Frequently Asked Questions

Start by submitting an adoption application. Our team reviews each application, calls your references and veterinarian if you have one, talks with you about your household and daily routine, and then arranges a meet-and-greet with the animal we believe is the best match. If the match is right, we finalize the same week.

Applications are typically reviewed within three business days. From there, most adoptions are completed within one to two weeks, depending on how quickly meet-and-greets can be scheduled and whether the animal is still finishing medical treatment.

Adoption fees range from $250 to $450 depending on the animal's age and medical history. Every fee covers spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip and registration, deworming, flea and tick prevention, and a full veterinary exam. The fee recovers only part of what we spend per animal; the difference is covered by donations.

Yes. We require written permission from your landlord confirming pets are allowed, along with any breed or weight restrictions in your lease. Renting has never been a reason we decline an application.

Yes, when the animal is a good fit. Each profile lists what the animal is known to be comfortable with. We ask that all household members, including children, attend the meet-and-greet so we can see the interaction ourselves.

Our commitment is for the animal's lifetime. If circumstances change at any point — a month or ten years later — the animal comes back to us rather than to a shelter or a resale listing. There is no fee to return, and no judgment.

Generally we place animals within driving distance so we can complete a home conversation and provide ongoing support. Exceptions are made case by case for adopters willing to travel to meet the animal in person.

Yes. Barks of Love Animal Rescue and Placement Services Corporation is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 26-3647040. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law, and no goods or services are provided in exchange for a gift.

Ninety-two percent of donated funds go directly to animal care: veterinary treatment and surgery, vaccines, spay/neuter, medication, emergency intake, transport, food, and foster supplies. Six percent funds free community education and vaccine clinics. Two percent covers insurance, charity registration, and accounting.

No. Our board, officers, program leads, and every volunteer are unpaid. We operate no shelter building, which is why our administrative overhead stays near two percent.

Yes. An itemized email receipt suitable for tax purposes is issued automatically at the time of your gift by our donation processor. Contact us for a replacement receipt or an annual giving summary and we will send one within five business days.

Yes. Contact us within 30 days at info@boflar.org and we will correct, cancel, or refund a duplicate or mistaken gift.

Yes. We welcome unopened food, clean blankets, crates, leashes, collars, and toys. Email info@boflar.org to coordinate a drop-off in the Fullerton area.

Yes. Memorial and tribute gifts are warmly welcomed. Note the honoree's name when donating and we will follow up with an acknowledgement.

You can look us up under EIN 26-3647040 in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, on Charity Navigator, or on Candid/GuideStar. Our IRS determination letter is published in full on the About page.

Fosters provide a safe room or home, attention, and a predictable routine. We provide food, crates, supplies, and full medical coverage, plus a coordinator you can reach any time. Foster terms range from a weekend of transport respite to several months of rehabilitation.

Nothing. Barks of Love covers all veterinary care and supplies. You provide your time, attention, and a safe space.

Often yes. We match foster animals to your home based on the species, temperament, and vaccine status of your existing pets, and we walk you through a slow, structured introduction.

Yes. Foster adopters get first consideration, and it happens often enough that we have a name for it — a foster fail is a very happy outcome.

Foster homes, adoption-event volunteers, transport drivers, photographers, administrative and data support, fundraising, grant writing, and community outreach. Roles exist for nearly any schedule and skill set, including fully remote ones.

No. We provide training and pair new volunteers with experienced mentors. Reliability and compassion matter more than experience.

There is no fixed minimum. Some volunteers give one Saturday a quarter at an adoption event, others drive weekly transport runs. Tell us what you can offer and we will find a fit.

Email info@boflar.org or call 714-282-1768 with the location, a description, and photos if you have them. For an animal in immediate danger, contact your local animal control first — they can respond faster than we can.

We do when foster space and resources allow. Email us with the animal's age, medical history, and behavior around people and other pets so we can assess the situation and recommend next steps, including alternatives if we are full.

Every animal receives a same-day intake exam, vaccinations appropriate to its age, and a temperament assessment, then moves directly into a foster home. Animals needing surgery or isolation go to a medical foster instead.

No. Our animals live in private foster homes, which is calmer for them and lets donations go to care instead of a building. Meet-and-greets are scheduled by appointment or held at our community adoption events.

Yes. We run free community vaccine and microchip clinics several times a year and issue subsidized spay/neuter vouchers to families who need them. Email us to be notified of the next clinic.

Read our dated rescue and impact reports on the News & Updates page, published monthly with intake numbers, veterinary spend, and adoption outcomes. You can also request email updates through the contact page.