Frequent Questions

Who Is Great Dog Rescue New England?

Great Dog Rescue New England is a nonprofit, shelterless, all-breed rescue group headquartered in Massachusetts. Our group is comprised of volunteers all over New England who love dogs and want to help those that end up homeless through no fault of their own. We are:

  • Incorporated in the State of Massachusetts.
  • Registered with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Charities Division.
  • Established as a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization with the Internal Revenue Service.
  • Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture to import dogs into the state.

Where Do Your Dogs Come From?

Loyal and loving dogs turn up every day in New England and Southern shelters, as owners turn them in or they’re found roaming the streets after being dumped. To the best of our abilities, we evaluate all of our Great Dogs’ temperament and suitability for living with other dogs, cats, and children. A dog’s health is checked, and we make sure they are up-to-date on all shots and are spayed or neutered. Then, we place them in loving foster homes until they find their own family. Our goal is to meet the needs of each dog as an individual and to assure proper placement in a loving forever home.

What Is The Process To Adopt A Dog?

We emphasize matching the right dog to the right family so that all will have many happy years together. Completing and submitting the adoption application is the first step and the fastest way to begin the adoption process. You must be 24 or older and living in New England to complete and submit an application.

Additional steps include:

  • phone interview
  • veterinary & personal references check
  • home visit
  • adoption fee
  • adoption contract (can be previewed on our website)

How Long Does The Application Process Take?

The formal process will vary depending upon our volunteer’s availability. The process is reasonably fast, so you should apply for a dog when you are ready to welcome a new pet into your home.

What Is The Adoption Fee?

The standard adoption fee is $495 for dogs 6 months and over and $575 for puppies under 6 months. All puppies spayed/neutered locally will have an adoption fee of $650 to cover the vetting cost.

The Adoption Fee Seems High. What Does It Include?

Great Dog Rescue is a 501c3 non-profit, all-volunteer rescue. We are not funded or subsidized by any state or federal agency, although we are required to adhere to strict state regulations. Our operation runs solely on the adoption fees we collect and the donations we receive from caring people like you. There are many costs involved in running the rescue, the very least of which includes veterinary care, transportation from the South, food, kennel care, rent for the required quarantine space (per state regulations), and associated utilities. All of our dogs are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, up to date on their vaccinations, tested for heartworm, ehrilicia & lyme disease if over 6 months of age, receive two vet exams (one in the South and one upon arrival in MA) and health certificates and are microchipped. The money we receive for adoption fees and donations barely covers the costs associated with rescuing dogs and we use every penny to keep rescuing dogs in need.

Please note: GDRNE does not cover any dental work.

Can I Make A Donation?

Yes! All donations go directly to the dogs and every little bit helps (and your donation is tax deductible). Your financial donation will help us to rescue and vet dogs in need. You can make a donation on our website or email us for our post office box address.

Can We Visit Your Shelter or Reach You By Phone?

No. Great Dog Rescue operates as a shelterless rescue organization, so we do not have a building or phone number. Our dogs live in private foster homes until adopted, and our volunteers work from their homes. If you are interested in one of our Great Dogs, the first step is to complete and submit an Adoption Application.

Can I Volunteer With Great Dog Rescue?

Yes. Great Dog is run solely by volunteers, and more help is always needed. There are many ways you can help including home visits, adoption coordination, event volunteer, transportation and more. Perhaps you can help in ways we haven’t considered yet.

If you are interested, please complete and submit a Volunteer Application. Visit our Volunteer page for more information.

Do you adopt dogs as emotional support animals?

No.  We do not adopt dogs out as emotional support animals (ESA) or as guide/service animals.