NOTE: At this time we are unable to take in medium/large dogs unless you are willing to foster the dog and make a donation. We are overwhelmed with requests now that the local shelters are not accepting owner surrenders or non-emergency strays. We’re so sorry!
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On a typical day, Saving with Soul receives at least ten inquiries from people asking if we can take their dog (or a dog they found) into our rescue.
Unfortunately, we often have to say “I’m so sorry, but no, we can’t help,” and here’s why. Saving with Soul Pet Rescue is a private rescue and we are not set up to take in dogs on short notice. We just don’t have the resources that the Animal Control facilities have and since we do not euthanize for space, when we are full, we’re full. And, as with most rescues, when a space does open up, we have ten dogs waiting to get in.
However, from time to time we are able to take in “private” dogs – that is – dogs who are not in shelters but need to be rehomed.
If you would like to apply to have your dog taken into our rescue, please complete the following application as honestly and completely as you can. The information you provide will be reviewed so we can determine if we are able to help. There are no right or wrong answers; your responses will simply help us fully understand the situation.
NOTE REGARDING STRAY ANIMALS: At this time, most of the animal control agencies in our area are not accepting non-emergency stray animals. If you find a stray animal, you MUST understand that if you pick it up, you may not have the option to take it to an animal control facility. You may be told that because you have taken possession of the animal, the agency will not accept it and that you will need to continue holding it while attempting to locate the owner or another placement. You may be advised to contact local rescues.
Unfortunately, private rescues are not set up to handle large numbers of stray/found animals and most of the time, we will also tell you no. WE HATE THAT! We really do! But all we can offer is to reach back out to the agency responsible for where you found the animal and insist that they advise you what to do, including how and where the found animal should be officially reported. If you are in Okaloosa County, here is what we have been told to advise: “Call the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 850-651-7400. Their automated system will help determine the appropriate jurisdiction and route your call to the correct animal-control service provider.”
Click here for our Dog Rehoming Application. You must have the legal authority to surrender the dog for your application to be considered.
What Happens Next?
Saving with Soul Pet Rescue will review your application as soon as reasonably possible. Due to the high volume of requests we receive, we are not able to respond to requests where we know we can’t help. If we feel we might be able to help, we will contact you to schedule a time to meet the dog (we do not approve any owner surrender applications prior to meeting the dog). Note that we give priority to dogs in Okaloosa County due to logistical concerns.
Please understand that the process takes time – again, we are not a taxpayer-funded animal control facility, but we do our very best to save as many animals as possible. If your situation is an emergency and you need the dog gone immediately, we are probably not a good option for you unless the dog is small (less than 20 pounds).
In general, here is the process:
Step One: Submit the Dog Rehoming Application – NOTE, We will respond via email so please check your email after submission.
Step Two: SWS will review the application. If we think we might be able to help, we will ask you to submit any medical records you have. We require that dogs be up to date on all vaccines, or a donation made to cover the cost of doing so.
Step Three: We will arrange a meeting with you and your dog to evaluate his/her personality, temperament and ability to interact with other dogs. NOTE – We cannot take in dogs who don’t get along with other dogs. These meetings will take place in Baker. We cannot travel to you.
Step Four: If everything looks good, we will arrange a time for you to surrender your dog to SWS. Sometimes this can happen the same day as our in-person (in-dog?) evaluation, but most of the time it’s not. Please plan accordingly.
NOTE: At this time we are unable to take in medium/large dogs unless you are willing to foster the dog and make a donation. We are overwhelmed with requests now that the local shelters are not accepting owner surrenders. We’re so sorry!
Saving with Soul Pet Rescue saves more than 1500 animals a year. If you are able to help us in that mission, donations can be made here: www.savewithsoul.com/donate. We are also accepting applications for volunteers and foster families.
