About DARE | A Florida Dachshund Rescue Since 2003

We are Dachshund Adoption Rescue & Education, Inc. — DARE to Rescue. For over 20 years, we’ve been pulling dachshunds out of shelters, surrenders, and tough situations and finding them a forever family.

We’re 100% volunteer-run. Foster-based. No building, no staff, no shortcuts. Just a lot of people who love these little dogs more than makes any practical sense.

What We Do

DARE rescues dachshunds — purebred and mixed, smooth, long, and wirehaired, puppies to seniors, and yes, even the special needs ones — across the state of Florida.

Every dog that comes into our program gets:

  • Medical and dental care
  • A foster home where they can decompress, get socialized, and just be a dog
  • A carefully matched adoptive family — we don’t just find a home, we find the home

We also work to educate the public on responsible pet ownership, the realities of puppy mills, and what it actually means to commit to a dachshund for life (spoiler: it’s 12–16 years of a very opinionated, burrowed-under-your-covers dog).

Why Foster-Based Matters

We don’t have a shelter building — and that’s intentional.

Every DARE dog lives in a real home with a foster family while they wait for their forever match. That means our dogs are house-trained, know what a couch feels like, and arrive at adoption day already knowing what it means to be loved.

Foster families are the backbone of DARE. Without them, none of this works. Become a Foster

20+ Years of Second Chances

Since 2003, DARE has rescued and rehomed more than 3,000 dachshunds across Florida.

That’s 3,000 dogs who were lost, surrendered, sick, scared, or simply out of options — and found their way home anyway.

We’re a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax ID: 14-1908205), which means every donation directly funds rescue operations, veterinary care, and our annual flagship fundraiser, Doxapalooza.

Our Mission

DARE’s mission is to rescue and rehome displaced and unwanted dachshunds and dachshund mixes across Florida — while building a community that fights animal cruelty, advocates against puppy mills, and champions responsible pet ownership.

Who We Are

DARE is powered entirely by volunteers. No paid staff. Every person involved — from the President to the fosters to the people running our annual event, Doxapalooza — does this because they believe every dachshund deserves a real shot.

Alicia Duval, President

2014- Present

Alicia has been a DARE volunteer since 2007 and has served as President since 2014. A Tampa native through and through, she’s worn just about every rescue hat — transport volunteer, foster home, Fundraising & Volunteer Coordinator — before stepping into leadership.

She has been the driving force behind growing Doxapalooza into the dachshund event of the year in Florida, drawing attendees from across the state and beyond every first Saturday in November.

Off-duty, Alicia lives in Tampa with her wife Lena and a rotating crew of rescue dogs. You can find her on social media under her unofficial title: @The_CrazyDachshundLady

Heather Honer, Vice President

2023 – Present

It started with Mocha. One dachshund adopted in 2008, and Heather never really stood a chance. What began as a love story with one stubborn little dog turned into a full-blown commitment to making sure every dachshund gets that same shot at a great life.

As VP of DARE, Heather leads events, marketing, and technology — channeling a background in product management into the systems, strategies, and experiences that keep DARE growing year after year. She’s the driving force behind Doxapalooza, DARE’s annual flagship
fundraiser, and brings that same relentless energy to every corner of the organization.

Kathy Casey, Treasurer

2026 – Present

Kathy found her love of dachshunds the way so many do — through someone who just couldn’t stop talking about them. After connecting with DARE President Alicia, it didn’t take long
for Kathy to fall completely in love with the breed. Four dachshunds later, she’s living proof that these little dogs get into your heart and never leave.

Kathy has been honored to serve DARE in various capacities over the years, and she steps into the role of Treasurer with the same dedication and pride she brings to everything she does. Behind the scenes, she helps keep the organization financially strong and
sustainable — because saving dogs takes heart and a solid foundation. For Kathy, serving DARE has never felt like an obligation. It’s always been a privilege.

Get Involved

DARE runs entirely on community. Whether you want to adopt, foster, volunteer, or sponsor — there’s a place for you here.