Welcome to Cavalier Rescue USA

Sophia in Smyrna, DE

Sophia is a 10-year-old Cavalier. She is a petite girl, weighing only 12 pounds. She came into rescue a few months ago from a truly heartbreaking situation. She and another dog were abandoned in a shed after their owners moved from the property. She was previously used for breeding. She LOVES all people and is the sweetest dog you’ve ever met.

Sophia’s journey since arriving in rescue has been eventful and sad. She arrived with her ears matted to her neck, fur all over her body completely matted, flaky skin, and the happiest disposition. She sat patiently through hours of grooming, wagging her tail the entire time. After a trip to the vet, she was diagnosed with double ear infections, a urinary tract infection, and a grade 3 heart murmur. She was seen by a cardiologist and was prescribed medication to treat heart disease. She was then scheduled for a spay and a dental cleaning, which she desperately needed. When she arrived for her appointment, a small mass was found on a mammary gland. The mass was removed at the time of her spay and dental. It was biopsied, and she has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 Mammary Carcinoma. An X-ray was performed at that time, and no other masses were present. Even though no other masses were present, this is an aggressive form of cancer, and it will likely return. We do not have an exact life expectancy for Sophia but the survival rate at one year is about 30%. If not for this diagnosis, you would never know she was sick. She is so happy and full of life!

In spite of all the challenges she has faced, she is the sweetest, most loving little girl! She loves getting attention from everyone. Her tail never stops wagging. She loves food and treats and her bed. She has such a fun personality! She gets along well with other friendly, non-aggressive dogs her size. She would be fine as an only dog or with another friendly small dog. She loves to play with her 8-month-old foster brother and will try to get the other dogs to play with her as well. She gets the zoomies and runs around the house or yard.

Her favorite spot to nap is at your feet. She likes to lie with shoes, whether they are on someone’s feet or not! When someone comes to the house, she enthusiastically greets them.

Sophia is crate trained and sleeps in a crate at night, but the door is left open. She is very serious about her sleep and won’t come out of her crate in the morning until you call her. She is housebroken, but she has had accidents on throw rugs. I wouldn’t leave her on carpeted floors without supervision until she can be trusted.

Sophia is such a sweet girl. Our hope is that she will be able to live the remainder of her life as someone’s cherished pet.

If you are interested in Sophia, please complete our online application if you haven’t already, then email the coordinator for Delaware at cavalierrescueusamdwv@gmail.com

Online Application

Duke in Little Rock, AR

Meet Duke, a 6½-year-old tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel whose life changed unexpectedly through no fault of his own. After his beloved owner passed away, Duke found himself in need of a fresh start. When he arrived in rescue, he was facing several medical challenges, including pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, a urinary tract infection, seizures, obesity, and a grade 3 heart murmur. Thanks to excellent veterinary care, a carefully managed diet, regular exercise, and the love of his foster family, Duke has made an incredible recovery.

One of Duke’s greatest accomplishments has been his remarkable weight-loss journey. He arrived significantly overweight but has since lost more than 20% of his body weight and now weighs about 21 pounds. His seizures and heart murmur are well managed with medication, and he is feeling better than ever. To keep him healthy, Duke must remain on a strict dog-food-only diet. Like many Cavaliers, he has perfected the art of giving soulful eyes that beg for table scraps, but sticking to his diet is one of the greatest gifts his future family can give him.

If you’re looking for a constant companion, Duke may be your perfect match. He is the definition of a Velcro Cavalier and wants to be wherever his people are. You’ll often find Duke perched along the back of the couch behind your head—his favorite spot to relax while keeping watch over the people he loves. Whether you’re moving from room to room or settling in for the evening, Duke will happily be right beside you. Every now and then he’ll settle in with a chew bone, but his greatest joy is simply being close to his family.

Duke also has a funny, mischievous side. He enjoys watching and ‘talking’ to the farm animals through the window and has been known to go pantry shopping if food is left within reach. His personality shines brightest when he’s with his people.

Duke would do best in a home with a securely fenced yard, no cats, and older, respectful children. His adopter should be committed to maintaining his healthy lifestyle and medication routine.

After everything Duke has overcome, he deserves a forever home filled with love, consistency, and companionship.

As with all of our dogs, adopters must be willing to travel to Little Rock, Arkansas, to complete the adoption. We do not ship or transport dogs to their new homes, as we believe meeting your new family member in person is an important part of the adoption process.

If you think Duke might be the perfect addition to your family, please complete our online adoption application if you haven’t already. Once your application has been submitted, email Whitney Barron at wbarronp@gmail.com to let her know you’re interested in Duke.
Online Application

Aspen in Oak Park, IL

Say hello to Aspen, a gentle, handsome 15-pound Tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a heart of pure gold! He is 6-years-old and was born on April 19, 2020. Aspen came to Cavalier Rescue USA from a commercial breeding facility, and while he started off a timid, cautious and shut down little fellow, he has truly started to blossom into a confident, affectionate, and downright delightful companion. He is still shy and timid around new people and children seem to stress him out so he would be happiest in a calm, all adult home.

Watching him discover the joys of family life has been a blessing, and he is now ready to find his forever home! Aspen is the perfect blend of cozy couch potato and playful pup. Most days, you will find him peacefully lounging in a plush bed or comfortably snuggled up right next to you. Once Aspen bonds with his human, he becomes the ultimate “Velcro” Cavalier, always eager to keep you company and offer gentle devotion. Yet, don’t let his relaxed demeanor fool you—this boy has serious skills! Aspen has become quite the expert treasure hunter when it comes to the toy collection. He has learned how to open the toy chest all by himself, carefully selecting his favorite treasures and building an impressive stash on the couch. He also has a playful streak and absolutely adores a good game of fetch!

When it comes to daily life, Aspen is easygoing and quickly settles into a routine. He shares his foster home with a younger, energetic Cavalier and handles her playful antics with maturity, though he would also be perfectly happy as the only dog in his forever home.

While he occasionally appreciates a little gentle encouragement to head out the front door, once he’s outside, he happily settles into a relaxed, carefree rhythm on leash and truly enjoys his walks.

Aspen is house trained but will need to learn his forever family’s routines. In his foster home he does well with multiple outdoor trips and leash walks a day. He currently does well with short periods in his crate where he steps in happily to get all of his meals, but we are yet to test him with longer crate time and haven’t felt the need as he is very well behaved in the living space.

He will thrive best in a patient, loving home that appreciates his sweet soul, values his affectionate nature, and will continue to encourage his newfound confidence. Whether you are looking for a loyal lap warm-up partner or a fun fetch buddy, Aspen is ready to fill your home with boundless love and gentle joy.

Since coming to rescue, Aspen has been neutered, brought up to date on vaccines, had a dental cleaning with a few teeth needing extraction, and is on heartworm/flea/tick prevention. He is also microchipped.

If you are interested in this Cavalier, please complete our online application if you haven’t already and then email Meg Hutson Eisenmenger at cavalierrescuemeg@gmail.com so she knows of your interest.

Online Application

London in Mico, TX

Meet London!

Looking for a loyal best friend with a gentle heart? Meet London, a beautiful six-year-old girl weighing approximately 28 pounds. She is ready to find the family she’s been waiting for.

London is a sweet dog who will need an active family. She finds joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loves leisurely walks, playing with her favorite squeaky toys (she will need tough toys), and snuggling on the couch after a fun day.

She also has excellent recall, making her a wonderful companion for hikes, adventures, or simply exploring the backyard together.

Around the house, London is an absolute sweetheart. She’s fully house-trained, has wonderful house manners, and rides quietly and calmly in the car.

While she’s happiest relaxing with her people, she does prefer not to be crated.

London forms deep, lasting bonds with the people she loves. She can be a little reserved when meeting someone new, but with patience, kindness, and positive reinforcement, she blossoms into an incredibly affectionate companion.

Once you’ve earned her trust, you’ll be rewarded with gentle cuddles, happy tail wags, and her signature sweet face kisses. Continued positive exposure to new people and experiences will help her continue building confidence.

This smart girl already knows sit, down, off, come, and stay, and she’s highly food-motivated, making additional training enjoyable and easy. She truly wants to please her people.

London enjoys the company of other dogs. She would also likely do well as an only dog soaking up all the attention. She has not yet been tested with cats.

If you’re searching for a loving, faithful companion who will quietly steal your heart and be devoted to you for years to come, London may be the one you’ve been waiting for.

Could London be your perfect match? She can’t wait to meet her forever family.

If you feel like London belongs in your family, please fill out our online application if you haven’t already done so. Then email Maegan Ramos at sacavalierrescueusa@gmail.com to express your interest in London.

Applicants must be within four driving hours of Mico to be considered.

Online Application

Kitty in Plainfield, IL

Update 7-29-26: We’ve received several promising applications for this pup so aren’t taking more applications for now. Thank you!

Kitty is the most lovable and snuggly 3-year-old Cavalier girl. She recently turned 3 on July 2nd. She was given to Cavalier Rescue USA by her breeder and is enjoying life on the couch. Kitty enjoys playing in the backyard and cuddling on her foster mom’s lap.

Kitty has made herself very comfortable in her foster home after taking time to explore and becoming familiar with the stairs. She is becoming more and more comfortable walking on a leash with a harness. She prefers to keep step with her foster sister; neighborhood walks help with her puppy-like energy. She is comfortable with her collar and does best walking alongside her foster mom with a light, loose leash. She is eager to take in all the smells and noises when she is outside and shows no signs of lunging toward cars. Her forever family will need to continue working on her leash manners and teach her how to not get tangled up.

Kitty is consistent with potty time when taken out regularly. She should be kept to a regular schedule of every two to three hours when awake and not in her crate. She does not bark and will need continual training for a “signal” when it’s time to go potty. Her most telling sign is a prolonged smell of the floor. Kitty and her foster sister go out for potty time and she easily gets distracted by the smells. When she goes she is immediately rewarded with a small treat. Kitty will need someone who can offer patience, praise, and consistency in regard to potty training.

Kitty entered foster care a bit unsure and very cuddly. She immediately bonded with her foster mom and spends most of her day with her in the office. Kitty is not scared of her crate and sleeps well in there through the night. Because she loves snuggling on the couch, she has also shown interest in the people bed. Anytime her foster family is running errands she is crated. Kitty is interested in small toys but has not shown a big desire to play with them when she can run outside instead! Kitty takes naps on the couch or on a dog bed in her foster mom’s home office. She sleeps easily through the night (10 pm – 7 am) without needing any potty breaks.

Kitty does well at meal times and occasionally needs direction to start eating. She is currently being fed “Blue Buffalo” brand food twice per day as she grows into a healthy pup.

She is a great passenger in the car. Kitty has traveled comfortably in crates and carriers. She likes to ride and has shown no signs of motion sickness. Kitty is the sweetest dog, full of pep-in-her-step and unconditional love!

Kitty is looking for a loving fur-ever home where she can enjoy plenty of snuggles, soft blankets, and a family that is home during the day to provide regular potty breaks. She would thrive with another friendly canine companion to keep her company.

Kitty is a curious and adventurous little girl who loves to explore her surroundings. Because of her inquisitive nature, she likes to investigate doors and gates and often stays close underfoot. Her new family should be active, have good mobility, and be mindful whenever doors or gates are opened.

A home with a consistent routine, moderate activity level, and short daily walks would suit Kitty best. It is currently unknown how she does with young children, teenagers, or cats, but she has done well with other dogs.

Kitty weighs 15 pounds, has been spayed, micro-chipped, treated for ear infections, had a recent dental cleaning with only 2 teeth extractions, and is up-to-date on her vaccinations. The vet noted that she is a healthy pup.

We’ve also been told that Kitty is capable of climbing a chain link fence, so she will require a secure, solid wood, block, or vinyl privacy fence that is over 4 feet tall to help keep her safe.

A home with a consistent routine, moderate activity level, and short daily walks would suit Kitty best. Kitty grew up with children in the home so she is good with respectful, dog-savvy kids. It is currently unknown how she does with cats, but she has done well with other dogs.

If you’re looking for a sweet companion who will happily curl up beside you after a little adventure, Kitty may be the perfect addition to your family! Please complete our online application and then email Meg Hutson Eisenmenger at Cavalierrescuemeg@gmail.com so she knows of your interest.

Online Application

Josie in Lake Forest, IL

Here is Josie with her new family…

Hi! My name is Josie and I am the definition of FUN! I am 6 years old (my birthday is April 4, 2020) and I was given to Cavalier Rescue USA by my breeder who wanted the perfect forever home to be found for me.

I have a clear heart and sound knees. At 21 pounds I was told that I need to lose a couple of pounds, so I’m currently on a diet. I have recently undergone a spay, dental, am up to date on core vaccines, heartworm/flea/tick prevention and am microchipped. Although I am a very healthy girl and had a dental earlier this year, I was told that I will most likely need dental cleanings every year.

I have beautiful Tricolor markings and a very expressive face. I love to run around and explore the large physically fenced yard at my foster home. I am a very strong girl and I like to play tug and chase my foster sisters (especially the bully mix, she’s so much fun!), so I would love to have at least one other playful dog in my forever home.

I’ve been to my foster parent’s lake house and I went in the lake with my foster mom; I can swim, but I prefer to sunbathe on the deck.

I absolutely love my foster siblings. I can usually be found in the middle of a giant cuddle puddle or curled up with one of them. I love going on car rides and on new adventures, even if it’s just running errands with my foster mom; I love tagging along since I get lots of attention everywhere I go. I enjoy meeting new people and I like respectful, dog-savvy children of all ages – I am not shy at all! I love to snuggle my foster siblings and my foster parents – if there’s an empty lap, I will climb up into it! Whoever wants to snuggle I’m all in, anytime.

I am a very good girl; I am reliably house trained (although my foster mom is home quite a bit to let me out), I sleep all night in my own crate, and during the day I have earned the trust of my foster parents to have the run of the house. I do have quite the snore for such a small dog, so my foster mom uses a sound machine to help muffle my cute little noises.

I like to partake in neighborhood watch duty with my foster brother and sisters; there are so many trespassers that I like to yell at when they walk by the house! Therefore, I would do best in a single-family home where my alerts won’t bother any neighbors. I walk well on a leash using a harness, so walks would be a great part of my weight loss plan. I LOVE food and am a voracious eater, and I have enjoyed all of the fun and healthy foods my foster mom has given me; goat milk ice cream is my favorite special treat.

If you’re looking for an outgoing, fun and affectionate girl that loves to snuggle and to play with other dogs, have a secure physically fenced yard, are home most of the time and live within a reasonable driving distance of Lake Forest, Illinois, please complete our online application if you haven’t already and then send an email to Carrie Thiergart at cavalierrescuecarrie@yahoo.com so she knows of your interest.

See Josie playing with her buddy… Josie and Friend

Online Application