About Adopting

Our adoption process is relatively simple. We require an application and a home visit by one of our dedicated SMBR volunteers prior to adopting one of our English bulldogs.

Note: Adoptions require that homeowners and renters have liability insurance policies in effect at the time of adoption. The policies must not ‘exclude Bulldogs’ from coverage. Please contact us if you have concerns or questions about this.

Sample Adoption Agreement

Here’s how the adoption process works

Apply

Visit our online application (when you apply thru this website, please check your email, sometimes spam folders, as you’ll need to acknowledge and return the email.)

NOTE: If you don’t live in TN or have an unfenced pool or spa, please email us at before applying so we can review your situation.

Application processing requests a $20 donation to cover expenses for maintaining the rescue website and application databases. The donation can be made Paypal, Venmo or with check transaction.

Adoption Form

Review of Application

A volunteer will review your application and forward to a volunteer in your area. The volunteer will contact you via email or phone to coordinate a time to home check with you.

Volunteers will review your written application to see if we likely have a Bulldog that will match your home based on your answers.

If the application looks like we can help, we will move forward with a home check request.

Some applications can not be moved forward with if the rescue feels that there would not be an acceptable match in the rescue for the home.

Home Check Report

We need all family members available if they are part of the decision-makers for the adoption.

This gives us all a chance to talk about rescue, and we can learn about your expectations for a rescue bulldog.

If you have existing pets, it gives us a chance to meet them, too. We also check the security of gates, fences, and screen doors (if applicable).

There is no ‘pass or fail’ in this process, only a refining of our understanding of which type of Bulldog would be best in your home.

Adoptions require that homeowners and renters have liability insurance policies in effect at the time of adoption. The policies must not ‘exclude Bulldogs’ from coverage. Please get in touch with us if you have concerns or questions about this.

Finding Your Bully

Upon approval, we’ll immediately contact our foster families, describe your situation and look for a bulldog that fits your home dynamics. We rarely get puppies.

Typically, we’ll send you photos and a short bio on a dog we think will work in your situation. If you are interested, we’ll put you in touch with the foster home. You’ll then coordinate a meeting spot to meet the dog. Please keep in mind that not all bulldogs are listed. Sometimes a dog comes into rescue and is placed in an approved home very quickly.

Please be patient during the finding of your bulldog process. We must ensure we have a match for you and our rescue bully.

Rescue has no control over the Bulldogs that make it into rescue and if you have specific needs in your home that can have a bearing on how fast matches can be found for your home.

Additional Information

Smokey Mountain Bulldog Rescue is a 100% volunteer non-profit organization. We’ll make every effort to schedule your home visits at a time that is good for you. Please be flexible to our schedule, as well.
Adoption fees range from $100 to $1,000, depending upon the age/health of the dog.
All rescue bullies are spayed/neutered, micro chipped and up-to-date on all shots prior to adoption.
We very rarely get puppies through the rescue program. If we do rescue puppies, they tend to come in due to problematic medical conditions that require a great deal of personal time and financial commitments to care for them.
You are giving a homeless dog a second chance. This means having the time and patience to work with social, emotional and behavioral problems. In some cases, a health issue is present. We disclose all information we are given and are aware of, as we want to make this as smooth a transition for the dog as possible.
Many rescued Bulldogs don’t get along with other animals and some can’t be placed with small children. If you have children or other animals it may take some time to find just the right dog for you. Please be patient.
If you’re seeking to obtain a cheap English bulldog or you’re looking for a specific color or look of a bulldog, rescue is probably not for you. It is important for all interested parties to understand that our primary commitment is to the dogs who are in our care. We look for the right family to suit our rescue dogs. It’s not about picking out the cutest one. The cutest one may not be your match!
Please do your research prior to applying. Bulldogs are extremely high maintenance dogs. They are indoor dogs; require premium dog food, daily cleaning and lots of love and attention.