5 Best Schnauzer Rescues in Florida! (2023)

If you are looking to get a Schnauzer, why not give Schnauzer rescues in Florida a go? With over 6.3 million pets abandoned in shelters annually, adopting a dog saves a life and frees up space that rescues use to save more animals. Contrary to popular perception, rescued animals can become loving pets.

Dog rescues don’t just put a rescued animal for adoption right away – they assess each animal for health and psychological wellness as soon as it enters the rescue. Afterward, the rescue rehabilitates the dog and makes it fit for adoption by providing the necessary medical care and training.

The ultimate goal of all rescues is to help each dog find a permanent, loving home. Therefore, they equip each rescue dog with the tools and characteristics to make that happen. You never know; your new adorable Schnauzer could be waiting for you at your local shelter. The Schnauzer is one of the most popular dog breeds and is well known for being an extremely loyal and friendly pet.

The American Kennel Club recognizes the Schnauzer as part of their Working Group of dogs, and it comes in three distinct sizes: Miniature, Standard, and Giant. If you are looking for a breed that is friendly with children, other dogs, and an overall loyal companion, then the Schnauzer is perfect. Below is a list of rescues in and around Florida where you can find your Schnauzer.

Before you scroll down this list of Schnauzer rescues in Florida, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Belgian Malinois Rescues in Florida and Best Mastiff Rescues in Florida.

Find a Schnauzer Rescue Shelter Near Me in Florida

Here’s a list of Schnauzer rescues in Florida for you to check out and find a companion.

Schnauzer Product Recommendations: Best Dog Cologne That Groomers Use.

1. Nates Honor Animal Rescue

Located in Bradenton, Florida, Nates Honor Animal Rescue is a reputable pet rescue in Florida that takes good care of its animals. In 2008, a group of animal enthusiasts came together to form the shelter.

A local developer named Nathan Benderson got involved, took a small initiative, and helped it grow into an organization on a mission to provide a safe and unique facility for animals.

Presently Nates Honor Animal Rescue is situated on an eight-acre property that provides a home and a no-kill shelter for many animals. It is worth paying a visit to the facility to see how expansive it is and how well-cared for the animals are.

Their adoption process is relatively easy; the rescue requires you to fill out an adoption form, and then after it is approved, you can visit the shelter Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm for a meet and greet with the dogs.

If you are interested in adopting, keep the following in mind:

• They update their website daily with new dogs that become available for adoption, but this can change daily. It is better to check it the day you decide to visit the shelter to see what is available.
• All adopted dogs will come with a microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, be treated for heartworm, and be spayed/neutered.
• Their adoption fees vary from $300 to $100 depending upon the age of the dog. Puppies are more expensive.
• When you visit the facility to meet your new pet, you must bring any other dogs you have in your home. Cats are not required to come.
• You will need a valid driver’s license.
• It would benefit you spend about 90 minutes at the shelter to complete the adoption process.

 Nates Honor Animal Rescue Details

• Website: Nates Honor Animal Rescue
• Address: 4951 Lorraine Rd, Bradenton, Florida
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Nates Honor Animal Rescue’s Facebook
• Instagram: Nates Honor Animal Rescue’s Instagram

2. SPCA Florida

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is another notable puppy rescue in Florida, specifically Polk County. It is located in Lakeland and provides shelter to about 4,000 vulnerable animals across the county.

The SPCA Florida not only shelters abandoned and lost animals but also has a technologically advanced veterinary hospital that treats about 50,000 animals annually. So if you are looking for a Schnauzer, you will probably find it here.

The SPCA does not allow walk-ins, and you must make an appointment before you can come to see the dogs. Moreover, they have an online system where you can browse the available cats and dogs and then click here to make an online appointment.

If adopting from SPCA Florida, keep the following in mind:

• It is a large shelter with a high turnover. Check their website to see which dogs are available before visiting to ensure the Schnauzer you want is still available.
• They have a limit of three dogs that you can meet per appointment.
• The online appointment system is only for on-site animals at SPCA Florida. If the animal is elsewhere, you will need to contact the shelter to arrange to meet them.
• 25 percent of animals that enter the shelter are purebred, for those interested in AKC papers and purebred dogs.
• Some animals will have a higher adoption fee depending on their popularity in the marketplace.

SPCA Florida Details

• Website: SPCA Florida
• Address: 5850 Brannen Rd S. Lakeland, Florida
• Phone: (863) 646-7722
• Facebook: SPCA Florida’s Facebook
• Instagram: SPCA Florida’s Instagram

3. American Rescue Force of South Florida

American Rescue Force of South Florida is located in West Palm Beach. They have been in operation since 2005 but were founded in the 1970s by Ron Garretson. The shelter utilizes an online system that allows you to browse through the animals that are up for adoption.

To get a dog, you will need to fill out an adoption form where you can indicate if you are interested in a specific animal. An adoption counselor will reach out to you if they feel you would be a good fit for the animal. If you are not ready to commit to adoption but want to help, you can contribute by volunteering or becoming a foster parent. Learn more about getting involved here.

Animal Rescue Force of South Florida Details

• Website: Animal Rescue Force of South Florida
• Address: 5115 South Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, Florida
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Animal Rescue Force of South Florida’s Facebook

4. North Florida Animal Rescue

The North Florida Animal Rescue is located in Wellborn, Florida, and owned by Anthea Duron. She has been an animal enthusiast and lover for years. She was compelled to open an animal rescue due to an incident on a cruise she took many years ago.

While on the cruise, some birds accidentally got trapped on the cruise ship. Some guests on the cruise had children who tortured the birds, and a few even died.

Luckily, one survived, and she kept it safe in her room until they could set the bird free when the ship docked. The experience compelled her to create a safe place for animals, and she worked tirelessly to establish the North Florida Animal Rescue.

If you are interested in adopting from the North Florida Animal Rescue, you should know the following:

• You will need to fill out an adoption form.
• You will be required to have an in-person interview with an adoption counselor. No adoption can take place without a physical interview.
• Adoption fees are $75, which include spay and neuter, mandatory vaccines, rabies vaccine, heartworm testing for dogs, microchip, petinsurance, and a gift bag.

North Florida Animal Rescue Details

• Website: North Florida Animal Rescue
• Address: 16800 County Road 137 Wellborn, Florida
• Phone: (386) 963-1354
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: North Florida Animal Rescue’s Facebook

5. Orange County Animal Services

Orange County Animal Services is one of the few open-admission shelters in sunny Orlando, meaning they will not turn any animal away. The Orange County Animal Services receives approximately 50 animals daily, some of whom are very sick and have serious health issues.

Most of these animals are rehabilitated and placed for adoption. Those who are too ill or too distressed to be given for adoption are housed at the shelter indefinitely. This shelter is a great place to look for a Schnauzer, and with so many new admissions each day, you will likely find one.

Their adoption process is straightforward:

• They do not require any previous appointment, and you can walk in during the shelter’s specified hours.
• They do not allow you to bring your existing pets for the meet and greet.
• They operate on a strictly first come, first serve basis. They will not hold any pets for anyone.
• Because of the high number of pets that enter the shelter, they cannot provide each dog’s comprehensive medical or personal history.
• All owners are encouraged to have their dogs checked by their vet within 72 hours after taking them from the shelter.
• Although they do not classify their dogs by breed, you can search their online listing to spot a Schnauzer if it comes into the shelter.
• The adoption fee is $50 for dogs.
• If you live out of state or county, no problem. This shelter has no problem with that as long as you can arrange transportation.

If you cannot find dedicated Schnauzer rescues in Florida, a standard shelter like Orange County Animal Services can be an excellent option to find your new dog.

Orange County Animal Services Details

• Website: Orange County Animal Services
• Address: 2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, Florida
• Phone: (407) 836-3111

How to Choose Schnauzer Rescues in Florida

Now that you have a list of shelters, you should be well on your way to welcoming your new pet soon. However, finding a hard-to-find breed like a Schnauzer is still a tiresome job.

You may have to visit the available dog webpage of your local shelters every day to see if your desired breed has become available. But if you are consistent and persistent in your search, chances are you will come across a shelter with the dog you want.

To maximize your chances of finding a Schnauzer in Florida, do the following:

• Visit the available dogs’ page of each local shelter at least once every day
• If you have trouble remembering, you can set a reminder on your phone
• Call the local shelter and fill out their application form; they will contact you when your desired breed becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

As you shop around for a rescued Schnauzer to adopt, you may find yourself with a few questions. The following are some of the more frequently asked questions we receive from our We Love Doodles readers.

What is the life expectancy of a Schnauzer?

Little dogs typically have a longer lifespan than large dogs, and you can expect a healthy Schnauzer to live between 12 and 14 years. Of course, you can help lengthen your dog’s life by giving him the proper nutrition, plenty of exercise, and regular trips to the vet.

Conditions such as epilepsy, heart disease, and hip dysplasia are common in Schnauzers, along with several other illnesses. You and your vet can spot, diagnose, and treat these conditions early to help prevent them from becoming problematic.

Do Schnauzers get anxiety?

Schnauzers are loving and affectionate little pups, making them wonderful companions. Unfortunately, that means they can be prone to separation anxiety. If you work outside the home, consider calling a neighbor or a professional dog walker or sitter to come visit your baby while you’re gone.

If this isn’t possible, be sure to give your pup plenty of attention while you’re home. Provide her with interactive toys to play with throughout the day, and rotate those toys so she won’t get bored.

When you adopt a rescue, it’s almost impossible to know what the dog’s life was like before joining your family. Each dog will react to being alone differently, so pay attention to the signs your dog is giving you if she’s lonely!

Why do Schnauzers talk so much?

Because Schnauzers were originally bred as ratters, they have a tendency to be quite vocal! Your dog is a natural-born guard dog, and in concert with his high energy levels, your Schnauzer may act more like a chatty toddler than a dog.

Some love the “conversational” dog breeds, but keep in mind that your neighbors may not. If you live in an apartment or other multi-family setting, it may be in your best interest to bring your pup to a trainer to help him learn to mind his manners.

What do Schnauzers love the most?

Schnauzers are Very Good Boys and Girls, so the thing they love most is pleasing you! But they also like to be the center of attention, so be sure you praise your buddy … excessively.

Schnauzers are smart little dogs, too, so they love brain games and learning new trricks. Your dog can be stubborn, so it may take a little patience on your part to get him to roll over or dance!

Conclusion For The “Best Schnauzer Rescues in Florida”

Our list of Schnauzer rescues in Florida is by no means exhaustive – there are plenty of shelters across the state of Florida and even in neighboring states that may be holding your forever friend.

If you have the capacity and can, consider adopting more than one. Your community and the animal population are badly in need of loving homes where they can transition and start over.

For more guides similar to this list of Schnauzer rescues in Florida, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team:

• Best Schnauzer Rescues in Texas
• Best Schnauzer Rescues in Arizona
• Best Schnauzer Rescues in Colorado

Before you adopt a Schnauzer companion from a rescue shelter in Florida, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching the “Standard Schnauzer – Top 10 Facts” down below: