We are a foster-based rescue and don’t have a shelter. This means our dogs live in our homes and get familiar with the sights and sounds of a home environment. Since they live with us, our fosters get to know them and their unique personalities, energy levels, and needs so we can tell you what to expect when they come to your home. As a rescue with nearly 30 years in Tampa Bay, we also have cat adoption, TNVR and community cat care programs — so when you adopt from us, you’re supporting a much bigger mission of animal welfare in our community.
You can see all our available dogs online and you can contact their foster directly and find out more about their energy level, training, and personality. They can help you decide if their dog is right for your lifestyle and make arrangements for you to meet the dog.
You must be 18 or over to adopt. We ask you to fill out a questionnaire to find out more about you and your home situation in order to help find you the perfect pet. You’ll then meet the dog in person, and if you’re his or her person, you can take your new dog home the same day!
Our dogs are all spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. Our standard adoption fee is [$XX] for one dog, or [$XX] for any two dogs adopted together.
Dogs need time to adjust to a new environment. We recommend allowing at least three weeks for your new pet to get used to the sounds, smells, other pets, and family members in their new home. If our introduction instructions are followed but the dog isn’t a good fit for your home, we will take the dog back within three months of adoption. Adoption fees are non-refundable but may be transferred toward the adoption of another pet.
We love to keep in touch with our adopters! Especially during the first few weeks, we ask that you contact the foster with any questions about behavior or health — they know the dog best and are your direct connection into our organization. You can also reach us directly through the contact form on our website.
We rescue dogs from the streets and save them from overcrowded shelters. Many were former pets. By adopting from us, you are giving a second chance to animals that deserve nothing less.
Dogs can live well into their teens depending on breed and size.
Dogs need daily attention, exercise, and companionship. Unlike cats, most dogs cannot be left alone for long stretches and need regular walks, play, and mental stimulation every day of every year.
In addition to food and toys, dogs require annual vet appointments and vaccines and can have unexpected injuries or illnesses. Vet costs, advanced diagnostics, and treatments can cost in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Many people find pet insurance helpful — you may want to research options and costs before deciding to adopt.
Most dogs need daily walks and physical activity, and the amount needed varies significantly by breed, age, and energy level. A high-energy dog without enough exercise can develop behavioral issues, so make sure your lifestyle matches the energy level of the dog you’re considering.
Dogs typically need more structured training than cats, including basic obedience, leash manners, and house training if they are young or not yet trained. Training takes time, consistency, and patience.
No matter how well-trained your dog is, he or she may cause accidental damage — chewed furniture, scratched doors, stains, or broken items, especially during puppyhood or an adjustment period.
In addition to medical issues, dogs can have unexpected behavioral issues that will require care. They may act out, have accidents in the house, bark excessively, or get anxious or stressed. These symptoms require time, energy, and sometimes expense to determine the cause and address it.
Dog sizes vary enormously, and space matters. Consider whether your home and any outdoor space is appropriate for the size and energy level of the dog you are considering. While a yard is wonderful, it is not strictly required for every dog — many dogs do very well in apartments with regular walks.
Many rental communities don’t allow pets, and most have some restrictions, such as weight and number of pets. Some communities also have breed restrictions, commonly affecting larger breeds. In addition, many charge fees, deposits and monthly pet rent. Make sure you know your landlord’s policies before you adopt.
Are you planning a big life change in the near future, such as having children, getting married, switching jobs, moving, or do you travel frequently? You may want to wait until you are more settled before adopting.
You’ll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
If you have other pets, dogs typically need a more structured introduction process than cats to ensure everyone gets along safely. The same is true with young children — supervised introductions and ongoing management are important for everyone’s safety and comfort.
When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to provide care for his or her lifetime. If something were to unexpectedly happen to you, do you have a clear plan for who will care for your pets? While particularly important for seniors, the unexpected can happen at any time — having someone designated to care for your animals ensures they won’t be left alone.
