How to Rescue a Pug in Florida

Pugs are known as companion dogs and there may not be a better description of the breed. These small dogs with the trademark grin, flat nose, and protruding eyes generally get along with people of all ages. They also usually behave well with other dogs or even cats. If you are looking to add a pug to your household, consider rescuing a neglected or abandoned dog. If you live in Florida, there are several rescue organizations in the state.

Things You'll Need

• Pet supplies
• Car
• Internet access

Instructions

Rescuing a Pug in Florida

1. Search the available pug adoptions at http://www.orlandopugrescue.net and complete an adoption application. Orlando Pug Rescue and Adoption, Inc. is a non-profit rescue based in Orlando, Fla., and was founded in 2006. This rescue takes in all abandoned, neglected, or homeless pugs no matter their age or medical condition. Volunteers who serve as foster parents for rescued pugs are located not only in Orlando, but Tampa, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Melbourne, and other areas as well. You will be required to complete an adoption application, and home inspections and vet reference checks will be completed. If you are approved to take a pug home, the arrangement will go through a two week trial to ensure the pug and home are a good match. If not, the pug must be returned to Orlando Pug Rescue. Adoption fees typically range between $150 to $300.

2. Complete a five-step process in order to adopt a pug. You will turn in a complete application, have a short telephone interview, your home will be inspected, the rescue's board makes a decision on your file, and, finally, you will be either approved or denied the adoption. You must also sign a contract outlining their specific guidelines and regulations on pug adoption. Expect to pay between $100-$300 in adoption fees, depending on the particular pug you are interested in.

3. Read through the descriptions of adoptable pugs at http://www.rescuepug.com. Although based in Georgia, Southeast Pug Rescue & Adoption, Inc., founded in 1990, serves Florida as well as a few other states in the southeast region of the United States. However, you must make arrangements to pick up your pug if you live in a state other than where the dog is currently located. They do not ship dogs. They have an adoption flat fee of $250 which is used to provide medical care for the pug(s).

4. Visit the website of the Pug Rescue of Florida at http://www.pugrescueofflorida.org and view the pug "personals ads." Their website provides excellent information that will help you decide if you are truly ready to make a committment to caring for a pug, a breed that needs lots of personal attention. Adoption fees range from $100 to $350.

5. Go to http://www.compassionatepugrescue.com to see available pug rescues and read the adoption regulations at Compassionate Pug Rescue. This non-profit serves primarily south Florida. You will be asked to complete an application and a representative from the rescue will perform a home inspection. If approved and a match is found, you will sign the contract and pay the adoption fee at that time. The CPR representative will also detail his or her diet and other needs, and provide you with any medical records that are available.

6. Contact Florida animal shelters if you are unable to find a pug that matches your needs or home environment at a rescue organization. Also consider searching national pet websites. Shelters take in all breeds, but you may be able to locate a pug. Pet search websites like Petfinder.com allow you to search for any pugs by age, gender and location.

Tips & Warnings

• When using pet search websites, be sure to look for information stating whether a particular dog gets along with children or other pets.

• Be careful with sites like www.craigslist.org; you can find wonderful pets there, but you also run the risk of getting a puppy mill dog which may have disease or a genetic defect. If you choose to adopt a dog from this or other community sites, vet your pet before bringing it home. Always check credentials and references.

Resources

• Pets 911
• 1-800-Save-A-Pet
• Florida Animal Shelters
• Central Florida Pug Rescue