The Pug’s fame as a companion pet still hasn’t waned even after two thousand years since it first appeared in Ancient China.
If you’re interested in taking home one, you will certainly have no trouble tracking down a reputable Pug breeder in the US. However, you can always go the extra mile and help a furry friend in need by considering adopting from a rescue.
In this article, I’ve compiled our top 10 picks for Pug rescues. It includes all the necessary information in your search for the right adoption organization. Hopefully, this guide will help speed up the process of finding your next best friend!
RECOMMENDED READING: Most of the 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 Pug Rescues to Find Pugs for Adoption
After extensive research on where to find the country’s best Pug rescues, I came up with this list to help narrow down your options.
Choosing out of hundreds of Pug rescue facilities can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, because I’ve got you covered!
1. Pacific Pug Rescue (PPR) – Oregon
Pacific Pug Rescue is a non-profit organization based in Portland run entirely by volunteers.
The organization has grown steadily ever since its founding in 2006, and now, it has more than 100 volunteers dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming both Pugs and Pug mixes alike.
The areas they focus on include Oregon, Southwest Washington, and Idaho. Pugs of all ages and varying health conditions are taken in, and the organization provides the necessary medical care such as spaying/neutering, dental checkups, and vaccinations.
In addition to providing for the animals’ needs, the Pacific Pug Rescue also advocates for domestic animal population control.
They also make a great effort to educate visitors and potential owners alike about the breed’s health information, care tips, and other general knowledge.
Before the furry friends get adopted, they are housed and cared for by foster families within the Portland Metropolitan area, so you can definitely be assured that the Pugs in this organization are happy and healthy.
Pacific Pug Rescue (PPR) Information and Details:
Website: Pacific Pug Rescue (PPR)
Address: 2850 SW Cedar Hills Blvd. Walker Center #221, Beaverton, OR
Phone: 503-704-3587
Email: pugs@pacificpugrescue.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2. Pugs N Roses (PNR) – California
What’s great about Pugs N Roses is that they are also a death row dog rescue. They take in needy dogs from high kill shelters in Southern California who are scheduled to be put down either because they are sick or due to overpopulation.
The shelter’s founder, Alana, together with her husband Roger, owns four Pugs which have all been rescued, too. They do not discriminate based on pedigree, accepting both pure and mixes while prioritizing urgent dogs.
On their site, you’ll find a database of their available Pugs, as well as categorized blog entries of their adoption success stories.
The “Hospitail” category chronicles previously sick Pugs who were nursed back to health. On the other hand, the “Rescue Tails” section contains tales of the organization’s rescue missions.
If you’re looking to read an in-depth history of your potential canine friend, then consider visiting their site.
Pugs N Roses (PNR) Information and Details:
Website: Pugs N Roses (PNR)
Email: info@pugsnroses.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
3. Pug Rescue of New England (PRoNE) – New England
PRoNE is a foster home-based organization dedicated to finding homes for abandoned or surrendered Pugs within the six New England states, namely: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Before being rehomed, the Pugs are given updated shots and are spayed or neutered to guarantee the dogs’ optimum health.
Like the rest of the non-profit organizations on this list, PRoNE is funded through donations and adoption fees. Taking it a step further, this Pug rescue raises money through special charity events such as their Annual Pug Social and the PRoNE 5k, to name a few.
PRoNE has dedicated a page of their website specifically for merchandise. On their Store page, clothing with Pug-related designs is put on sale. The price of their shirts, blankets, and sweatshirts ranges from $15 to $45 apiece.
Pug Rescue of New England (PRoNE) Information and Details:
Website: Pug Rescue of New England (PRoNE)
Address: PO Box 441667 West Somerville, MA 02144-1667
Phone: 781-819-2530
Email: socialmedia@pugrescueofnewengland.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
4. Pug Pals – Idaho
Pug Pals is a group of volunteers stationed in Idaho, Utah, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. They aim to put an end to Pug cruelty and neglect by rescuing the animals from imminent danger and abusive owners alike.
In addition, this Pug rescue hosts workshops and one-on meetings to educate current and prospective Pug owners about the handling and care of our short-snouted friends.
Pug Pals has also put up a FAQs page on their site, which contains general Pug information, care tips, and what to expect about their overall adoption process.
Other than earning funds through adoption fees and donations, they have partnered with veterinarians who support their cause and offer help in overseeing the rescues’ medical needs.
If ever you decide not to push through with adoption through their organization, they have also indicated other easy ways to help their cause. For example, they have put up an Amazon Wish List for donors.
Pug Pals Information and Details:
Address: PO Box 191175 | Boise, ID 83719
Email: pugpalsrescue@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
5. Compassionate Pug Rescue (CPR) – Florida
CPR considers adoption to residents of Florida aged 21 and above. Their primary objective is to match all of their rescues to the perfect candidate, hoping to find the Pugs’ potential forever homes so that they will no longer run the risk of being homeless.
To date, they have more than 25 special Pugs under permanent foster or hospice care. All of these precious angels are being cared for and provided for with the best medical and dietary treatment through donations.
Furthermore, the rescue hosts birthday fundraisers for its supporters on Facebook. They are also linked with Amazon Smile and iGive, so that when people shop through these platforms and specify CPR as the charity of their choice, a part of their purchase amount is donated.
Compassionate Pug Rescue (CPR) Information and Details:
Website: Compassionate Pug Rescue (CPR)
Address: 20629 NE 7th Ct, Miami, FL 33163, Belle Meade
Phone: 800-435-7352
Email: cpr@compassionatepugrescue.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
RECOMMENDED: Male vs. Female Pug: What’s The Difference?
6. Pug Planet – New Jersey
Pug Planet is a non-profit organization based in New Jersey. Pugs under their wing are often abused and abandoned, so before these canines become qualified to be potential companions, they are first screened and put under rehabilitation as seen fit.
They also partner with other Pug rescue groups to accommodate Pugs that are beyond their New Jersey scope.
Since rehab costs range from hundreds to thousands of dollars and their assistance to Pugs extends to far-flung places, Pug Planet proposes other ways by which people could help out.
Other than volunteering, people can also contribute Pug-related artwork and craft. Additionally, gift certificates sent online via Chewy or physical cards from Petco, PetSmart, and Pet Value can be mailed to their PO Box.
Pug Planet Information and Details:
Website: Pug Planet
Address: PO Box 593, Forked River, NJ 08731
Email: pugplanet@aol.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
7. Bluegrass Pug Rescue (BPR) – Kentucky
Based in Louisville, BPR is a community-based statewide organization that takes in strays, abandoned dogs, as well as Pugs that can no longer be taken care of by its previous family. The dogs are then placed in temporary foster homes where they will be given time to heal.
In the process, the Pugs are taken to the vet for the necessary medical treatments, such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and heartworm tests.
This Pug rescue also assures full transparency, as they will disclose a dog’s medical history before adoption.
Other than putting up fundraisers on Facebook, BPR also hosts activities posted on their site to contribute to the funds.
For one, they have collaborated with Curly Tail Coffee, a local coffee roaster in Pennsylvania. With every purchase of their product, $2 from each bag will be donated to BPR.
Even though the Pugs are under foster care, potential owners can still have the chance to see the adoptees every first Saturday of the month at Feeders Supply – 12949 Shelbyville Road in Middletown, Kentucky.
Bluegrass Pug Rescue (BPR) Information and Details:
Website: Bluegrass Pug Rescue (BPR)
Address: PO Box 19522 Louisville, KY
Email: bprsecretary@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
8. Green Mountain Pug Rescue (GMPR) – Vermont
GMPR has volunteers stationed within Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and some parts of New York.
It started back in 2002 and has now expanded to an estimated 60 volunteers plus a Board of Directors responsible for making policies and operating procedures.
A large portion of their in-house dogs come from puppy mills as well as those surrendered by owners. In their almost two decades of doing rescue work, GMPR has helped rehome more than 1,400 Pugs.
Prior to being put up for adoption, the rescues are first given foster homes to test what kind of environment will best suit them.
Over time, their personalities are being evaluated and they will also be screened for medical treatment as seen fit.
Some veterinary care sponsored by GMPR includes vaccinations, bloodwork, dental checks, spaying or neutering, and heartworm or Lyme tests.
Green Mountain Pug Rescue (GMPR) Information and Details:
Website: Green Mountain Pug Rescue (GMPR)
Address: 283 Town Line Rd, Mendon, VT 05701
Phone: 802-786-5337
Email: info@gmpr.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
9. Midwest Pug Rescue (MPR) – Kansas
MPR was founded in 1999, and at the time, they were the only Pug rescue within the areas of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota.
However, in recent years, the non-profit organization PugPartners has taken over Nebraska and Iowa. Now, MPR focuses mainly on Kansas and Missouri, with another division in Minnesota.
All MPR adoption applications go through the organization’s standard approval process and will then be followed by a home visit.
Applications are not processed on a “first-come, first-served” basis but are instead determined through compatibility.
All you have to do is fill out an application form found on their website and wait for first-served via email.
Other than raising fundraisers online, MPR also posts videos and live feeds for supporters and potential owners to get to know the rescue group as well as the rescues themselves.
Midwest Pug Rescue Information (MPR) and Details:
Website: Midwest Pug Rescue (MPR)
Address: 10216 Lamar Overland Park, KS Overland Park, KS
Email: luvforpugs@aol.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
10. Pugs U Gotta Save (PUGS) – Virginia
Pugs U Gotta Save mainly operates in Central Virginia and Virginia Beach-Norfolk areas.
While under their care, the Pugs are given their due medical treatments and are provided with behavioral training so that the transition from foster care to their future forever home will be a seamless one.
This Pug rescue also pushes for public education regarding the breed as well as the responsibilities that come with Pug ownership.
Other than direct donations and portions earned from Amazon Smile, people can also help PUGS by using BarkBox. The organization has also put up an online shop where they sell t-shirts with Pug-related designs.
Meanwhile, if you head on to their Facebook page, you’ll see studio shots of their rescues dressed in pop culture costumes, holiday-themed dresses, and other cute outfits.
Pugs U Gotta Save (PUGS) Information and Details:
Website: Pugs U Gotta Save (PUGS)
Address: PO Box 1810, Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: 804-491-9784
Email: pugsaved@pugsugottasave.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Another thing that can help you significantly with your dog hunt is reading our ultimate dog adoption guide. This, alongside the rescue options from our directory will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire.
Other Sources for Pug Rescues or Shelters for Adoption
Adoption applications don’t always turn out the way you want to. Sometimes, you might get no matches or else, your application can be rejected entirely. Despite these setbacks, it’s important to remain patient and trust in the process.
If you still haven’t found the right Pug for you after sifting through our top 10 list and directory, here are a few more websites you can visit:
Adopt-a-Pet – Formerly known as 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com, this organization is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption service. They have been advertising purebred and mixed breed pets to adopters across the country for free, helping over 21,000 shelters, SPCAs, rescue groups, humane societies, and pet agencies in the process. You can check out the Pugs that are currently under their care through their search page.
The Shelter Pet Project – The Humane Society of the United States, Maddie’s Fund, and The Ad Council came together to form this project. It is considered to be the first national Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign collaboration among wide-scale animal welfare organizations. They currently house a number of Pugs in their facility so I suggest you give it a try.
North Shore Animal League America – It is the biggest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world, so you’ll be sure to find a perfect Pug match here. All you need to do is key in your zip code, choose an animal, and voila! The database will have done the rest for you.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – This animal welfare organization was the first humane society in North America. To date, it has over two million supporters in the United States. Their site’s database has a list of all adoptable dogs and cats at local Petco stores or in shelters near your area, so be sure to check them out for Pugs, too!
Once you have finally found the rescue Pug for you, the arduous process is something you would happily look back to.
Watch this video to see how incredibly satisfying it is to own a rescue Pug:
Rescue Pug Helps His Veteran Mom Go Back To College | The Dodo<a href="https://youtu.be/fHr2e_iJ4jc" 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%2FfHr2e_iJ4jc%2F0.jpg" alt="Rescue Pug Helps His Veteran Mom Go Back To College | The Dodo" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Why Do People Put Pugs up for Adoption or in a Rescue?
It may come as a shock to you, but some people actually end up turning over their Pugs to shelters and rescues or posting them on pet adoption sites.
Here are a few common reasons why they put their Pugs up for adoption:
Pugs are slow when it comes to housebreaking. It may take months of crate training before they are able to grasp the concept, and some owners just don’t have the patience for it.
Pugs are prone to breathing problems due to their scrunched-up face and sinuses. They are also prone to eye diseases and Pug dog encephalitis. Sadly, not all people can afford the maintenance of a sick Pug.
Despite being a short-haired breed, Pugs actually shed constantly. The owner might find it hard to keep up with the grooming or have developed an irritating allergy to the dog’s hairs.
The dog in question might not match the temperament its owner was hoping for.
The owner is moving to a place where pets are prohibited.
How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a Pug?
On average, the price of professionally-bred Pugs could cost you anywhere between $850 to $3,000.
Meanwhile, adopting a rescue Pug would only cost you around $150 to $450 for a reasonable adoption fee which shall be used to pay for your dog’s maintenance.
In case you’re wondering how your adoption fee will be spent, here’s a breakdown of the total expenses:
From the table, you can see that the cost of your Pug’s essential treatments barely makes up one-fourth of what a breeder will charge you.
In some cases, organizations will charge less if the dog is old or has been already given certain treatments by its previous owner.
Is It Difficult to Adopt a Pug From a Rescue?
Adopting a Pug is a great responsibility, and any good rescue or shelter’s main priority would be to make sure that you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Some Pug rescue organizations have stricter adoption policies to guarantee the pet’s welfare. Expect them to conduct home visits, interviews, family meets, and ask for your references to ensure that you are fit to take care of the precious Pug.
In case your home environment does not meet their standards for raising a dog, the shelter can reject your application.
The same can be said about your personal lifestyle. Since most rescue dogs come from a background of neglect or abuse, rescue organizations want the pets’ new owners to be more hands-on in taking care of them.
On top of this, they’ll also take note of other members of your household. If you live with people who are allergic to dogs, have a great fear of them, or face other problems relating to your furry friends, then your application will most likely turn out unsuccessful.
5 Tips for Getting Approved by a Rescue to Adopt a Pug
Adopting a rescue dog might look so easy on the surface, but truth be told, it’s not.
Other than having to pass an intensive adoption application, you’ll have to consider how much time and energy it will take out of you to complete the process. However, they say that the greater the effort, the sweeter the reward.
If your heart is set on bringing home a Pug, consider these tips to help you in the process:
Research all you need to know about Pugs. Google the breed’s traits and characteristics, read up on books, and talk to Pug owners. These are just a few ways on how you can prove to the rescue that you are committed to adopting a Pug.
Be transparent about your information. When asked by evaluators during interviews, don’t hold back on certain details that you think will affect the result of your application. The rescue needs your full-on honesty and cooperation if you want to find a perfect match.
Ready your fence. A fenced yard tells the Pug rescue that you prioritize the Pug’s safety and that you have allotted a place for your future pet’s supervised play and exercise.
Feel free to ask a lot of questions. Asking about the dog’s medical history, habits, temperament, or personal story shows the rescue staff that you are genuinely interested. It’s always better to support your online research with personal notes about the specific dog you’re getting.
Pay your Pug a visit. Taking the time to visit and interact with your future Pug will not only help you form a bond early on, but it will also show the staff that you are dedicated as a dog owner.
At the end of the day, rescue organizations all work differently. There’s no one sure-fire way to secure instant application acceptance, so please keep in mind that these tips are only meant as general rules of thumb.
More importantly, remember to read up on your chosen center’s policies and requirements.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to adopt a Pug from a rescue organization will not only save you a few bucks but will also potentially give a loyal companion another shot at life. Rescue dogs can give just as much love as dogs bought from a breeder – if not, more!
While the waiting game for your application’s approval can seem long and tiring, it will all be worth it when you finally get to take home your furry friend.
Rejections from rescues will always be part of the journey, but what matters most is that you never give up trying.
In the meantime, the best you can do is to study how you can be the best Pug owner to your future pet and learn how you can make the future adjustment period easier for the both of you.
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