Where do the dogs come from?
Florida Boxer Rescue obtains custody of its dogs in a variety of ways. We work very closely with county operated animal control services and are notified if the owner does not reclaim their dog or if it is not adopted out by the shelter within a few days. We also assist families who, for a variety of reasons, can no longer keep their dog. If at any time there is a Boxer in need, we do our best to help them.
What is wrong with the dogs – why were they abandoned?
There are many reasons why people abandon their dogs but generally, it is NOT the dog’s fault. We live in a society where many things are disposable, including pets. Owning a dog is a responsibility for 10 to 15 years. It should be a well thought out, family decision and never should be motivated by impulse – unfortunately, puppies are often bought on impulse and the family did not consider the time and commitment needed to provide the daily exercise, play time and companionship required by a Boxer. Most dogs from purebred rescues are housebroken, have some basic obedience, and are well behaved, affectionate dogs. Some are the victims of divorce and broken family. Some come from homes where the owner died but left no provisions for their pets. Many are from families whose financial circumstances have changed and it is no longer possible to keep a pet. Because our volunteers spend a great deal of time with their “Boxer orphans”, the dog you adopt has been carefully evaluated for temperament and behavior problems.
Are the Boxers healthy?
Before leaving our care, our dogs are healthy to the best of our vets’ knowledge. They receive a heartworm test and if positive are cured of them. They are spayed or neutered and have received a full set of immunizations. Our boxers are also provided monthly heartworm and flea preventative while in our care. Their vet records will be provided for you upon adoption.
Do you take Boxer mixes?
Regretfully, we are unable to take Boxer mixes as we are almost always in need of foster homes to care for the purebred Boxers who are waiting to come into rescue. If you have a Boxer mix you no longer wish to keep in your family, we will attempt to refer you to an all-breed rescue that may be able to help.
What is FBR’s area of coverage?
Florida Boxer Rescue serves WEST and CENTRAL Florida ONLY and adopts Boxers to homes in the following counties: Citrus, Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hernando, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, and Sumter.
If you live in Northern Florida please visit Boxer Aid and Rescue Coalition. If you live in East or South Florida please visit Coastal Boxer Rescue. If you live in a state other than Florida please use this link to find a Boxer Rescue near you American Boxer Rescue or Google Boxer Rescue and the name of the state where you live.
Do you have a shelter where I can meet the dogs?
We do not have a shelter. Our dogs are in foster homes throughout our coverage area – see map on right. Once an Application to adopt has been submitted and approved, a volunteer will work with you to find a dog who is compatible with your family and based upon our years of experience.
What is a foster home?
Foster homes are some one of the most selfless people in the world. They open up their homes and their hearts to a boxer in need and get them healthy enough to be adopted to their forever homes. If you are interested in becoming a foster home, please contact us.
How long does a Boxer stay in its foster home?
It depends on the Boxer. Boxers that come in with heartworms have an extensive recovery period, usually lasting a month or more. Some dogs just stay a few days if there is enough interest in them.
How can I become a volunteer?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering to help the Boxers! To get started you will need to submit our online application. Please click HERE for information about our volunteer opportunities and to submit the application.
Why do all the pets in my home have to be spayed or neutered?
In rescue, we see hundreds (if not thousands) of animals euthanized every year because of overpopulation of dogs and cats. Therefore, we feel that we are obligated to help educate the public about this widespread crisis and encourage all potential adopters to be responsible pet owners. Responsible pet ownership means keeping your pets in good health, current on vaccinations, and spaying and/or neutering all pets in the home.
What is the adoption process?
To learn about our adoption process, please click HERE.
We want a puppy and don’t see any on your site? Where can we get a puppy?
We do not refer to any breeders. You can put your name on a waiting list, as we get pregnant females rescued from bad situations several times a year. We do, however, have many many boxers who are still young (as Boxers do not mature until approximately 3 years of age) but are already past the house breaking and chewing! We would ask that you open your heart and mind a bit and consider adopting one of these young, exuberant “toddlers” into your home.
I want to surrender my Boxer. What do I do?
FBR may be able to help you if there is space in our rescue program. For more information please visit our Surrender page. We regret that we are unable to take Boxer mixes into our program.
