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Big Dog Summer

The Bigger They Are, The Harder You’ll Fall

A logo featuring the text "Big Dog Summer" in playful, cursive fonts. The words are in white outlined with purple, set against a blue circular background with lighter blue accents, conveying a fun theme related to pet adoption.

Every Summer, we like to highlight all the reasons why people LOVE their big dogs! Could it be their aloof-yet-goofy personalities? The way the make you feel safe and protected? Something else entirely?

A woman with glasses sitting on a couch, smiling while two dogs are cuddled with her. One dog is a large brown and black breed, and the other is a golden-colored dog. The setting is a cozy living room.
A boy lying next to a dog on tiled flooring. The dog, wearing a colorful scarf with watermelon patterns, has its tongue out, while the boy, smiling and sticking out his tongue, wears a dark t-shirt. The setting appears to be a kitchen.
A smiling girl sits on a couch with her adopted pet dog, who has a white coat and a black patch over one eye. Both the girl and the dog are looking at the camera, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in a living room setting.
A woman smiling while holding an adopted pet dog close to her face. The dog, a white breed with brown spots, looks content in her embrace. They are in a cozy indoor setting with a guitar and plants visible in the background.
A woman in a brown blazer sits on a stone step next to a large white dog with a spotted face. The woman smiles at the camera, presenting a friendly atmosphere, alongside her adopted pet.
A young woman laughing in a hot tub while a dog with a red bandana playfully licks her face. The woman holds a phone in her hand. The scene captures a lighthearted moment between the adopted pet and its owner.

Throughout the month of July, Joybound will be offering grooming and training discounts, as well as adoption promotions to encourage more people to experience the larger-than-life love of big dogs. Because bigger dogs mean even bigger hearts!

A man with light brown hair wearing a cream-colored sweater holds a gray kitten in his arms. The background is soft and neutral, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This image represents the Joybound Team.

“Since large dogs tend to spend much more time in shelters than their smaller counterparts, we wanted to take a month out of the year to celebrate them and put them in an (extra-large) spotlight.”

– Sean McGinnis, Joybound Director of Animal Care and Adoptions

Meet the gentle giants of Joybound! As part of the Big Dog Summer festivities, we’ll be waiving adoption fees for all dogs weighing in at 60+ pounds on every Friday & Saturday in the month of July.

Our intake & admissions team makes multiple trips every week to partner shelters across California, so available animals are updated daily. For information on what to expect from your adoption experience, learn more about our adoption process.

Please note: If you are having trouble viewing our adoptable pets widget above, please try viewing this page in a different browser, or clearing your cache. You can also view all our adoptable pets via this direct link.

Already Have a Big Dog?

Help us spread the word and share all the reasons why you love the companionship of your colossal canine companion!

Share your Dog’s story

Big Discounts, Big Fun, and More!

Big Dog Summer Shirts Coming Soon!

Celebrate Big Dog Summer in style with our exclusive, limited-edition shirt now in its third year! Every purchase helps spread joy and supports pets and the people who love them. Shirts will be available starting July 10 at our Boutique.

The Joybound Boutique is located on the adoption floor at Joybound’s Walnut Creek Headquarters, and is open weekdays from 12 PM – 7 PM and weekends from 11 AM – 6 PM.

A navy blue t-shirt featuring a colorful graphic of a dog's face within a circular design. The text reads "BIG DOG SUMMER 2026" and a paw print is also included. The bottom includes a website link for pet adoption: joybound.org/bigdogsummmer.
A groomer with short blonde hair holds a brown dog while brushing its fur in a brightly lit grooming area. The groomer smiles as she carefully attends to the animal, highlighting efforts in rescuing animals in need.

Dog Grooming Salon

This July, grooming appointments for big dogs are 20% off with the coupon code WBIGDOGSUMMER26.

A woman kneels on the floor, gently holding a dog's paw. The dog is a large, fluffy white breed. The setting is bright and spacious, with windows allowing natural light. This scene exemplifies the efforts involved in rescuing animals in need.

Training Classes

This July, training classes for big dogs are 20% off with the coupon code BIG DOG SUMMER.

A beagle lying on a veterinary table, receiving care. An oxygen mask is placed over its face, while various medical equipment is visible nearby. This scene illustrates efforts in rescuing animals in need.

Dental Cleaning

Don’t forget how important it is to keep your big dog’s teeth clean. Make an appointment at our clinic today.

A person with curly hair holds two playful puppies, one black and one brindle, with their tongues out. The setting appears casual, and the image highlights the act of rescuing animals in need.

Fostering

Open your heart and home for a dog in need or treat an adoptable pup to a SleepRover getaway.

Adoption Promotions

View Calendar

Tips for Big Dog Adopters

  • Walking Your Large Dog: Walking a large dog doesn’t have to be a daunting task. While their size and strength may call for some preparation, that little bit of extra effort is well worth it.
  • Apartment Living with a Large Dog: Living in an apartment with a large dog doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right strategies, everyone can live in harmony. Check out our top tips to ensure a happy and harmonious life with your big furry friend in an apartment setting.
  • Large Dogs and Children: No matter what pet you’re adopting, it’s important to keep in mind the relationship they’ll have with children in your household. Big dogs can complete your family and become a child’s best friend. Adopting a large dog when you have children can be a rewarding experience filled with joy and companionship.

Support All Animals, Big & Small

Your big-dog-sized gift ensures Joybound is always able to dive into action to help people and pets when we’re needed most!

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We Love Big Mutts (& We Cannot Lie)

Despite having so much love to give, larger dogs are often overlooked by potential adopters and make up the majority of long-term shelter dogs across the country. We’d like to share some of our top reasons why big dogs are so great and help bust some popular myths about living with a larger-than-life canine.

  1. They make great partners-in-adventure

Whether you’re looking for a hiking friend, a jogging partner, or someone who will happily accompany you on your next trip to the dog-friendly beach, big dogs make great adventure buddies. Those extra-long strides take them a long way!

  1. Despite what you may think, they do well in apartments

You don’t necessarily need a yard to bring home a big dog. Many larger dogs do just fine with simple walks around the block for exercise and indoor enrichment activities to keep them mentally stimulated.

  1. Their love and affection matches their size

Always next to you for support, big dogs pups are fabulous cuddle companions, plus their large frames make for cozy pillows when you doze off together side by side!

  1. They make you feel safe

If you’re a person who feels safe with a canine companion having your back, there’s nothing better than a big dog — even if they’re a gentle giant who would happily give kisses to any strangers they meet.

  1. You’re helping out a shelter underdog

By adopting a big dog from Joybound, you’re making an impact for a dog who is more likely to be overlooked by adopters and spend a significantly longer amount of time in the shelter than their smaller counterparts. Plus, your adoption opens up space for the next dog in need of a home.

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