Dogs Without Borders is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue operating in the Encino area of Los Angeles County that focuses on small breed dogs. If you’re in the region and want to support rescue work while you’re here, this organization offers a straightforward way to get involved.

The rescue pulls dogs from local shelters and works with international partners to place dogs in homes. They operate primarily through a foster network rather than a traditional brick-and-mortar facility, which means the dogs in their care live in actual homes while waiting for adoption. This approach tends to give a clearer picture of how a dog behaves in a household setting—something useful to know if you’re considering adoption.

You can learn about available dogs and their stories through their website at dogswithoutborders.org. They’re pretty active about updating potential adopters on which dogs are currently in their program, and you can often see what specific dogs are looking for homes at any given time.

The organization welcomes both local residents and visitors interested in adoption or volunteering. If you’re visiting the Encino area and want to spend time with some of these dogs, you can reach out through their site to see if there are opportunities to meet animals in foster care. Some rescue groups arrange meet-and-greets or allow visitors to help with events, though their foster-based model means it’s not like walking into a shelter where you can browse.

Their focus on small breeds makes them particularly relevant if that’s what you’re looking for, and their work pulling dogs from shelters means they’re directly reducing overcrowding in the local system. The international partnership aspect sets them apart—it opens options for dogs that might otherwise face limited opportunities in the U.S. shelter system. Check their website to see current dogs available for adoption and how you might help.