If you’ve been wanting to bring home a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for a long time now, consider adopting from rescue organizations. Compared to commercial breeders, adopting a rescued Cavalier is pocket-friendly and ultimately rewarding.
To help speed up your search for this affectionate dog breed, here are our top picks for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescues in the US.
In this guide, we give you our extensive research on adoption organizations and what you need to know to adopt your first or next Cavalier.
RECOMMENDED READING: Most of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescues in this list follow the same adoption process. If you want to ace your application, I suggest that you read our ultimate adoption guide which features key tips and techniques starting from choosing the breed to home introduction.
Top 10 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescues to Find Cavaliers for Adoption
Each of the rescues included here has its own processes and policies that you should be aware of before deciding to adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from them.
My advice would be to reach out to as many as you can and weigh which one will give you a higher chance of acing the adoption.
Excited to begin your search? Here are our top 10 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue organizations with an in-depth description of each.
1. Cavalier Rescue USA – Northeast, Central, Southern, and Western States
Cavalier Rescue USA is the longest-standing rescue organization for Cavaliers in the US. They have foster homes in all states and are divided into four regions: Northeast, Central, Southern, and Western.
Most of their Cavaliers are adult dogs so if you are open to bringing home a senior pet companion, you will have better chances of adopting.
In general, families with a history of caring for dogs are more likely to get approved. They are also open to rehoming their dogs to families with children, but they prefer kids who are at least five years old.
Their online application form has extensive questions to determine a match between dogs and future pet owners. After being pre-screened, your house has to be within a reasonable driving distance to the foster home for them to conduct a home visit.
Their website is easy to navigate for you to check the available Cavalier rescue dogs in your state. Just hover to their contacts page and get connected to the local coordinator for your future loving companion.
Cavalier Rescue USA Information and Details:
Website: Cavalier Rescue USA
Phone: 520-268-8284
Email: cavalier.rescue.usa@mac.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
2. Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue – California
Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue’s tagline is “Until there are none…rescue one”. Originally founded in 1999, they got their name from their first rescue named “Classic Star” but they thought she should be named Lucky Star! They have rescued over 2,000 dogs so far.
While they rescue Cavaliers nationally, their heaviest concentration is in the Northeast, Southeast, and Lakes regions.
This organization rescues Cavaliers as well as English Toy Spaniels from commercial breeding operations and kill shelters.
Note that it is unlikely to adopt a Cavalier pup from them since they have a soft spot for older dogs and those with special needs. With this, thorough medical care is given to their rescued dogs, including surgeries and specialty vet care.
The individual needs of the dogs are a priority so choosing a new family for their rescued Cavalier is not on a first come first serve basis.
They look for the best match and make every effort to place the rescue dogs near their foster homes. Please note that Lucky Star requires a safely fenced area for the Cavalier’s relief and exercise.
Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue
Address: Lucky Star, PO Box 7054, Carmel, CA 93921
Email: luckystarrescue@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
3. American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (ACKCS) Rescue Trust – Virginia
The ACKCS Rescue Trust is the rescue site for the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Inc., the parent organization for this dog breed. They assist in the placement of Cavaliers in need of rescue due to abuse or other rehoming reasons.
Their Cavaliers are usually middle-aged to senior dogs and may also have special needs. Many of their dogs for adoption are surrendered to the Rescue Trust and may have some challenges adjusting to the home.
They are mostly lacking socialization before being rescued, so it may not be the best match for adopting families with small children. They also emphasize the need for a fenced yard.
Rescue Cavaliers are transitioned through foster homes for at least three weeks.
When you apply for adoption on their website, check out their Recovery Room Dogs page for rescue dogs that may still be in foster homes and will soon be open for adoption. You can already send out an application for them too!
American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (ACKCS) Rescue Trust Information and Details:
Website: American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (ACKCS) Rescue Trust
Address: PO Box 181, Crozier, VA 23039
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
4. The Cavalier Rescue – Alabama
They have reunited 91 owners and lost Cavaliers by flyering, networking, and offering shelter to lost dogs while searching for owners. Rescued dogs are rehabilitated physically and emotionally to achieve good health and a balanced temperament.
Once rehabilitated, they are placed in permanent homes through the number of adoptees who are willing to look after them. To date, they have rehabilitated 519 dogs and rehomed 502 Cavaliers.
Here’s their adoption process:
Complete the online application form once only, not per dog.
After submitting the application, email them with photos of your home or family or anything that will help them determine a match between you and the dog. (Tip: include a photo of your fenced area since most of their dogs require this.)
When the adoption requirements are posted on the site and you feel you are a great match, email them to express your interest in the specific Cavalier.
If you are pre-selected, you will go through an interview and vet/reference check.
As the adopting family, you (including children and other dogs if applicable) will visit the foster home.
Your future dog and its foster parent will visit your home.
If all is good, your life with your Cavalier starts!
The Cavalier Rescue Information and Details:
Website: The Cavalier Rescue
Address: 5330 Technology Lane, Birmingham, AL 35217
Phone: 205-790-4316
Email: CavalierRescueAL@gmail.com / info@thecavalierrescue.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
5. Cavalier Rescue Foundation of Arizona – Arizona
Established in 2011, most of this foundation’s dogs are from puppy mills in the Midwest. Their unique approach is to rescue these dogs by purchasing them from puppy mill auctions.
They also focus on getting rescued Cavalier King Charles Spaniels from complete kennel sellouts to retire the breeders. Apart from adoption, they also offer lost & found services.
Their online application form must be filled out once a year if you want a Cavalier from them. There’s an adoption application fee of $25 that must be paid within 24 hours of submitting your application.
Note, though, that this does not guarantee placement but the fee goes to the care of the rescue dogs.
If you are outside the 60-mile radius from the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, it will be on a case-to-case review.
You can also choose to foster since they prefer families within seven miles from their vet’s office in the Kierland area. If you are around this location, I suggest you start checking out their website to find your Cavalier.
Cavalier Rescue Foundation of Arizona Information and Details:
Address: 3420 North Valencia Lane Phoenix, Arizona 85018
Phone: (480) 629-5367
Email: info@cavalierrescuefoundation.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
6. Cavalier Rescue of Florida – Florida
This organization started as Mid-Florida Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Rescue (MFCKCSC Rescue) but has been renamed as Cavalier Rescue Florida later on. Since 2000, they have found homes for over 500 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels from the same state.
Their rescued dogs come from Florida shelters, puppy mill raids, vets, or those who can no longer care for their Cavaliers.
Part of their mission is to eliminate the euthanasia of any healthy, adoptable Cavalier, so they pledge to care for the rescued Cavaliers for the rest of the dog’s natural life.
Their rescued dogs are medically evaluated, updated with shots, treated, groomed, as well as spayed or neutered. Once the dogs are ready for new homes, they find the right adoptee by careful screening and a home visit. Hopefully, this can be you!
If you are in the Florida area, get in touch with them to start your journey in bringing home a Cavalier.
Cavalier Rescue of Florida Information and Details:
Website: Cavalier Rescue of Florida
Email: Adoptions@CavRescueFL.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
7. Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue (GCCR) – Illinois
Since 2005, GCCR has worked with animal control organizations, shelters, humane societies, and other rescues in rehabilitating, rescuing, and rehoming Cavaliers. They also assist breeders and owners in case they can no longer care for their dogs.
Before adopting, GCCR stresses that some rescued dogs may come with behavioral and medical baggage.
Cavaliers need human affection and must not be left home by themselves for more than four hours a day. Families with children have to be at least five years old unless the family has a history with pets.
Once an application is sent online, a GCCR volunteer brings a Cavalier to visit the adopting home. This may not be the particular dog for adoption but the volunteer gauges the potential interaction of the potential owner with a Cavalier.
This is a great opportunity to check if you are compatible with this dog breed. Remember that Cavaliers are very friendly but these are also rescue dogs. If it isn’t a match, you will be put on a waiting list and reviewed again once a newly rescued dog arrives.
Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue (GCCR) Information and Details:
Address: PO Box 1421 Aurora, IL 6050701
Phone: 844-424-4228
Email: info@gccavalierrescue.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
8. Cavalier Crazy Rescue – Utah
The Cavalier Crazy Rescue was founded in 2010 and has since been helping Cavaliers in need in Utah. They can cater to out-of-state adopters within driving range to their state.
Their dogs are taken from owner releases, shelters, puppy mills, and from any circumstance. They work primarily with Cavaliers but they also welcome Cavalier mixes and other breeds based on available foster homes.
Most of their dogs get adopted by their foster families so you can apply to be a foster home as your first step to adopting your own Cavalier.
The organization will pay for the dog’s medical expenses while with you since they want to make fostering easy by providing all supplies, even dog food if you are unable to. To be a foster home, you must be in Salt Lake City and willing to bring the dog to the vet in Murray, Utah.
They recommend checking their Facebook page regularly for new intakes so you can email them immediately once you see a Cavalier you are interested in.
Cavalier Crazy Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Cavalier Crazy Rescue
Email: cavaliercrazyrescue@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
9. Cavalier Rescue Midwest – Illinois
Cavalier Rescue Midwest is a referral-only rescue. They take pride in being a holistic rescue and they believe in healing and nurturing the dog’s body with products that come from the earth.
They do not actively look for dogs but instead help Cavaliers brought to them by breeders, owners, and shelters. With that, expect that their Cavaliers are only limited.
If you wish to adopt one of their rescued dogs, you will be expected to continue the holistic care they started by feeding with a naturally sourced balanced diet (raw), keeping vaccinations to a minimum, and avoiding all toxins.
You can fill out the application on their website which will also give you more insights into the holistic approach they want for their rescued Cavaliers.
Cavalier Rescue Midwest Information and Details:
Website: Cavalier Rescue Midwest
Address: 308 S Grant Street Earlville, IL 60518
Phone: (630) 701-0507
Email: Cavalierrescuemidwest@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
10. Cavalier Alliance for Rescue, Research, and Education, Inc.
The Cavalier Alliance for Rescue, Research, and Education, Inc. prides itself on being the first organization to rescue senior and special-needs Cavaliers. They have been around since 2014.
Aside from adoption and veterinary care, they can provide funds and grants to cover long-term medical care for those who adopt senior and special care Cavaliers.
You can apply for the Cavalier Alliance Care Grants for financial assistance in caring for these rescued dogs. The grant can range from $25-$200 based on a medical emergency, financial need, available funding, and eligibility.
Cavalier Alliance for Rescue, Research, and Education, Inc. Information and Details:
Website: Cavalier Alliance for Rescue, Research, and Education, Inc.
Address: PO Box 17, Bedford, MA 01760
Phone: 978-254-1005
Email: cavalierhelp@cavalieralliance.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
Another thing that can help you significantly with your dog hunt is reading our ultimate dog adoption guide. This alongside the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue options from our directory will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire.
Other Sources for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescues or Shelters for Adoption
If you are still looking for other options apart from the top 10 picks in the list, you can check out these websites:
Adopt-a-Pet – Known as North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website (used to be 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com), this site provides the network to link homeless pets and future pooch parents. They are partners with over 21,000 animal shelters, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies so you have a great chance of finding a rescued Cavalier with them.
Petfinder – This is an online database of pets who are in need of a new home. Around 11,000 adoption organizations and animal shelters use this as a directory and it is updated daily. For easier browsing on available Cavaliers and to know more about this breed, you can also download their app and be part of this community.
PetSmart Charities – For the past 26 years, Pet Smart Charities has made a name for itself as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America. As of 2018, they have facilitated 8 million adoptions! On their website, you can find a pet, look at adoption centers, and sign up for adoption events.
Rescue Me – This is a network that helps all breeds of dogs, cats, and other animals anywhere in the world. The site boasts of 1,976 adopted Cavalier rescue dogs. It is easy to navigate and has a map showing how many Cavaliers are available for adoption in your state.
Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations – Apart from our favorite picks, there could be other local animal shelters near you. Pay them a visit, who knows a lost or rescued Cavalier is just waiting for you. The process may be even faster especially if it’s within your area.
Why Do People Put Cavalier King Charles Spaniels up for Adoption or in a Rescue?
One of the sad realities is that Cavaliers are brought to shelters and rescues or advertised for adoption based on the following reasons:
Their owner is moving to another area where they won’t be able to take care of their Cavaliers.
Their owner is moving to a home with less space that is not conducive for their Cavaliers.
Their owner welcomes new family members and can no longer care for pets.
They have too many pets at home.
The cost of their maintenance is already beyond their budget.
The owner’s change in lifestyle prevents them from taking care of their Cavalier.
The dog has many illnesses.
The dog bites or has shown aggression.
While the last two reasons may sound alarming, if you want to adopt, know that most rescues are placed in foster homes for medical treatment and behavior modification before they are cleared for adoption.
How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel goes for about $300 as compared to purchasing from commercial breeders which can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $3,500.
If you want to learn where your money goes, refer to the table below:
As shown on the table, the usual costs of your Cavalier’s maintenance while they are in the rescue facility are often more expensive than what is asked of you for the adoption fee.
Some organizations may waive some of the fees. This is possible if the dog is old or doesn’t undergo some of the things I’ve mentioned because their former owner already provided them with it.
Is It Difficult to Adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel From a Rescue?
There are many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for adoption across all states, but will your adoption application get approved?
The two important factors to consider are your readiness to be a pet owner and the adoption process of the rescue you chose.
Deciding on a forever home for Cavaliers goes through a strict screening process to find the best match between the dog and its future pet owner.
Most if not all rescues require interviews, photos of the future adopting home, references, and home visits in determining a suitable home for the rescue dogs.
The Cavaliers are very sweet dogs but this also means they cannot be left alone for too long.
Your lifestyle as well as how many people or other pets are in your home will also be considered in choosing you for their rescued dog. Rescue organizations would prefer those who have time to devote to their pets due to their nature.
They accept applications until they find the best match – not usually a first-come, first-served approach. Please check the specific requirements of the dog you are interested in so you can meet the qualifications.
While it can be a stringent screening process, providing the perfect home for the rescued Cavalier is definitely worth it!
5 Tips for Getting Approved By a Rescue to Adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Getting approved for a dog application is not easy since you have to go through interviews and multiple screenings.
For you to successfully bring home a Cavalier, here are some tips for applying:
Be an expert in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Research everything you can about them (please note that the Cavalier is different from King Charles Spaniel). Read up and talk to some owners to have a general idea about their temperament and overall disposition.
Provide your detailed information. The online application forms can be long and very specific. Be open and transparent with your information. This will show your keen interest in adopting.
Build a fence. While they have a royal lineage of being lapdogs, Cavaliers are also sporty and enjoy moderate exercise. Because of their playful nature, most rescues mandate a fenced yard or area for housing to give you the go signal for adoption. You will be asked to send photos and will also be scheduled for a home visit.
Ask the rescue staff a lot of questions. Be engaging to the rescue staff when applying for adoption and ask a lot of questions about the particular dog you are adopting. You can ask how long it has been in the facility, its background, temperament, and health issues, or if it is spayed or neutered.
Visit the Cavalier in the rescue facility. Visiting your future pet in the facility or foster home allows you to observe and be with the dog. It also shows your commitment to your application and that you can make time. This gives you bonus points!
Note that these tips will work on a case-to-case basis. Please make sure to read the policies and specific requirements per dog before sending your application.
Final Thoughts: Which Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Is Right for You?
Adopting a Cavalier King Charles from a rescue is rewarding and cost-saving. By providing a home for the rescued dogs, you are also making way for the rescue to help out new ones.
The money you save from purchasing commercially can be spent on better care for the rescued Cavaliers.
When choosing a rescue group, looking for the closest one to you is the best first course of action. You can expand to the many rescues in the list I provided which will surely be a trial and error.
If you get denied for an application, don’t lose hope and keep on trying until you find the right match. There are still many rescue Cavaliers out there!
While you’re waiting for the right Cavalier to serve as your companion, research as much as you can about this loving breed so when the time comes, you and your home will be ready for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
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