Bichon FurKids Rescue - Carlsbad, California

daddy ako

BFK is a very well run organization that puts the interests of the dogs first. They work very hard to find the right home for each one, so that the adoptions are happy and successful. The team of devoted volunteers make the rescue process run smoothly and professionally--not always an easy task when the dogs come from widespread shelters and must be tracked, transported, seen by veterinarians, given medical and dental treatments, groomed, handed over to fosters, and then ultimately adopted into loving forever homes. I have adopted several dogs from BFK over many years, and it is a comfort to know that they are there for all the other dogs facing uncertain futures in the overcrowded shelters of Southern California.

Linda Peterson

I’ve been following BFK Rescue for 8 years and knew when the time came I was going to get my next bichon from them. I especially liked the way the organization vetted my application. They are thorough and actually made the entire process quick. I was waiting for an older dog and when I saw Higgins posted I knew he was my little guy. He’s a great little guy and fits in well with his brother Pete. Bichons are happy little rascals and Higgins is a sweetheart.

Joyce Pepper

I have both volunteered and adopted from this organization and BFK is a highly reputable org that genuinely cares for the well being of its Furkids. With my initial inquiry to adopt I outlined our allergies and let them know it may not work out. They were gracious and patient and, in fact, we were able to move ahead and adopt our sweet boy (and have had him for 12+ years). Fast forward a year and we became foster failures for our 2nd pup. I highly recommend them.

Liz Bartlett

My husband and I applied for a dog through BFKR a couple of months ago. While it didn’t end up that we were a match for that dog and we wound up adopting from a different rescue that we’ve worked with before, I was extremely impressed by my experience with BFKR and it’s dedicated staff/volunteers.

From my first, introductory phone call with Kerry to the thorough and informative home check with Sona, everyone we dealt with was incredibly friendly and helpful, and clearly passionate about the cause. Their system of adopting out dogs may be a bit slower than some, but it seems they go about it that way to be especially careful in matching dogs with a household in which they will thrive, which I have to admire. Additionally, they were very responsive, which- if you’re reading this review- you may know is rare in understaffed/under-resourced rescues.

Based on these experiences, I would absolutely return to BFKR for future fosters/adoptions and would recommend them to others without hesitation.

Debra Gibb

I have acquired 5 bichons over 12+ years working with Bichon FurKids Rescue. I have "failed at fostering" for each of these amazing creatures. Marti and her team are so devoted and compassionate. It's a wonder that ALL the Foster families don't fail at fostering. BFK gives these dogs a chance for a new life. Please consider fostering for them or doing what you can to help with donations so they can continue to do the wonderful work they do for bichons and other dogs in need.

Clarice C

I would give zero star if I could, for what they did in the name of “rescuing fur animals.”

It was an incredibly stressful experience dealing with them. Went through all the work, lengthy screening & waiting process. After almost a year, they finally said they found me a dog, asked me to pay $, told me to wait patiently, then disappeared.

When I nagged them about the status of my puppy a week or two later, they said they gave it to a friend already. They first blamed me for not responding to their phone calls and emails. We argued over this for the next month, and eventually I showed them all my email/call logs to prove them wrong. In the end, they could not lie further and simply said they must have called the wrong number before they disappeared forever. In the process, I was never shown even a photo of “my puppy.”

If you want a real dog from them, befriend the owner (her name is Marti), foster for her for free and pay her some donation $, you will skip the line and get a free dog before other honest applicants can.

This organization gets its stars from the cuteness of their puppies for free, and the humans make money out of these babies. It’s a scam!

Do yourself a favor: find a reputable breeder. Conscientious breeders treat dogs AND humans better than they would. If you find a stray puppy, please send the baby elsewhere!

Valerie Nadalini

A wonderful experience! We couldn't have been matched with a more perfect, adorable, loving bichon. We applied, had our home safety check and were asked to meet a particular dog despite it being a different one than the 2 we'd expressed interest in. All I can is TRUST THE PROCESS! It may not go as fast as you'd like but you'll end up with the best friend you've had and one (or 2) that are the vest fit for you and your household/lifestyle.

The founder is an expert at the matchmaking and the sole goal of the BFK process is to make the tight matches for the adopters and dogs so the dogs never end up needing to be rescued again.

We fostered several times after adopting and that's been a wonderful experience, too. I highly recommend this rescue!

James Martin

Outstanding experience. We adopted our Bella over six years ago from this rescue. They were compassionate, organized, and helpful. Bella is an important part of our family and we absolutely love her. Couldn’t be more happy with our baby or the kind folks who matched us. Thank you.