Needing a better life for your Bernese Mountain Dog?

Surrendering a dog to BARC is encouraged because BARC is a specialized rescue organization that ensures Bernese Mountain Dogs receive the best possible care, rehabilitation, and placement into loving forever homes. Here’s why surrendering to BARC is the best choice:

1. Breed-Specific Expertise – BARC specializes in Bernese Mountain Dogs, meaning they understand the breed’s unique needs, temperament, and medical concerns better than a general shelter.
2. Loving and Thorough Placement – BARC carefully screens adopters to ensure that surrendered dogs go to homes that are fully prepared for their needs, minimizing the risk of rehoming failures.
3. Veterinary Care – Many surrendered dogs come with health issues. BARC provides thorough medical evaluations, necessary treatments, and ongoing veterinary care to get them in the best shape before adoption.
4. Foster-Based Care – Unlike shelters where dogs can experience stress and isolation, BARC places dogs in foster homes where they receive love, training, and socialization while awaiting adoption.
5. No-Kill Policy – Surrendering to BARC ensures that the dog will never face euthanasia due to space limitations or behavioral challenges.
6. Judgment-Free Support – Life circumstances change, and BARC understands that sometimes rehoming is the best choice for the dog and the owner. They provide a compassionate, non-judgmental surrender process.
7. Keeping Dogs Out of Shelters – Surrendering to BARC prevents Bernese Mountain Dogs from ending up in overcrowded shelters where they may not receive breed-specific care or face euthanasia due to lack of space.
8. Long-Term Support – Even after adoption, BARC remains a resource for adopters, ensuring that dogs have lifelong support if any challenges arise.

​By surrendering to BARC, owners can have peace of mind knowing their dog will be cared for by experts and placed in a home where they will thrive.
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Surrender Application

BARC’s Applicant Vetting, Fostering, and Rehoming Support Process
1. Applicant Vetting (Adoption & Foster Screening)
BARC ensures that every adopter and foster home is thoroughly vetted to provide the best environment for Bernese Mountain Dogs. The process includes:

• Application Review – All potential adopters and fosters complete a detailed application covering experience, lifestyle, home environment, and pet history.
• Veterinary References – If the applicant has current or previous pets, BARC contacts their veterinarian to verify responsible pet ownership, including up-to-date vaccinations and preventive care.
• Personal References – Applicants provide references who can attest to their suitability as a pet owner or foster.
• Home Visit – A virtual or in-person home check ensures the environment is safe and appropriate for a large breed dog.
• Matching Process – BARC prioritizes compatibility, ensuring the dog's needs align with the applicant’s experience, household dynamics, and activity level.

2. Fostering Process
BARC operates as a foster-based rescue, meaning dogs are placed in loving foster homes while awaiting adoption. The fostering process includes:

• Placement & Support – Dogs are matched with fosters based on experience, home setup, and the dog’s specific needs (medical, behavioral, socialization).
• Medical Care Coverage – BARC covers veterinary expenses, including vaccinations, medications, and necessary treatments, to ensure the foster dog remains healthy.
• Guidance & Training Support – Fosters receive guidance on training, behavior management, and transitioning the dog into a home environment.
• Regular Check-ins – BARC stays in touch with fosters to monitor progress and address any concerns.
• Adoption Preparation – Fosters help assess and prepare the dog for its future adoptive home by providing socialization, routine, and stability.​

3. Rehoming & Post-Adoption Support 
BARC ensures a smooth transition for both the dog and the adopter through:

• Adoption Agreement – A legally binding contract ensures adopters commit to the dog's lifelong care and return the dog to BARC if circumstances change.
• Transition Guidance – New adopters receive detailed guidance on integrating their dog into their home, including training resources and behavioral tips.
• Medical Records & Support – Adopters receive the dog’s full medical history and recommendations for continued care.
• Follow-Ups – BARC conducts post-adoption follow-ups to check on the dog’s well-being and provide ongoing support.
• Lifetime Safety Net – If an adopter can no longer care for the dog, BARC requires that the dog be returned to the rescue to ensure they remain in a safe and loving environment.
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This comprehensive process ensures that every dog is placed in a well-vetted, loving home, minimizing the risk of rehoming failures and prioritizing the well-being of each Bernese Mountain Dog.