WHERE IS THE LITTLE RED BARN DOG RESCUE (LRBDR) LOCATED? LRBDR is located in the heart of the Northwoods in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. We are primarily a foster-based rescue and do not have a public facility. A majority of our dogs are placed into loving foster homes until they await their forever homes.

WHY DOES THE LRBDR CHARGE ADOPTION FEES? As a completely volunteer-run facility, our adoption fees cover the necessary expenses required to care for the dogs we bring in. This includes: Certified Veterinary Inspections, vaccinations, spaying and neutering adult dogs, microchipping, deworming, 4DX testing (age 6 months or older), any necessary dental work or manage other heath issues that may be present, medications, food and treats, and supplies (blankets, towels, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toys, etc.).

WHAT DOES LRBDR DO FOR THE COMMUNITY? In addition, to providing homes for over 2,000 dogs since our organization began in 2020, we also provide care to owner-surrendered dogs and unclaimed strays, as well as emergency housing while owners undergo medical treatments or housing transitions. We also support dogs of underserved community members by providing dog food and medical treatments, which occasionally includes humane euthanasia and cremation services. We periodically host microchip clinics.

WHAT IS A MICROCHIP? A microchip for dogs is a tiny device about the size of a grain of rice that gets implanted under the dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Once the device is registered with the owner’s contact information (via website), it ensures they can be identified if they ever get lost. Most veterinarians, shelters and police departments are equipped with scanners that read the chip and access the owner’s contact information.

WHERE DO ADOPTABLE DOGS COME FROM? The dogs we receive come from many places and situations. This includes; transports from out-of-state overcrowded shelters, unwanted breeder-released puppies and retired breeding adults from in-state puppy mills, owner surrenders and local unclaimed strays.

ARE ADULT DOGS AS EASY TO TRAIN AS PUPPIES? With patience, commitment and love, many adult dogs are very eager to please and learn and respond favorably to positive reinforcement. Adult dogs often pick up housebreaking as quick or quicker than puppies. They will often times follow suit of other household dogs, which can help provide guidance with outdoor potty rules.

CAN I ADOPT TWO PUPPIES AT THE SAME TIME? We encourage researching "littermate syndrome". Extensive research advises against adopting puppies close to the same age together as the puppies tend to bond with eachother and can lack a bond with the family. They are also more likely to develop unwanted behavioral issues (separation anxiety, aggression toward eachother, food guarding, etc.). There may be exeptions, however, we generally do not allow puppies to be adopted into the same family. Although good for development and socialization, it is important for puppies to be separated so they begin to develop their own bonds and not rely on eachother.