Herd It Through the Grapevine Herding Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer organization in Santa Rosa that focuses specifically on rehabilitating and rehoming herding breeds, particularly Australian Cattle Dogs and Border Collies. Located in Sonoma County‘s Wine Country, the rescue understands that these intelligent, energetic dogs need environments built around physical activity and mental stimulation—something many end up lacking before they arrive.
The organization takes a specialized approach to care and training because herding dogs have distinct temperaments and exercise requirements that differ from other breeds. Their rehabilitation work prepares these dogs for successful transitions into new families, not just getting them adopted quickly. If you visit, you’ll see this philosophy in action. You can interact directly with the rescue dogs, watch training sessions, and get a real sense of what living with a herding breed actually involves. It’s helpful if you’re considering adoption or just want to understand these particular dogs better.
The rescue welcomes visitors with their own well-behaved, leashed dogs, which creates a genuine community atmosphere rather than feeling clinical or off-limits. You’ll meet other dog owners and learn from people who’ve already navigated life with herding breeds. If you’re moved to help beyond just visiting, Herd It Through offers multiple volunteer opportunities throughout the year—fostering, assisting with training, helping at fundraising events, or other hands-on work. The all-volunteer model means they genuinely rely on community support, and your involvement directly impacts how many dogs they can take in and rehabilitate.
Whether you’re looking to adopt a herding breed, foster temporarily, volunteer your time, or just learn more about responsible ownership of these high-drive dogs, the organization’s website has current information about available dogs and how to get involved. Many people discover that herding breeds fit their lifestyle better than they expected once they understand what these dogs actually need.
