As of October 3, 2024, our intakes are close for the remainder of the year due to capacity and limited funding.

Facing homelessness or housing issues with a dog?

Dallas, TX: https://www.bridgehrc.org/kennel

Dallas, TX: https://dallaspetsalive.org/pass-program/

Austin, TX: https://petsofthehomeless.org/get-help/find-locations/austin-animal-center/

Houston, TX: https://gopah.org/moving-housing-issues/

San Antonio, TX: https://hope4hounds.org/

UK: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/

Struggling to feed your dog?

Carrollton, TX: https://www.operationkindness.org/pet-food-pantry/

Houston, TX: https://petsofthehomeless.org/get-help/find-locations/friends-4-life/

We accept bully breed and bully mix dogs.

Dogs with a history of biting are generally not accepted. However, dogs with fear-based reactivity or anxiety may be considered, as these issues can often be addressed through patience, training, and positive reinforcement.

Ultimately, The Bully Sanctuary aims to provide a safe haven for bully breed dogs that need a home. Because a large part of our program is to match bully breed dogs with companion humans, we prioritize dogs that are trainable and rehabilitatable, although, as a sanctuary, we do have space for lifelong placement for permanent residents.

A dog that is surrendered by choice, by its owner, is considered an "Owner Surrender." Unlike many other rescue and sanctuary organizations, we place the highest priority on owner surrender intakes. We would rather prevent another dog from a life of abandonment, neglect, and from entering the shelter system in the first place, than create space for another dog to enter it.

We understand this may be a controversial stance to take; once you've seen what a surrendered dog goes through emotionally, even if temporary, you very well may agree with us.

We strive to prevent owner surrenders by offering support and resources to help keep dogs with their families. Ideally, no dogs would need to come to our sanctuary because every dog would be happily cared for by their owner. However, we understand that life can be unpredictable. Sometimes, rehoming a pet is the only option due to reasons like illness, housing issues, or behavior problems. We never judge those who face this choice. We recognize that it's a tough decision, and we are here to support owners in any way possible, even if that means we can't take in their dog as a permanent resident.

List your pet with Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet:

Sign Up: https://rehome.adoptapet.com/r/222459.

How it Works: https://rehome.adoptapet.com/how-it-works

Pet Owner FAQ:https://rehome.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

A stray dog is defined as any dog that does not have an identifiable owner or a stable place to call home. At The Bully Sanctuary, we are generally well-equipped to accept stray dogs into our dedicated program. However, it is with a heavy heart that we note the increasing number of owner surrenders we currently have in our backlog. This ongoing situation makes it extremely difficult for us to accept additional stray surrenders, as our resources are being stretched thinner by the day.

Contact your local Animal Control Services or dial 311 for city services and to report a stray.

No Kill Animal Shelter list: https://www.nokillnetwork.org/d/Texas/

As a sanctuary and long-term dog care facility, we proudly partner with local area shelters and dedicated rescue organizations. From time to time, one of our valued partners finds themselves in an urgent situation where they are out of space, out of funding, or struggling with a critical lack of available fosters. When the circumstances allow, we happily accept rescue transfers into our comprehensive program, ensuring that these deserving dogs receive the care and support they so desperately need.

Many animal rescue organizations focus their efforts on taking dogs out of the shelter system. Because we are not a traditional rescue, we rarely do rescue pulls ourselves.

We do not accept requests for shelter pulls, but that doesn't mean we aren't paying attention. We have access to the at-risk lists from all shelters. In the event that we have space and funding, we will conduct a shelter pull through one of our animal control service partners.

From time to time, we are able to except dogs in as temporary fosters. With the overwhelming number of rescued dogs and nowhere to shelter them while they're awaiting adoption, we recognize a huge gap that we can help fill for our partner organizations. We only accept foster requests from our pre-established partners. All expenses are covered by the guardian organization in a foster arrangement. While we may show them in social media photographs, we do not fundraise on behalf of any dogs we are fostering.

If we happen to take in a stray or other rescue dog that has an owner, we will do our best to confirm ownership and reunite them. Owner returns are wholly dependent on our ability to verify ownership and adherence to state laws regarding the care of animals.

If you are searching for a lost dog there are several resources available to you:

Texas Animal Shelters: https://pawsitivelytexas.com/resources-for-pet-owners/texas-animal-shelters/

Lost Pet Forums and Groups: https://pawsitivelytexas.com/resources-for-pet-owners/lost-a-pet/

Under no circumstances will we pressure an adoption or attempt to coerce or withhold information regarding an adoptable resident. We do conduct interviews, home checks, and require meet and greets prior to every adoption. We also provide lifelong resident returns, pupsitting, and microchip registration for every dog. We only offer closed adoptions, meaning the identities of adopters are strictly confidential and non-public.

Adopting a new dog is a enormous life choice, especially when considering a bully breed. These loyal companions bring immense joy and love, but they also require dedication, patience, and responsibility. Healthy dogs can live 8-12 years, and that’s a significant commitment to ensure a happy and fulfilling life for your new furry friend.

Before making this decision, it’s crucial to educate yourself about the breed's needs, temperament, and care. They thrive in affectionate environments and deserve training, socialization, and regular exercise. Remember, they don’t just need a home; they need a family willing to embrace their quirks and challenges.

Consider your lifestyle. Do you have the time and energy to devote to daily walks, playtime, and training? Can you accommodate their exercise needs and social interactions? This bond will be a long-lasting journey, filled with tail wags and slobbery kisses, but it’s essential to be ready for the responsibility that comes with it.

If you're ready to welcome a bully breed into your life, take the leap! There’s nothing quite like the loyalty and joy that these dogs bring. But be sure to weigh your options, assess your readiness, and remember that adopting is a lifelong promise. Your commitment could provide a loving sanctuary for a deserving dog at The Bully Sanctuary.

Take the leap: https://www.thebullysanctuary.org/residents