It’s The PIts Dog Rescue

I have been a volunteer with Its the Pits for the past 3 years and have been fostering them for the last year and a half. I also adopted my baby boy Apollo from this organization in January of 2014.
I cannot say enough good things about this rescue. It’s the Pits is always taking in dogs on death row and they are especially eager to help dogs with extreme medical conditions such as Tundra, Mack, and Capone. They do everything they can to help save these dogs no matter the cost.
When I first became a foster Beth and Jenn were both readily available to me whenever I needed them. My first foster dog became very ill and Beth was there through the entire process answering any questions I had. I have since become one of the medical fosters, helping out with the medical dogs as well as fostering other dogs. In the last year and a half I have fostered 13 dogs for the rescue. All except the three I have in my house currently have moved on to their forever homes. Every adoption for each of my foster babies has been special and even though seeing them go makes me sad I know that ITP has placed them with wonderful families due to their very involved adoption process. ITP does their best to match the perfect dog with the perfect home.
Before I started fostering I adopted my pit mix Apollo from Its the Pits. Even though I was a volunteer I still went through the same process as all the other applicants. I filled out an application, was interviewed over the phone and had a home check before I could even allow my current two dogs to interact with the puppy I was interested in. I respect that ITP does not show bias when it comes to adopting their dogs and that everyone must go through the same adoption process. Once we were ready we met Apollo (then known as Harley) and he matched perfectly with my current two pitties. I know when I am ready to adopt another bully breed I will be looking no further than this wonderful organization.
I cannot say enough good things about Its the Pits and all that they do for this misunderstood breed.

I foster for It’s the Pits because it fills a need for the rescue, the dogs and especially me! I’ve had all 3 of my fosters get adopted. One I had for 7 months (Fawn) she was a great dog who was at my house recovering from surgery that was done because she was hit by a car.
The staff and volunteers are a compassionate and caring group with only the dogs best interests at heart.
If you don’t think you’re ready for a permanent dog, try fostering, it’s wonderful!

I first learned about It’s the Pits about 2 years ago while I was volunteering with different organizations and different facilities. I found myself being drawn to how well established they are, how very organized, how pre-​cautious about their dogs safety, how much heart and soul they put in to the animals that they save and most importantly, how much education they were able to provide me and the general public to any inquiries myself or anyone else had.
I have volunteered for a handful of rescues/​shelters and It’s the Pits is by far the best. They have so many people that specialize in so many different areas within the rescue that nothing goes untouched. In the time that I have been volunteering with them I have had many opportunities to help in different areas and connect with other volunteers on a personal basis.
I also had the opportunity to have my first foster experience. There were 4 itty bitty pitties in the shelter that needed a home. I got the chance to take two of them (the other two found homes as well). It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I got to watch two little babies grow up and I didn’t have to worry about medical expenses, food or toys, they were provided to me by the rescue. Anything I ever needed, I received immediately. All I had to do was just love them and take them to a couple of adoption events and was finally able to see them through to their forever homes. Such a bittersweet moment.
All in all, I love this establishment and would encourage anyone who may only need knowledge, want to foster or even adopt to reach out to It’s the Pits, they are great!

Can we be honest for a moment?
I don’t write many Unilocal reviews – sadly, I feel compelled to write this one in support of It’s the Pits.
Recently, It’s the Pits made the decision to remove a dog from a foster home. I’m sure this was painful for the foster home, but her reaction has been to enlist friends in an unfair public social media attack against It’s the Pits. Negative reviews posted here in the last week or two are part of that campaign.
Unfortunately, bully breeds are often held to difficult standards of behavior, and It’s the Pits must be very conservative in their decisions about temporary and permanent placement of their dogs. To the foster parent, I’m sure this caution was perceived as unnecessary and unwelcome. But the best interests of the individual dog, the breed, and the rescue must trump the feelings of any individual foster home volunteer.
My personal experience with It’s the Pits has been exceptional. Our family took in brother and sister pups, and we ended up adopting the little guy, now called «DudeBro.»
Beth’s vetting, advice, and instructions were clear and through throughout the process. But it’s not all love and puppy licks. Resurrecting the reputation of these maligned fur babies is serious business. At times, you might feel uncomfortable with the level of rigor, but remember the context – all of it is for the benefit of these great dogs, and to filter out anyone not serious about the obligation we pitty owners have to set a good example.
I would encourage anyone to volunteer, donate or adopt from It’s the Pits. Just don’t take it personally if you don’t meet their high standards.
Beth, your work is appreciated by many of us. Never apologize or regret those high standards.
Keep up the good work, and thank you.

I have been volunteering with ITP over 7 years. I have volunteered in many capacities from dog walker to volunteer trainer to volunteer coordinator and several others. I have seen the work these people do. I have seen miracles. I have seen the blood, sweat and tears that each person puts in and sometimes it doesn’t pay off. At the end of the day this group is here to do what is best for the dogs. That is their one and only concern. They are a blessing to the breed and leaders in the rescue community. They are good hearted people doing the right thing for the breed.

Professional, dedicated, and all about the dogs. A+ organization. I have fostered for them, adopted from them, helped care for dogs waiting for foster families, and most importantly learned from the leaders and their recommended dog trainers. If you can’t adopt, foster. If you can’t foster, donate. If you can’t do any of that, spread the word about this wonderful organization. It focuses on ensuring the «breed» gets every chance to shine.

I have volunteered and fostered for It’s the Pits for over ten years. I have always been extremely impressed with every facet of this organization; from the adoption events, to fund-​raisers, to the care that goes into finding forever homes for these amazing dogs to the knowledge and committment that Beth possesses. They truly care for each and every animal and the humans as well.
I am grateful for Beth and It’s the Pits for saving so many doggies and for being there to do the difficult work. It takes a very special kind of person to run a rescue; someone with a lot of guts, inner strength, courage and determination and love.

I volunteer and foster for this rescue so I know it from the inside out. The top priority is the dogs. I have also adopted two beautiful dogs from this rescue. Even after the adoption they were available to me with any questions or concerns that I had. They try and learn as much information as they can about each and every dog that comes into the rescue so they can better inform the potential adopters. All of the dogs are temperament tested and they do not rush to place them In just any home. They always try to find the perfect fit. If you are looking for a Bully Breed they are my #1 choice for sure.

In January of 2014, I lost my best friend of 15 years. After my family and I had time to grieve, we began looking at rescues to find another friend for the other dog in our home. We came across It’s the Pits via Facebook and learned that they were having an adoption event close to our home. At the event, we met a young, sweet pup who we fell head-​over-​heels in love with. The volunteers at the event answered all of our questions and even gave us their personal contact information in case we had more questions.
That evening (a Saturday), we filled out the adoption application online. By Sunday evening we had done a phone interview with the adoption coordinator. And by Tuesday, we were contacted by another volunteer to schedule our home check evaluation. The following weekend we received confirmation that our application had been approved, but not for the puppy we had initially fell in love with, a young female. One of the policies of the rescue is that they will not place a female in a home with an existing female, due to possible dominance issues. We were bummed, of course, but we proceeded with the interact stage of the adoption process. The following Sunday (a week and a day after the adoption event) my parents, myself, and our existing dog made a trip up to the «puppy pit» where we were set to meet a young male, who was the litter-​mate of puppy we were initially interested in. The interact between this pup and our female did not go too well. The puppy was visibly scared our of larger, older, female black lab. The volunteers at the puppy pit let us know of another male puppy who was also available for adoption. This puppy came running out of the volunteers’ home like a spitfire. He ran right up to our female and immediately showed his belly (good boy). He ran up to myself and my parents giving us loads of kisses. WE FOUND A MATCH. Within a matter of an hour to an hour and a half, we met two pups, allowed ourselves and our existing dog interact with the pups, then signed the paperwork and brought our newest addition home. The adoption fee included all of the current immunizations, the neuter and a microchip… The rescue also provided us with a packet full of «to do’s» and a variety of resources to make this transition as smooth as possible. Arranging the neuter appointment was as easy and the vet that the rescue used was fantastic! (I need to review their clinic too.)
We had such a good experience with It’s the Pits the first time around, when we were ready to add a third family member into our home, they were first on the list! Because we had gone through the adoption process recently (within the year), we filled out an application and were then able to set an appointment for an interact. Within a week of our second application being submitted, we happily brought our third family member home.
It’s the Pits continues to be a great resource for us. They have provided us with organizations that they recommend for training, places for boarding, and even companies that they utilize for pet insurance. We have recommended and will continue to recommend It’s the Pits Dog Rescue to anyone looking for a large-​breed dog.
Thank you, It’s the Pits (and your volunteers), for making our home complete again.

I am a current foster for It’s the Pits and have been for several years. I also adopted my pittie from them about 6 years ago. So I have experience and knowledge from both sides. First, when I adopted my pittie I was extremely impressed with the thoroughness when looking at potential adopters. There was an application, a phone call, a home check and then once that was all done there was a «meet & greet» with a shy little dog that I had. I did not end up with the dog that I thought I wanted because it was not a good fit. It took a little bit but we finally found a love match. I appreciated all the work that Beth did to find a match that was good and going to work. I had a female and the dog I wanted was a female. Now that I know and understand the relationships of dogs — I get why it wasn’t a good math. Rocket has been the best dog for our family.
About 3 years ago, I decided to start fostering when there was a sickly mama with 6 pups at the local shelter. We had to come with an area that my dogs could not interact with her. I spent a lot of time on the phone, texts and emails to get advice on what to do and what not to do. I fenced off half our yard and would take turns letting dogs out and back in. They gave great advice and I have now fostered at least 14 dogs for them. Each one different, each one having different needs and each one loved and cared for. Did I become attached — of course. I loved these fosters like my own and when it came time to move them closer to San Diego so they could attend events and find their forever home I did, with hesitating. I cried, I miss them, but it is the best thing for the doggies. I know that the volunteers of It’s the Pits does the very best to find great homes.
With that being said, I find it amazing that anyone who has never had any dealing with them could possibly say anything bad about a non-​profit rescue just because their «friend» said something bad. There are two sides to every story and every complaint. Fosters need to understand what they are getting into. It’s not just feeding and housing — they need training and socialization. They need to be at as many events as possible. They are not YOUR dog they are It’s the Pits dogs and the goal is to get them adopted. If a foster wants to adopt — they are welcome to, but they have to go through the same process as anyone else to make sure it is a good match. It’s the Pits doesn’t just rip a happy puppy out of a good foster home. They will remove any foster dog from a foster home if they feel that the dog is not thriving, dog attending events, not being trained and socialized and that is their right. So, shame on you if you are saying horrible things about such a great group because ultimately you are saying bad things about me and all of those fosters that do a great job and all the volunteers that works so hard to pull these dogs from high kill shelters and rehabilitate them. It’s all about the dogs and not about peoples egos.

Its the pits is the greatest rescue i have ever worked with, they have the best interest of the dogs in mind! when moved down to this area i needed something more in life, i was struggling to say the least! i thought why not do something that will make me feel good? so i went online and looked for a for a dog rescue.
Not knowing what to expect, i went to their volunteer orientation, in just the couple of hours i was there i felt very comfortable, so i started walking some puppies at their boarding kennels.
When i attended my first adoption event i knew no one, but everyone made me feel welcome! !
I have transported many dogs to interacts, which by far is the best thing ever! ! Beth and everyone involved with this organization has always been so grateful for the time i have given to help these guys find their forever homes!
they are very thorough when finding homes for these dogs! if one dog doesn’t work they will work to find another that is better suited for the family! !

We are fosters for the group, and we can proudly say it has been one of the most enriching experiences in our lives. They really take care and love their animals. It is so great to see that! Highly recommend adopting or fostering with them!

We applied to adopt one of two female puppies available from this group. I filled out a lengthy application, and they got in touch with me within the promised 48 hours. They could tell I’ve owned this breed before and were happy to work with me, but because we have a female at home they couldn’t let us take home these baby girls because they’re both very alpha and would eventually fight our dog for dominance.
I was so impressed with their wealth of knowledge, and am still incredibly grateful for knowing as much as they do… they protected our current dog, and are working so hard to get those girls adopted. In the future we’ll try to adopt from them again when the time is right.

I’ve been contemplating what my 500^th review would be. It had to be something special. I already wrote reviews for the rescue group Wagging Dog where I adopted my little pittie Shelby. It’s The Pits is also a fine rescue organization that has saved many of the beautiful breed that is Pit Bull. I have owned two female pit bulls in my life and both were loyal sweet family oriented dogs. And both were abused prior to coming to me so apparently the breed is also forgiving.
It’s The Pit’s dedicates itself to educating people about the Bully breeds and fund raising so they can provide homes for abandoned, surrendered or abused pit bulls. They also provide resources for spaying and neutering, pit bull friendly rentals, insurance and how to be a foster.
It really is an important service for this misunderstood breed as more pit bulls are marked for euthanasia after surrender than any other breed.
It’s The Pit’s also has a Facebook page
that calls out for fosters and keeps us informed on recent laws and legislation (good and bad) affecting pit bull owners and their dogs. I believe they were instrumental (along with other Pit rescues) overturning a ridiculous law in a town in Louisiana that called for all owners to either ship off their pit bulls to another city or to surrender them for euthanasia. I would have never known about this law and would have never have written to that town’s mayor to contest it had it not been for organizations like It’s The Pits.
They are always in need of foster families. The more they have the more lives they can save. Or stop by their website
and make a donation. It can be monetary or just donate your old blankets and coats. You can make a difference in some sweet dog’s life.

My Husband and I just adopted our dog Bruin through It’s the Pits and had a great experience. It was obvious that the people who work for this organization care about getting the right match between person and dog — which I really appreciated. They took the time to answer questions and suggest dogs that fit our lifestyle and desires. And even after we adopted, both our dog’s foster mom and Jenn have been super responsive with any questions we had. I feel like they have done everything possible to set both us and Bruin up to succeed. Thanks!!!

We rescued one of «Roxie’s Rascals» from this group. His original name was Reed, but to us he is «Brody Baloo». The group was very thorough in their home check, and in sharing our concerns about bringing another family member in to be a brother to our very much loved American Staffordshire, who has been an only child for two years. They helped us through the issues of temperament, and how to integrate a new puppy into the family. We met with all the male pups at the «puppy pit», and our female met them too. Ultimately, she made the choice, and it could not have worked out better. Brody is now 4 months old, and the two are inseparable! He is due to be neutered in a couple of weeks, which is covered in the cost of the adoption, and is in excellent health! He is growing soooo fast! Jeff and Jennifer have been there to answer any and all questions, and they are like family! I highly recommend this group — and am thankful that they are so careful not to place the dogs/​puppies without checking them out fully. It is a huge responsibility to care for any dog — and this particular breed deserves an enormous amount of respect, and owners need to be educated to avoid them placing the animals back in the system. Sadly, it happens way too often.

My husband and I just adopted our little girl Eden from It’s The Pits. I don’t think I can adequately express what a great experience we had with all the volunteers at It’s The Pits. From the phone interview, home check, and meeting the puppies you can tell how much these volunteers love these dogs and want them to go to a good home.
They balance the sad realities of owning a pit bull in our society with the sweet and wonderful disposition pit bulls can have. There are things you have to be aware of if you are going to adopt a pit bull because there are a lot of prejudices and restrictions out there. Those at It’s The Pits definitely do not agree with the stereotypes, but even if you don’t agree with something you still have to address it.
I highly recommend adopting a puppy from this rescue. The puppy pit is amazing and the volunteers that run it are equally amazing. They start the puppies off right with consistency, attention, training, and love.
We love It’s The Pits!!!

I personally have had nothing but wonderful experiences with «its the pits», their staff, and their philosophies about what is best for the breed. We adopted our little guy from them, and we love him. These are all people with an enormous amount of experience with these dogs. I have watched them work tirelessly and selflessly to save dog’s lives. They are volunteers who work on the front line of the massive over breeding problem that pitbulls face.
I do find it interesting that the (few) negative reviews below are from people who chose to focus on some «perceived» slight by the organization. Evidently if you disagree with any aspect of the introduction process it gives you license to attack on Unilocal… and do so with poor grammar.
This is a class organization. It is a labor of love by dedicated, caring people. They will continue to receive my financial support, as well as my respect and admiration.

This dog rescue is a joke. Discriminative beyond belief.
Fully agree with the below comment — «how will you get rid of the awful reputation these dogs have if you buy into it yourselves?»
Would not bother with this organization. SO RUDE. SO STUCK UP. Learn to actually try and save these dogs when you’re looking for the «perfect home» rather than being so completely judgmental towards a young 20’s professional.

To those who have had a negative experience with It’s The Pits, I am sorry you feel that way. I am a volunteer and chose to volunteer wit this group after volunteering with other animal rescue groups in the area and found Its the Pits to be the most organized, responsible, educated, and respected rescue groups out there. They work with a population of dogs that are very hard to adopt out, and they really ensure that each dog is adopted out to responsible homes.
To Desiree, a dog should never, ever be introduced face-​to-​face, it is confrontational in dog language and can result in a dog fight. Having dogs sniff each others butt is natural for dogs and is how dogs greet each other. Any reputable animal trainer/​behaviorist will tell you the same thing. It is actually irresponsible on the side of the human/​owner to allow dogs to meet face-​to-​face.
Alysuan, I have worked with dogs that get a long great with all dogs, except un-​altered ones. I am sure the volunteers did not mean to offend you, but un-​altered males (especially puppies who are still learning dog etiquette) can cause other dogs to be come over-​excited which can then quickly turn into aggression. Having worked at events with all sorts of dogs, it is better to air on the side of caution and not allow the dogs I was handling to meet strange dogs.
Heather, I have never worked with a rescue where they will take owner surrenders. Its the Pits is not alone in their policy of only taking dogs from shelters. It is a pretty universal policy of animal rescues. It does not mean they do not care about the dogs, but if they simply don’t have the resources to accept owner surrenders.
Trust me when I say, I have volunteered with other rescue groups in the area and in Chicago that no where come near the quality work Its the Pits does. When I left Coronado PAWS and asked around what rescue group people thought were reputable, overwhelmingly, people told me to volunteer with Its the Pits. I have not been disappointed. Before you judge them, consider the mountain of prejudice they must work against and the myriad of personalities and individual needs of each individual dog they need to consider. Adoption events can be crazy, and since we don’t know your dog, don’t assume that because we don’t allow our dogs to meet yours, we’re being «stuck up.» We’re actually being very responsible and are trying to respect your dogs space and ask you do the same.
BTW, these are totally my own views and opinions… I am a volunteer and am no way representative of the organization itself.