A Cavachon rescue is a great place to find the next furry member of your family. Run by devoted people, many of whom are volunteers, dog rescues take in abandoned pets, nurse ill dogs back to health and help socialize dogs, like Cavachons, so they can find new homes with a family who will love them unconditionally.
About Cavachon Dogs
Cavachon dogs are one of the fastest growing mixed breeds in the United States. A crossbreed of a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Cavachon makes for a loyal, energetic and lovable pet.
Cavachons have a beautifully thick and luxurious coat that doesn't shed. This makes it a popular dog among people who suffer from allergies. Cavachons are mid-sized dogs, growing to approximately 12 to 16 inches in height and weighing between 10 and 20 pounds.
The Growing Need for Cavachon Rescues
There are two primary reasons why Cavachon dogs enter the shelter and rescue system. These include their value on the puppy mill market and abandonment by pet owners who can't or won't devote the time necessary to properly train and groom the dog.
Cavachons and Puppy Mills
Cavachons are fast becoming very popular. Unfortunately, that fact hasn't escaped the puppy mill market. Combine that with the fact that there currently aren't that many certified Cavachon breeders in operation, and the result is a large number of puppy mill dogs being bred to meet the demand.
As more and more puppy mills are shut down due to neglected animals and deplorable conditions, the saved dogs and puppies they were breeding ultimately end up in the shelter system where they usually get dispersed to various rescue organizations. Just as there aren't many certified breeders for this dog, similarly, there aren't many Cavachon rescue organizations. Depending on the need, Cavachons can often be found housed in rescues devoted to one of the crossbreed's primary breeds.
Uneducated Owners
Whenever someone is considering adopting or purchasing a dog, it is very important to research all the pros and cons associated with their breed of choice. All dogs come with certain challenges, and Cavachons are no different. While exceptionally smart and relatively fast-learning, Cavachon dogs require their owner's devotion to providing them with consistent training until they learn their boundaries. Since dogs can be stubborn at times, this can sometimes be a lengthy process with which owners don't want to deal. The result is a family pet that's turned in to the local shelter.
Adopting From a Cavachon Rescue
If you happen to find a local rescue that has a Cavachon for adoption, always visit the rescue and ask for a number of references. Call every reference and ask about the health of their dog and their experience with the rescue. Since so many Cavachons are rescued from puppy mills, they often need to be nursed back to proper health. It's important that the rescue not adopt out a pet prior to the dog being mentally, physically and emotionally ready.
Rescue organizations are typically non-profit, which means that they operate on what they charge for the adoption. This amount of the adoption fee varies among rescues, and it can also vary in the same rescue as a dog's age and medical condition can have an impact on the costs. Some agencies ask for a donation in lieu of an adoption fee although the concept is the same.
Where Can I Find a Cavachon Rescue?
The best place to begin your search for Cavachon puppies for adoption is at your local county shelter or animal welfare association. These organizations work with rescue agencies of all types, so if there's a Cavachon rescue operation near you, they should know about it.
There is also a Facebook group designated for Cavachon owners. If you're interested in hearing from real owners of this gorgeous dog, join the group and begin a discussion to get a better idea of what it's like to own a Cavachon. You can also ask if anybody can recommend a rescue agency. Other sources for finding rescues devoted to Cavachons include:
- Petfinder - This is the most comprehensive site for finding rescue dogs and shelters of any breed in the United States. You can search by breed and location.
- Adopt-a-Pet - Similar in scope to Petfinder, you can search for dogs all over the country.
Keep in mind that some of these sites may not have a current listing for an active Cavachon rescue, but check back from time to time and listings should begin to show up as demand for this crossbreed increases. As stated earlier, there are currently no rescues that specialize only in Cavachons, but you can look for rescue groups that specialize in small dogs, or Bichon Frise breed and Cavalier rescues that may include Cavachons among their adoptables. When searching on national lists, make sure you search not only for "Cavachon for adoption" but also "Bichon Frise" and "Cavalier" as Cavachons may be listed as a mix of one of these breeds.
How Much Is It to Adopt a Cavachon?
Fees will vary by shelter and rescue, especially as many are volunteer-based on must raise funds for dogs that need extra medical care, housing and more. You can, in general, expect to pay around $100 to $150 for an adult dog. Many rescues will reduce fees for dogs seven or older as seniors are not adopted as quickly as younger dogs. Puppies, if available, may cost more because they require additional expenses such as standard vaccinations and spaying/neutering.
