INTAKE

• What qualifies a senior?

IT Depends on the breed, dogs have a wide range of life spans. GBF has a minimum age requirement of 7, regardless of breed.

• Do you have a physical facility?

No. We are foster-based. But our goal is to have a senior sanctuary in 10 years.

• Where do you get your dogs from?

Local shelters in Utah and occasional owner surrenders.

• Do you accept owner surrenders?

If we have funds and fosters, we will help where we can.

• Do you take in dogs from out of state?

The animal crisis is terrible nationwide, and we want to help our Utah shelters as much as possible. So, at the moment, no, just in-state.  

• What is the average cost for senior vet care?

AT OUR RESCUE, On average, vet care is about $800-$1,000 per dog. this is just an average for initial vet care costs. seniors can be more prone to emergencies or further diagnostics. this number does not account for that.

• Do you accept dogs with bite histories?

Unfortunately, we can not accept a dog whose bite breaks skin. We are a small rescue with minimal resources, and sadly we don't have the assistance to support dogs with bite histories.

• WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR DOG INTAKE?

  WE NEED TO HAVE A FOSTER LINED UP AND FUNDS. Sometimes, WE CAN FUNDRAISE AFTER WE TAKE ON A DOG, BUT WE PREFER TO HAVE SOME FUNDS FIRST. THAT ENSURES WE CAN PROVIDE FOR THE DOG ONCE IT'S IN OUR CARE.

  Another crucial requirement is having sufficient emergency FUNDS. If the fund is below our policy threshold, we unfortunately have to turn dogs away. *Please note that our emergency fund haS different thresholds depending on the number of dogs in our care.

• WHY DO YOU TURN AWAY SO MANY DOGS?

  We're a small rescue still growing; we don't have the funds and support to take on every dog. We never want to be in a position where one of our dogs cannot get the help it needs because we don't have the funds.

  It's our responsibility to ensure every dog we take in is given the care it needs. We only accept as many dogs as we know we can handle.

• WHY WE CALL Ourselves "NEW"?

  WE HAVE THE RESOURCES AND FINANCES OF A NEW RESCUE. WE'VE LEARNED SO MUCH OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, BUT WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO. OUR COMMUNITY HAS BEEN AMAZING, AND with THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT, WE WILL KEEP GROWING AND MAKE AN EVEN BIGGER IMPACT.

FOSTERING

• What do you cover? We cover everything!

Vet care, supplies, food, and anything the dog needs while in your home.

• Can I adopt my foster dog?

Yes! You must still follow our adoption guidelines and submit an adoption application. 2 board members must approve all applications.

• How long will it take for my senior to get adopted?

It depends. With seniors, it does take longer. It could be weeks or months. On average, most of our seniors stay with their foster families for a few months.

• If I sign up to foster, do I always have to foster?

Nope! We don't expect our fosters to always have time for fostering; we will work with what you can handle!

• I want to foster, but I have vacation plans.

Don't worry! Please let us know as soon as possible, and we will find another foster to babysit your senior!

• What if my foster dog is deemed hospice?

If you're comfortable caring for the senior until they cross the bridge, great! But if you're uncomfortable with it, we have fosters dedicated to hospice who are always happy to help.

• My foster dog isn't working out.

Please let us know about issues as they arise. If the dog is not a good fit in your household, we will find a different foster home.

ADOPTING

• Why are your adoption fees expensive?

Our adoption fees range from $75 to $250, depending on age and health. We are a nonprofit and don't have government funding like county shelters.

• Do you offer discounts on adoption fees?

We offer discounts for seniors adopting seniors. Ages 65+

• What if it doesn't work out down the road?

GOLDEN BARK WILL ALWAYS TAKE OUR SENIORS BACK.