A volunteer-run non-profit rescue in Gainesville, FL.
Dogs for Adoption
When considering bringing a new four-legged family member into your home, go the rescue route!
Please do not support back yard breeders.
Sugar adopted five puppies after the birth of her own two babies.
Phoenix Animal Rescue has several dogs and puppies available for adoption and fostering. All available dogs and puppies have been checked out by a veterinarian, received treatment for any condition, are current on all age-appropriate vaccinations, have been spayed/neutered, and are current on all flea/tick/heartworm preventatives. Check out all of our dogs and puppies at www.PhoenixAnimalRescue.Petfinder.org.
Please visit our dogs at Petsmart in Butler Plaza on Archer Road in Gainesville, FL every Saturday from 11AM til 5PM.
Before You Adopt
Before you adopt, there are many things to consider.
Having a dog means a lifetime commitment. Most dogs live 14-17 years. Think about where you will be in that time. If you cannot promise your dog a lifetime of commitment, do not adopt. Consider fostering a dog from Phoenix Animal Rescue instead.
Dogs require vet care. While some expenses are budgetable, such as heartworm prevention, flea/tick prevention, and food, emergencies are usually costly. Pet insurance can help offset this cost. As a pet parent, you have the responsiblity to cover all expenses for your pet for his lifetime.
Dogs need attention. Over thousands of years, dogs have been domesticated to the point that they need to be part of a family. This means they live inside with their family, not in a pen out back or on a chain. This doesn't change when you add a baby, children, or a spouse to your life.
Dogs need pampering too! When you go out of town, you need to think about your dog's vacation. Pet sitters and boarding can be costly. Dogs with long hair need regular grooming, whether by you or a professional (or a combination of the two). Budget in the cost of your dog's care.
Dogs can be messy. Dogs shed. Dogs eat things they aren't supposed to. Dogs throw up on your couch. Dogs get muddy paws. Dogs poop. If you don't cope well with a little disorder, consider getting a fish instead of a dog.
Think about the type of dog that best suits you and your family (or family to be). Do you want a go-getter who loves to play fetch? Do you want a couch potato who would be happier watching a movie with you? Will your cute little puppy grow up to be a big dog that you can accommodate inside your home?
If you rent, you need to check with your management company about possible breed restrictions or breed bans. A lot of apartment complexes do not allow pit bulls, chows, dobermans, german shepherds, St. Bernards, or rottweilers. If your management company does not ban these breeds, but instead restricts them, ask what might qualify a dog on the breed list to live there. Some management companies allow dogs who have passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen test or similar temperament test/behavior test program. Better still, don't give your rent money to management companies that ignorantly ban these wonderful breeds and instead find a place to live where your dog is welcome.
Make sure everyone in your family wants to adopt the dog you want. A dog is not a birthday present. Instead, buy a dog collar as a present and let the person pick out the dog he wants.
Not all dogs like kids. Do not adopt a dog for a child. You are the adult. You are the one responsible for the dog. Your child can help, but should never be expected to take on the responsibility of caring for a dog. The most common causes for dogs being taken to the shelter by their family are new babies/children and moving. Your family included a dog before your new baby/child/spouse. If your dog has an issue with your new family member, consult a trainer, such as Gainesville Canine Academy. Dogs and babies should never be allowed alone together, no matter the breed or size of the dog. Supervise your children with your dog to develop a strong relationship between them. Many a child has learned to walk using their family dog as a walker!
This litter of six doberman mix puppies were adopted from PAR.
