Emergency & Disaster Prep
Guide
A Dog Is Hurt or in Danger
Who to call and how to stay safe when a dog is injured, very sick, poisoned, being hurt or in traffic.
Miami Dog Rescue &
Advocacy Organization
We Support Miami's Pups, and the Heroes Who Rescue Them.
Bentley's Playhouse is a Miami dog rescue: we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs across South Florida. We also work to support other animal rescues in the country through volunteer work and donations, as well as sharing clear, practical help for anyone who has just found, lost or rescued a dog and isn't sure what to do next.
What Brings You Here?
Who we are
A Playhouse With a Purpose
Since August 2022, journalist Cata Balzano has been taking dogs out of abuse, neglect and backyard breeding into her Miami home and helping them heal, by raising funds through her social media accounts while covering any additional costs out of pocket. The rescue is named after Bentley, her French bulldog, who has welcomed every one of those pups into his playhouse.
- Rescue.
Getting dogs out of situations that are hurting them, and into safety.
- Rehab.
Vet care, patience, routine and time, until a dog is ready to trust again.
- Rehome.
Matching each dog with a family that fits, so the next home is the last one.
- Repeat.
Then we make room for the next dog who needs us.
Resource Library
Guides People Use Most
Adoption & Fostering
Article
Where to Adopt a Dog in Miami: Shelters and Rescues
Miami-Dade's main places to adopt a rescue dog, what each costs, what's included and how the process works, so you can pick the right path before you fall for a face.
Emergency & Disaster Prep
Article
A Hurricane Plan for Your Dog
What to pack, where to go and the Miami-Dade rules for evacuating with pets.
Laws & Travel
Article
Florida Animal Laws, Explained
Florida's main animal-protection laws in plain language, including the cruelty, disaster and pet-sale laws signed in 2025 and 2026.
Adoption & Fostering
Article
Questions to Ask Before You Adopt
Good questions for any rescue or shelter, so you choose a dog whose needs fit your life.
Laws & Travel
Article
Federal Laws That Protect Animals
The main U.S. federal animal laws in plain language, what they cover, what they don't and where to report a federal violation.
Looking for a Dog to Adopt?
Profiles of our current dogs will live here. For now, our adoptable dogs are listed on RescueMe, and our day-to-day rescue work is on Instagram.
Shelters near you
Miami-Dade
Broward
Community spotlight · week of Oct. 19, 2026
Pawsome Pooches
Every week we spotlight dogs in our community who need a home: at Miami-Dade Animal Services, the Broward shelter, local rescues and families who need to rehome safely. Tap a pup to meet them.
6pups this week
1happy tail
New this week5 photos
Jack
Pit bull · 4 · Male MDAS · DoralAdopt or foster Meet Jack
4 photos
Taz
Mixed breed · 2 · Male MDAS · Doral Meet Taz
5 photos
Jasmine
German shepherd · 6 · Female Lotus Gold Dog Gang Meet Jasmine
5 photos
Belle
American bulldog mix · 5 · Female Joy and Love Rescue Meet Belle
5 photos
France
American bulldog · 4 · Female Joy and Love Rescue Meet France
4 photos
Snow
American bulldog mix · 5 · Male Joy and Love RescueAdopt or foster Meet Snow1 / 55 photos. Use the arrows or tap a photo below to see more.
Ready to adopt or fosterMDAS · Doral
Jack
- Age
- 4
- Sex
- Male
- Breed
- Pit bull
- Size
- Large
Health
- Spayed or neutered: Yes
- Vaccines up to date: Yes
- Microchipped: Yes
- Heartworm negative: Yes
Gets along with
- DogsYes
- CatsAsk
- KidsYes
Jack's story
🐾 335 days. That’s how long Jack has been waiting for his forever home. He’s now one of the longest-term residents at the Doral shelter, and after spending today with him on a Pawventure, I genuinely cannot understand how this sweet boy hasn’t been adopted yet. ❤️
Jack was quite literally one of the best-behaved dogs I’ve ever spent time with. He knows his commands, is potty-trained, and despite being a big, strong boy, he barely pulled on the leash at all. He loves his toys, has a medium energy level, and is happy to play with you without needing constant activity.
But what really stood out to me was his personality. 🥹 Jack has that protective, loyal, family-nanny-dog energy. He’s incredibly loving, well-mannered, and attentive to the world around him.
We even stopped at Starbucks, where he sat right in front of me, calmly observing his surroundings. I felt so safe and comfortable with him by my side. He has that reassuring presence that makes you feel like you have a little protector looking out for you.
I can picture Jack being the perfect addition to a family looking for a loving, loyal companion who also makes them feel safe at home. And honestly? I think he’d be an amazing companion for a single woman, too. 🤍
335 days is far too long for a dog this special to be waiting. Jack deserves a home, a family to love, and a couch to call his own.
📍 Doral shelter 🐾 Adopt Jack. Be his happy ending. ❤️
Where Jack is
Miami-Dade Animal Services, Pet Adoption and Protection Center (Doral)
Doral · Animal ID A2741924
How to adopt Jack
Tap the button and tell us a bit about you. Bentley's Playhouse gets your details right away, and we'll show you how to reach Miami-Dade Animal Services, Pet Adoption and Protection Center (Doral) directly.
Bentley's Playhouse has been alerted!
Thank you for wanting to adopt Jack. We emailed you the next steps, and we sent your details to Miami-Dade Animal Services, Pet Adoption and Protection Center (Doral).
Reach Miami-Dade Animal Services, Pet Adoption and Protection Center (Doral) Now
They handle Jack's adoption. Mention you found Jack on Bentley's Playhouse.
Bentley's Playhouse shares community dogs to help them get seen. Adoptions are handled by MDAS · Doral. Always meet the dog first and ask for vet records. Listed Oct. 19, 2026.
1 / 44 photos. Use the arrows or tap a photo below to see more.
Ready for adoptionMDAS · Doral
Taz
A goofy, gentle pup, in excellent fitness condition
- Age
- 2
- Sex
- Male
- Breed
- Mixed breed
Health
- Spayed or neutered: Yes
- Vaccines up to date: Yes
- Microchipped: Yes
- Heartworm negative: Yes
Gets along with
- DogsAsk
- CatsAsk
- KidsAsk
Taz's story
Taz has been at the shelter for more than 300 days! He’s such an amazing dog. He’s laid back, mellow, has normal energy levels (more moderate).
Where Taz is
Miami-Dade Animal Services, Pet Adoption and Protection Center (Doral)
Doral · Animal ID A2761777
How to adopt Taz
Tap the button and tell us a bit about you. Bentley's Playhouse gets your details right away, and we'll show you how to reach Miami-Dade Animal Services, Pet Adoption and Protection Center (Doral) directly.
Bentley's Playhouse has been alerted!
Thank you for wanting to adopt Taz. We emailed you the next steps, and we sent your details to Miami-Dade Animal Services, Pet Adoption and Protection Center (Doral).
Reach Miami-Dade Animal Services, Pet Adoption and Protection Center (Doral) Now
They handle Taz's adoption. Mention you found Taz on Bentley's Playhouse.
Bentley's Playhouse shares community dogs to help them get seen. Adoptions are handled by MDAS · Doral. Always meet the dog first and ask for vet records. Listed Oct. 11, 2026.
1 / 55 photos. Use the arrows or tap a photo below to see more.
Ready for adoptionLotus Gold Dog Gang
Jasmine
- Age
- 6
- Sex
- Female
- Breed
- German shepherd
Health
- Spayed or neutered: Yes
- Vaccines up to date: Yes
- Microchipped: Yes
- Heartworm negative: Yes
Gets along with
- DogsAsk
- CatsAsk
- KidsAsk
Jasmine's story
Jasmine has been with her foster for 3 months and is fully healthy at this time. She is sweet, loving and low maintenance. She behaves well in her kennel and is potty trained.
Where Jasmine is
Lotus Gold Dog Gang
@lotusgolddoggang on Instagram ↗
Kendall
How to adopt Jasmine
Tap the button and tell us a bit about you. Bentley's Playhouse gets your details right away, and we'll show you how to reach Lotus Gold Dog Gang directly.
Bentley's Playhouse has been alerted!
Thank you for wanting to adopt Jasmine. We emailed you the next steps, and we sent your details to Lotus Gold Dog Gang.
Reach Lotus Gold Dog Gang Now
They handle Jasmine's adoption. Mention you found Jasmine on Bentley's Playhouse.
Bentley's Playhouse shares community dogs to help them get seen. Adoptions are handled by Lotus Gold Dog Gang. Always meet the dog first and ask for vet records. Listed Oct. 9, 2026.
1 / 55 photos. Use the arrows or tap a photo below to see more.
Ready for adoptionJoy and Love Rescue
Belle
- Age
- 5
- Sex
- Female
- Breed
- American bulldog mix
- Size
- Large
Health
- Spayed or neutered: Yes
- Vaccines up to date: Yes
- Microchipped: Yes
- Heartworm negative: Yes
Gets along with
- DogsNo
- CatsNo
- KidsYes
Belle's story
Belle is a service dog. She is a loving girl who sadly lost her owner and ended up in the high-kill shelter. She was rescued back in 2024 but since then has been living in a boarding facility. She needs a home without other pets.
Where Belle is
Joy and Love Rescue
Miami
How to adopt Belle
Tap the button and tell us a bit about you. Bentley's Playhouse gets your details right away, and we'll show you how to reach Joy and Love Rescue directly.
Bentley's Playhouse has been alerted!
Thank you for wanting to adopt Belle. We emailed you the next steps, and we sent your details to Joy and Love Rescue.
Reach Joy and Love Rescue Now
They handle Belle's adoption. Mention you found Belle on Bentley's Playhouse.
Bentley's Playhouse shares community dogs to help them get seen. Adoptions are handled by Joy and Love Rescue. Always meet the dog first and ask for vet records. Listed Oct. 7, 2026.
1 / 55 photos. Use the arrows or tap a photo below to see more.
Ready for adoptionJoy and Love Rescue
France
- Age
- 4
- Sex
- Female
- Breed
- American bulldog
- Size
- Large
Health
- Spayed or neutered: Yes
- Vaccines up to date: Yes
- Microchipped: Yes
- Heartworm negative: Yes
Gets along with
- DogsYes
- CatsYes
- KidsYes
France's story
France is a high-energy, beautiful, loving pup who is looking for her forever home. She is dog-friendly but with proper slow introduction. She was rescued back in 2024 and since then has been living in a boarding facility. Help us make her seen!
Where France is
Joy and Love Rescue
Miami
How to adopt France
Tap the button and tell us a bit about you. Bentley's Playhouse gets your details right away, and we'll show you how to reach Joy and Love Rescue directly.
Bentley's Playhouse has been alerted!
Thank you for wanting to adopt France. We emailed you the next steps, and we sent your details to Joy and Love Rescue.
Reach Joy and Love Rescue Now
They handle France's adoption. Mention you found France on Bentley's Playhouse.
Bentley's Playhouse shares community dogs to help them get seen. Adoptions are handled by Joy and Love Rescue. Always meet the dog first and ask for vet records. Listed Oct. 7, 2026.
1 / 44 photos. Use the arrows or tap a photo below to see more.
Ready to adopt or fosterJoy and Love Rescue
Snow
- Age
- 5
- Sex
- Male
- Breed
- American bulldog mix
- Size
- Large
Health
- Spayed or neutered: Yes
- Vaccines up to date: Yes
- Microchipped: Yes
- Heartworm negative: Yes
Gets along with
- DogsYes
- CatsNo
- KidsYes
Snow's story
Snow is a goofball full of energy and loves to play. He is an active, happy dog looking for his forever family. Preferably an active household.
Where Snow is
Joy and Love Rescue
Miami
How to adopt Snow
Tap the button and tell us a bit about you. Bentley's Playhouse gets your details right away, and we'll show you how to reach Joy and Love Rescue directly.
Bentley's Playhouse has been alerted!
Thank you for wanting to adopt Snow. We emailed you the next steps, and we sent your details to Joy and Love Rescue.
Reach Joy and Love Rescue Now
They handle Snow's adoption. Mention you found Snow on Bentley's Playhouse.
Bentley's Playhouse shares community dogs to help them get seen. Adoptions are handled by Joy and Love Rescue. Always meet the dog first and ask for vet records. Listed Oct. 7, 2026.
Bentley's Playhouse presents
Fénix Animal Project
A free, global portal for animals in need: find rescues and shelters, find a vet, and post or search lost and found dogs. Free for everyone.
Get involved
Small Things That Make a Big Difference
Share What Helps
Pass a guide to a neighbor, or share a lost or found post in your area.
How to share wellLend a Hand
Tell us about your time and skills, from transport to photography.
Volunteer interestOpen Your Home
Fostering gives a dog a quiet place to heal while they wait for family.
What fostering involvesSend Supplies
Food, bedding and enrichment toys keep rehab going.
Supply donations
Community
Follow the Playhouse
Rescue updates, vet bills and receipts, happy endings and the everyday business of dogs being dogs. Come say hi.
- Instagram (opens in a new tab)
- Facebook (opens in a new tab)
- Threads (opens in a new tab)
- YouTube (opens in a new tab)
- Email hello@bentleysplayhouse.org
