We are a shelterless, foster based rescue. Our dogs are either picked up from state mandated isolation in Westport MA or a foster home in Massachusetts.
GBP has volunteers all across the state of MA, therefore we do not use a central phone number. All questions should be sent via email to: Team@galsbestpal.com
Please allow 48 hours response time.
GBP recommends a positive reinforcement training style training technique, because we believe it helps with the bonding and trust that needs to be built between you and your new PAL.Every dog is different, but this is always the best place to start! There are many trainers to follow and learn from! Please make sure you voice up front that you would like to start your training plan with all positive reinforcement.
Rescuing a dog outside of MA is tricky. There are rules about transport, licensing and regulations that you can’t even imagine. It is very difficult for us to help rescue a dog from another state, where we don’t have volunteers. Someone has to go get the dog from the surrendering home or shelter, transport him/her to a vet, make all arrangements and pay for the vet care, a behavioral evaluation and boarding for the two week quarantine period - and then work out how to transport the dog from where they currently are, to our state, where they then need to have a reservation for a state mandated 48 hr hold in a licensed Quarantine facility.
Sometimes, we can help but many times we cannot. It really hurts us to say no. We will try to refer you to another rescue in that area, if we know of any.
Adopters should be 23 & older. Please do not take it personally. We understand there are many responsible young adults that love dogs, but it is our policy to not adopt out to anyone under the age of 23.
If you are over 18 and looking to adopt, please reach out to your local shelters, their minimum ages range from 18-21.
Yes! We want to make sure that the dog you are interested in adopting would be compatible with any current pets in the household. Meet and greets can be scheduled if requested and are sometimes required, in certain circumstances.
The first step in our adoption process is filling out an application once approved. If you are interested in adopting a dog that is fostered in Massachusetts, we would set up a meet and greet.
GBP does not require adopters or fosters to have a fenced in yard, although there are circumstances when a specific dog will need one. The Matchmaker you are working with will let you know if this is the case!
Absolutely! We ask that you let your landlord know ahead of time before submitting an application. This helps us to speed up your approval process and makes for an easier conversation when our volunteers call. Breed and weight restrictions may apply, depending on your specific lease requirements.
Yes! All roommates do need to be on board with having a new PAL in the home. Their input will be included in parts of the approval process. If there are other pets in the home, we will ask to see their vet records to make sure they are up to date on vaccines.
We adopt to all New England states, but adopters must travel to the Massachusetts location of the dog they are adopting. We do not ship dogs.
Unfortunately, we do not adopt out our dogs as ESA or service dogs. Our pals are all rescues with different needs. They will need to be provided their own emotional support as they transition into a new home.
We sure can!! Matchmaking is our specialty! We also collaborate with many other rescues throughout the state, to help find specific matches if we don’t have a good fit available through our organization.
Yes! But you must become an approved applicant before a meet is scheduled. We do offer priority to those willing to "pre-adopt", as the majority of our dogs that transport to Massachusetts from southern states are headed from their southern foster homes to a new foster home in Massachusetts post transport/isolation. The less transitions, the better!
Once fully approved through our application process, arrangements will be made between the potential adopter and the Matchmaker to set up a meet and greet. If you fall in love- you should plan on bringing your new PAL home that day, so make sure you have all your supplies ready! In certain circumstances, we will allow for the dog to be picked up within 24 hours of the first meet & greet.
Our adoption fees only curb the costs associated with the rescue, vetting, transport, state-mandated quarantine, and ongoing food and preventatives for those pups living in foster homes until adoption. We rely on donations to cover the rest.
The expenses for each rescued dog almost always exceeds our adoption fee for them, so our organization relies solely on donations.
All of our adoption fees start at $695. This includes microchipping, transport, deworming, age appropriate vaccines, a new collar & leash, and their spay/neuter. We do not perform dental evaluations or cleanings.
Our fees as of 4/22/2023
Basic adoption fee: $695.00
YES! Our dogs will be spayed/neutered. The GBP team takes spaying/neutering very
seriously. A large part of our mission is to cut down on the overpopulation of unwanted animals and that starts with altering our dogs. Unaltered puppies will be scheduled for spay/neuters in MA at one of our vet partners at the next available appointment.
**We do not adopt out our dogs to homes with unaltered animals (unless there's a written medical reason) This goes against our mission of spaying and neutering to help curtail the overpopulation of unwanted animals.
We do not adopt siblings into the same home. Occasionally we have bonded pairs that we feel need to stay together, but as a general policy, we do not adopt out two dogs that are the same age at the same time.
We understand that applying to adopt a rescue dog can be an emotional process, and we truly appreciate your interest in giving a dog a loving home. Please know that every decision we make is guided by what’s best for the dogs in our care. Below are some common reasons why an application might be denied or archived.
Sometimes we receive an overwhelming number of applications for one specific dog.
Unfortunately, we don’t always have enough volunteers to process every application. In these cases, we focus on reviewing the ones that appear to be the best fit for that dog’s specific needs and personality.
If sections of the application are left blank or incomplete, our system may automatically archive it. Please double-check that every section has been filled out before submitting.
Everyone in your household should be aware that an adoption application has been submitted. If we find that not all household members are on board, the application may be archived or denied.
If you did not include all requested references, your application will automatically be archived until it is complete. Additionally, if during the reference process it is determined that any information provided on your application is false or not truthful, the application will result in an automatic denial.
Unfortunately, we do not adopt our dogs as ESA or service dogs. We cannot guarantee any specific temperament for service.
The application clearly states that the safety and happiness of our rescue dogs is our first priority. We reserve the right to deny any application we feel is not the best fit for the dog, even if all other factors appear favorable. There are many wonderful dogs in need of homes, and we wish you success in finding the right match — even if it’s through another organization.
Consistent and responsible vet care is an essential part of pet ownership.
We cannot approve applications where vet records show gaps or inconsistencies in basic care.
Our baseline requirements, as recommended by a panel of New England veterinarians and rescues (and aligned with Massachusetts import regulations), include:
• Annual wellness exams
• Rabies vaccination (required by law)
• DHPP vaccine
• Bordetella vaccine (if recommended by your vet)
• Annual 4DX test and prescribed heartworm prevention
• Spay/neuter of all current pets (unless medically exempt with written veterinary documentation)
Applications showing use of extreme or aversive training methods, prior pet surrenders without rescue notification, or schedules that do not meet the dog’s needs for exercise, enrichment, and training may also be declined.
We understand that not being approved can feel disappointing. Please know that every decision is made with the dogs’ best interests in mind, based on their individual needs and personalities. Our goal is always to ensure that each dog is placed in the home where they have the best chance to thrive and be happy.
While we may not be able to move forward with your application at this time, we truly appreciate your desire to adopt and encourage you to continue your search through another rescue organization — there are so many deserving dogs waiting for loving homes