Welcome!  Happy Tails Dog Rescue is a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, vetting, and re-homing dogs from kill shelters in Southern Florida.  

Most of the dogs rescued to date have been saved from Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS), the largest kill shelter in Southern Florida.  In 2011 the intake rate of dogs at MDAS more than doubled due in part to the failing economy, resulting in people not having the money to care for their dogs and therefore surrendering them.  Once at MDAS, these dogs have a very short time frame - just a few short weeks - before being euthanized.  Each year MDAS impounds 36,000+ pets and that number is expected to be significantly higher in future years.  
 
The unfortunate reality is that many of the dogs at kill shelters get overlooked because they often times need costly veterinary care and extensive grooming which make them less desirable to potential adopters.  For this reason, it is our intention to give these dogs a second chance at life by rescuing them before they are euthanized and providing the necessary veterinary and grooming services they need to be ready for adoption.

Poppi being rescued from MDAS

Rescuing animals from harm is everyone's responsibility.

Happy Tails Dog Rescue is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, vetting, and re-homing dogs from kill shelters and other abandoned situations. Currently we are a husband and wife team, together with a network of volunteers and foster families, who rescue and rehome dogs from kill shelters and other abandoned situations.  It is our goal to provide the necessary veterinary care, grooming, and attention they need to ultimately place them in forever homes.

At Happy Tails we believe every dog deserves a loving home regardless of age, condition, or situation.  We have discovered over the last several years of rescue that it "takes a team" to successfully rescue a dog.  If you love animals and want to get involved there are many ways you can contribute to saving the life of a dog.  Learn more about how you can become a Volunteer, Donate, or Adopt a dog.
 

Looking for a Specific Type of Dog? Let Us Know! 

If you are interested in adopting a specific type of dog (i.e. breed, age, size, etc.) and you do not see the one you are looking for listed on our site, let us know! 

We will be sure and keep an eye out during our rescue efforts for the dog that is best for you.  Making the perfect dog-owner match can happen both ways.  Send us an email with specifics on what you are looking for. 

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Help Us Help Them

Below are some of the happy homes our rescues have found:

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Most Recent Adoption Announcement

Negrita was recently adopted by Rita and Randy Conway!  See her pictured to the left with her new family, kitty sibling, and new wardrobe.  Just weeks before Happy Tails rescued her, Negrita had been dropped off at Miami Dade Animal Services by her previous owners and left there abandoned.

You can see what your help and support is doing for the lives of these amazing dogs and for the lives of the families who adopt them.

Thank you to all of our volunteers and donation supporters for your continued support, dedication, and love. 

Happy Tails Team 

Sophie's Story

Sophie "Before" at MDAS

Sophie "After" at Home 1 Month Later

The inspiration for Happy Tails Dog Rescue came about after we rescued our  dog, Sophie, who was 24 hours away from being euthanized at MDAS.  She was considered "undesirable" due to the fact she was an older dog in desperate need of grooming, costly dental work, and lots of love and attention to heal from the trauma of being abandoned on the streets.  Today she is the most loving and affectionate dog we have ever met; we call her our "angel dog".  Sophie's story is a reminder to us that "you can't judge a book by its cover". 

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Help Us Find Dog Fosters

If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a Dog Foster please let us know.  You can help us find fosters by forwarding the flyer below to your network and/or printing it out and hanging it up at work.  As if you need any more convincing, read this article in the Huffington Post on "The 16 Reasons Why Fostering a Shelter Pet is Basically the Best Thing in the World"!

Thank You Dr. Whyte for Vetting our Dogs!

All of our rescued dogs are vetted by Dr. Tanis Whyte of Colonial Animal Hospital in Boynton Beach, Florida.  Dr. Tanis Whyte has over 18 years of veterinary experience, including an extensive emergency care background.  We are extremely grateful to Tanis for her continued service and dedication to Happy Tails.

Dr. Tanis Whyte with rescue Dakota