Our Story
While the primary objective of the Organization is to rescue, care for, and place homeless, unwanted, neglected, and suffering animals, as well as to ultimately do its part to make the world a more humane and compassionate place for ALL animals, B.A.A.R.K. volunteers are also involved in other significant activities to support these objectives:
• Marketing & Promotional Activities
• Offsite Events
• Fundraising
ANIMAL RESCUE, CARE, & ADOPTION
These are the primary and ongoing activities undertaken by the Organization. Animals, rescued from dangerous, threatening, and/or inhumane or neglectful conditions, receive initial veterinary care as well as specialized care, if necessary, to address any medical condition(s) present at the time of rescue. ALL ANIMALS ARE SPAYED/NEUTERED. Each animal is placed into a foster home appropriate for his/her specific needs, ultimately to be matched with and placed into a permanent home which is able to provide compassion, life-long attention and love, and a commitment to meet the needs of the animal for the remainder of his/her life.
Intake – Animals are received into B.A.A.R.K.’s Adoption Program from high-kill animal shelters and animal control facilities, other rescue organizations needing assistance, owners who no longer want or are able to care for their animals, hoarding situations, puppy mills, and similar sources/situations.
Veterinary Care – Upon receipt into the program, each animal receives a full veterinary examination, age-appropriate vaccinations, necessary bloodwork (i.e., heartworm testing), and any other medical care that may be needed. This may include minor procedures such as dental cleaning/extractions, or more significant surgery such as amputation or eye removal, for example. ALL ANIMALS ARE SPAYED/NEUTERED. All veterinary care is provided by qualified personnel with whom B.A.A.R.K. has established a beneficial (and cost-effective) relationship.
Foster Care – Each animal received into the Adoption Program is assigned to a foster home, suitable to meet his/her needs and able to commit to providing the care required, following all Foster Care Policies established by the Organization.
Adoption – Each animal is placed into a permanent, compassionate and loving home based on criteria established by the Adoption Committee. In addition, if the animal requires a “special home” (i.e. “no other dogs,” or “no cats” or “no men”) these requirements must be met as well. B.A.A.R.K. does not discriminate as to the race, religion, or national origin of a potential adopter. However the Organization reserves the right to deny any adoption for cause.
An adoption fee is charged for each animal however such fee is not expected to cover the Organization’s investment of care for each animal.
MARKETING & PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
The objective of Marketing & Promotional activities is to promote animals available for adoption as well as events and fundraisers planned by the Organization. Marketing & PR are ongoing commitments and include activities such as website development and maintenance, social media posting, communicating with supporters and donors via other e-communications, and posting of animals available for adoption to Petfinder, Adopt-A-Pet, and similar adoption websites
OFFSITE EVENTS
Such activities overlap with Adoption and Marketing & Promotional activities. Offsite Events include scheduled commitments at local pet supply stores, and similar venues as well as special adopt-a-thon events which most typically take place during summer months. All such activities are expected to take place within the Chicago area. The objectives of such events are to promote animals currently available for adoption, share with others the mission of the Organization, and educate the public to help encourage animal adoptions, the compassionate care and humane treatment of ALL animals, and respect for all life.
FUNDRAISING
Fundraising is an essential undertaking, in order to achieve the primary objectives of B.A.A.R.K.. Fundraising includes but is not limited to direct mailing (2-3 times per year), online (website and email) donation requests, and fundraising events. Fundraising events may include an annual walkathon, silent auction, recycling initiatives, farmers markets and raising funds in partnership with area eateries (i.e., a percentage of the dining bill is donated to B.A.A.R.K.) and other businesses (i.e., Savers, Entertainment Publications, See’s Candy). In time, the Organization hopes to implement planned giving programs, to allow for receipt of bequests, life insurance proceeds, retirement plans and other property to be sold by the estate of a deceased donor.
