Volunteers are amazing The owner of the rescue is not open to professional opinions. Talks about being a team, but is dismissive of trained advice. We came onboard as experienced fosters and trainers/ behaviorists for a litter of puppies. It was chaotic from beginning to end. I'm hoping it was a one off. Brigitte is not accepting of any advice or respectful of others knowledge, doing what's best for her rather than the puppies. Understanding the big picture is extremely important and she doesn't get that, nor was willing to consider any opinion that didn't fit her narrative. Perhaps she's better with older dogs/proper placement and should stay away from puppies. She also overdoses on worming meds for puppies. 2 doses within a week and wanting a third dose in the 2nd week. Twice in transferring puppies she used volunteer drivers who did not have adequate ways to transport. Puppies riding unsecured is unsafe for the driver, the puppy and others on the road. It's hard to write a negative review of a rescue because it's hard work, but in my case this was a negative experience. read more

My experience with VT Dog Rescue has been anything but positive. Throughout the process, it has been an emotional roller coaster, and is a ride I am so thankful to have gotten off. It all began 12 weeks ago, when we originally filled out their extremely lengthy application, which asks very personal and intrusive questions, and even went as far as asking us who would care for the dog if we died from Covid. I understand the need for dog rescues to be thorough with the applications to ensure the dogs be placed in the absolute perfect home, but their screening process and grilling of their applicants are preventing dogs from going to good homes. After filling out the application, I found it odd we never received any sort of confirmation or correspondence that the application was even received. The original dog we were interested in and whose name we had put on the application had been adopted, so I sent an e-mail with another dog's name who we would like to learn more about. I never received a response from my e-mail, and did not receive any communication from them until about the 6 week mark. At that time, an email was sent, stating that our application was under review and they will begin processing it and contact the vet of a previous dog. Days pass, and we hear nothing. I finally received an e-mail that said they had concerns with our vet history. After that was cleared up, they moved on to the personal references. Again, days pass and we hear nothing. I would send e-mails asking for updates and get no response. Then we get an email saying our references were fine and we would need to fill out yet another application. She asked for us to fill the application out how we would answer it, and how our children's grandmother would respond since she occasionally stays at the house and watches our two children. Weeks pass, no communication. Finally, I call them, and she tells me that my application was dismissed because they didn't feel enough information was given on my children's grandmother and how she would feel about caring for both children and a new puppy . Did they communicate to tell me that not enough information was given- No- of course not - just decided to throw out the application and not respond to my e-mails. On the phone I explained to her that my work schedule had changed and my mother-in-law was no longer at the house watching the children and they would soon be back at school. She said that changes things and they would reactivate my application. Then I received multiple e-mails grilling me about my work schedule stating that my 5 hour work schedule was too long for a dog to be home by itself, so I assured her my husband would come home from lunch and walk the dog daily. Now they were finally ready to show us a dog. We got to pick our top five dogs, and was set up with our top choice! We were so excited! Finally, I thought things were looking better, and all of this was going to be worth the wait. But little did I know, what I was about to experience was the biggest drop in our roller coaster ride of emotions. After the visit with the dog, late that night we receive an e-mail that said we need to discuss the visit. I called her first thing in the morning and waited all day for her to return my call. She finally calls, and said we could not get the dog or any dog from them because my daughter appeared "fearful" of the dog and it would not be a good fit. I think it is unfair to determine if we are a good fit based on a 20 minute meet and greet in the pouring rain. I am sure my daughter is not the only child who is a little nervous about meeting a new dog for the first time. We have taught our children to not run to dogs and give them big hugs. We have told them to ask before petting a new dog and make sure it is safe. I think my daughter's actions were appropriate under the circumstances especially due to the fact my husband was bit by a dog whose owners told us he was friendly and okay to pet. Since then our children always ask if a dog is friendly. My daughter did not run away, hide, or cry, but rather just ask questions making sure it was safe. She even brought a ball for the dog to play with. After we left, we went to the pet store to get everything we would need, and my daughter picked out a butterfly toy and a purple bone for the dog because the foster mom had said she likes butterflies and bones. Myself, and the kids are very disappointed and heartbroken. We have a large fenced in yard, a home with plenty of neighborhood dogs to play with, and huge hearts looking for a dog to love. I apologize for the long review, but I don't want another family to have to go through what we went through. So unless, you don't mind waiting 3+months for a dog, don't mind a rigorous screening process, don't mind ignored e-mails, work less than 4 hours a day, and have children that run up to strange dogs and snuggle them, I suggest you look elsewhere!! read more

we have had nothing but a positive experience with VT dog rescue! Bridgitte and the foster parents have been very flexible and accommodating to our needs. while it did take a while to hear back (about 3 weeks), it was worth it as they went through all of the applications for the dog we were interested in and luckily we were the match! after hearing back, we were able to promptly schedule a meeting with the foster family. what we really liked is that if you lived within a certain distance from the foster family, you would take the night to decide. this really helps so you don't feel pressured into taking a dog that you may not have gotten along with. they were able to hold to dog for us for an extra week so that we would have a few days off in a row to get the dog acclimated. they also included lots of goodies for our dog to come home with. we couldn't be happier with the experience. thank you so much for everyone at VT dog rescue!! read more