Adopt a Dog

About Our Dogs

We primarily rescue Labrador Retrievers and Lab mixes, but our dogs also include Shepherds, Huskies, Border Collies, Aussies, Hounds, Great Pyrenees, Great Danes, and more. If they're generally 50 lbs and up, there's a good chance we've rescued one from shelters across Florida, Alabama and Georgia. We bring all dogs into foster care in a home environment with our volunteer foster families while they await medical care and the perfect forever home. There are occasionally smaller dogs, but we generally leave those to all the other rescues that only take those in. We realized decades ago that it was the big guys that were left behind.

Since every dog in our program is fostered in a home environment, so we get to know their personality, energy level, and needs before they're adopted. That means better matches and happier families. Please pay attention to the write ups for each dog so you understand their needs and if they are a good match for you.

What We Look For

We want every adoption to be a lifelong success. Here's what we consider when reviewing applications:

• A safe, stable home environment where the dog lives indoors as a family member
• All family members, both human and furry, are on board with adopting
• Landlord approval if renting, with specifics if any breed exclusions and weight limits
• A plan for safe exercise — a fenced yard is not required, but outside dogs or dogs allowed to roam without a fence are not permitted. There are some breeds or some dogs that the foster will specify in the write up require fences. That is generally because they are uncomfortable on a leash, very high energy, not good with other dogs, or very prone to escaping.
• Commitment to training, exercise, and veterinary care - heartworm prevention is not optional in Florida. A large percentage of adults we take into foster care are heartworm positive and need to be treated. Just because your dog lives inside and goes out occassionally does not mean they will not get bitten by a mosquito carrying the disease.
• If applying for a puppy under 6 months: someone must be home during the day — puppies cannot hold their bladder for more than a few hours. We often get pushback on this. If you work all day, please consider an adult dog. This policy is in the best interest of the puppy's longterm health. Trying to hold their bladder for long periods can cause long term damage, and utilizing pee pads beyond their baby age and not being able to be trained to go outside will cause issues with housebreaking.
• If the dog is not yet spayed/neutered for a medical reason, or is undergoing heartworm treatment: adopter must live within one hour of our vets (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Pasco, or Hernando Counties)

Frequently Asked Questions