Big Dog Ranch Rescue
 | |
| Formation | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Lauree Simmons |
| Headquarters | Loxahatchee, Florida |
| Services | Dog rescue and adoption, service dog training |
Chairwoman | Lara Trump |
| Website | bdrr |
Big Dog Ranch Rescue is the largest, cage-free no kill dog rescue in the United States. It is located in Loxahatchee, Florida.
History
Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR) was founded in 2008 in Loxahatchee, Florida by founder and CEO Lauree Simmons.[1] The shelter rescues dogs from all over the country and helps to rehabilitate and rehome them. BDDR also provides education to the general public on responsible pet ownership, safe breeding, and advocates for spaying and neutering.[2]
In 2022, BDRR purchased a 100 acre former greyhound facility in Alabama and opened a second rescue facility.[3] The facility provides medical care and arranges adoptions for dogs from the states of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.[3][4]
Veteran Service Dog Training Program
The organization works with veteran's associations to match veterans with rescue dogs from their service dog training program.[5] They also offer free boarding for deployed service members.[6] Evan Fried is the director of the veteran dog training program, and since its inception, 190 veterans have been matched to service dogs.[6][5]
In 2026, BDRR opened a new $4 million, 18,000 square foot building in order to expand the veteran program.[7]
Fundraising and events
BDRR operate entirely on donations. Since 2018, Lara Trump has served as the chairwoman and has organized many charity events at the Mar-a-Largo resort in Palm Beach, Florida.[8][9] An event in 2025 raised $4.3 million for the organization and had guest appearance by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.[2]
In 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two animal protection bill at BDRR.[10]
References
- ↑ Bellinghausen, Grace (2026-01-19). "Big Dog Ranch Rescue opens Patriot Pet Lodge to triple support for veterans". WPEC. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- 1 2 Kumar, Akshay (2025-03-11). "Donald Trump & Elon Musk Raise $4.3M for Big Dog Ranch Rescue at Mar-a-Lago". Haute Living. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- 1 2 "Massive 100-acre cage-free dog rescue coming to former greyhound…". 1819 News. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
- ↑ Gore, Leada (2022-08-09). "100-acre no-cage, no-kill dog shelter opening in Alabama". AL.com. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
- 1 2 Eirikis, Denis (2025-06-13). "Big Dog Ranch Rescuing Veterans Along With Pups - Town-Crier Newspaper". Town-Crier Newspaper. Archived from the original on 2025-07-18. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- 1 2 Jorges, Victor (2026-01-28). "Big Dog Ranch Rescue opens massive facility to triple veteran service dog program". WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
- ↑ Washburn, Maya. "Big Dog Ranch Rescue opens new $4 million pet lodge for veterans' dogs". The Palm Beach Post. Archived from the original on January 22, 2026. Retrieved 2026-03-04.
- ↑ Kumar, Akshay (2025-03-11). "Donald Trump & Elon Musk Raise $4.3M for Big Dog Ranch Rescue at Mar-a-Lago". Haute Living. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
- ↑ Date, S. V.; HuffPost (2021-03-12). "Dog Rescue Charity Linked To Lara Trump Funneling Money Into Donald Trump's Pocket". HuffPost. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
- ↑ Diaz Lasa, Diego (May 28, 2025). "DeSantis visits Big Dog Ranch Rescue to sign two bills targeting animal cruelty in Florida". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved February 5, 2026.