Found a Bulldog?
How to best help them

Please understand that MABBR gets dozens of request each week to help bully dogs that are in local shelters or have been found by caring people such as yourself. We simply don't have the space or resources to help them all. MABBR does not have a shelter, we are a completely volunteer run foster home network. The reality is that we most likely won't have an opening to take the dog you are requesting help with, but we will be more than willing to guide you in the right direction and help you in any way that we can.

Step One
Searching for the owners

Bully breeds are excellent escape artists and often times the dog you found may have a loving home that is searching for them.

1) Check for tags on the lost dogs collar. If no collar is present, visit your local vets office and have the dog scanned to see if it has a microchip. Collars often come off, but if the dog is microchipped, finding the owner becomes a much easier task.

2) Place flyers in the area you found the dog.

3) Check local lost pet listings for a description matching the pet you found.

Step Two
Finding a home for a homeless dog

If no owner can be located, you now have only two choices. One the dog can be taken to a local animal shelter, where if it is a bully breed chances are it will not be put up for adoption and will be euthanized. Or two, you can foster the dog while searching for a safe and responsible home.

If you choose to save the dogs life, MABBR will be here to help you every step of the way with our guidance and resources.

The first step in deciding if a dog is a good candidate for adoption is to evaluate his/her temperament. Some animal aggression can be expected with Bully Breeds however, NO form of human aggression can be tolerated. If you are local to the KC Metro area MABBR will be happy to assist you in evaluating the dogs temperament.

If the dog passes their temperament evaluation, it's time to start searching for the right home. It is important to understand the breed you are rehoming.

Pit Bull Breed Information:

MABBR

Pit Bull Rescue Central

Understand-A-Bull

In order to find your new foster dog a new home, you must first make sure that you set up a safe environment in your home for the dog and for your other pets. MABBR recommends keeping your foster dog in a wire crate whenever you are not home or not able to supervise. Crate training helps with house breaking and with teaching good household manners. A well mannered pet is much more attractive to potential adopters too!

Get your foster dog Spayed or Neutered
Don't let the overpopulation crisis continue

It is imperative BEFORE placing your foster dog for adoption that the dog is spayed or neutered. There are currently thousands of homeless dogs and the only way to truly start combating that problem is to make sure the dogs are altered and unable to continue the overpopulation problem. There are many low costs options in the metro area. If you are outside of the area, please contact us and we will help you find a low cost solution in your area.

Metro Area Low-Cost Vetting

Spay/Neuter Kansas City

Pet Connection

No More Homeless Pets KC

Now that you understand the breed, have had them spayed or neutered and have a safe place set up for your foster dog, it's time to promote them for adoption!

Getting the word out
Advertising your foster dog

MABBR will be happy to courtesy list the dog you found on our website to gain them attention. We will also be glad to help you with screening applications, etc. However, the more places you list the dog for adoption and promote them, the better your chances are of finding them a home. In addition to listing your foster online, put up flyers at your local vets office, at your work, tell your friends and family to also spread the word. Word of mouth is a great tool in finding potential adopters. Take your foster to places in public that you will meet other people, pet stores, public parks, etc.

For online adoptions, pictures and bios are extremely important. The more you can tell potential adopters about your foster dog, the better. Here is an example of pictures and bios that MABBR uses: Adoption Profile

Below is a list of pit bull friendly websites that will also help you list the dog for adoption. Please list your foster dog on these sites!

Pit Bull Rescue Central

Petfinder

1-800-Save-a-Pet

Step Three
Screening Potential Homes

In all likelihood the dog you are fostering has already been failed and treated poorly in the past. It is now your job to make sure that he/she is never neglected or mistreated again. Many people want these dogs for the wrong reasons, it is very important to screen potential homes thoroughly and to make sure it is a safe and loving environment.

MABBR volunteers are very willing to help you screen applications for your foster dog or to answer any questions you have about the process. Please read: Recommendations to learn what questions to ask and what to look for when placing your foster dog in a new home.

After your initial screening is completed if you feel confident about the potential home for your foster dog, the next step is set up a home visit to meet the potential family and to make sure it is a safe and secure environment for the dog. Home Visits

MABBR volunteers will also be happy to help you with homechecks in our area.

Step Four
Finalizing adoption and Saying Goodbye

Your hard work, love and dedication has now paid off and your foster dog is now ready to go to their very own forever home. When finalizing the adoption, it is very important to use an adoption contract that will help ensure the safety of the dog. Here is a sample contract.

When you have completed the process and probably shed a tear or two after leaving your foster in their new home, make sure and give yourself a huge pat on the back. You just completed a process that most aren't willing to put the effort into, and you just saved the LIFE of a precious dog. A dog that would have truly likely ended up dead had you not given of yourself so selflessly. There is no greater gift you can give to a homeless dog, and you have the utmost respect from all of us at MABBR.

If during this process you feel as rewarded as we do, perhaps you would like to consider doing it again! Nearly every volunteer in MABBR's group started out this very same way. It is not often you get to give a little of yourself that leads to a life changing experience for everyone involved. Fostering changes lives forever! If you are interested in joinging our team and becoming a foster family or volunteer for MABBR, please contact us!

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