Who we are
About Our Rescue
Welcome to the Tampa Bay Vizsla Club Rescue. We are a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving as Florida's only statewide, purebred Vizsla rescue network.
Our Roots & History
The story of our rescue is deeply intertwined with the history of the breed community in the Sunshine State. In 1986, a passionate group of "red dog" enthusiasts founded the Tampa Bay Vizsla Club (TBVC) to protect the integrity of the breed and celebrate its incredible versatility—spanning AKC conformation, agility, obedience, and field hunt tests.
As the Vizsla grew in popularity across Florida, the reality of this beautiful, high-energy breed became apparent. Vizslas are exceptionally sensitive, incredibly athletic, and famously "velcro" companions. When families find themselves unprepared for their intense exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional needs, these dogs frequently end up in shelters or requiring urgent rehoming.
What began as an informal, passionate rescue committee within the parent breed club quickly evolved. Recognizing the specialized focus needed to properly fund, rehabilitate, and protect these animals, we transitioned into an independent, official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This allows us to ensure that 100% of our resources and donations go directly to veterinary care, behavioral rehabilitation, and the day-to-day welfare of Florida's Vizslas in need.
Who We Are & How We Operate
Because a Vizsla in need might surface in the Panhandle while an available, breed-experienced foster home is located in Miami, we operate as a sprawling, statewide network of dedicated volunteers. We do not maintain a physical shelter facility. Instead, our organization relies entirely on:
- Experienced Foster Homes: Every rescued dog is placed directly into a private home where they receive love, structured evaluation, and basic training from individuals who truly understand the unique nuances of the breed.
- A Statewide Volunteer Network: From pulling dogs from overcrowded municipal shelters to conducting comprehensive in-home safety checks for potential adopters, our volunteers handle thousands of miles of transport and logistics every year.
- Purebred Rescue Focus: Due to our highly specialized resources and deep understanding of the breed's specific traits, our mission is strictly dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of purebred Vizslas.
The "Velcro Dog" Reality
Vizslas are not a breed for everyone. They thrive on human companionship, require significant daily outlets for their physical energy, and demand consistent mental engagement. We are committed to thorough vetting because our goal is never just to find a quick placement—it is to ensure each dog's next home is their absolute forever home.
Our Community & The Extended Family
We believe that rescue doesn't end when an adoption contract is signed. One of the most rewarding aspects of our history is keeping our adopted dogs integrated into the broader Florida Vizsla community.
Through our close relationship with the parent breed club, our rescue families are warmly invited to participate in annual community events, including our popular Fun Days (frequently held at beautiful training grounds like Grand Meadows in Lake Wales). These events provide a wonderful, judgment-free space where rescue pups can return to hang out with their peers and dip their paws into natural breed instincts—trying out bird scent work, lure coursing, and rally alongside seasoned field dogs.
Whether we are taking in a young, over-energetic owner surrender or providing intensive medical rehabilitation for a senior shelter rescue, our promise remains the same: to ensure every Florida red dog finds a safe couch, an active lifestyle, and a family that understands them completely.