10 Best English Bulldog Rescues for Adoption (2024): Our Top 10 Picks!

Best English Bulldog Rescue for Adoption

If you are a big English Bulldog enthusiast and are currently planning to get one, you can easily find responsible breeders to reserve a pup.

However, if you want to go the extra mile and provide a new start for rescued dogs, you can choose to adopt instead.

This guide shows you our top picks where you can adopt an English Bulldog, plus a brief background of every English Bulldog rescue organization mentioned.

You’ll find quick access to their contacts too as I have collated them in a single post here.

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Most of the English 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 English Bulldog Rescues to Find English Bulldogs for Adoption

This list is a result of my efforts of going through different organizations, checking their history, goals, and adoption processes. I’m quite excited to share them with you so let’s begin!

1. AdoptaBull English Bulldog Rescue – Illinois

AdoptaBull English Bulldog Rescue is a registered charitable organization of dedicated volunteers that aims to reinvent Bulldog rescue in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana areas.

They are in close association with the Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network (BCARN) through the membership of all their officers.

AdoptaBull volunteers are devoted to saving and improving the lives of Bulldogs surrendered at their facility. They use a foster home rehabilitation process, thus, they don’t have a physical shelter.

Their foster volunteers are all licensed and have prior experience in taking care of English Bulldogs. So, you will be assured that their rescued dogs are properly rehabilitated and reacquainted before being released for adoption.

Adopting an English Bulldog from AdoptaBull ensures you the dogs’ proper evaluation behaviorally and medically, including vaccinations, spaying, neutering, and even microchipping.

Before adopting, take note of some restrictions implemented by AdoptaBull such as the age of kids in your home and your location.

They only approve adopters within their service areas as they want to constantly follow up on the status of the dog even after adoption to ensure everything is well and good.

They take applications online and the process may take up to three to four weeks.

AdoptaBull English Bulldog Rescue Information and Details:

2. Georgia English Bulldog Rescue (GEBR) – Georgia

Rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming neglected abused and injured dogs are the three main goals of Georgia English Bulldog Rescue. Aside from that, they also aim to educate more people about the care and maintenance needed for this breed.

This volunteer organization started in 2009 and has successfully saved over 800 Bulldogs.

They offer foster care for surrendered dogs in order to rehabilitate and prepare them for their new owners or homes. They flourished through the years with the help of volunteers and donors.

Adopting English Bulldogs from GEBR requires sending applications via mail only. They don’t have adoption days or events, as well as a facility to visit.

After the initial mailed application, you will then be contacted through email or phone by their representatives.

They prefer those with prior experience with the breed or those with passion and knowledge. Also, if you have other dogs at home, they require that all of them be spayed or neutered with vet records.

Aside from English Bulldogs, GEBR also has French Bulldogs up for adoption.

Georgia English Bulldog Rescue (GEBR) Information and Details:

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3. Bulldog Rescue Squad – Texas

Bulldog Rescue Squad is a non-profit organization with a passion for rescuing purebred Bulldogs in Dallas and Fort Worth areas.

The volunteers of Bulldog Rescue Squad provide spaying, neutering, and other medical-related treatments to rescued dogs before bringing them to their new families.

Bulldog Rescue Squad also uses a foster care system after they have taken them from their owners who could no longer look after them.

If you are interested in adopting from this rescue, you can visit their website and fill out the application form. Prepare to go through home visits, landlord checks, vet checks as well as paying an adoption fee between $450 and $800.

Don’t worry, though, the fees you will be paying will go a long way in saving the lives of other Bulldogs in need.

Bulldog Rescue Squad Information and Details:

4. Northern California Bulldog Rescue – California

Many senior English Bulldogs get displaced because their owners couldn’t afford to take care of them.

This is why Northern California Bulldog Rescue has devoted its efforts to saving and improving the lives of abandoned Bulldogs, especially the senior ones.

They have a network of foster homes that reintroduce the dogs into a family set-up before they are rehomed. They make sure that the Bulldogs are temperament-tested before they are approved for adoption.

To start your adoption process, visit their website and fill out the online form.

Any other discussions about adoption will only be entertained once an online application has already been filed. They will then visit your home to check out the space where the dog will live.

They aim to assign the best dog to you so they don’t recommend just looking at pictures in choosing your dog. They’ll consider many factors before deciding that it is a perfect match.

Northern California Bulldog Rescue Information and Details:

5. Long Island Bulldog Rescue – New York

The Long Island Bulldog Rescue started saving dogs in 1999. Since then, the volunteers of this rescue organization have devoted their time not only in helping and healing dogs but also in spreading breed-specific awareness for the public to arrive at sounder decisions in taking this breed as pets.

Before releasing English Bulldogs for adoption, the organization provides transitional support for both the owners letting go of the dog and the receiving foster home to ensure the dog’s welfare.

They have a good network of groups and individuals, such as other rescues, shelters, English Bulldog clubs, advocacy organizations, and veterinarians who give aid to their rescue process.

Their website provides the link to fill out the adoption application. You’ll have to bank on some patience though, as they receive many applications and may take time to respond.

Long Island Bulldog Rescue Information and Details:

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6. Kansas City English Bulldog Rescue (KCEBR) – Missouri

The Kansas City English Bulldog Rescue volunteers aspire to give every abandoned English Bulldog a better quality of life. From the time they are surrendered up to the time they find their perfect homes, KCEBR makes sure these dogs are given the utmost love and care.

They also rescue English Bulldogs from shelters and move them to foster homes to reacquaint them to family life before rehoming them.

Every English Bulldog is spayed or neutered to avoid any other unwanted litter. They are also thoroughly checked medically and trained to be the best companion dog in their new home.

There are four simple steps in adopting an English Bulldog from Kansas City English Bulldog Rescue:

  1. You begin by sending your application online.
  2. The application will be reviewed and you will be contacted by a volunteer for confirmation of the home visit.
  3. They’ll evaluate your home if it is conducive to the new pet and check your other existing dogs.
  4. You will be scheduled to meet the foster family of the rescued dog as well as your prospective pet.

Understand that this process may take a while as they are very serious in finding the best match both for you and the Bulldog.

Also, prepare an adoption fee that may range from $300 to $700. Note that this fee is not to “buy” the rescued dog but to give the rescue organization some funds to help more Bulldogs in need.

Kansas City English Bulldog Rescue (KCEBR) Information and Details:

7. St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue, Inc. – Missouri

Some dog owners meet tragic life events such as losing their jobs, falling ill, or worst, passing away. This leaves their pooches with nowhere to go. For these reasons, St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue, Inc. was founded in 2009.

They rescue English Bulldogs from shelters, especially those with abusive owners, and rehabilitate them to prepare them for their future family.

St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue, Inc. has a network of foster families who volunteer to take care of the dogs until they find their new owners.

Like many other English Bulldog rescue facilities, they provide medical care and training before sending them out for adoption.

Since they don’t have a shelter, they rely solely on the evaluation of the foster families in gauging the behavior of the dog. Each pup varies in temperament, energy, and personality so they properly screen applicants to find a match.

St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue, Inc. Information and Details:

8. Florida English Bulldog Rescue – Florida

If you are searching for an English Bulldog in sunny Florida, you can count on the Florida English Bulldog Rescue. This volunteer group founded in 2007 has successfully rehomed over a thousand rescued Bulldogs.

They rehabilitate abused, neglected, or abandoned dogs and find the best home for them. They also provide a safer option for those who could no longer afford to take care of their dogs instead of leaving them on the streets or worse, putting them to perpetual sleep.

To adopt an English Bulldog from this rescue, browse through their website and fill out the application form.

Attach whatever is needed and wait for them to contact you and your references for a home visit. Once approved, you’ll be placed on a waitlist as they search for the perfect match for you.

They recommend choosing their senior dogs because they are the ones with the slightest chances of getting adopted. Most of them are dumped by their owners because of age.

Florida English Bulldog Rescue Information and Details:

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9. English Bulldog Rescue Network – Texas

If you live in the Houston area, the English Bulldog Rescue Network is your best bet to get a rescued pet.

Before releasing the English Bulldogs from their care, they make sure they are properly evaluated and given the necessary medical care to ensure that they are in the best shape and can transition well with their new family.

This volunteer organization uses the foster home process to prepare the dogs for their new owners. They also assess each dog if they are aggressive or not.

You can easily access the link for the adoption application on their website. Take note, though, that they will conduct interviews and home visits before approving your application.

If you have other dogs in your home, you’ll need to spay or neuter them before getting a new rescue. They also prefer homes that don’t have stairs as English Bulldogs have higher chances of getting hip and knee health issues.

Every rescued English Bulldog in this rescue gets vaccinated and is up-to-date with worm prevention shots. They are spayed or neutered too! That is why they require an adoption fee of $400 to $750 to cover the costs.

English Bulldog Rescue Network Information and Details:

10. Smoky Mountains Bulldog Club Rescue – Tennessee

Smoky Mountains Bulldog Club Rescue is not only an organization that helps Bulldogs in need but also an avenue for Bulldog lovers to unite and express love for the breed.

Founded in 1992, the club started with only a few members and grew into a huge group of individuals devoted to the betterment of the English Bulldog.

This organization hosts events and educational programs for proper awareness on how to be responsible owners. Of course, they are also dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned dogs.

They are an AKC licensed club and a member of The Bulldog Club of America. This assures you that they rehabilitate their English Bulldogs before putting them up for adoption.

If you are interested in adopting a dog from them, you can visit their website to file for an application since this is easier than going to their exact facility.

Smoky Mountain Bulldog Club Information and Details:

Another thing that can help you significantly with your dog hunt is reading our ultimate dog adoption guide. This alongside the English Bulldog rescue options from our directory will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire.

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Other Sources for English Bulldog Rescues or Shelters for Adoption

Two English Bulldog rescues in the park

Still haven’t found the English Bulldog for you even after checking out our top 10 English Bulldog rescues? Don’t worry. We still have other options for you.

You can also reach out to these sources to try your luck in adopting an English Bulldog:

  • Adopt-a-Pet – Boasting a nationwide reach, this organization has aided thousands of successful adoptions. Their network of rescue groups, SPCA’s, humane societies, and other pet adoption facilities will help you find an English Bulldog in no time.
  • Petfinder – Petfinder is an online directory of close to 11,000 animal shelters and adoption facilities. With this website, you can get connected to the best rescue nearest you. Not only that, but they also offer pet-care articles and discussion forums where you can learn a lot from.
  • ASPCA – The ASPCA has helped thousands of dogs may it be relocation, rescue from cruelty, spay or neuter surgeries, poison control. Visit their website and input your desired pet details such as breed (English Bulldog), gender, age, location, etc., and they will find the best match for you.
  • Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations – You can also check out local animal shelters to search for a rescued English Bulldog. Visit AnimalShelter.net because by clicking on the interactive map on their website, you can be redirected to the list of local shelters and rescues near you.

If you are still undecided to adopt a Bulldog, this video might change your mind:

Tiniest Rescue Puppy Grows Up To Be a Big Boss Bulldog - HOPELILY | The Dodo Little But Fierce

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Why Do People Put English Bulldogs up for Adoption or in a Rescue?

English Bulldogs may be in demand, but a large number of them are given up for adoption.

The following are the common reasons why English Bulldogs are turned over to various rescues:

  • The owner went through tough times such as divorce or job loss.
  • The owner got sick and could no longer take care of the dog.
  • The owner is relocating to another home or apartment where dogs are not allowed.
  • The owner moved to another state or out of the country and couldn’t bring the dog along.
  • The previous owner had passed away and the remaining family members could not keep the dog.
  • The owner’s other pets don’t get along with the dog.
  • The dog is not trained or is aggressive.
  • The dog is lost and has no microchip to trace back to its owners.
  • The dog gets ill and the owner could not afford the maintenance of the dog.

Take note that if the dog has been given up for medical reasons, the rescue organization will try its best to give them the best medical care before putting them up for adoption.

English Bulldogs that are aggressive or are not trained will also be rehabilitated so they can be safe before a family takes them in.

How Much Should It Cost to Adopt an English Bulldog?

Paying an average adoption fee of $400 to $800 for an English Bulldog is more practical compared to buying a new dog.

To compare, the average price of an English Bulldog can range from $2,500 to a whopping $8,000 depending on the bloodline, breeders, age, etc.

If you want to know where the $400 to $800 adoption fee goes, here is our estimate breakdown:

ExpensesAverage Cost
Vet Checkups$80 – $100
Rabies Vaccination$15 – $25
Distemper Vaccination$60
Spaying/Neutering$150 – $300
Heartworm Test$40 – $100
Flea/Tick Treatment$50 – $200
Deworming$20 – $80
Microchip$30 – $60
Collar and ID Tag$5 – $10
Total$450 – $935

As you can see, the adoption fee barely covers the costs of the rescued dog. This is why, as much as possible, if the adopter has a few more bucks to spare, he can donate a little bit more.

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Is It Difficult to Adopt an English Bulldog From a Rescue?

Adopted English Bulldog playing with its owner in the water

So, you have finally decided to start your journey of adopting an English Bulldog. You’ve got the resources for possible rescues as well as what to expect from the process. But will that approval come easy?

There are factors to consider in deciding whether you’ll get that approval fast. These factors include your chosen rescue organization, your location, and your commitment to this responsibility.

Although rescue organizations all have the same goal of saving and rehoming dogs, they may differ in adoption policies and standards. Most of them though, follow similar steps from requiring an application to doing phone interviews and home visits before the approval.

Study your chosen English Bulldog rescue and follow their rules and process to increase the chances of getting approved. Some may allow kids at home and some may not.

Others may allow other pets at home but may require spaying or neutering. Also, some may require specific fees while others may only require donations.

Second, ensure your location is close to the rescue facility you chose. Some English Bulldog rescue organizations may even have a specific service area to accept applications. This is to allow them to do home visits during the application as well as follow-ups after the dog is released.

Lastly, be committed to your intent of rehoming the rescued English Bulldog. Adopting a dog is indeed a noble act, however, it comes with a responsibility as well.

Show the volunteers your dedication by following their procedures and/or suggestions during the interviews and home visits to help your application.

Feedback for your application may also take time, be really patient. You may wait for weeks or even months depending on the rescue facility you chose, but the difficulties you’ll go through are all worth it.

5 Tips for Getting Approved by a Rescue to Adopt an English Bulldog

With the rigid application process of many rescue organizations, adopting an English Bulldog can be a struggle.

So I’ve come up with these five tips to help you get that coveted thumbs-up for your English Bulldog adoption application:

  • Read as much as you can about the English Bulldog breed. Many adoption volunteers will prefer those with English Bulldog experience or in-depth knowledge of the breed. Not only will this help you get your application approved, but it also helps you a lot in dealing with your rescue once you get approved.
  • Fill out the application form properly. Be honest with your responses. Ensure to provide all the information needed in the application. Some rescues may decline applications straight away if some answers are missing.
  • Prepare your home and family members. The rescue volunteers will visit your home as a requisite for your application, so it’s best to prepare for it. Discuss the adoption plan with your family or people you live with beforehand. Make sure that everyone agrees with this idea. The volunteers may also interview your roommates or family members and their responses may also affect your application.
  • Ask questions. When the volunteers reach out to you about your application, ask them as many questions as you can. Better yet, even before they contact you, prepare your questions ahead. They are the best people to answer your queries about this specific breed as they have handled them for years.
  • Connect with the fosters. Do not just rely on the photos of the dogs online. If the adoption site allows, reach out to the foster volunteer and discuss details about the dog to be adopted. This helps you prepare yourself with the dog’s specific needs and plan for the adoption to be successful.

Final Thoughts

After reading through all the information I’ve shared with you, you must have an idea of what you’ll go through once you decide to adopt an English Bulldog.

Maybe you start asking, is it worth all the wait?

The process may be long and the steps may be hard, but in the end, that droopy face and sweet little eyes staring at you with joy and unconditional love will be waiting down the line.

You will give another soul a new chance in life plus give the rescue group the chance to help another dog in need.

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