements: We cover all medical needs, provide food and a loaner crate, and any other required supplies (bowls, leashes, treats, etc.). We have relationships with trainers, daycares and boarding facilities who can assist if the foster works or is out of town.
We offer a foster mentor system and actively involve fosters in the placement of the foster dog. Our motto is “Me or Better.” We want our foster families to feel comfortable that their foster dog is headed off to a great home.
Click here to complete our Foster Application Form*
* Ridgebacks & Friends coordinates donations and adoption applications with Shelter Luv