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About Cavalier Rescue of Florida

Cavalier Rescue of Florida is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) rescue, organized to benefit Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in need. First as Mid-Florida Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Rescue (MFCKCSC Rescue), and now as Cavalier Rescue of Florida, Inc. (CRF) we have been saving Cavaliers since 2000, placing hundreds of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

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Learn more about what we do, our mission, where our dogs come from and if a cavalier rescue is right for you.

675

Dogs Helped

115

Volunteers

22

30

225,000

Number of Miles Traveled to help Cavaliers In Need

white and tan senior dog

Mission

Cavalier Rescue of Florida, Inc. Established in 2000, (CRF) is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)3 rescue, established to benefit Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in need. We are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, reuniting, and re-homing of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as well as education focused on Cavalier health, responsible dog ownership, reputable breeders and puppy mill awareness. CRF also serves as a resource to other rescue groups and private rescuers who are working to save Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. One of our main goals is to combine efforts with other Cavalier rescue groups to provide a stronghold of volunteers and foster homes throughout the state to ensure that all small towns and shelters will have someone to call when a Cavalier is in need.
 

​Through the dedication of our cavalier-loving fosters, Cavalier Rescue of Florida, Inc. will provide love, shelter, food, human companionship, medical care and spay/neuter services for Cavaliers until a permanent placement in a pre-screened, suitable, permanent home is found that best suit the needs of the dog.


We do not accept euthanasia as a means of population control for animals and believe each Cavalier's life is meaningful and each deserves a loving home. Cavalier Rescue of Florida, Inc. wishes to eliminate the euthanasia of any healthy, adoptable Cavalier. We take responsibility for each Cavalier rescued and placed through Florida Cavalier Rescue, Inc. for the rest of the dog's natural life.


At the heart of rescue, is a passion for saving and helping another in need. Although, CRF is a breed specific group, if it is determined, after a dog has been accepted into rescue, that she is not a purebred Cavalier, CRF will provide for the dog in the same manner as any purebred Cavalier.

With the help of our dedicated volunteers and our wonderful adoptive families,  we have placed over 500 Cavaliers in their forever homes.

What We Do

Our foster families have Cavaliers of their own, and love and understand the breed.; our foster parents learn and evaluate their behavior and habits.

 

Are they good with kids? Do they like long walks or ball play? House trained? Crate trained? Cuddle bug, licker or reserved? 

Several  partner veterinarians medically evaluate and treat the dogs including: vaccines, conditions treated, teeth cleaned, microchipping, and spaying or neutering. We also include nails and grooming. Then it becomes our task to find the right forever home for each dog.

We do adoptions based on best match. We take into consideration dogs that may be of interest to you, but we assess the dogs needs and requirements at minimum, and match to an applicants' home, lifestyle, etc. Careful screening is done which includes personal references, vet references, an interview, and a home visit.  All cavaliers are placed in homes that best suit the needs of the dog.

 

Since we have fewer dogs than we do applicants, we encourage you to complete our online Adoption Application.  You will need to provide personal and vet references as well in the form.
 

white and ruby cavalier
ruby colored cavalier

Is a Cavalier Right For You?

The most important thing to do before you decide to adopt, is to familiarize yourself with the breed. Do research! here are options Google, dog shows, books or someone with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

The breed, especially rescues, can range in weight and size. Not all Cavaliers are small. And we cannot guarantee their genetic history. 

Cavaliers are extremely people oriented and want nothing more than to give and receive affection and attention. They need to be with their family. Because of this, some people find them to be overly affectionate, so if you are not a person who likes a dog to kiss you on the lips, lick your ear, lie in your lap, next to you on the furniture, or share your bed, a Cavalier may not be the dog for you. Their greatest joy is to be with you.

Cavaliers are very social, so we do not like to place them in homes where they would be left alone a lot. Ideally a family member would be home during most of the day, and/or other dogs in the house. 

As a rule, they get along well with other dogs and also cats. You must keep in mind, however, that they are a small spaniel and most still have fairly strong hunting instincts; so lizards, squirrels, gerbil, hamster or bird, may not be safe.

 

After doing your research, if you still want a Cavalier rescue and you live or will travel to the state of Florida, we would love to help you find the right Cavalier for you.

3-3-3 Rule

Rescuing a new dog can be rewarding and bring joy to your entire family. Before you adopt shelter dogs, you should understand the 3-3-3 rule. The 3-3-3 rule represents the phases of a rescue dog or common milestones your new dog or puppy will go through 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months after being adopted. Three days to decompress, three weeks to feel settled, three months to feel at home.

Violet Animal Eye Specialty Clinic in Deerfield Beach.
white and tan rescue cavalier

Where Do Our Dogs Come From?

Most of our dogs come from Florida, but we have, in desperate situations, gone as far as West Virginia  and Indiana to help Cavaliers in need.

 

  • Florida shelters:

Our volunteers comb the websites of Florida shelters looking for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels which we save from being destroyed. (Yes, people do drop them off at shelters when they do not want a dog anymore.) Many times, strays are also a sad reality.CRF also checks craigslist for Cavaliers who need a new home.  

 

  • Puppy Mills:

Sadly, some of our dogs come from puppy mill raids.  We are contacted by the agency who does the mill busts to take care of the Cavaliers who have been severely neglected. We have also gotten cavaliers who have been dumped at an auction after living their youthful breeding years in horrible puppy mills.

 

  • Owner Surrenders:

We take in dogs from owners who can no longer care for their Cavaliers because of life changes. Some are moving and are not allowed to have pets.  For some, job loss has caused financial chaos. One of the saddest reasons Cavaliers come into rescue is they have an elderly owner who is going into a nursing home or has passed away.  

 

  • Veterinary Offices:

Occasionally, we get calls from vets who want us to take in a Cavalier who has been abandoned at his office or dropped off to be euthanized. 

 

  • Breeders:

Sometimes breeders will give us their retired Cavaliers to place in loving homes after their breeding years are behind them.

"We make a life by what we give." - Sir Winston Churchill

And you will save a life, even many lives, by giving to the cavaliers of Cavalier Rescue of Florida. 

ruby and white cavalier dog
  • Where do our dogs come from?
    Most of our dogs come from Florida, but we have, in desperate situations, gone as far as West Virginia to help Cavaliers in need. Florida shelters: Our volunteers comb the websites of Florida shelters looking for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels which we save from being destroyed. (Yes, people do drop them off at shelters when they do not want a dog anymore.) Many times, strays are also a sad reality. CRF also checks craigslist for Cavaliers who need a new home. Puppy Mills: Sadly, some of our dogs come from puppy mill raids. We are contacted by the agency who does the mill busts to take care of the Cavaliers who have been severely neglected. We have also gotten cavaliers who have been dumped at an auction after living their youthful breeding years in horrible puppy mills. Owner Surrenders: We take in dogs from owners who can no longer care for their Cavaliers because of life changes. Some are moving and are not allowed to have pets. For some, job loss has caused financial chaos. One of the saddest reasons Cavaliers come into rescue is they have an elderly owner who is going into a nursing home or has passed away. ​ Vets: Occasionally, we get calls from vets who want us to take in a Cavalier who has been abandoned at his office or dropped off to be euthanized. Breeders: Sometimes breeders will give us their retired Cavaliers to place in loving homes after their breeding years are behind them.
  • How can I adopt a Cavalier?
    Be ready when they’re ready! The first step is to complete the CRF “adoption application” form. It’s important to read and complete all sections accurately, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! This is the initial way the Placement Team gets to know you. CRF has a rigorous and specialized program for our custom Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adoptions. We consider ourselves “matchmakers” – the Placement Team matches the dog and their specific needs to a home and family that already offers what that particular dog needs. Though you might be enamored with a certain dog, if you do not have the home or lifestyle that the Cavalier needs, CRF will not match you to that Cavalier. Our mission is to place a Cavalier in a home that meets THEIR needs – we are all about finding that furever, happy place for each dog! It is a very detailed, time-consuming and individualized process. We need to assure a perfect fit for both our pups and our adopter families. This is a big difference between CRF and a shelter, and even some other Rescues. If you are truly interested in adopting, it’s best if you apply to CRF before you even see a Cavalier of interest on our website. If you happen to see a Cavalier that you ARE interested in – who wouldn’t fall in love with their sweet faces – be sure to completely read their bio and understand the implications for you and your lifestyle. If you offer what that specific Cavalier needs for a happy life, then mention their name and your interest in the application.
  • Do you adopt dog to families outside of Florida?
    We do! The adopting family is required to go to the home where the Cavalier is fostered to pick up their new furbaby. The options are that you drive or fly, but if you fly the Cavalier MUST travel with you in the plane’s cabin. We will NEVER ship a Cavalier or allow one of our Cavaliers to travel in cargo. You don't have to live or be a US citizen to adopt from CRF, but all fees, paperwork and travel requirements are the sole responsibility of the adopter. All requirements must be met prior to taking the dog into your possession.
  • When will I hear back from someone on my application?
    CRF is an all-volunteer organization. Most of our team have part-time/full-time jobs, families, other obligations, etc. CRF receives hundreds of applications each month and it’s impossible to personally contact each applicant. You will here back from a Placement Team volunteer once we determine a potential match. This is why it’s important to fully complete the application, and to send one in before you see a dog that steals your heart.
  • How long will it be before I can adopt?
    That’s difficult to answer. Since we customize each adoption--matching a Cavalier according to THEIR needs, we will search through our extensive database of applicants looking for the perfect home for that Cavalier. Some applicants have waited over a year; some have their dreams made true within months. We keep our applications on file for one year. In full transparency, if you have not heard back from us within 30 -60 days, your adoption application most likely did not meet the very exacting standards for our custom adoption protocol for the pups we currently have in rescue at this time. Feel free to apply to our volunteer program and support the many Cavaliers we have in Rescue! https://www.cavrescuefl.org/volunteer-application
  • Where do the dogs come from?
    CRF is based throughout Florida, we get Cavaliers from across the state through various areas: · Relinquished from prior owners who can no longer care for the dog, for various reasons · Shelters across the state · Newspaper ads and Craig’s List · Breeder releases · Abandonment, as strays · Puppy mill closures and raids · Cavaliers that go to auction are there as castoffs from a puppy mill. They might be no longer “producing” puppies, or are sick, or maybe that puppy mill is closing down. Whatever the reason, CRF has a special donation fund, My Ticket Home, where we pull the funds that enable us to go in and scoop up as many Cavaliers as we can, no matter their condition. Our goal is to stop the inhumane treatment of these dogs and responsibly vet, rehabilitate and place a Cavalier in the best home for each one. My Ticket Home is funded by caring donors, such as you. If you would like to specifically donate to that fund, please click here.
  • What happens to a dog once he/she enters the Rescue?
    Rescued Cavaliers are immediately placed in a loving foster home. The foster parent is responsible for socializing, ongoing training (when necessary), taking the dog to vet/specialist appointments, and providing a loving interim home. During the time the Cavalier is with their Foster, the foster parent assesses the needs of the Cavalier. It’s important to note that the foster parent has an important role in the adoption process, since they know their rescued Cavalier the best.
  • Where can I go to see a dog I’m interested in adopting?
    CRF does not have a central shelter facility. Our rescued Cavaliers are in foster homes across the state of Florida, and even beyond – we have Fosters in close by surrounding states. Once a potential adopter is selected for a Cavalier, the adopter is usually encouraged to visit the Cavalier at a planned meet-and-greet at the foster’s home.
  • Do you have a waiting list?
    Sometimes. Young, Blenheim female pups are the most popular Cavaliers, so we have a waiting list which is influenced by the needs of the individual Cavalier. Otherwise, we do not have formal waiting lists because the Placement Team matches each Cavalier, based on his/her needs, to an adoptive family as a custom adoption.
  • If I volunteer for your Rescue, will I be able to adopt more quickly?
    We always have a need for more volunteers, but this is NEVER a guarantee. For example, we might have a long-time volunteer that lives in a lovely condo by the beach, without another dog, who might fall in love with the face of a Cavalier that LOVES running around a yard and playing with doggie siblings. The Placement Team would not recommend this match because the Cavalier loves running a yard with doggie friends, neither of which is part of this volunteer’s lifestyle.
  • Why is there an adoption fee?
    CRF is a 501(c)3 non-profit, and we rely solely on donations and non-paid volunteers for the care of every Cavalier we rescue. Donation fees are far below the costs associated with medical, specialty and dental care, feeding and other related expenses. Your donation goes towards the rescue of TWO Cavaliers – the one you’re adopting, and the next one coming into Rescue.
  • Why are the adoption fees different?
    The adoption fees are primarily based on age; the higher fees are associated with younger Cavaliers, and they become lower the older the Cavalier.
  • Do you require that I have a fenced in yard?
    A fenced yard is not always required; it is solely based on the needs of the Cavalier.
  • Where Do Our Dogs Come From
    Most of our dogs come from Florida, but we have, in desperate situations, gone as far as West Virginia to help Cavaliers in need. Florida shelters: Our volunteers comb the websites of Florida shelters looking for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels which we save from being destroyed. (Yes, people do drop them off at shelters when they do not want a dog anymore.) Many times, strays are also a sad reality. CRF also checks craigslist for Cavaliers who need a new home. Puppy Mills: Sadly, some of our dogs come from puppy mill raids. We are contacted by the agency who does the mill busts to take care of the Cavaliers who have been severely neglected. We have also gotten cavaliers who have been dumped at an auction after living their youthful breeding years in horrible puppy mills. Owner Surrenders: We take in dogs from owners who can no longer care for their Cavaliers because of life changes. Some are moving and are not allowed to have pets. For some, job loss has caused financial chaos. One of the saddest reasons Cavaliers come into rescue is they have an elderly owner who is going into a nursing home or has passed away. ​ Vets: Occasionally, we get calls from vets who want us to take in a Cavalier who has been abandoned at his office or dropped off to be euthanized. Breeders: Sometimes breeders will give us their retired Cavaliers to place in loving homes after their breeding years are behind them.
  • Breeders
    Sometimes breeders will give us their retired Cavaliers to place in loving homes after their breeding years are behind them.
  • Florida Vets and Listings
    Our volunteers comb the websites of Florida shelters looking for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels which we save from being destroyed. (Yes, people do drop them off at shelters when they do not want a dog anymore.) We also check craigslist for Cavaliers who need a new home. Occasionally, we get calls from vets who want us to take in a Cavalier who has been abandoned at his office or dropped off to be euthanized.
  • Puppy Mills
    Sadly, some of our dogs come from puppy mill raids. We are contacted by the agency who does the mill busts to take care of the Cavaliers who have been severely neglected. We have also gotten cavaliers who have been dumped at an auction after living their youthful breeding years in horrible puppy mills.
  • APPLICATION TO ADOPTION PROCESS
    Once submitted you application with be put on our wait list for review. If our Adoptions Placement Team feels you're an ideal candidate for one of our dogs in foster someone will contact you. If all goes well, your references will be checked and a volunteer will visit your home to meet with you and everyone else living there. We will also check your home, garage, and yard to make sure you can provide a safe environment for a Cavalier. Since we have fewer dogs than we do applicants, we encourage you to complete our online Adoption Application. You will need to provide personal and vet references as well in the form.
  • ABOUT OUR FEES
    Our adoption fees are based on the health and the age of a rescued Cavalier as well as medical costs incurred. Our rescue is operated 100% by volunteers; all donations go towards helping the Cavaliers in our rescue program. The adoption fee needs to be paid when you pick up your rescue Cavalier. The lowest cost of owning a pet is typically their adoption fee. Please consider the long term costs associated with owning a pet (food, ID tags, collars, leashes, veterinary care - including specialists, titer testing, vaccines, emergency medical costs, professional dog trainers for behavioral issues, etc.) When you adopt a rescue dog, you are agreeing to care for the pet's well-being for the duration of his or her life.
  • What does it take to adopt a Cavalier from Cavalier Rescue of Florida?
    After doing your research on a Cavalier rescue pup and you live or will travel to the state of Florida, we would love to find the right Cavalier for you. We do custom adoptions based on each pup’s specific needs, best interest and well-being. This is not a first apply, first to adopt process. We assess the dogs needs and requirements match to an applicants' home, lifestyle, etc. Since we have fewer dogs than we do applicants, we encourage you to complete our online Adoption Application and get pre-approved. You will need to provide personal and vet references in the form. Steps of adoption: · Submitted application be to the wait listed for review. · If you're an ideal candidate for one of our dogs, our Adoptions Placement Team will contact you. · Next step, references will be checked and our CRF team will visit your home to meet with you and everyone living there. · CRF will also check your home, garage, and yard to make sure you can provide a safe environment for a Cavalier. · Adoption fees are based on the health and the age of a rescued Cavalier. · The adoption fee is paid when you pick up your rescue Cavalier. · The lowest cost of owning a pet is typically their adoption fee. Please consider the long term costs associated with owning a pet--food, ID tags, collars, leashes, veterinary care - including specialists, vaccines, emergency medical costs, professional dog trainers. · When you adopt a rescue dog, you are agreeing to care for the pet's well-being for the duration of his or her life. xo Completing an application does not guarantee approval for adoption. Please be PATIENT, the process takes time.
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