Adopting a French Bulldog is not only economically-wise but also a humane gesture. How so?
Picture this! When shelters are already full and crowded, the staff are forced to administer euthanasia to control the population in the facility.
Rescue organizations try to salvage these dogs from getting mercilessly killed, but they can only take in dogs as much as their capacity would allow.
By adopting a French Bulldog from a rescue center, you are not only saving a soul but also making space for a new one to be rehabilitated. As a head-start, let me present to you the 10 best French Bulldog rescues for adoption across the country!
RECOMMENDED READING: Most of the French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog Rescues to Find French Bulldogs for Adoption
The following French Bulldog rescues are handpicked based on their reputation, location, historical background, and standard of adopting process.
I will also present to you their facilities, prices, rescue standards, and the events they spearheaded that are geared towards the welfare of the rescued Frenchies. Let’s get started!
1. French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN) – Connecticut
The mission of FBRN is to rescue and rehome abandoned and surrendered French Bulldogs across the country. Their extensive animal welfare works extend to their regional networks across the United States and Canada.
Since 2001, they have been rescuing French Bulldogs from commercial breeding facilities, public shelters, and irresponsible owners.
The large network of FBRN comprises all-volunteer staff and members. The organization does not have a permanent physical facility and operates through a foster scheme.
The rescued Frenchies across the different regions and states in the US and Canada are sheltered in foster homes where they are given the necessary attention they need.
Medical necessities are provided to rescued dogs including neutering or spaying, deworming, and canine shots. During the foster period, the Frenchie’s behavior is also monitored before it is cleared for adoption.
The Frenchie rescue carefully matches the applicants with a Frenchie that has the personality and needs suitable to their lifestyle and preferences.
In applying for adoption in FBRN, you will have to file an application that costs a non-refundable $10. The adoption fee varies depending on the age and health condition of the dog.
A healthy Frenchie that is under two years of age costs $900. Healthy French Bulldogs within the age range of two to eight years cost $550. While the ones that are over eight years old and have special needs cost $400.
French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN) Rescue Information and Details:
Website: French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN)
Address: 41 Crossroads Plaza Suite 232 West Hartford, CT 06117
Email: fbrn.apps@fbrn.net
Special Note: They also have Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
2. French Bulldog Village (FBV) – Pennsylvania
Just like with FBRN, the welfare gestures of FBV extend all over the United States. They are geared towards rehoming Frenchies and educating the community with regards to responsible pet ownership including proper caring and training.
The rescue opens its doors to French Bulldogs and French Bulldog mixes. The rescued dogs are sheltered in different locations through a foster scheme.
During the foster period, the dogs are provided with their necessities including food, shelter, attention, and most of all, medical needs.
Dogs coming from FBV are all neutered/spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and vet-examined. All of which is shouldered by the organization which will reflect on the adoption fee. Upon adoption, the condition (if any) of the dog will be discussed with the adopter.
A non-refundable $10 fee shall be paid upon filing the application form. Providing a clear and complete application will give you a higher chance of being approved.
Once approved, a home visit will be conducted by a rescue officer to ensure that the applicant’s home is safe and suited for the dog.
The adoption fee varies for each dog but can go as high as $850. The listing of available Frenchies including their prices is displayed on their website. It should be noted that FBV does not allow pet shipping, so you will need to pick up the dog personally.
French Bulldog Village (FBV) Rescue Information and Details:
Website: French Bulldog Village (FBV)
Address: P.O. Box 719, Conshohocken, PA 19428
Email: socialmedia@frenchbulldogvillage.org
Special Note: They have a Facebook page.
3. Short Nose and Friends United Rescue (SNAFU) – Midwest
This non-profit organization rescues French Bulldogs primarily in Nebraska and Iowa extending to other Midwest regions.
They strongly fight against unethical breeding processes, and they make an effort to save dogs from public shelters, commercial breeders, and dog auctions.
The organization rehabilitates French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, as well as other Bulldog mixes. Volunteer foster homes across the different states in the Midwest provide roofs and care for the rescued dogs.
Medical examinations are also administered to the dogs while their behavior and temperament are monitored.
The Frenchie rescue carefully matches applicants with their available Frenchies. The applicants may even see the personality and background of the dog including their behavior, history, and needs.
The adoption fee varies for each dog depending on their age and health condition. Typically, the cost of adoption in SNAFU ranges from $350 to $600.
It must be noted that they do not allow pet shipping. They advise prospective applicants to personally pick up the dogs from the foster home.
If the adopter wasn’t able to fulfill his responsibilities by any chance, the rescue reserves the right to claim the dog back.
Short Nose and Friends United Rescue (SNAFU) Rescue Information and Details:
Email: adopt@snafurescue.org
Special Note: They have a Facebook page.
4. Short Noses Only Rescue Team (SNORT) – New Jersey
SNORT focuses on rescuing brachycephalic dogs (short-head dogs) which include French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pugs.
They untiringly take in dogs from shelters that can no longer take care of them. They also promote awareness about responsible pet ownership to the community.
The French Bulldog rescue does not follow the first come first serve scheme. They rather focus on finding the perfect match for the dog – all for the best interest of their rescues.
The screening will be done through interviews and home visits will also be conducted to evaluate the suitability of the applicant’s home.
The application fee costs $10 which is non-refundable. Note that SNORT only allows adoptions of applicants coming from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, District of Columbia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
The adoption fee varies for each dog but it typically ranges from $200 to $600 and above. It will depend on the age, health condition, and the expenses accumulated in raising that specific dog.
If you are interested in adopting from SNORT, you can scan the available dogs on their website where you can also read about their personality, needs, and history.
Short Noses Only Rescue Team (SNORT) Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Short Noses Only Rescue Team (SNORT)
Address: PO Box 6104 Hoboken NJ 07030
Phone: (347) 766-7812
Email: snortrescue@gmail.com
Special Note: They have a Facebook page.
5. Short Mugs Rescue Squad (SMRS) – Texas
This Texas-based non-profit organization rehabilitates homeless Frenchies as well as English Bulldogs, Bosties, and Pugs across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. They rarely allow applicants out of the mentioned states.
Their application process focuses on attaining the best interest for the dogs. They make an effort to find the best applicant to match a specific dog through a screening process.
If you want your adoption application from SMRS to be approved, you should provide a complete and detailed application which they will use in the matching process.
Home visits are also an integral part of their screening process. The evaluator will conduct the home visit to ensure that the applicant’s home is free from hazards that could cause harm to the dog.
Vet reference calls will also be made to confirm that the applicant provides the ample medical attention his/her pets need.
A non-refundable $10 fee shall be made upon sending the application. All of the dogs in SMRS are complete with shots, microchipped, and neutered/spayed. The adoption fee may vary depending on the age and special needs of the dog.
Short Mugs Rescue Squad (SMRS) Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Short Mugs Rescue Squad (SMRS)
Address: 9550 Spring Green Blvd., Ste 408-156 Katy, TX 77494
Email: info@shortmugsrescuesquad.org
Special Note: They also have Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
6. Buckeye Bulldog Rescue (BBR) – Ohio
The mission of BBR is to save Frenchies and other Bulldog breeds from high-kill shelters and irresponsible owners. They rehabilitate abandoned and surrendered dogs in the state of Ohio and extend to nearby areas such as Detroit and Pittsburgh.
You must be at least 24 years old who live inside their coverage area to be considered for adoption.
While they accept adoption from outside the mentioned areas on a case-to-case basis, they would only allow those who can personally pick up the dogs as they strictly don’t do pet shipping.
The application is not on a first come first serve basis. The goal of BBR is to find the perfect forever home for the dogs.
Having said this, only the qualified and best match applicants will be approved for adoption regardless of whether they applied first or not.
The adoption fee on BBR ranges from $250 to $1,000. The fee may vary depending on the age of the dog and its health on the date of adoption. BBR also operates in a foster scheme.
The rescued dogs stay at the loving homes of the volunteers where they receive their necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care.
Buckeye Bulldog Rescue (BRR) Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Buckeye Bulldog Rescue (BRR)
Address: PO 641Grove City, Ohio 43123
Email: info@buckeyebulldogrescue.org
Special Note: They have a Facebook page.
7. Chicago French Bulldog Rescue (CFBR) – Chicago
CFBR is a volunteer-run organization that seeks to provide forever homes for homeless and neglected Frenchies in Chicago. They tirelessly save dogs from puppy mills, high-kill shelters, and owners who can no longer care for their pets.
The rescued dogs in CFBR were provided with the necessary medical attention including canine shots, deworming, and neutering/spaying.
The behavior and temperament of the rescued French Bulldogs are also regularly monitored before being cleared for adoption.
The adoption process of CFBR includes home visits and interviews. However, due to the pandemic, they are currently limiting organizational activities such as home visits for health safety measures.
Nonetheless, if you want to get your application approved in CFBR, you must file a detailed application to help them in finding the perfect match for you.
The adoption fee for the dogs in CFBR will vary depending on the age and health condition of the dog. The payment serves as a donation to the organization which helps them continue their efforts in rehoming homeless dogs.
Chicago French Bulldog Rescue (CFBR) Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Chicago French Bulldog Rescue (CFBR)
Special Note: They have a Facebook page.
8. Southern California Bulldog Rescue (SoCal) – California
Over the last 10 years, SoCal has already rescued and rehomed over 1,000 Bulldogs including French Bulldogs. Each year, they provide shelter, medical treatments, and necessities for over 100 Bulldogs which are rehomed immediately.
The Frenchies in SoCal are complete with vaccination, deworming medication, neutering/spaying, and they are also microchipped. After being rescued, the dogs stay in foster homes where they receive temporary shelter, food, and attention.
The Frenchie rescue only allows the adoption of applicants residing in Southern California. This is for them to easily monitor and track the rehomed dogs.
Even after adoption, the organization regularly checks on the adopted Frenchies alongside providing medical assistance.
For the application process, a home visit is necessary. The rescue volunteers will meet the family members of the household including the pets in the house.
The adoption fee in SoCal ranges from $100 to $1,000 which factors in the age of the dog and the accumulated expenses in taking care of a specific dog.
Southern California Bulldog Rescue (SoCal) Rescue Information and Details:
Address: PO Box 10313, Santa Ana, CA 92711
Phone: 714-612-0265
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9. No Borders Bulldog Rescue (NBBR) – Texas
NBBR takes in dogs from high-kill shelters and owners who can no longer provide for their needs.
Every year, they rehome more than a hundred homeless Bulldogs in Texas even though they are a non-profit and only operate through volunteer efforts.
Just like what the organization’s name suggests (no borders), their adoption is open to applicants all over the country. They have multiple networks in different regions which help them extend their welfare efforts across different states.
Nonetheless, if you are to adopt from NBBR, you would still need to personally pick up the dog as they don’t allow pet shipping.
Most of the rescued French Bulldogs in NBBR are four to eight years of age. If you are looking for a puppy, they rarely have one under their care, and most of the time they have special needs and conditions.
All of the dogs they take in undergo health examinations including vaccination and neutering/spaying.
The adoption fee on NBBR greatly depends on the age and health condition of the dog. Typically, it ranges from $300 to $600.
If you are looking into adopting from NBBR, make sure that your home has fences and that you don’t have kids under five years old living with you as they don’t approve applicants who do not meet these requirements.
No Borders Bulldog Rescue (NBBR) Rescue Information and Details:
Website: No Borders Bulldog Rescue (NBBR)
Address: PO BOX 670694 Dallas, TX 75367
Phone: (214) 235-6494
Email: info@nobordersbulldogrescue.org
10. Indiana Bulldog Rescue (IBR) – Indiana
IBR rehabilitates homeless French Bulldogs and other brachycephalic dogs such as English and Olde English Bulldogs. The dogs in IBR come from puppy mills, commercial dog auctions, and some are surrendered by the owners.
IBR adopts dogs from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. All of the dogs they rescue are provided with the necessary medical needs including vaccination and neutering or spaying.
The French Bulldog rescue provides a clear guideline to the prospective applicants. Here are some of them:
The rescue only adopts from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Completing the application form is a must.
The evaluation for families with children below eight years old may take a longer time. The dogs will be evaluated for their ability to live with children. If no dogs in the rescue are suitable for children, the applicant will have to wait for other available dogs.
Meet and greet will be conducted to find the perfect match.
The rescue will have a visit to survey the applicant’s home if it is safe for the dog.
The adoption fee in IBR depends on the age and condition of the dogs. Here is the adoption fee as listed on IBR’s website.
2 years and under: $700
3 to 4 years: $600
5 to 6 years: $500
7 to 9 years: $400
10 years or older: $200
Indiana Bulldog Rescue (IBR) Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Indiana Bulldog Rescue (IBR)
Address: PO Box 366, Brownsburg, IN 46112
Email: info@indianabulldogrescue.com
Special Note: They also have Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Another thing that can help you significantly with your dog hunt is reading our ultimate dog adoption guide. This, alongside the French Bulldog rescue options from our directory, will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire.
Other Sources for French Bulldog Rescues or Shelters for Adoption
Aside from the rescues I mentioned above, you can also find French Bulldogs available for adoption on the following sources:
Petfinder – On average, there are more than 100 French Bulldogs available for adoption in this online database. This online pet adoption site operates across the country. Finding an available Frenchie near you is easy as they list them according to their location. For adopters who are too far from the location of the available dog, pet shipping can be done.
Petango – You can find any breed of dog on this site including French Bulldogs. With more than 1,800 networks of shelters and rescues, Petango has a large pool of available adoptable dogs across different states.
Adopt-a-Pet – This online database is an avenue where different rescues and shelters post available dogs for adoptions. This multiscale pet database operates throughout different regions. You can easily find a French Bulldog on this site just by searching for the breed.
Local Animal Shelters and Rescues – Hundreds of French Bulldogs, purebred or not, end up in shelters day by day across the country. If you still haven’t found a Frenchie from the abovementioned source, you can try visiting the nearest public animal shelter near your location.
Why Do People Put French Bulldogs up for Adoption or in a Rescue?
Unfortunately, thousands of French Bulldogs end up in animal shelters and rescues each year for various reasons. Some are neglected while others are surrendered.
Here are the common reasons why people put their French Bulldogs up for adoption:
The owners do not know how to take care of the French Bulldog.
The dog has shown aggressive behaviors and the owners have decided that it is too much for them to handle.
The dog doesn’t do well with children and other pets.
The owner is moving to another area and he/she can’t bring the French Bulldog with him/her.
The previous owner died and no one can take the dog in.
The owners are experiencing a crisis that’s why they can no longer provide for the needs of the dog.
Owning a French Bulldog is a lifetime commitment so you must be prepared financially and emotionally when you decide to own one. No dogs deserve to end up in shelters or rescues because of impulsive and irresponsible owners.
How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a French Bulldog?
Adopting a Frenchie is cheaper than buying one from a breeder. Typically, the adoption fee from different French Bulldog rescues ranges from $200 to $1,000. The fee includes the expenses that are accumulated in taking care of the dog which includes food and medical services.
Neutering/spaying and vaccine shots are also costly. If you will personally shoulder these expenses, you might even need to cash out a few hundred bucks excluding the cost of the puppy that you will buy.
When you adopt a dog from the shelter, you won’t need to worry about these expenses as they are already shouldered by the rescue.
Here is the breakdown of the adoption fee you’ll pay:
Is It Difficult to Adopt a French Bulldog From a Rescue?
The answer to the question of whether adopting from a rescue will be difficult or not will depend on your readiness to adopt.
Most Frenchie rescues provide adoption guidelines that applicants can follow. Reading and adhering to these guidelines will give you an upper hand in the adoption process. Rescues favor those who meet the requirements they set on.
Some of the common requirements that most rescue sets include age restriction, home suitability, and presence of pets and children in the house.
If you make sure that you have followed the guidelines they have provided and have also researched about the dog’s personality, adopting from a rescue will be smoother and easier.
3 Tips for Getting Approved by a Rescue to Adopt a French Bulldog
To help you secure an adoption from a rescue, I suggest that you follow these tips:
Be knowledgeable about French Bulldogs. Make an effort to research the breed before applying for adoption. During interviews, the evaluator will ask questions related to the dog breed and it will be an advantage to you if you can answer the questions correctly. It shows that you are prepared to adopt a Frenchie.
Follow and adhere to the rescue guidelines. As I mentioned earlier, French Bulldog rescues only approve applicants who have passed their qualifications. Make sure to read about the guidelines and requirements of the rescue.
Regularly ask for updates and visit the facility. Such gestures show that you are committed to taking in one of their dogs. You should also ask questions about the things you don’t know. Being honest and being curious are signs of dedication.
Final Thoughts
If you are not after the bloodline, it is always better to adopt than to buy from a breeder. When you adopt from rescues, you are giving a dog another chance to live a happy life – aside from the fact that it is also more cost-efficient.
However, you should also note that adopted Frenchies from rescues require and deserve the same amount of care given to dogs bought from breeders. Whether they are adopted from a rescue or bought from a breeder, all dogs deserve to be loved.
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