Fila Rescue

Fila Rescue is a network of Fila owners and breeders who work together to place homeless, abandoned or unwanted filas in new homes. It is not an "official" arm of any club or organization and "rescue" procedures vary. Most of the dogs which come to Fila rescue are from homes which find themselves unable to properly care for an adult Fila due to the size or temperament of the dog. Often Fila buyers purchase a puppy without educating themselves to the temperament and nature of the Fila breed. They do not properly obedience train and socialize the puppy and as the dog matures they find themselves unable to control the dog and unwilling to take the time to re-train the dog properly. Occasionally job changes or family situations make it impossible for a family to keep their well trained dog. Fila rescue makes every effort to assist owners seeking advice that might enable them to keep their dog. Many times a simple phone call to an experienced Fila owner can offer help or advice on better understanding of the fila's unique temperament. Additional help with training problems may allow the dog to remain in its current home.
 

The "average" rescue dog is a young adult (1 1/2 to 3 years) with little obedience training or socialization. They may have unknown pedigrees or backgrounds and are often not good examples of the breed standard. They may have temperament or structural flaws which would make them unsuitable for showing or breeding, although they can make fine pets with some obedience training and socialization. They should be in good general health, but will probably NOT have been evaluated for hip dysplasia nor heartworms. Dogs with serious health or temperament problems are NOT suitable candidates for Fila rescue. Rescue dogs MUST be spayed or neutered and will be placed WITHOUT registration papers.
 

Adopters will be screened to be sure they can provide a suitable home for the Fila and be required to sign a contract for the care and responsibility for the dog. Adoption homes must be experienced in obedience training and must have a 6 foot fence or dog pen. Bonding with an adult Fila is much more difficult than bonding with a puppy and may take from a few days to a few weeks, but it can be done with patience. There is no charge to adopt or to place a dog into Fila rescue; however, the adopter is required to pay the costs of transporting the dog to them and spay/neuter costs ( if not already done). If the dog is not close enough for you to pick it up, it can be shipped by air freight. Air freight on a 125+ pound adult will run about $200 to $400 depending on the flight distance (plus any medical costs, such as vaccinations and a health certificate, which must be done before the dog can fly) . Whenever possible, the current owners are asked to take responsibility for having the dog's medical records up to date (including vaccinations, spay/neuter, and a health certificate) before the dog is placed into Fila rescue.
 

Rescue can be very rewarding way to acquire a new family member, but it is not something to be treated casually. If you are still interested in adopting a rescue Fila or know of anyone in need of rescue services or breed information, please feel free to call me. If you are not able to adopt a Fila, but would still like to help our efforts, donations are always appreciated.