Frequently Asked Questions
Where is GBP Rescue located?
GBP Rescue is a Massachusetts-based, foster home rescue. Because we do not operate a physical animal shelter, our dogs are either picked up from our state-mandated isolation facility in Amesbury, Massachusetts, or directly from one of our foster homes throughout the state.
What’s the difference between an animal rescue and an animal shelter?
Gals Best Pal is not a shelter, but rather a foster-based organization. If our dogs are not pre-adopted upon arrival to Massachusetts, they live in foster homes where they continue to learn how to "dog" while waiting for their forever home.
This also means we do not have a facility where you can pop in to meet adoptable puppies and dogs. We do however, have a dedicated space in Amesbury, MA that will serves primarily as our state licensed isolation facility as well as a pick-up location.
Our dogs are available on a first-come-first-serve basis to our approved adopters. Approved adopters can either pre-adopt before arrival to MA or meet one of our dogs in their foster home (by appointment only) or visit us at one of our local adoption events.
How do I contact GBP Rescue?
Our volunteers are located throughout Massachusetts, so we do not have a central phone number. Please send all questions to team@galsbestpal.com. We do our best to respond within 48 hours.
What type of training do you recommend?
We strongly recommend positive reinforcement training. This approach helps build trust, confidence, and a lasting bond between you and your new dog. Every dog is unique, but positive reinforcement is the best place to begin. Please reach out to us for a list of recommended trainers.
I want to help a dog outside of Massachusetts. Can GBP help?
Sometimes, but not always.
Rescuing a dog from another state involves complex transport regulations, veterinary care, behavioral evaluations, licensing, and state quarantine requirements. It also requires volunteers on the ground to coordinate every step of the process.
When we're able to help, we absolutely will. If we can't, we'll do our best to refer you to a reputable rescue organization closer to that dog.
Adoption Questions
How old do I have to be to adopt?
Applicants must be 23 years of age or older to adopt from GBP Rescue. While we know there are many responsible younger adults, this policy helps us ensure long-term stability for our dogs.
I have other pets. Can I still adopt?
Absolutely! We carefully match each dog with the right home, including any existing pets. Meet-and-greets with resident dogs may be scheduled or required depending on the situation.
Do you offer meet-and-greets?
Yes! Meet-and-greets are scheduled after your adoption application has been approved and you've been matched with a dog.
Do I need a fenced yard?
Not necessarily. While most of our dogs do not require a fenced yard, some may have specific needs that make one necessary. Your Matchmaker will let you know if a fenced yard is required for a particular dog.
Can I adopt if I rent my home?
Yes! We simply ask that you confirm with your landlord before submitting your application. This helps speed up the approval process. Please note that some rental properties have breed or weight restrictions.
I have roommates. Can I still adopt?
Yes. We ask that all roommates support the decision to bring a dog into the home. If there are other pets living there, we'll also ask to review their current veterinary records.
I don't live in Massachusetts. Can I still adopt?
Yes! We adopt to families throughout New England. However, adopters are responsible for traveling to Massachusetts to meet and pick up their new PAL. We do not transport or ship dogs to adopters.
Do you adopt dogs as Emotional Support Animals (ESA) or service dogs?
No. Our dogs are rescued companions with their own unique backgrounds and needs. We do not place dogs specifically as Emotional Support Animals or service dogs.
If the dog I'm interested in gets adopted, can you help me find another?
Absolutely! Matchmaking is one of our specialties. If your first choice isn't available, we'll help you find another dog that fits your family and lifestyle. We also work closely with other rescue organizations throughout Massachusetts to expand your options.
Can I meet a dog before adopting?
Yes. Once your application has been approved, we'll schedule a meet-and-greet. We also offer priority to applicants willing to pre-adopt dogs before they arrive in Massachusetts, helping reduce the number of transitions each dog experiences.
How many times can I visit a dog?
Most adopters meet their future PAL once before bringing them home. If you fall in love during the meet-and-greet, we encourage you to be prepared to take your new family member home that day. In some situations, pickup may be arranged within 24 hours.
Why do you charge an adoption fee?
Adoption fees help offset only a portion of the costs associated with rescuing each dog, including transportation, veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, state-mandated quarantine, food, preventatives, and foster care.
The cost of caring for each dog almost always exceeds the adoption fee, which is why GBP Rescue depends on the generosity of donors to continue saving lives.
What is your adoption fee?
Our adoption fees begin at $695.
Every adoption fee includes:
Microchipping
Transportation to Massachusetts
Deworming
Age-appropriate vaccinations
A new collar and leash
Spay or neuter surgery
Please note that dental evaluations and dental cleanings are not included.
Current Adoption Fee (effective April 22, 2023):
Basic Adoption Fee: $695
Are your dogs spayed or neutered?
Yes! Spaying and neutering is an essential part of our mission to reduce the overpopulation of unwanted animals.
Whenever possible, dogs are altered before adoption. If a puppy is too young for surgery prior to adoption, their spay or neuter will be scheduled with one of our Massachusetts veterinary partners at the earliest appropriate appointment.
Please note: We do not adopt dogs into homes with unaltered pets unless there is written veterinary documentation explaining a medical exemption.
Do you adopt sibling puppies together?
As a general policy, no. We do not place sibling puppies or two dogs of the same age into the same home because of the potential for littermate syndrome and other behavioral challenges.
Occasionally, we may have a bonded pair that we feel should remain together, but these situations are evaluated individually.
Why Might My Application Be Denied or Archived?
We know applying to adopt a rescue dog is exciting, and sometimes emotional. Every application is carefully reviewed with one goal in mind: finding the best possible match for each dog. While many wonderful families apply, not every application can be approved.
Here are some of the most common reasons an application may be archived or denied.
High Volume of Applications
Some dogs receive dozens of applications in a short period of time. Because our volunteers have limited capacity, we may only be able to review the applications that appear to be the strongest match for that dog's specific needs.
Incomplete Applications
Applications that are missing information or have unanswered questions may be automatically archived. Please review your application carefully before submitting it.
Household Agreement
Everyone living in the home should be aware of and supportive of adopting a dog. If household members are not in agreement, we may be unable to approve the application.
Missing or Inaccurate References
Applications missing required references will be archived until they are complete.
If information provided on an application is found to be inaccurate or intentionally misleading during the verification process, the application will be denied.
Emotional Support or Service Animal Requests
We do not place our rescue dogs specifically as Emotional Support Animals (ESA) or service dogs, and we cannot guarantee that a dog will have the temperament or training required for those roles.
Veterinary Care Requirements
Responsible veterinary care is an important part of responsible pet ownership. To be considered for adoption, current pets should have a history of routine veterinary care.
Our baseline expectations include:
Annual wellness examinations
Current rabies vaccination (required by law)
DHPP vaccination
Bordetella vaccination (when recommended by your veterinarian)
Annual 4DX testing and prescribed heartworm prevention
Spay or neuter for all current pets unless medically exempt with written documentation from your veterinarian
Training and Lifestyle Considerations
Applications may also be declined if they indicate:
The use of harsh or aversive training methods
Previous pet surrenders without notifying the rescue
A daily schedule that would not provide adequate exercise, enrichment, companionship, or training for the dog
Our Commitment to Every Dog
The safety, health, and happiness of our dogs will always be our highest priority. We reserve the right to decline any application if we believe another home is a better fit for a dog's individual needs, even when an applicant meets all other requirements.
We understand that not being approved can be disappointing. Please know that these decisions are never personal. Our goal is simply to place every dog in the home where they have the greatest opportunity to thrive.
If we aren't able to move forward with your application, we sincerely appreciate your interest in adoption and encourage you to continue your search through another rescue organization. There are many wonderful dogs waiting for loving homes.