Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco

Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco

Year: 1996

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Director: David R. Ellis

FamilyDramaComedyAdventureAdorable animals and heartwarming families

The beloved talking pets return when a mishap separates them from their vacationing owners. Chance the golden retriever, Shadow the wise collie, and Sassy the sassy cat must brave the bustling streets of San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and outwit a slew of human and animal obstacles as they race to reunite with their family.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (1996)

Trace every key event in Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (1996) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Family vacation begins with a chaotic airport departure

The Burnford-Seaver family begins a vacation to Canada with their pets Chance, Shadow, and Sassy. At San Francisco International Airport, Chance panics and escapes his carrier, mistaking workers for the pound. Shadow and Sassy follow, and the trio eludes airport authorities as they begin a journey to find their home.

Airport San Francisco International Airport
2

Chance's escape leads to city danger and new allies

After fleeing the airport, Shadow, Sassy, and Chance arrive in the city and encounter Ashcan the Boxer and Pete the Bullmastiff, who threaten to eat Sassy. Shadow fights Ashcan while Sassy hides on a window sill, and the conflict is interrupted by Riley's Gang. The gang's intervention shifts the mood from danger to potential allies.

Day 1 Downtown San Francisco
3

Riley's Gang warns about the city and sends Delilah

Riley and his gang explain why the city is dangerous for domesticated pets and offer help to the newcomers. Riley sends Delilah to locate Chance and assures the trio that they mean no harm. Delilah introduces herself and begins to earn their trust as her path crosses with the others.

Day 1 Downtown San Francisco
4

Shadow and Sassy join Riley's Gang and learn about the Lab

Shadow and Sassy travel with Riley's Gang through the city, learning the lay of urban life. When the Blood Red Van appears, Riley orders everyone to take cover and reveals that the van takes stray dogs to a place called the Lab. He also shares his distrust of humans, rooted in being abandoned as a puppy.

Day 1-2 City streets
5

Chance and Delilah grow closer amid the city peril

Chance grows closer to Delilah as they travel; he asks about Riley's distrust of humans, and Delilah explains Riley's abandonment and how the gang survives. The pair's bond deepens into a budding romance even amid the dangers of the city.

Day 1-2 City streets
6

Heroic rescue from a house fire earns respect

Shadow and Sassy discover a house on fire with frantic parents and a boy inside. Shadow rushes in through the basement window to rescue the boy, while Sassy follows in search of the kitten. The porch collapses in a backdraft, and Shadow escapes with the boy while Sassy returns with the kitten; the brave act earns praise from Riley's Gang, who vow to help find Chance.

Day 2 morning San Francisco house
7

The gang's hideout and romance tested

After the rescue, Riley questions whether Shadow and Sassy are too different from Delilah and Chance, but the lovers ignore the doubt and sleep outside the gang's safe haven. The group reconvenes at the hideout and reaffirms their shared goal of getting home.

Evening Riley's Gang hideout
8

Chance is captured by the Blood Red Van

Next morning, Chance chews on a tire and is captured by the Blood Red Van drivers who intend to take him to the Lab. The other animals band together to stop the van and free Chance and the other dogs in its cages. Bando climbs into the van, reverses it into the water, and the van sinks, ending the threat.

Morning Street near the Lab
9

Rescue leads to resolve to continue home

With Chance safe, Delilah tries to reassure him, but he laments their differences and runs away from the group. Riley agrees to accompany Shadow and Sassy on the final leg to the Golden Gate Bridge, and the trio steels themselves for the journey home.

Late morning San Francisco streets
10

Final showdown and crossing toward home

Approaching the Golden Gate Bridge, Ashcan and Pete ambush Shadow and Sassy. Chance jumps into the fray to help, and together the trio defeats the attackers. They cross the bridge and finally reach their owners, completing the long journey home.

Evening Golden Gate Bridge
11

Family reunion at home and Delilah's arrival

Back home, the family is overjoyed to have Shadow, Sassy, and Chance back. Delilah appears shortly after at a family picnic, having found her way to their home, and the bond between the pets is clearly strengthened.

Post-return Family home / picnic area
12

Delilah joins the family and life goes on

The family welcomes Delilah as a new member, and Bob agrees to adding another dog to the household. The pets settle into life after the journey, with Chance and Delilah's reunion marking a hopeful new chapter for the family.

After picnic Family home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:20

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Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco

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