About Us

About Us

Changing lives … one Havanese at a time.

Havanese Rescue Inc (HRI) is an independent charitable organization that has rescued Havanese dogs in need since 2004. While the Havanese Club of America is our parent club, HRI is not exclusively affiliated with any breed club locally or nationally. We depend on financial support and volunteer involvement from regional and national Havanese Breed Clubs and the general public, who are willing to assist in the rescue and re-homing of Havanese dogs.

Havanese Rescue Inc. (HRI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed for the charitable purposes of rescuing Havanese who are homeless or soon-to-be-homeless, including those found in animal shelters or similar facilities and those relinquished by their owners. The dogs are provided with the attention, care and medical treatment necessary including spay/neutering. HRI also focuses on education of the public regarding puppy mills and responsible dog ownership including spay/neutering, training and humane care of Havanese and other pets.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in responsible rescue. While our mission is to rescue purebred Havanese, sometimes we are left to do visual and hands-on IDs when pedigree and papers are unavailable. These decisions are not always 100% accurate. HRI prides itself on supportive relationships with our foster and adoptive families. Collaborative efforts between HRI and Havanese Breed Clubs help provide a safety net for our beloved breed.

Havanese Rescue Inc. does not buy dogs from auctions, puppy mills, breeders, or owners. All our funds are utilized for the rescue, care, and medical treatment of dogs surrendered by owners, shelters, or strays. Puppy mill breeding is a horror for all breeds. Buying from auctions increases demand and encourages puppy mills and BYB breeders by supplying a market for their mistakes.

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Support HAVANESE RESCUE INC by visiting this secure link Click Here or Keyword to donate is Text Havanese to 5355 to HAVANESE RESCUE INC.

Available Dogs

Spud in FL

Spud in FL

Male 4 years old 13 pounds Needs work on house, crate and leash training Spud is a shy little guy, but very sweet. He loves women, other dogs and playing with his toys. We are not sure how he would do with feline friends or children. We are just get...

Volunteer

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Volunteer Dog Image

In this section, you will find information about a very rewarding commitment...volunteering with HRI! If, after reading information about volunteering with HRI and you are interested in joining our rescue, follow these steps.

  • 1
    - Read over our Volunteer Contract FIRST. To complete the process, you will need to check a box indicating that you have read and will abide by the contract in the Volunteer Application.
  • 2
    - Collect your reference(s) contact information ahead of time. You will need four references and a vet reference for the Volunteer Application.
  • 3
    - Fill out the Volunteer Application. Please include ALL the requested information. We cannot process your application without it.
  • 4
    - Fill out the Skills Assesment. This is helpful—not only to HRI but also to help you realize what you can do for HRI.
  • 5
    - Our volunteer coordinator will contact you after your application and references have been verified to discuss how you can help HRI.
  • 6
    - TROUBLE completing this process? Please Click Here.

FAQs

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Some volunteer jobs require no previous skills, some require a little experience, and some require a bit of computer savvy. If there is something that you are proficient in and you think HRI can benefit from your skills, please look into that position or send us an email telling us how you feel you could help!

You will also find a “Skills Questionnaire” in the HRI Volunteer application process. Although this is not necessary, it is helpful—not only to HRI but also to help you realize what you can do for HRI.

Depending on the job, there are many different time commitments. Some jobs require a one-time commitment, while others require ongoing commitment.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Visit our Community tab for step-by-step instructions on how to apply to be an HRI Volunteer. You can click the link here to go to that page.

Are you interested in—ADMINISTRATION?

These roles involve:

  • Creating and maintaining our Database
  • Keeping up to date on our permits, licensing, and insurance
  • Maintaining various records—from dogs to expenses
  • Paying HRI bills
  • Writing policies, procedures, and educational information for HRI volunteers
  • Create forms and contracts for Intake and Adoption
  • Serving on Boards and Committees

Are you interested in—FUNDRAISING?

These roles involve:

  • Grant research and writing
  • Coordinating the HRI Quilt Fundraiser
  • Quilting squares or selling tickets for the Quilt Fundraiser
  • Coordinating online fundraisers and auctions
  • Procuring donations for auctions and fundraisers
  • Helping staff and/or organize events for the Havanese National Speciality °Promote HRI through advertising on social media and other venues

Are you interested in—WEBSITE AND GEEK SQUAD?

These roles involve:

  • Creation and general administration of the HRI site
  • Maintaining and creating online forms
  • Posting educational materials
  • Creation of HRI dog listings on the HRI website and Petfinder
  • Maintaining a social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.
  • Moderation of IO Groups
  • Problem solving tech issues

Are you interested in—EDUCATION?

These roles involve:

  • Writing informative articles
  • Production and distribution of the HRI newsletter
  • Proofreading and editing HRI documents, newsletters, articles, etc.
  • Communicating HRI news to local HCA clubs
  • Availability and experience to counsel regarding dog behavior issues
  • Setting up and tending a booth for HRI at local pet expos and shows °Creating slideshows or videos for YouTube and other educational venues

Are you interested in—DOG CARE?

These roles involve:

  • Fostering HRI dogs
  • Helping to transport HRI dogs
  • Advising on dog behavior issues
  • Storing and shipping items for foster dogs, ie-leashes, collars, belly-bands, etc.
  • Assessing and IDing dogs in homes or shelters

Are you interested in becoming a—FOSTER FAMILY?

This role involves:

Provide compassionate and loving care for as long as necessary until the dog has been successfully placed in a new permanent home.

  • Keeping comprehensive dog records and observations about the dog’s progress
  • Communicating frequently with the Dog Management Team and State Contact. Working with the State Contact to assess adoption applications
  • A mid to high level of computer time for filling out forms and updates and regular communication

Are you interested in becoming a—STATE CONTACT?

This role involves:

  • Tracking all dogs in your state from intake to adoption
  • Coordinating the placement and transport of the foster dog
  • Working with and mentoring foster families in your state
  • Helping to coordinate Vet care of the foster dog
  • Responding and processing adoption applications
  • Performing reference checks and home visits
  • Keeping detailed records
  • A reasonably high level of computer time and organization

Are you interested in joining the—INTAKE COMMITTEE?

This role involves:

  • Monitoring the Intake Submission Email 7 days a week
  • Communicating with the Surrendering Party, Intake Committee, Dog Management Team, State Contacts, and sometimes the Board
  • Keeping detailed records and strong follow-up
  • Good email and computer skills

Are you interested in joining the—DOG MANAGEMENT TEAM (DMT)?

This role involves:

  • Keeping track of all new dogs coming in and all currently in Foster care
  • Continuous monitoring and updating of adoption status Provide photos and write-ups for dog listings to Geek Squad
  • Mentoring and communication with Foster families
  • Determining appropriate adoption fee for each dog

Are you interested in being a—DOG WRITER?

This role involves:

  • Writing dog listings for every dog in Foster care, using the information provided by the Foster family

Are you interested in becoming a—VET LIAISON?

This role involves:

  • Researching prices on vet care, medications, grooming
  • Ensuring Vet practices are paid promptly
  • Communicating with the DMT, Vet practices, and foster homes °Processing reimbursements

Are you interested in—ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HELP?

Here are some ideas:

Provide financial support and donations

  • Donating miles for air transport
  • Writing thank you cards to donors
  • Sending get-well cards to ill volunteers

Community

About Us

Rescue Quilt Project

Stitching Our Future – The History of the Havanese Rescue Quilt Project

The Havanese Rescue Quilt Project was started by a small group of rescue volunteers with a desire to generate funds for the rescue and rehabilitation of Havanese in need. The first Havanese Rescue Quilt, completed in 2003, was a great success and raised over $4,000 in rescue funds. The project has continued to grow since then.

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