Houlagans Rest

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Richmond, VA
Houlagans Rest

Houlagans' Rest is a 501c3 rescue of last resort located in Richmond VA. Relaxation gave way to horror at the sight of the devastation to the Gulf Coast.

If you have any questions regarding adoptable dogs, fostering, or volunteering, please message us. The images of stranded, desperate animals left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina catalyzed our founders to become involved in animal rescue. When Katrina struck, they were at Cape Fear, North Carolina enjoying a wonderful beach combing vacation. Returning home, Debbie answered an email pleading for dr

ivers to take veterinary supplies to the Gulf and to return with homeless pets. Standing in the parking lot of the Pearl River SPCA, Debbie walked up with a little bag of bones disguised as a puppy. A dull coat and pot belly couldn’t hide the amazing optimism of the chocolate merle dog. So thin that his skin tented from his spine to his hip bones, he was one of the nine Catahoulah Leopard Dog mixes not chosen by other transporters. With supplies and man hours in short supply, the rule of triage dictated that the malnourished, ill litter would be euthanized. Determined shelter workers kept them alive and hoped for one last transport. They were it. They drove two trips to Picuayne, Mississippi in the month after Katrina. Debbie arranged many more transports acting as a link between shelters in the Gulf and rescuers hoping to help. No words can describe the reality of the Gulf Coast in the weeks following the storm. No words can describe the dedication of the animal rescue people of the Gulf Coast during those times. To this day, we treasure friendships forged in those days and we continue to work with homeless dogs. Unknown to us, that moment in the Pearl River parking lot launched our criteria for dogs coming into our care: homeless, unwanted by other rescues, and slated to die within hours. We became a Rescue of Last Resort.

12/18/2025

Our last 2025 adoption stand is this Saturday, December 20, at Southern States from 12 - 2. Why not stop by and see some of our available dogs!

11/20/2025

ADOPTION STAND CANCELLED FOR SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22.

Next adoption stand is this Saturday, November 22, at Southern States (Alverser Drive) from 12 - 2. Why not stop by as you run your Saturday errands and visit with our dogs. Too busy? Check out our website houlagansrest.com, to see our available dogs.

Howard and Jeremy or Jeremy and Howard - hard to tell which one is which!

11/05/2025

Next adoption stand is this Saturday, November 8, at Southern States (Alverser Drive) from 12 - 2. Why not stop by as you run your Saturday errands and visit with our dogs. Too busy? Check out our website,houlagansrest.com, to see our available dogs.

Reggie

10/23/2025

Our next adoption stand is this Saturday, October 25, 12pm - 2pm, at Southern States on Alverser Drive. Please stop by to see our dogs when you come to Southern States to purchase your fall gardening needs.
An adoption application can be found on our website: houlagansrest.com.

Nala was at our last adoption stand!

10/03/2025

We are having an adoption stand this Saturday, October 4, 12pm - 2pm, at Southern States on Alverser Drive. Please stop by to see our dogs when you come to Southern States to purchase your fall gardening needs.
An adoption application can be found on our website: houlagansrest.com.

09/11/2025

Our first adoption stand of the fall season is this Saturday, September 13, 12pm - 2pm, at Southern States on Alverser Drive. Please stop by to see our dogs when you come to Southern States to purchase your fall gardening needs.

An adoption application can be found on our website: houlagansrest.com.

08/09/2025

Houlagans' Rest followers:

Because of the summer heat, we have chosen not to have hikes and adoption stands. We will resume both in September so watch this space for future activities.

We are still accepting adoption and foster applications. To see our dogs, go to houlagansrest.com.

06/20/2025

Attention Houlagans followers:
Our next adoption stand is this Saturday, June 21, at Southern States (Alverser Drive) 12 - 2. Our available dogs can be viewed on our website, houlagansrest.com. Adoption applications can also be found on our website.

05/15/2025

Our next adoption stand is this Saturday, May 17, at Southern States (Alverser Drive) 12 - 2. Our available dogs can be viewed on our website, houlagansrest.com. Adoption applications can also be found on our website.

05/10/2025

This will warm your heart!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/9682315571815764

04/03/2025

Our next adoption stand is this Saturday, April 5, at Southern States (Alverser Drive) 12 - 2. Our available dogs can be viewed on our website, houlagansrest.com. Adoption applications can also be found on our website.
Why not stop by and get a jump on your spring plantings and decorations.

03/12/2025

Our next adoption stand is this Saturday, March 15, at Southern States (Alverser Drive) 12 - 2. Our available dogs can be viewed on our website, houlagansrest.com. Adoption applications can also be found on our website.
Why not stop by and get a jump on your spring plantings and decorations.

Address

Richmond, VA

Website

http://www.houlagansrest.com/

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