Although transports have moved dogs from the South for decades, when Hurricane Katrina left more than 250,000 pets stranded, the infrastructure of modern pet transport for a nation-wide dog rescue effort was born. Since then, individual volunteers, transporters, shelters and rescue groups have created a movement to place millions of southern dogs in areas of the country with high demand for adoption but low supply. By following a group of women dog rescuers from Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, FREE PUPPIES! reveals the challenges that contribute to the rescue dog crisis in the first place. These women not only save dogs from euthanasia, but also organize affordable and accessible spay and neuter, reform local ordinances, advocate for humane education, and fight urgent and complex challenges facing underserved areas of the rural South.
The film achieves its goal in raising awareness for these volunteer efforts, casting a spotlight on a chronically overlooked crisis.
Claire Shaffer New York Times
A grassroots documentary, Free Puppies! is an exemplary showcase of hope and perseverance, delivering a platform to those most in need.
Stephanie Archer Film Inquiry
A film for dog lovers, dog rescuers, and really anyone who can appreciate a simple, sentimental and inspirational documentary.
Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com