Got questions? We've got answers! See below for our most frequently asked questions?

Where are you located? Do you have a shelter? 

We are located in Ottawa, Ontario. EOPR is solely foster-based. This means that we do not have a shelter facility, and all of our dogs live with foster families while they search for their furever homes! 

Where does EOPR get its funding?

We are non-profit organization and registered charity, so we rely solely on generous donations from our supporters & adoption fees to operate EOPR! See our DONATE page if you would like to contribute!

Where do your dogs come from?

We work with several islands to get homeless dogs in need into forever homes in Canada. Currently, we are focused on working with Barbados. We also intake dogs from local shelters who have found themselves on last chance euthanasia lists. 

Why are you helping and importing dogs from other countries when we have dogs in need in Canada?

The bottom line is we believe EVERY LIFE MATTERS, regardless of geography. We support local rescue 100% and frequently intake urgent shelter pulls, and occasionally local owner surrenders. The heartbreaking reality is that these islands have very little or NO resources to help their stray population - and the population of these homeless animals is in the tens of thousands. We do not have a stray dog problem here in Canada. Without outside assistance, these islands simply do not not have the resources, or the manpower, to help these animals. Here are some very important facts about our mission:

- We support the on-island rescues by providing proper medical protocols to ensure dogs are healthy PRIOR to their arrival in Canada and do not spread disease to our animals here. 

- We support the on-island rescues by providing much-needed supplies including medical supplies, food, toys, collars, etc. These items are very difficult to obtain on the islands, or very expensive. 

- We work with on-island rescues to organize SPAY & NEUTER programs to help reduce the overpopulation problem from ground level. We feel this is a VERY important part of island rescue. 

- We spend time on the islands helping our rescue partners, educating people on the humane treatment of animals, and how to care for their animals properly. A lot of sick animals on the islands are a product of improper knowledge. 

- We absolutely recognize that animals in Canada are often subject to neglect and abuse, and we are lucky to have many rescues and government funded shelters in this country who are equipped to help these animals in need. EOPR keeps a number of foster homes open in case a local dog needs our help! On the islands, there are no government funded organizations. Typically they are small, non-profit rescues who rely solely on donations to help the animals in need.

- The level of abuse and neglect on the islands is incredibly heartbreaking. Often dogs are not seen as pets on the islands. Their chances of finding loving homes on the islands are very slim. 

In closing, we believe it is our duty to help those less fortunate than us. To speak for those who do not have a voice. We do not simply bring these dogs into Canada to find them homes, we work with the islands to help alleviate the overpopulation problem from the ground up - we work hard to make a difference for these animals. 

Do you accept owner surrenders?

We have taken in many Potcakes (and local dogs) whose owners can no longer keep them. If you are struggling with behavioural issues or think you may need to rehome your Potcake, please contact us. ALL adopters of EOPR are obligated to return their dog to our rescue should they be unable to keep it, this is an important clause in our adoption contract.

Your adoption fee of is a bit higher than other rescues. Why is that?

The cost of bringing the dogs from the islands is the main reason, along with the often hefty veterinary bills that come along with these dogs. Depending on the time of year, airline available and method of travel (in-cabin or cargo), plus medical certificates and vet checks required just to leave the country, our adoption fee more often than not barely comes close to covering those expenses. Once they arrive in Canada we have further vet expenses (each dog receives 4DX Snap Test, any required vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, a microchip, additional deworming for internal parasites, and any other diagnostics and treatments that may be required such as dental cleanings, orthopedic surgeries, internal parasites, etc.) and foster care expenses (food, treats, toys, training equipment, etc). We are a non-profit, volunteer-run organization and we rely SOLELY on adoption fees and generous donations from our supporters to pay for ALL expenses.

Are your dogs seen by a veterinarian before adoption? 

YES. All dogs are inspected by a veterinarian and receive the aforementioned vet care after they have arrived in Canada. The vets on the island do their absolute best, but oftentimes they do not have the resources or access to things like tick fever tests, x-rays, etc. and very crucial health issues can be missed. Our dogs are screened for Heartworm, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis & Lyme. Should they test positive, treatment is immediately administered. All dogs are dewormed, UTD on age appropriate vaccinations & flea/tick prevention, and microchipped. 

Can I meet a dog before submitting an application?

Unfortunately, no. We are a foster-based rescue, which means we do not have a holding facility/shelter. All of our dogs live with foster families. It would be unfair to our fosters to organize meet and greets with individuals who have not been approved to adopt. Unless someone has met an EOPR foster dog in public on a walk for example, or at an EOPR adoption event, we do NOT organize meet & greets with anyone who has not been already approved for adoption. In order to meet a dog, please follow our adoption process, outlined on the "Ready to Adopt?" page of this website. Should your application be a good fit, a meet & greet will be scheduled. 

Do you provide post adoption support?

YES! We provide ALL adopters with lifetime support. We strongly feel that we make a promise to each dog as soon as they enter the EOPR family, to have their back and help in any way we can for their whole lives. If at anytime an adopted dog's family can no longer care for them, the dog is required to be returned to EOPR's care. This is an important clause in our adoption contract. 

Do you currently have a wait list for adoption? 

Currently no, we do not. Due to COVID-19 and a lot of uncertainty with flights and dogs arriving to Canada, it is not possible for us to keep a list of pre-approved adopters at this time. 

How can I help?

Here are some of the ways you can help!

- Be a travel buddy! If you are travelling to Barbados please consider bringing a dog home with you! Contact us for more information.

- Foster! We cannot bring a dog to Canada unless we have a foster home available! Please visit our "Interested in Fostering?" page to learn more and to apply. We cover all expenses!

- Donate! We are always in need of monetary donations and supplies for dogs in our care. Visit our "How can you help" page to learn more