If you are one of those who would love to have a Dachshund or a Doxie, as they are fondly called, adoption would be a great option. Not only would you be saving a ton of money, but you would also be helping a furry friend in need of a new home.
In this guide, we compiled some of the best Dachshund rescues in the United States to help you with your search. We did a review of their adoption processes and requirements.
Hopefully, this will make your search easier and help you have an overview of the rewarding journey of adopting a Doxie.
RECOMMENDED READING: Most of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund Rescues to Find Dachshunds for Adoption
After thorough research, we have listed down 10 reputable Dachshund rescues that can help you find the perfect furry companion. Here they are:
1. Midwest Dachshund Rescue (MWDR) – Indiana
Midwest Dachshund Rescue is an all-volunteer organization that rescues Dachshunds primarily in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana but also serves other Midwest states when the need arises.
They have a few requirements regarding the pet owners and they cannot make exceptions regarding these three:
Adopter must be 23+ years old.
They must be residing in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, or Ohio.
Current pets are spayed/neutered.
Make sure you meet all the requirements by checking their guidelines before submitting an application.
Once completed, a home visit will be scheduled. Note that they require all household members to be present during their visit.
After that, you can also schedule a visit to the dog’s foster home where you can meet and greet the dog you are interested in.
If everything goes well, you will sign the adoption contract and you will have a two-week trial period with your Doxie. Once the trial period is over, the adoption process is complete.
Midwest Dachshund Rescue (MWDR) Information and Details:
Website: Midwest Dachshund Rescue (MWDR)
Address: 2023 Ridgewood St, Highland, IN 46322
Email: rescue@mwdr.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
2. Dachshund Adoption, Rescue & Education (DARE) – Florida
DARE is an organization that rescues and re-homes Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes in Florida. They also aim to educate the public about the Dachshund breed, responsible pet guardianship, and other issues about animal care.
The adoption process with DARE begins by submitting an online application form on their website. Upon receiving your application, a member of their organization will be assigned to work with you and can answer any questions you may have.
He/she will also be the one to call or write to your references and set up your home visit.
Once the reference checks and home visits are completed, you will be approved to adopt. Adoption fees range from $100 – $275, depending on the age of the Dachshund.
Dachshund Adoption, Rescue and Education, Inc. (DARE) Information and Details:
Website: Dachshund Adoption, Rescue and Education, Inc. (DARE)
Address: P.O. Box 21161, Tampa, FL 33622
Email: info@daretorescue.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.
3. DREAM Dachshund Rescue – Georgia
DREAM Dachshund Rescue is a volunteer-operated organization that has rescued more than 1500 Dachshunds in Georgia since 2005. They do not have a physical shelter, and all of their dogs are placed in foster homes.
The first step in their application process is to complete an online form on their website. They will then analyze your application to see if you are a fit for the dog you requested or if you are a better match for another dog.
After that, you can set up a visit with the dog at the foster home. They will also contact your vet and other personal references, as well as conduct a home visit to make sure that your home is appropriate for the dog.
Their organization has also been given a Top-Rated award in 2020 by Great Nonprofits, an organization that recognizes and helps nonprofit groups in the United States.
DREAM Dachshund Rescue Information and Details:
Website: DREAM Dachshund Rescue
Address: P.O. Box 4323, Marietta, GA
Email: helpmedream@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.
4. Chapman’s Dachshund Rescue – South Carolina
Chapman’s Dachshund Rescue is a family-run rescue located on a 13-acre farm in York, South Carolina. They maintain rooms for the dogs and fenced yards where they keep the Dachshunds happy and comfortable until they find a forever home.
The family has helped hundreds of Dachshunds meet their new families. In 2019 alone, they facilitated the adoption of 350+ Doxies and processed an average of 15-20 applications per week.
To apply for adoption, you must submit an application form on their website. They will then contact you to discuss the adoption process and set up a visit. Keep in mind that they do not allow visits to the property.
They have partnered with The Pet Village in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and all visits and adoptions will take place there.
Chapman’s Dachshund Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Chapman’s Dachshund Rescue
Address: 1200 Chambers Rd, York, SC 29745
Phone: (803) 792-2473
Email: chapmansdachshunds@live.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
5. Little Paws Dachshund Rescue – Maryland
Little Paws Dachshund Rescue is an organization based in Maryland but rescues Dachshunds across multiple states.
To adopt with Little Paws, you must submit an application on their website. Once your application is received and your references are approved, they will schedule a home visit.
They require that all members of the family be present at the home visit, including all animals.
After all the steps are completed, all your information will be reviewed and a decision will be made if you are approved to adopt.
Please note that they have a few mandatory requirements specific to the kind of home you have.
For example, if you live in a condo/apartment or townhouse, you must be able to show how the dog will be able to exercise. For a full list, please check the adoption information on their website.
Depending on the age, the adoption fees range from $75 to $350.
Little Paws Dachshund Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Little Paws Dachshund Rescue
Address: P.O. Box 232 College Park, MD 20741
Email: lpdr@littlepawsdr.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.
6. All American Dachshund Rescue (AADR) – Tennessee
AADR is a volunteer-based organization committed to protecting the welfare of Dachshunds by providing shelter and medical care, actively promoting suitable adoptions, and helping prevent animal cruelty by promoting animal welfare education.
The first step in their adoption process is to submit an application on their website. They also need a copy of a proof of address and your driver’s license, which you can email or fax to them.
They will respond to a submitted application as soon as this step is done. Note that you must be at least 30 years old to apply.
Their goal is to complete the whole process in two to three weeks, so make sure that you can take the dog into your home as soon as you are approved. You can find the exact adoption fees on the adoption page of each dog.
All American Dachshund Rescue (AADR) Information and Details:
Website: All American Dachshund Rescue (AADR)
Address: 516 Woods Ave. N, Lewisburg, TN 37091
Email: allamericandachshundrescue@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
7. All Texas Dachshund Rescue (ATDR) – Texas
ATDR rescues Dachshunds in the entire state of Texas, with a focus on areas including Houston, Austin, Dallas, Ft Worth, San Antonio, Seguin, College Station, and Beaumont.
They are an organization run by volunteers so all their rescues are placed in temporary foster homes until they are adopted.
Similar to other rescues, they require an online application on their website. An application coordinator will then conduct a phone interview and check your vet and personal references.
After this, a volunteer will visit your home, and you will also get to visit the potential dogs at their foster homes.
Once everything is completed and your application is approved, you will sign the contract and pay the adoption fee. Adoption fees are $250 for adults and $300 for puppies. For seniors and those with special needs, the fees will vary.
All Texas Dachshund Rescue (ATDR) Information and Details:
Website: All Texas Dachshund Rescue (ATDR)
Address: P.O. Box 841336, Pearland, TX
Email: info@atdr.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
8. Dachshund Haus Rescue – Michigan
Dachshund Haus Rescue is based in Michigan but also provides services in Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. They have been helping Dachshunds find perfect homes since 2013.
If you find the perfect dog for you on their website, you can send an application on their website. Since they are also entirely volunteer-based, it takes one week or longer to process the application.
You may inquire again via email if you still haven’t heard from them after two weeks.
The adoption fees will be discussed by their representative at the time of adoption. If the adoption does not work out for you, you may return the dog to them within a week and receive 50% of the fee back.
Beyond this time, you may still return the dog but the adoption fee will not be refunded and will be considered a donation to the organization.
Dachshund Haus Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Dachshund Haus Rescue
Location: Utica, Michigan
Phone: (734) 489-1432
Email: dachshundhausrescue@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
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9. Oregon Dachshund Rescue, Inc. – Oregon
Oregon Dachshund Rescue has been operating since the 1990s. They have since helped many Dachshunds find perfect homes. In 2016 alone, they helped 572 doxies in need.
They have some very specific requirements for potential doxie parents – some might find them strict, but these are the kinds of homes that they have found to be the most successful.
For a quick reference, here is a list of their criteria:
Securely fenced yard (Apartment living not accepted)
Adopters should be over 21 years of age
Should not be working long hours away from home (working full time away from home will not be allowed).
No children under the age of 10 in the household
Non-smoking home
No same-sex dogs in a household
There should be no small animals such as chickens, rabbits, etc. as the breed has a strong prey instinct.
The organization requires an online application form. Upon submission, your information will be reviewed and a representative will contact you as soon as possible.
You will also be asked to fill out an agreement stating that if the dog is not a match or some conditions of the contract are not met, the dog must be returned to the Oregon Dachshund Rescue.
Oregon Dachshund Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Oregon Dachshund Rescue
Location: Portland, Oregon
Phone: (503) 313-3220
Email: jrangan@comcast.net
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
10. New Mexico Dachshund Rescue (NMDR) – New Mexico
New Mexico Dachshund Rescue has been operating since 1999 and has helped hundreds of Dachshunds find their forever homes.
Their application process is similar to other rescues. You have to fill up an application form on their website.
Upon receipt of your application, they will be checking your veterinarian and personal references. After this, NMDR will conduct a home visit.
Once your application is approved, they will help coordinate the transportation of your new family member to your home.
Note that they do not do out-of-state adoptions, except for southwest Texas and Arizona. They also do not allow people to adopt as a gift to someone else.
Adoption fees are an average of $275, except for senior dogs. This covers all vetting fees, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and heartworm tests.
New Mexico Dachshund Rescue (NMDR) Information and Details:
Website: New Mexico Dachshund Rescue (NMDR)
Address: 3483 Corrales Rd, Corrales, NM
Email: adoptions@newmexicodachshundrescue.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 Dachshund rescue options from our directory will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire.
Other Sources for Dachshund Rescues or Shelters for Adoption
If you still cannot find the Doxie you are looking for in the sites above, you can try the following websites:
Petfinder – This website serves as an online database for homeless pets, shelters and rescue organizations across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Their database is updated daily, so there is a good chance that you will find a Dachshund near your location.
Adopt-a-Pet – This site also lists pets up for adoption across North America. Their website gives a lot of information for each pet, and you can contact the organization or visit the shelter indicated on the pet’s page.
Adopt a Pet l ASPCA – The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first humane society to be established in the United States. Their website has a nationwide database of local shelters where you can find pets put up for adoption near you.
PetSmart Charities – Petsmart Charities is a nonprofit organization that has been helping millions of pets through their adoption centers since 1994. They also provide grants and work with animal welfare organizations in the United States and Canada.
Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations – There are still some shelters that might not have an online presence yet. Visit your local animal shelters and you might find a Doxie in need of your help.
Why Do People Put Dachshunds up for Adoption or in a Rescue?
There are a number of reasons why people put their lovable Doxies up for adoption.
Here are some of the most common reasons:
The cost of medical expenses. Unfortunately, their short, sausage-like build also puts them at risk of serious illnesses. One of the most common conditions for Dachshunds is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). In severe cases, surgery for this condition can cost up to a few thousand dollars. Rehabilitation and extra care would also be needed after surgery.
Lifestyle mismatch. While dogs can adapt to their families and environments, Dachshunds are notorious for having separation anxiety. They should not be left alone for long periods of time. Sadly, this is something that not all owners can do.
They are not suitable for households with very young children. Because of their fragile nature, they can easily be injured if not handled properly.
Housetraining problems. Because of their nature as hunting dogs, they might be a little stubborn. It is not impossible to train a Dachshund, but it will take a lot of patience.
While some of these reasons may seem discouraging, as with other dog breeds, proper preparation and knowledge will help owners enjoy life with their furry companion.
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How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a Dachshund?
Adopting a Doxie will set you back anywhere from $100-$500, depending on the age and special needs of the dog.
Most if not all rescues do complete vetting, spaying/neutering as well as fostering.
To give you an idea of where your money goes, here is a breakdown of the rescue’s expenses:
Because Dachshunds are more prone to serious health problems as they grow older, it might also be a good idea to invest in pet insurance.
Pet insurance may cost you around $35 to $50 a month, but of course there are more expensive or cheaper options, depending on the coverage you want.
All in all, adopting will not only save you a lot of money compared to buying a new puppy, but you will also be giving dogs in need a new lease on life.
You can check this video of how a rescue organization helped a Doxie regain its health and find a forever home:
The story of Patches - Low Rider Dachshund Rescue FL<a href="https://youtu.be/4gSbxGwEOtU" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F4gSbxGwEOtU%2F0.jpg" alt="The story of Patches - Low Rider Dachshund Rescue FL" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Is It Difficult to Adopt a Dachshund From a Rescue?
The length and difficulty of the adoption process depend mostly on your preparedness in your application and as a pet owner. Nowadays, it is convenient to submit an application online- but that just might be the easiest part.
There will be interviews, and most if not all the organizations listed here require vet and personal references. It would be best to inform them in advance that you will be submitting an application for adoption.
Before scheduling home visits, make sure that you also do your research on the ideal homes for Dachshunds.
As mentioned before, they are highly prone to injury and these rescue organizations will want to see that your home is a good and safe environment for the dogs.
You will also have to make time to visit foster homes, where you can ask questions about your potential pet from their foster family.
Some organizations have more specific requirements than others, so do a thorough reading on the adoption requirements and process of the organization you choose before submitting an application.
5 Tips for Getting Approved by a Rescue to Adopt a Dachshund
Adopting a dog of any kind is no easy feat, and a Doxie may require a bit more care than others.
With that being said, here are some tips to help you with your adoption process:
Learn about Dachshunds as much as you can. Do this even before starting your application process. Learn about a Dachshund’s needs, personalities and ideal home, and think about whether or not they are the right dog for you.
Be completely honest in your application. All adoptionapplication forms ask many questions about your lifestyle, finances, home, etc. Answer them as completely and accurately as possible because they would help in getting you the perfect Doxie match.
Prepare your home. Rescues require a safe, loving home. Because of the Dachshund’s fragile build, there are some special considerations regarding the space where they will live. For example, it is ideal that their space is one where they don’t have to climb stairs.
Involve your household. Make sure that your household is also prepared for a new dog. For example, everyone will need to know how to properly handle a Dachshund, especially if you will adopt a senior or a dog with special needs. Check out this video on the proper way to handle Dachshunds:
How to hold a wiener dog<a href="https://youtu.be/JE7G-7xclko" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FJE7G-7xclko%2F0.jpg" alt="How to hold a wiener dog" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Make time for the adoption process. While you may spend just a few hours on the paperwork, it is always best to visit your potential pets at the shelter or at the foster homes. This will not only ensure that the dog is a good match for you, but you will also get a chance to know more about them from their foster guardians or homes.
Final Thoughts: Which Dachshund Rescue Is Right for You?
It might seem a daunting task to go through the list of all Dachshund rescue organizations. It would be best to start with the ones in your state because it would be easier to do home visits and coordinate with the organization in general.
Some states also require health certificates and a quarantine period if you are bringing in a dog from a different state.
Do not be intimidated by the requirements set by the rescue organizations. Some are stricter than others, but they all have the welfare of the dogs in mind. They will also help you in becoming a responsible owner of a Doxie.
The whole adoption process might take some time, and some applications might be rejected. Keep on looking! If you are truly ready to be family to a Doxie, chances are a rescue organization will find the perfect match for you and your family.
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