About Homeward Bound by Willowbrook
Every Dog Deserves A Way Home
Our Mission
Our mission is to help dogs find safe, loving homes while providing compassionate support to families facing difficult circumstances.
Through adoption events, responsible rehoming assistance, training resources, transportation support, and community partnerships, we work to create lasting connections between dogs and the people who love them.
We believe that helping a dog find a home is only the beginning. Helping that dog remain loved, supported, and secure is just as important.
Our Story
Every dog deserves a loving home. And every family deserves a chance to keep the dog they love.
Homeward Bound by Willowbrook was founded out of growing concern for two heartbreaking challenges: overcrowded animal shelters and the increasing number of dogs needing new homes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families welcomed dogs into their lives. For those dogs, home often meant having their favorite people nearby throughout the day.
But as workplaces reopened and daily routines changed, some dogs struggled to adjust. Separation anxiety, loneliness, excessive barking, destructive behavior, and other challenges became difficult for families to manage.
For many of these dogs, the answer isn't another home. It's helping them feel secure in the home they already have.
At the same time, families continue to face financial hardships, housing changes, medical challenges, and unexpected circumstances that sometimes make rehoming unavoidable. Shelters and rescue organizations are often left trying to meet more needs than their resources can accommodate.
We created Homeward Bound by Willowbrook because we believe there should be more compassionate options.
Through adoption opportunities, responsible rehoming assistance, training support, and community partnerships, we're working to help dogs find loving homes while giving families the resources to keep them whenever possible.
We believe that preventing an unnecessary surrender can be just as life-changing as finding a dog a new family.
Because sometimes the greatest rescue is helping a dog stay right where they belong.
What We Do
Adoption Opportunities
Through adoption events and partnerships with local shelters and rescue organizations, we help connect dogs in need with compassionate families ready to give them a loving home.
Every adoption is an opportunity for a new beginning.
Responsible Rehoming
Sometimes life changes in ways we never expected, and keeping a beloved dog is no longer possible.
We help families navigate responsible rehoming by providing guidance, resources, and opportunities to connect with potential adopters.
Our goal is to make every transition as safe, compassionate, and thoughtful as possible—for both dogs and the people who love them.
Training and Family Support
Sometimes a dog doesn't need a new home. They need a little help adjusting to the one they already have.
Through training resources, guidance, and community partnerships, we help families address behavioral challenges, including separation anxiety, and strengthen the bond between dogs and their people.
Our goal is to help prevent unnecessary surrender and keep more dogs in loving homes.
Our Commitment
At Homeward Bound by Willowbrook, we believe lasting change happens when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.
Compassion Without Judgment
We understand that families face difficult circumstances. Whether someone needs help keeping their dog or must make the heartbreaking decision to rehome, we believe every family deserves understanding, dignity, and support.
Responsible, Lasting Solutions
Our goal is not simply to help dogs find homes, but to help create successful, lasting relationships. We encourage thoughtful adoption decisions, responsible rehoming practices, and access to training resources that help dogs thrive.
Transparency and Accountability
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to responsible stewardship, ethical leadership, and using community support to advance our charitable mission.
Stronger Together
We believe meaningful progress comes through collaboration with animal shelters, rescue organizations, trainers, veterinarians, local businesses, volunteers, and compassionate neighbors.
Because a stronger community for dogs begins with people who care.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Homeward Bound by Willowbrook is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to compassion, transparency, responsible stewardship, and meaningful community impact.
Our leadership brings experience in business management, financial oversight, nonprofit development, and community engagement. Together, we are working to build a sustainable organization that helps dogs find loving homes while providing families with the resources and support they need.
As our organization grows, we look forward to welcoming additional board members who share our commitment to strengthening the bond between dogs, families, and our community.
William Hockett
Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
William Hockett brings more than 40 years of business leadership, financial oversight, and strategic planning experience to Homeward Bound by Willowbrook.
Four decades ago, William founded a market research and strategic planning firm serving clients nationwide, a business he continues to operate today. His extensive experience helping organizations navigate challenges, identify opportunities, and plan for sustainable growth provides invaluable guidance as Homeward Bound by Willowbrook expands its programs and community impact.
As Chief Financial Officer, William oversees financial planning, budgeting, compliance, and responsible stewardship of the organization's resources. His commitment to accountability and thoughtful decision-making helps ensure that donations, sponsorships, and community support are used effectively to advance the nonprofit's mission.
Together with Donna, William shares a deep commitment to building a financially strong, mission-driven organization that creates lasting opportunities for dogs in need and the families who welcome them home.
Donna Hockett
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Donna Hockett founded Homeward Bound by Willowbrook with a vision of creating more than an adoption organization—she set out to build a community where rescue dogs and the people who love them can thrive together.
Drawing on her entrepreneurial background and passion for animal welfare, Donna leads the organization's strategic direction, community partnerships, fundraising initiatives, and long-term growth. She is committed to developing innovative programs that increase adoptions, strengthen relationships with rescue organizations, and create meaningful experiences that bring people and dogs together.
Donna's vision extends beyond helping dogs find new homes. She believes that preventing unnecessary surrender is just as important as creating adoption opportunities. Through compassionate rehoming assistance, training resources, fundraising, and community partnerships, she is working to build an organization where more dogs receive a second chance and more families have the support they need to stay together.
Court Whitney
Secretary | Homeward Bound by Willowbrook
Court Whitney serves as Secretary of Homeward Bound by Willowbrook, supporting the organization's commitment to compassionate animal welfare, responsible leadership, and community service.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Court helps maintain organizational records, supports board communications, and contributes to the transparency and accountability essential to a successful nonprofit.
Court shares Homeward Bound's belief that every dog deserves a safe, loving home and that families facing difficult circumstances deserve compassion and support. Through community partnerships, adoption opportunities, and resources that help keep dogs with the families who love them, Court is proud to contribute to a mission focused on creating lasting, positive change.
info@homewardboundbywillowbrook.org
16704 N Little Spokane Dr.
Spokane, WA. 99208
Homeward Bound by Willowbrook
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
EIN: 42-1874605
© 2026 Homeward Bound by Willowbrook. All Rights Reserved.
Helping Dogs Find Their Way Home.