The first step is to fill out an adoption application located on this site.

The foster home will contact you and be able to discuss with you whether the dog is suitable for your family situation. They may ask additional questions and will arrange for a "meet and greet" with their foster dog and your family.

At the point where the potential adopter and B.A.R.K. have mutually agreed that adoption should move forward, a contract will be signed by both parties and an adoption fee will be collected.

Because many of the B.A.R.K. volunteers have worked in other rescue organizations, they have developed connections with groups and shelters that are frequently in need of help. B.A.R.K. will assist in taking dogs from the shelters to prevent overcrowding or potential euthanasia.

The need for foster homes is great, and the number of dogs in need of safety is even greater. There is an open line of communication via emails, web postings, and word of mouth to notify everyone involved of a dog in need and everyone works together to transport the dog to it's new foster home.

In addition to B.A.R.K. taking in dogs from shelters, the volunteers are always keeping their eyes and ears open for cases of abandonment, abuse, or neglect in which their services as a safe haven could be utilized. These dogs can come from places such as "backyard breeders" who are irresponsibly and repeatedly breeding their pets for profit, from puppy mills where large numbers of dogs are often kept in inhumane conditions and used for breeding purposes or to sell at pet stores, and also from actual owners who can no longer care for their pet properly or provide them with medical attention.

Surrendering your dog to B.A.R.K.

While we are not able to accept many owner surrenders, we do try to help owners who are truly trying to do the right thing for their pet. 

A Few Rules

Surrendered Dogs Must

• Have no history of biting or aggression toward humans
• Be able to live in a home with other dogs
• Have complete medical history (if known) provided at the time of surrender
• Be surrendered with a recommended donation of $100 (this fee may be reduced if the animal is current with vaccinations and altered)
• Be evaluated by a representative of B.A.R.K.
• Be surrendered with a signed form giving B.A.R.K. full ownership and control of the animal's welfare

Yes. Crate training a dog keeps the dog safe while the family is away.  It also helps with the housebreaking, safety of your furniture and belongings and it provides a refuge for the dog while they adjust to new surroundings.

A routine vaccine program significantly increases your pets likelihood of living a normal, healthy life.  

Puppies should receive their first set of vaccinations, which is also known as a DHPP, at age 6 weeks.  At age 9 weeks they will need a booster vaccination and then another at 12 weeks.  When the pup is 4 months old they are then old enough for their rabies vaccination.

For maximum protection follow your veterinarian's advice and make sure your pet receives their vaccinations and boosters when scheduled.

Adopting a dog is a serious and lifelong committment and a decision that involves 100% dedication on the part of the whole family.

However, if the dog needs to be returned the dog must be returned to B.A.R.K. volunteers as stated in the contract. 

Losing a pet is one of the hardest things in life that we have to endure. We have to understand that our current animals will sometimes grieve in ways similar to ours. They may look around for their friend, refuse to eat, develop behavior issues or appear depressed. This is normal and although our first response is to try and ease their pain by introducing a new dog to distract them or fill a "void" that they may seem to have...that is not always the right response.

Your remaining animal(s) will need time to adjust to a life without their buddy and you will too. Very few new dogs will ever measure up to the dog you lost. B.A.R.K. wants to make sure that their dogs are welcomed into their new homes with wide open arms and no conditions or expectations other than to grow to be part of the family. 

When the time is right, you will know! 

Crate: Dogs usually enjoy having a cave-like place to call their own, and an indoor crate can usually provide this space, as well as a place to sleep or a place to temporarily secure a dog. Optionally, you can designate any safe area in your home for the dog to sleep and feel secure. 

Food: Ask the dog or cats foster home what the dog is currently eating and use that food to slowly mix with any new foods. Their own set of bowls is always nice too!

Collar and Leash: Even if the dog does not run off in their foster home or seems to really enjoy being around the family PLEASE keep them on a leash when they are not in a secured area. To your new dog you are a stranger! Rescued dogs have usually been "bounced around" quite a bit and can get confused. Some will not hesitate to seek out their foster home if given a chance.

Extras: Any extras like a soft bed or age appropriate toys are always fun! Treats make great training tools for most dogs.

Our foster families also work full time jobs or often have other full time obligations. Because they are volunteers, it is usually difficult though not always impossible to arrange for same day meetings. We generally ask that you allow 24 hours for a response to an email or phone call.

The first step is to complete the adoption application. Once the foster family receives the application they will be able to tell you if the dog will be a good fit in your home and arrange for a potential meeting after that. 

The best chance of meeting a group of our adoptable dogs in one location is to check this site for updated adoption event information.