| The Havanese is a small dog that is native to the | | | | Cruelty to Animals) and the AKC (American Kennel |
| island of Cuba. The breed may date back to as early | | | | Club) to raise awareness of animal cruelty and |
| as the 16th century. Though considered a "toy" dog, | | | | mistreatment of the Havanese and other breeds. |
| Havanese are a hardy little breed that have been | | | | Reputable rescue centres have websites and |
| historically used to herd chickens and as child-friendly | | | | legitimate contact information for research and |
| pets. Named for Havana, Cuba, Havanese were | | | | verification. Resources and other helpful information |
| originally dogs of aristocratic families. This breed is | | | | such as ways to help the cause of Havanese rescue |
| known for its silky, heat-resistant coat and for its | | | | are also provided on their websites. An agency's |
| charming, family-friendly and fun personality. | | | | legitimacy can be verified with a quick phone call or |
| Purebred Havanese can cost anywhere from $1,000- | | | | email to the centre. |
| $3,000. Due to their price and popularity, many | | | | Havanese dogs are, first and foremost a social breed |
| Havanese' are being bred illegally in puppy mills and | | | | that is meant to be part of a family. Because of this, |
| sold at dog auctions and through pet stores. Fans of | | | | the threat of being raised in a puppy mill is a major |
| the breed and other dog and animal lovers have | | | | concern. Havanese rescue centres work to prevent |
| rallied together to create Havanese rescue centres | | | | the breed from being raised and sold in poor |
| due to the unethical practices of some breeders. | | | | conditions. Puppy mills take away the chance for |
| Havanese rescue centres help to save these sociable, | | | | Havanese to be socialized and receive the love and |
| popular little dogs from a life of maltreatment. | | | | affection they deserve. Rescue centres help to make |
| There are several important functions of Havanese | | | | sure that the lovable "Havs" aren't delegated to a life |
| rescue centres. These centres work to find and buy | | | | of "Have nots". |
| Havanese being sold in illicit puppy auctions. Members | | | | The ultimate goal of Havanese rescue centres is to |
| and volunteers often use their own resources to | | | | make sure that each and every Havanese has the |
| travel across country to rescue Havanese pups. | | | | opportunity to live a happy life. Supporters donate |
| Members then work to match rescues with foster or | | | | generous amounts of money and time to save |
| adoptive families. Havanese rescue centres also serve | | | | Havanese from the puppy mills. They also arrange for |
| the purpose of raising awareness and funding the | | | | rescued dogs to be spayed or neutered before |
| cause of Havanese rescue. | | | | adoption or fostering. In this way, future puppies are |
| Havanese rescue centres work in tandem with the | | | | also saved from the puppy mill life. |
| ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of | | | | |