Illustration: Bentley, our French Bulldog, peeking through the glowing doorway of a playhouse. WELCOME

Miami dog rescue

Here for the dogs, and for the people who help them.

Bentley's Playhouse rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes dogs in 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.

Find help Get involved

What brings you here?

Is a dog hurt or in danger right now? Go to emergency steps.

Who we are

A playhouse with a purpose

Since August 2022, Cata Balzano has been taking dogs out of abuse, neglect and backyard breeding into her Miami home, and helping them heal. The rescue is named for Bentley, her French Bulldog, who welcomed every one of them.

Read our story

  1. Rescue.

    Getting dogs out of situations that are hurting them, and into safety.

  2. Rehab.

    Vet care, patience, routine and time, until a dog is ready to trust again.

  3. Rehome.

    Matching each dog with a family that fits, so the next home is the last one.

  4. Repeat.

    Then we make room for the next dog who needs us.

Resource Library

Guides people use most

See all resources
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.

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.

Miami-Dade
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.

Applies anywhere
Lost & Found Article

Microchips, explained

What a microchip does and doesn't do, how a lookup works, and the one step most owners forget.

Applies anywhere
Lost & Found Article

Returning a found dog safely

How to check that someone is really the owner, protect your own information, and avoid scams.

Applies anywhere
Lost & Found Tool

Lost & found flyer builder

Add a photo and details, choose what contact info to show, then print or save a flyer.

Applies anywhere

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.

See our RescueMe listingsDogs at Miami-Dade Animal ServicesDogs at Broward County Animal Care

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 well

  • Lend a hand

    Tell us about your time and skills, from transport to photography.

    Volunteer interest

  • Open your home

    Fostering gives a dog a quiet place to heal while they wait for family.

    What fostering involves

  • Send 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.

@bentleysplayhouse on Instagram