Together, we can make a lasting impact for at-risk youth and homeless dogs in need.
Every donation you make brings hope, healing, and a fresh start. Together, we've already transformed countless lives—let's keep the momentum going.
Join us in creating more success stories that inspire hope and change lives forever.
This holiday season, give the gift of compassion. Your support through Monterey County Gives and Santa Cruz Gives is needed now more than ever to transform lives. Your gift helps at-risk youth discover compassion, builds brighter futures, and gives shelter dogs the loving homes they deserve.
Donate through Monterey County Gives or Santa Cruz Gives
Welcome to UnChained, where we create transformative journeys for youth facing life's hurdles on California's Central Coast.
Our Mission Statement: To foster empathy, respect, and responsibility in youth through the human-animal bond.
This mission is achieved through our flagship program, Canines Teaching Compassion (CTC), uniting at-risk youth with homeless dogs in a purposeful bond of learning and healing. Each carefully structured CTC session involves small groups of youth working intimately with dogs, guided by our skilled trainers, to nurture empathy, master new skills, and build a positive future outlook.
Through clicker training and humane education, our Youth Trainers develop patience, responsibility, and self-efficacy, while preparing their canine companions for adoption. These experiences culminate in a graduation ceremony, celebrating their achievements and newfound confidence. UnChained's mission extends beyond training; it's about instilling hope, fostering a sense of community, and igniting personal transformation for both youth and dogs.
Join us in this journey of compassion and change, where every interaction is a step towards healing hearts and building a better future. Be a part of our mission and witness how your support can make a real difference in their lives.
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Join UnChained as a volunteer. Empower both youth and dogs in your community, and be part of their transformative journey towards growth and celebration!
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Adopt an UnChained dog, handpicked from local animal rescues, and nurtured through a unique journey of training and bonding with our youth!
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Gift a second chance. Your donation nurtures the bond between our dogs and youth, empowering them with life-changing skills and brighter futures.
LATEST NEW AND EVENTS
Request to attend a graduation: See our students in action!
Howl-o-ween Yappy Hour: Get your pup ready for Howl-o-ween! Dress up, enjoy dog-friendly activities, and support UnChained.
Adopt one of our canine graduates: Each dog we feature has been trained by a youth trainer in our Canines Teaching Compassion program.
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MAKE A DONATION
Support UnChained by making a simple donation or celebrate a beloved pet, person or event with a special in-honor donation to create new opportunities for our community’s youth and the dogs they train.