A great reason to adopt a pug is that they are some of the most adorable dogs in the world! They have large expressive eyes and sweet curled-up tails. Most of all, they are lovable lap dogs who just want to be close to you.
But Pugs need your help. They are sometimes abandoned at shelters due to some of their inbred health problems or because they shed. Backyard breeders will often retire dogs they have bred for several years by taking them to a local shelter. Pugs are often found in puppy mills for breeding purposes. They are often treated poorly and used as commodities for profit. They often end up abandoned at a shelter or euthanized due to health problems from poor care.
So, if you want a sweet and fun lap dog, please consider saving a Pug’s life by adopting one from a rescue group or shelter.
Why Pugs are Great Pets
First of all, Pugs are sweet lap dogs who sleep a lot, are not much bother, and love to play! Secondly, Pugs have many endearing qualities:
- Get along well with other dogs
- Good with kids
- Very smart dogs
- Great for apartments
- Easy to care for
- Entertaining and fun!
- Moderate barking
Some Considerations
To begin with, I am not an advocate of the ongoing breeding of Pugs. Because of extensive breeding dating back many centuries, many Pugs have health issues. Their short snouts can cause breathing problems. Pugs can also be prone to eye problems, as well as allergies, and skin problems. And finally, even though they are easy to groom, they do shed quite a bit.
Even so, they are joyous and sometimes funny, entertaining dogs. They just want to enjoy life and be close to you!
Where to Adopt
Rescue Groups, Shelters, Online
I have listed some reputable rescue groups that I have researched or become familiar with. But I also urge you to check with your local shelter, as they may have the type of dog you are looking for. And, you may save a dog’s life. Some shelters have a “kill” policy after long stays or when their facility reaches capacity.
You may also be surprised who you fall in love with or feel drawn toward the most. Be sure to see my post Everything You Need to Know About Adopting a Rescue Dog for a comprehensive guide to adoption.
My links to organizations are just a sampling. There are many additional organizations that you may also want to work with. Make sure they are a reputable organization registered as a 301(c)3 nonprofit. You can check their status on Guidestar.org which often includes 3 years of tax returns.
One additional note, you should steer away from private groups, especially those online, since they may be puppy mills in disguise. Also, buying a dog from a pet store probably saves that dog’s life. But just know that pet stores usually get their dogs from puppy mills. So, in the long run, don’t support retailers who sell dogs by buying their products.
Two very reputable online services include Petfinders.com and AKC Rescue Network. They can help you find breed-specific dogs of various ages, including puppies and seniors.
Green Mountain Pug Rescue
Green Mountain Pug Rescue is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit rescue group of unpaid volunteers within Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine & parts of New York. Pugs come from owner surrenders, shelters, other rescues, and from puppy mill breeders. They are placed in loving foster homes for their evaluation of their personalities and what home would be best suited for them. Each dog receives medical care, vaccinations, heartworm and Lyme tests, and is spayed/neutered
They were founded in 2002 and GMPR has grown to include a Board of Directors and approximately 60 volunteers. The Board of Directors is responsible for creating the policies and operating procedures and carrying out the goals of the organization. Since its founding, GMPR has placed more than 1400 rescued pugs with new forever families. Green Mountain Pug Rescue’s motto is “Saving One Pug at a Time.”
The group does not have information listed on Guidestar, so they cannot be rated. However, they seem to be a very visible and popular rescue group in Vermont.
- Website: Green Mountain Pug Rescue (GMPR)
- Address: 283 Town Line Rd, Mendon, VT 05701
- Phone: 802-786-5337
- Email: info@gmpr.org
- Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
Pacific Pug Rescue
Pacific Pug Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization started in 2006. More than 100 Pug-obsessed volunteers dedicate themselves to running the organization, including a passionate board of directors, some of whom have been volunteering for us since the beginning.
They rescue, rehabilitate, and place unwanted, neglected, and abused Pugs in permanent adoptive homes that have been carefully screened. The Pugs and former owners are from all over the Pacific Northwest and even a few international rescues.
Pugs of any age or medical condition are rescued and provided with medical care, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, dental checks, vaccinations, and microchips. They are provided care by foster families primarily in the Portland Metro area prior to adoption.
Their information is listed on Guidestar but they are not rated.
Website: https://www.pacificpugrescue.org/
Address: Pacific Pug Rescue
2850 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.
Walker Center #221
Beaverton, OR 97005
Phone: 503.704.3587
Adoption info: adoptions@pacificpugrescue.org
General Questions:
pugs@pacificpugrescue.org
Tiny Paws Pug Rescue
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Ron Smith, Eileen Sullivan, and Kim Smith
Founded in December 2016, Tiny Paws Pug Rescue is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for Pugs and Pug-mixes. They also support other organizations with similar goals and advocate for animal rescue and adoption everywhere.
They are listed on Guidestar and have a Silver rating.
Pug Rescue of Northern California
This small but mighty 501(c)3 nonprofit is run entirely by volunteers and foster families. They have rescued hundreds of Pugs over the past several years and placed them in foster homes prior to going to their forever homes. They are a very caring and professional organization and also help people who need to re-home their Pugs. They have a 4.9 rating on Facebook.
The PRNC Story
Pug Rescue of Northern California (formerly Pug Rescue of Sacramento) is a non-profit organization that takes in Pugs and Pug mixes from across Northern California that have been abandoned at pounds or shelters found as strays or turned in by their owners. We then spay or neuter the pugs, make sure they are current on their shots, perform a heartworm test and start medication, insert a microchip, complete a health check and provide for other medical assessments and treatment as needed. The pugs are fostered in the private homes of our volunteers and then placed in loving, pre-screened adoptive homes.
Website: https://pugpros.org/
Mailing Address:
Pug Rescue of Northern California
PO Box 5094
Concord, CA 94524
If you have found a stray pug or need to turn one in,
Call 925-974-PUGS (7847) or 916-484-4158 or email at emailed to: rescue@pugpros.org.