Many dog owners would argue that there is no cuter small dog breed than the Bichon Frise. However, not everyone is as loyal to their four-legged friends as they are to us. As a result, many Bichon Frise dogs end up abandoned or placed for adoption at many Bichon Frise rescues and animal shelters.
As sad as this is, this is a good option for aspiring Bichon Frise owners to find their new pet and support a good cause by adopting from a shelter instead of purchasing from a breeder.
If this is something that interests you, you’re in the right place. This article will help you find the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption in your area that might have your new best friend.
Let’s begin!
10 Best Bichon Frise Rescues For Adoption
Many dog lovers don’t know that you can find purebred dogs up for adoption in almost any animal shelter out there. Rescue organizations often find many abandoned Bichon Frises that they have to help.
However, some rescue groups focus on one specific dog breed. There are many Pomeranian rescues or even Great Dane rescues.
Right now, we’ll focus on Bichon Frises. This is why we’ve put together our list of the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption. Here’s what they are:
Bichon Frise Rescue California
If you live in California and want to adopt a Bichon Frise, you’re in for some good news. California has many good rescues, as this sunny state seems to be full of Bichon lovers.
Here are some of them:
Bichon FurKids
Bichon FurKids is a fairly new organization, but it is already one of the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption. They have been in operation since 2016, and during this time, they have saved more than 3,000 Bichons, Bichon mixes, and other small dogs like Shih Tzus or Chihuahuas.
The main goal of this rescue organization is to unite their dogs with owners who will welcome them with open arms. All of their available dogs can be seen on their website, and you can read most of their stories. This is done to help future owners understand what their new family member has gone through, so they can know what to expect.
They are active on many social media platforms as well. This is a good way to keep in touch with the team of volunteers and keep an eye on new dogs that might come to the rescue.
Their application form has two parts. The first part consists of numerous questions regarding the applicant, including the condition of their home, employment status, and other pets. The second one is about the dog you are interested in.
You are not required to be from Southern California to adopt from them, but they don’t organize transportation. You’ll have to come to pick up your Bichon Frise yourself.
They also go by the rule that Bichons are social dogs that love to be in the company of other pets. Because of that, they don’t accept adoption applications from people that don’t have at least one other dog in their household.
Website: Bichon FurKids
Email: [email protected]
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Bichon Rescue of Orange County (BROC)
BROC is one of the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption in California, but with a catch: They follow a ‘Senior for Seniors’ advocacy that is focused on rescuing senior Bichons, and they attempt to place them in the hands of senior adopters.
In other words, they try to help both senior dogs and older people a chance to live out their best years happily together.
They believe that senior Bichons are more loyal than younger pups and provide us with more unconditional love and respect. Anyone who has adopted a senior dog can probably agree with this.
This rescue has a fairly standard application process, and it requires the future owner to meet with the pet they want before they accept the proposal. Also, since Bichons are dogs that dislike water and are known to be bad swimmers, they don’t allow adoptions to people who don’t have fenced pools or other water features inside their property.
Overall, this is one of the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption if you’re looking to get a senior dog and help him have a wonderful life.
Website: Bichon Rescue of Orange County
Email: [email protected]
Social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Bichon Rescue Brigade (BRB)
BRB is yet another rescue in California that helps Bichons find new homes. They have rescued several hundreds of dogs since their founding.
This rescue organization has a website with a detailed guide for their application process. You first need to submit the application form and wait for 48 to 72 hours for the staff to call you. Then, they’ll schedule a home safety check via phone.
If the check goes well and you’re approved, you can then sign the contract and pay the adoption fees. After that, you will become a new Bichon Frise owner.
All of the rescue dogs at BRB are checked by a vet, vaccinated, spayed, or neutered. This ensures you’ll get a Bichon that is as healthy as possible.
Also, they have a relinquish form that you can fill out if you decide you can no longer take care of your pooch. With it, they’re obliged to rehome any dog they’ve previously rescued, even if it is returned to them.
Website: Bichon Rescue Brigade
Email: [email protected]
Social media: Facebook and Instagram.
Bichon Frise Club of San Diego (BFCSD)
This is one of the oldest Bichon Frise rescues, not just in California but the entire US. They help provide new homes for unwanted Bichons all over the state and have volunteers in areas such as San Diego, Oceanside, and Orange County.
If any Bichon owner decides they can no longer take care of their dog, the organization will establish direct contact. With the help of the previous owner, they will determine the dogs’ needs and requirements and decide on a rescue that might be able to help them.
They clearly state that they don’t have a way of proving whether any dog in their care is purebred. This is because they usually don’t have the necessary documentation, such as pedigree, that might prove their bloodline.
They also provide help to Bichons who have experienced trauma that might require them to undergo behavioral therapy. At the same time, they provide adequate training for pups with behavioral issues.
Their website has information on the organizations the club cooperates with. They also have posts that help educate you on the Bichon Frise breed.
The BFCS often conducts events that can help unite aspiring owners and the dogs in need of a loving home.
Website: Bichon Frise Club of San Diego
Email: [email protected]
Social media: Facebook
Bichon and Buddies
Yet another Bichon Frise rescue from California, Bichon and Buddies, has been operating since 2004, providing homes for Bichon Frises and other small breeds. Throughout their almost two decades of operation, they have rescued more than 3,000 dogs – and they don’t plan to stop anytime soon.
While they focus on local adoption, they have also partnered with Canadian rescues that have a high demand for little dogs, no matter the age. Thanks to this, they can provide homes to more dogs than they would normally. This is very important, especially since they have a high number of old dogs or dogs with medical conditions that might have an issue finding a new home otherwise.
Rather uniquely, Bichon and Buddies has a Foster-to-Adopt period that is mandatory for everyone who’d like to adopt. In other words, you’ll be able to take a pup home before the official adoption is complete.
Most of the time, this period will last for a week. It will allow you to see whether the dog will get used to his new environment. If all goes well, the adoption can be completed, and you will be given papers that need to be signed and forwarded.
Of course, if the dog doesn’t adjust or you’ve changed your mind and decide that you cannot take care of him, you can return him without any consequences.
All of their dogs come fully vetted, including vaccinations, neutering, spaying, and microchipping. They’ll also have a visit to the groomer before you are able to take them, so they will come to you in the best condition possible.
Not just that, but the organization will provide you with a leash, collar, and harness for your new pet.
Website: Bichon and Buddies
Email: [email protected]
Social Media: Facebook
Bichon Frise Rescue New Jersey
New Jersey is another good location for anyone looking to adopt Bichon Frise puppies or adult dogs. It has at least two prominent rescues that specialize in rescuing Bichon Frises and other small dog breeds.
These are:
Bichon Frise Rescue of Northern New Jersey
The Bichon Frise Rescue of Northern New Jersey is one of the oldest Bichon rescues in the state. It was founded in 1979, and since then, it has operated thanks to a small group of volunteers that always ensure all of their rescue dogs are fully vetted, including microchipping, spaying, and neutering.
Other than volunteers, they work with several experts who help provide the necessary behavioral and emotional therapy for abused Bichons. Thanks to this, you can be certain you’ll get only the best Bichon possible.
When it comes to applications, they only accept people living no more than an hour away from West Orange, NJ. These applicants must also agree to attend a basic house training course. This can help their new Bichons become more comfortable in their new environment, as well as avoid accidents inside the home.
Not just that, but they are rather strict with the checks they conduct. Before they decide whether you are a good choice, they’ll insist on either virtual or personal house checks. You might also be able to send photos or videos of your property to them, as this can help with this step.
If you are interested in their application process, you might want to check out their website, as you can find a detailed walkthrough of the process there. Expect to be asked some personal questions that might help determine whether you have access to vet care and whether you are experienced enough.
They are also present on most social media, so you can ask them a few questions there and see the testimonials and pictures of other adopters.
Website: Bichon Frise Rescue of Northern New Jersey
Email: [email protected]
Social media: Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, and Twitter
Delaware Valley Bichon Rescue (DVBR)
DVBR is a reputable rescue based in New Jersey but operates in many different areas, such as Delaware and Pennsylvania. In fact, families located as far as North Carolina, Ohio, and Massachusetts have adopted from them.
Once they rescue a Bichon Frise, they take care of it for at least 6–8 weeks. This will help them evaluate the dog’s character and medical condition, see whether he requires any special need, and then decide what kind of adopter would be best for the dog.
All of their dogs have received proper medical care before they have been placed up for adoption. This includes vaccinations, spaying, and neutering, but also shots for rabies and distemper, tests for heartworm, and necessary dental care.
If you’d like to adopt from them, prepare yourself for a meticulous screening process that consists of many steps. These include filling out a comprehensive form, getting a vet reference, as well as receiving a home visit.
Website: Delaware Valley Bichon Rescue
Email: [email protected]
Social media: Facebook
Bichon Frise Michigan Rescue
Michigan is a state with several good Bichon Frise rescues. Bichons are popular dogs in the area, but unfortunately, many end up abandoned. This is why these Bichon Frise rescues are there to help all those abandoned puppies.
Here’s one:
Michigan Bichon Frise Rescue (MBFR)
This is a private network that accepts both strays and abandoned purebred Bichon Frises. They also cooperate with many other reputable organizations that might have Bichon Frises up for adoption.
The MBFR even accepts dogs that have been surrendered directly by their owners. While they do not require any financial aid for this, they might ask for a donation to cover grooming fees or veterinary care, but this is entirely up to the previous owner.
Any dog owner who might want to surrender their pup to this organization can contact the network’s rescue coordinator, who is named on their website.
When it comes to adopting Bichons from then, their website has an extensive list of available dogs. They tend to post dogs of other breeds as well.
Many of their adoption fees are waived to 50% (sometimes even up to 100%!) depending on the dog’s health condition.
Their application process is rather standard and other than filling out the application form, you will be required to upload photos and videos of your home. Then, one of the volunteers from the organization will contact you through a phone call and decide whether you are eligible for a meet-up.
Facebook: Michigan Bichon Frise Rescue
Email: [email protected]
Bichon Frise Rescue Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a cold state, but they still love their small dogs. While not many rescues exist, one organization does stand out from the rest:
Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue
This rescue was founded in 2000 with the purpose of rescuing abandoned or abused Bichon Frises. However, as time went on, they began rescuing other small dogs, such as Maltese, Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Havanese, Mini Poodles, and all other little buddies.
They have a straightforward application process; however, it is really important that you follow all the steps correctly. Otherwise, your application will not go through.
The first thing you need to do is fill out the pre-adoption form that you can find on their website. This one is rather simple, and you can hardly make a mistake here.
The next step, however, is essential and rather unique to this rescue. They will require you to contact your veterinarian and ask them to share your pets’ past and current medical records with the rescue organization (as you might have guessed, they don’t allow adoptions to families who don’t already have dogs).
If you don’t contact the vet, they won’t allow you to get your new pet. While this might seem like an invasion of privacy to you, to them, this is a way to ensure that you are capable of providing your new Bichon with proper healthcare.
Once you’ve completed this step, all you have to do is wait. If they’ve deemed you eligible, they will contact you rather quickly and arrange to introduce you to your new dog.
While you might think that this is an extensive process, many people have already gone through it and provided Bichons with loving homes. You can see many of them in the Alumni Updates section located on their website. This is where they share how their dogs have adjusted to their foster homes.
Website: Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue
Email: [email protected]
Social media: Facebook
Bichon Frise Rescue Indiana
There are several prominent Bichon Frise rescues in Indiana, but one stands out from the rest. Here’s which one:
Bichon Frise Club of America Charitable Trust (BFCACT)
If you’re looking for reliability, then this is one of the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption for you. The BFCACT is dedicated to rescuing Bichon Frise dogs and providing them with a new home they will be loved in.
They have an adoption form that includes most of the regular questions you can find with any other rescue group. However, they might require some in-depth explanations for a few scenario-based inquiries. This can help them get an idea of how you’ll act in case of an emergency or some other situation.
Also, they have a relinquish option in case you can no longer care for your dogs. With it, they’ll agree to take care of your adopted dog and find him a new home.
Keep in mind that you cannot relinquish your dog to them if your Bichon is aggressive, as he might endanger other dogs at the rescue.
If you’re someone who’s considering adopting a Bichon but isn’t too sure whether this is the right breed for you, you might want to visit their FAQ section on their website as they answer most questions about what it’s like to own Bichon Frises.
You can also find information on some of the volunteers’ practices there, so you can be certain that you’ll do well in the application process.
A fun thing the BFCACT does is organize an annual Bichon bash. This is an event where they invite hundreds of rescued Bichons and their adopters to come together and have a day full of fun activities. While the event has been put on an indefinite hold during the pandemic, it might be organized again in the future.
Website: Bichon Frise Club of America Charitable Trust
Social media: Facebook
Bichon Frise Rescue in Florida
Florida is a state with a few Bichon Frise rescue organizations, but it’s also one of the locations where the Bichon Frise Club of America Charitable Trust operates.
Most of the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption in Florida focus on other small dog breeds like Shih Tzus. However, they will take in abandoned Bichons as well.
Some of these rescues are:
• Dogs Rule Rescue
• Karma Dawgz Rescue, Inc.
• V.I.P. Rescue, Inc.
Bichon Frise Rescue Ohio
Ohio is a state without many Bichon Frise rescues. However, many rescues in the area locally will rescue and adopt out dogs in Ohio.
One of the rescues that also has headquarters there that we’ve mentioned is the Karma Dawgz Rescue, Inc, but there is another big one called Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue. While focused on Shih Tzus, it also rehomes other small dogs like Bichons.
Bichon Frise Rescue Texas
Bichon Frises aren’t popular dogs in Texas. Seeing a Bichon in this state, whether in a home or on the streets, is a rare sight.
In fact, there are only two rescues in the entire state that might take abandoned Bichons. They are:
• BFCA Bichon Frise Rescue – the only rescue focused on Bichons in Texas.
• Tzu-Zoo Rescue
Bichon Frise Rescue Maryland
Maryland doesn’t have many local rescues other than the ones held by the BFCA. In fact, the only local shelter is the Maryland Bichon Frise Rescue that operates via sites like Adopt-a-Pet.
However, many shelters from surrounding states will gladly take in an abandoned Bichon or help them find a new home in Maryland.
Bichon Frise Rescue Virginia
Virginia is another state where Bichon Frises aren’t a very popular breed. In fact, there is only one shelter that is focused on helping Bichons and other small breeds, and that is the Caring Hearts Rescue in Springfield.
Bichon Frise Rescue Colorado
Unfortunately, if you’re looking to adopt a Bichon Frise in Colorado, you’ll most likely have to contact a shelter outside the state.
Colorado doesn’t have a shelter focused on rescuing and adopting Bichon Frises. However, you might find one at The Misfits Dog Rescue from Penrose. Keep in mind, though, that they only adopt to nearby cities and not the entire state.
Bichon Frise Rescue Illinois
Illinois has several good rescues that you may find a Bichon Frise in. While only one focuses solely on Bichon Frises, others will take and rescue Bichons together with some other small dog breeds.
Some of the rescues you might want to check out are:
• Chicagoland Bichon Frise Club
• Randy’s Rescue
• Holy Shih Tzu! Central Illinois Lap Dog Rescue
• FurEver Fosters, Inc.
Illinois is also the state where the BFCA has kennels, so you might find some Bichons there.
Bichon Frise Rescue Arizona
Arizona has two registered rescues that will take in small dog breeds, including Bichon Frises. These are:
• R.A.I.N. Rescue
• RUFF Rescue Tucson, Inc.
Similar to Texas, Bichons aren’t a common sight in Arizona, which is why there aren’t many rescues that specialize in this dog breed.
Bichon Frize Rescue Georgia
BFCA operates in Georgia, so you can always contact them about dogs available for adoption.
Other than that, there are only two registered rescues that commonly take in Bichons, and these are:
• Georgia Poodle Rescue
• Priceless Pets Atlanta
Bichon Frise Rescue New York
New York is a state full of Bichon Frise lovers. In fact, this is one of the more popular dogs in the state, as it is a perfect fit for busy apartment life.
This is why it comes as a surprise that there are no Bichon Frise rescues in New York!
While many rescues from local states operate here, none have headquarters in New York. If you want to adopt a Bichon Frise here, you’d have to look at kennels from other states – or contact the BFCA.
Bichon Frize Rescue Massachusetts
Massachusetts is another state without any Bichon Frise rescue groups. Not even the BFCA operates here!
If you’d like to adopt a Bichon Frise and live in Massachusetts, you might want to look at shelters that allow adoptions nationwide.
Where Else To Find A Bichon Frise For Adoption
If, for any reason, the Bichon Frise rescues from the list above aren’t suitable for you, don’t despair. There are other places you can find these adorable doggies. Here’s where you can start:
• Adopt-a-Pet: This is the largest non-profit website for pet adoption in North America. It has a list of tens of thousands of registered animal shelters, pet rescue groups, humane societies, SPCAs, and pet adoption agencies. Their website is a great helping hand in joining potential adopters with their new pets.
• Petcurious: This is a fairly new website, as it was founded in 2016 by a group of animal lovers that wanted to share the joy of pet ownership. On it, you can find more than 74,000 listings from various animal shelters, and the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption.
• Petfinder: This is a large online database featuring many animals looking to be adopted. It cooperates with more than 11,000 shelters and rescue organizations registered in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. They update their listings every day, so the chances of finding your pet on it are rather high.
• PetCo Foundation: A well-known organization that has partnered with over 4,000 rescue groups since 1999. It has helped find new homes for more than 6.5 million pets since its founding. On their website, you can search for available dogs all over the states – and some of them might be Bichon Frises.
You might also want to contact your local shelters, as they might have some purebred Bichon Frises placed up for adoption. You might also see some other dogs that you might like.
Another good thing to do would be to contact the Bichon Frise Club of America. They have a list of registered rescues, as well as breeders.
Why Would People Put Their Bichon Frise For Rescue?
According to many, Bichon Frises are some of the cuddliest dogs out there. Despite this, however, they are among the most abandoned breeds worldwide.
While most responsible dog owners deciding to give up their dog might seem like the worst thing possible, others still decide to put their pets up for adoption – and not everyone will do this happily.
Here are some of the common reasons the volunteers at the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption have heard:
• The dog has many health problems that are challenging to deal with.
• The owner cannot financially support their dog’s needs, including veterinary expenses and grooming.
• The owner doesn’t have enough time to dedicate to their dog.
• The owner cannot do house training.
• The Bichon has some behavioral issues that lead him to behave aggressively.
• The owner has some personal problems that have prevented him from taking care of their dog.
• The owner has medical problems.
• The dog doesn’t get along with other pets or kids in the same household.
Most people end up surprised by their Bichon Frise’s temperament. While these pups are adorable, they require a lot of attention and human company. Otherwise, they will develop behavioral issues that can result in destructive behavior.
Bichon Frises can be aggressive dogs, and they are avid barkers. They’ll bark whenever they feel threatened, and they might not be too fond of strangers.
While they make amazing family dogs with some training and patience, not everyone is aware of this, and not everyone can provide them with the right amount of attention and care.
Can Everyone Adopt A Bichon Frise From A Rescue?
Photo from: @bichonfrise.world
However, most Bichon Frise rescues won’t let just anyone adopt from their shelter. They have strict application processes to be sure their rescue dog won’t end up on the streets again.
For example, if you live in an environment that they deem unsafe for a dog, they might reject your application. The same might happen if you don’t have much experience owning Bichon Frises or don’t have the finances to take care of a dog.
When you apply for adoption, you’ll likely have to give a list of references for the rescue to check. When all is said and done, you might have to wait weeks until your application is approved.
This means that not everyone will get approved for adoption. Many rescues pick only the best candidates to give their dogs to.
If you are eager to get your new Bichon Frise, here are a few things you can do to increase your chances of being approved:
• The most important thing is to be entirely certain that you are ready to adopt a dog. Bichon Frises are a huge responsibility, and they can end up costing a lot. They require medical care and grooming, not to mention a lot of time. If anything of this sounds like a hassle to you, you might not be the right person for this kind of dog.
• Do your research. If you know a lot of information about the Bichon Frise breed, the staff working at the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption might like you more. This includes things such as their temperament, lifespan, and health risks, as well as anything else you might require. Fortunately, much of this information is easily accessible online – including the websites of the rescues you’re looking at.
• Inform yourself about the adoption process of that specific rescue you’re considering. Different shelters have different adoption processes, so you might want to find one that is good for you. You might even ask them to foster first, as this is usually a good way to show them that you’re serious about rescuing a Bichon Frise.
• Now that you have picked the shelter and read everything about the application, do all you can to meet the strict requirements they might have. This might include a fenced yard, an inaccessible pool, and so on. Do everything before you apply.
• Be honest. Chances are that the volunteers working at the rescue organization will know if you’re lying. Not to mention that any lie might ruin the life of your future pet. Let them know if you work long hours and who would take care of your pets during that time. If you don’t have a backyard, tell them. If you explain something, you increase your chances of the rescue letting you get away with it.
• Visit the facility in person so you can meet your Bichon. This will likely be required, but if you ask them to do so on your own, you’ll appear more honest.
• Be patient. The application process takes some time, and you might have to wait for a while. This doesn’t necessarily mean you will be rejected. The staff simply has to process the application and make their decision.
While this process seems extensive, this is the best way the volunteers at the rescue can ensure none of their dogs end up on the street. If the rescue is willing to just give their dogs to the first person who applies, this is a huge red flag.
The Cost Of Bichon Frise Adoption
If you’ve wanted to purchase a purebred Bichon Frise from a reputable breeder, you’re probably already familiar with the price tag. Overall, most breeders will sell their dogs for anywhere between $700 and $2,000, but the puppy price can be higher if they have rare Bichon Frise colors.
However, if you decide to go to the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption, you can expect to only pay adoption fees. They usually range between $100 and $500, which is much less than you’d pay a breeder.
Rescues charge much less than breeders. In fact, if you look at the statistics that show that the average Bichon Frise owner spends between $390 and $820 on their dogs, you will notice that they charge less than they spend on their dogs!
This is why the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption also have donation boxes and hold charity events. All of the dogs they take care of cost money, and they have many mouths to feed.
Should You Adopt A Bichon Frise Or Purchase From A Breeder?
Despite adopting being a good deed, some people prefer to purchase from a reputable breeder. There are good sides to each option. You simply have to weigh the pros and the cons and determine which one works better for you.
Overall, when you buy from a breeder, you’ll have insight into the entire dog’s background. This includes medical records, pedigree, and you’ll even be able to meet his parents. By buying, you’ll ensure that you’ll get the healthiest dog possible – and a dog that will live out the entirety of his lifespan.
If you are thinking about buying this dog, you can check our list of top 3 Bichon Frise breeders in Ontario!
Many people who prefer to buy their dogs report that they like that the dogs they purchase are like a clean slate. They are young, mostly untrained (except for some early dog training all reputable breeders conduct), and they likely haven’t experienced any trauma that might influence their behavior.
However, buying is more expensive, and the waiting lists tend to be very long. You might end up waiting a few months before you are able to get the dog you’ve reserved!
Not to mention that when you get a dog from the best Bichon Frise rescues for adoption, you are helping provide a new home for a dog who has been abandoned and often abused. Many people who have adopted a dog have said that the love their pups give them cannot be compared to the love of a dog bought from a breeder.
Either way, the choice is yours. As long as you are a responsible owner, it doesn’t really matter where you get your Bichon from – provided you don’t purchase from pet shops or puppy mills, which is never a good idea.
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