About us

Tucson Cold Wet Noses Fosters, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) dog rescue in Tucson, Arizona dedicated to rescuing vulnerable dogs, since 2006. We commit to finding them perfect homes through successful adoptions or long-term hospice foster homes.

Around 2017, we shifted into a rescue for senior, medically fragile, and hospice dogs from various shelters in southern Arizona who have placed dogs on medical or euthanasia lists.

Once rescued, the dogs are housed with approved foster families in the Tucson area and live with them as if they were their own. At any given time, there are approximately 100 dogs in the care of Tucson Cold Wet Noses. Happily, some fostered dogs ultimately become healthy enough to be adopted by a Tucson area family. Sadly, most of the dogs rescued by Tucson Cold Wet Noses enter into hospice care with foster parents who will lovingly care for them until it is time to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

In addition to general age-related issues like vision problems, bad teeth, and arthritis, some foster dogs are lovingly treated for conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, heart problems, Valley Fever, Cushings Disease, spinal injuries, cancer, and more. Because of the vulnerable dog population we serve, Tucson Cold Wet Noses incurs medical expenses much higher than many other rescues.

We do not take in dogs from the public.

All of our dogs live inside, with outside access for play and business. We do not allow our dogs to be adopted out as “yard dogs”.

The adoption of a Tucson Cold Wet Noses dog ensures that your new companion is already spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines, micro chipped and, if applicable, will come with a health history. A majority of our dogs are seniors and/or have special needs. Special needs could mean a dog has diabetes, allergies, seizures, valley fever, heart murmur, etc. We work closely with our veterinarians to make sure our dogs are as healthy as can be. We thank Dr. Mueller of Broadway Animal Hospital, Dr. Sibinic of ABC of Tucson, Dr. D, Dr. Laura and Dr. Gabe of Benarda Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Aronson of PAWS Veterinary Center. A big Thank You to Kate Titus of A Loyal Companion for all of her help with our senior and mobility challenged dogs also.

Tucson Cold Wet Noses pays all of our dogs’ medical bills through our adoption fees and donations. Our adoption fee is $275, with an additional $11 or $21 licensing fee (depending on which shelter the dog came from). We provide a 7 day trial period with each adoption. If for any reason you do not feel it is the perfect match, you are welcome to return the dog to their foster home. We never want one of our dogs to end up back in a shelter.

We will ONLY adopt out to residents of Tucson and surrounding areas (Sahuarita, Marana, Oro Valley and Catalina) and adopters must be 21 or older.

Ziggy is one of our long timers, he has neurological issues and part of his brain did not develop correctly. Here he is howling with the other dogs, having a blast!

We are confident that the perfect home can be found for each of our dogs. If you are thinking of adding a new family member, please have a look at our website, we have some really great dogs! However, if you would like to make a donation or help by fostering, we thank you for being a part of our mission too.

By fostering rescue dogs in our homes, the fosters of Tucson Cold Wet Noses get to know each dog’s personality, likes, dislikes and little quirks. We won’t send a cat chaser home with you, if you have 10 cats. If you babysit your grandchildren every day, no ankle biters will go to your home. Fostering our rescue dogs helps to ensure a successful adoption based on your lifestyle and situation. A successful adoption is a perfect match for both the new family and the dog.

A senior rescue dog is often the perfect low maintenance companion, especially for a senior person. Adopting a senior pet can be immensely satisfying. They have just as much love to give as a younger dog, but with better manners and moderate energy. Many of these dogs are purebred and originally came from a pet store or an irresponsible backyard breeder. Most puppy mills and backyard breeders who sell to pet stores or via the internet think of their dogs as disposable. If the dogs are lucky, they will be sent to a rescue, such as Tucson Cold Wet Noses, when they are done being used. The adoption of one of these dogs can be a truly rewarding experience.

Tucson Cold Wet Noses can’t do it without you!