Thousands to millions of dogs are under the care of several rescues across the United States. They have experienced heartbreaks, whether through how they’ve been handled or treated. But, the presence of volunteers has sparked hope in their eyes.
The ultimate goal for these dog sanctuaries and havens is to get all these dogs placed. Adopting is the most virtuous, with many options regarding places for getting your dog.
Is your home equipped and ready to welcome an adoptable Fido? Look nowhere else than visiting the best dog rescues in Fort Myers.
10 Best Dog Rescues in Fort Myers
1. Gulf Coast Humane Society
Established in 1947, the Gulf Coast Humane Society is Florida’s first non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare.
Each year, there’s an estimate of about 3,000 animals arriving at their facility. What follows is providing them the best care, with medical treatments for those needing it.
There’s a big chance you’ll meet your ideal dog here, as long as you carefully choose which one resonates with you the most.
Since the GCHS doesn’t receive government funding, its expenses rely solely on bequests, donations, fundraising, and grants. Every adoption also helps them go further with their mission despite the challenges they may face financially.
How to contact them:
Website: Gulf Coast Humane Society
Address: 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL. 33916
Phone: 239-332 0364
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Twitter
2. Doghouse Rescue Academy
The Doghouse Rescue Academy is not your typical rescue. Their service extends not just to dogs that need it but as well as to the entire community.
After all, dogs’ welfare starts with the owner being responsible for their Fido. That’s why they educate the public about the importance of utilizing their resources, sterilizing their pets, and offering them training.
As a non-profit organization, animal advocacy is mainly driven by the passion of its volunteers. They work tirelessly, so their dog rescues become suitable for families again.
The DRA currently doesn’t house the dogs but rather gets their dogs fostered in Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers.
If you want to visit the location, email or send them a Facebook message.
How to contact them:
Website: Doghouse Rescue Academy
Address: 1850 Seafan Cir, North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
3. Forever Pets, Inc.
Forever Pets, Inc. is the sanctuary of homeless pets. Often, some that end up in the wrong shelters are eventually lined-up for euthanasia, so it’s a blessing if a dog or a cat ends up in this dog rescue.
If you have the heart and compassion for these kinds of animals, adopting one would help a lot. Some of the dogs have been surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them or have been pulled out from high-kill shelters.
To help you out, filling out an application and contract form are always the first steps. There will be an interview after, and that’s when it’s determined if you’re a suitable match for your prospective dog.
There’ll be a need to pay an adoption fee to complete the entire process, which will be used to cover the entire medical or other expenses of caring for the pooch. Compared to what breeders ask for, you’re in for a great deal, more so that you’re getting a wonderful and loving dog.
How to contact them:
Website: Forever Pets, Inc.
Address: 110 Pondella Rd, North Fort Myers, FL 33903, USA
Phone: 239-839-7011
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
4. Animal Refuge Center
Dog rescues like the Animal Refuge Center are run as not-for-profit organizations. Since they rely on the help their community can offer, these sanctuaries can only do so much.
Hence, ARC encourages you to help them help the dogs in need. They have a list of dogs and cats waiting to be brought into loving homes. However, if adoption is not an option yet, you can also consider donating or volunteering.
Helping them out financially would mean being able to take care of more dogs, especially with their medical expenses. You’re also welcome to participate in their upcoming events, so be sure to pin the dates.
How to contact them:
Website: Animal Refuge Center
Address: 18011 Old Bayshore Rd, North Fort Myers, FL, United States, Florida
Phone: 239-731-3535
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
5. Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue
The Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue was established on April 27, 2021. It’s all thanks to the initiative of a professional group of women who want to improve helpless dogs’ lives.
Its mission includes rescuing animals from dangerous or life-threatening situations, which includes pulling out those from high-kill shelters. The rescued dogs are then provided with a temporary home and general and medical care.
This then advances through their aim, which is to get these dogs placed in responsible, suitable homes. To ensure that the issues regarding pet overpopulation and irresponsible ownership are gradually cured, GOFAR educates the public regarding these matters.
How to contact them:
Website: Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue
Address: 13931 Sophomore Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Phone: 786-720-7479 / 630-650-1849
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
6. Fur and Tails Animal Rescue
Fur and Tails Animal Rescue is run by animal lovers dedicated to the welfare and care of all animals. They have provided a farm to ensure that their rescues get as close to the type of environment they need.
At FTAR, you’ll find various sorts of dogs, cats, and farm animals. They receive proper care and attention, so they’ll gradually get back to realizing how extraordinary life can be.
They need homes, though. It’s different if each of them eventually has their own families whom they can rely on or share experiences with. Be the next success story by starting an adoption application now.
How to contact them:
Website: Fur and Tails Animal Rescue
Address: 17070 Kentara Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913, USA
Phone: 239-404-6539
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
7. Holly Dogs Greyhound Adoption
Countless retiring Greyhounds are at risk of being destroyed. While their previous owners see them as replaceable commodities, genuine dog lovers don’t.
These fast sprinters with their elegant bodies are fit as house dogs. Contrary to the common myth, Greyhounds don’t require being too active. They’ll do well in houses with yards and families that can commit to their needs and requirements.
Thanks to the Holly Dogs Greyhound Adoption, this breed is given a second chance. They’ve been around since 1995 and are still dedicated to continually improving the lives of Greyhounds.
Consider visiting this 5-acre paradise and meet your prospective dog.
How to contact them:
Website: Holly Dogs Greyhound Adoption
Address: 11405 Longfellow Ln Bonita SpringsFL34135
Phone: 239-948-7387
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
8. Rescue Animals in Need
Another impressive dog rescue you have to visit is Rescue Animals in Need. What makes them stand out is their accomplishment of placing 1,800 pets since 2010.
Getting one dog adopted is always a victory for RAIN, yet their battle doesn’t end there. They offer public education to help reduce the number of homeless pets and also cure pet overpopulation by encouraging spaying or neutering.
If you want to help them in their goals as a reputable dog rescue, consider adopting today. They also need foster homes as they can no longer help more animals in need.
Open your heart and your home, as these homeless dogs are not to be blamed for their situation. Doing so will always be worth it and remarkable.
How to contact them:
Website: Rescue Animals in Need
Address: Fort Myers, FL, 33906, United States
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Twitter
9. Boxer Rescue Angels of Florida
Check out the Boxer Rescue Angels of Florida for another breed-specific dog rescue. They currently house several Boxers, which are known to retain their puppy-like characteristics into their senior years.
This is a breed fit for an experienced owner. They need tasks to do during the day as they’re a working breed as well. All of them crave human companionship, so adopt one or two if you can.
If this is the breed you think suits your lifestyle and preferences, don’t hesitate to contact BRAF. Since many of these dogs have had their fair share of abuse, neglect, and maltreatment, a rigorous adoption process is needed to avoid any more unfortunate circumstances in the future, such as rehoming.
How to contact them:
Website: Boxer Rescue Angels of Florida
Address: P.O. Box 150268, Cape Coral, FL 33915
Phone: 888-847-5196
10. Paws Crossed Inc.
Paws Crossed, Inc. is composed of individuals that serve as a voice for those that cannot speak. As a dog rescue, their volunteers are unpaid yet driven to impact the world by saving animal lives.
They’ve been accomplishing a lot for around 25 years now, and they home 300 dogs each year. They find foster homes a big help as these rescued four-legged companions wait to be adopted.
There’s no discrimination when it comes to breeds. Any pooch that needs help will be taken care of here at PCI.
Also, if you’re a dog owner and you need help, the PCI offers resources from the community for your needed assistance. You can also join this incredible team by becoming an adopter, a foster, and a transporter.
Most of all, you can keep them going through donations, whether it be cash or whatever form.
How to contact them:
Website: Paws Crossed Inc.
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
How Much Would It Cost to Adopt a Dog in Fort Myers?
Expect that the cost to adopt a dog in Fort Myers can go anywhere between $65 to $200. Puppies have higher adoption fees since they need to undergo a lot of medical treatments, and veterinary services are expensive.
The adoption cost then drops down lower, typically to $175 or less, if you want to adopt an adult dog. Meanwhile, senior dogs can be brought home for only $65.
All these fees cover the expenses required for their care. Pretty much, the dog rescue gets nothing out of it as these go directly for the animal’s welfare.
The differences in their costs are not so much compared to what breeders expect their buyers to pay for their puppies.
On another note, though you can save a lot by going for a senior dog, make sure you’re equipped to provide them with the best treatment at home.
Is It Worth Adopting a Dog Rescue From Fort Myers?
It is absolutely worth adopting a dog from Fort Myers. Not only are you paving the way for the homeless dogs to have a place they can call home, but as well as keep supporting rescue centers in their mission.
If you live around Fort Myers, starting within your community is best. If all else does the same, the world will slowly transform into a better place for all these furry angels.
In addition, a review and analysis published in the journal of the American Heart Association (AHA) show that those who own dogs are 24% less at risk of death. Those who suffered from previous heart attacks and strokes even found a significant change in their health.
These are just some of the astonishing benefits of owning, more so adopting a dog. There’s no time to lose, so adopt one now at any of our listed best dog rescues in Fort Myers or scan through other adoption centers in Florida.
