What We Do at BARKS
Bon Accord Rescue K9 Society (BARKS) is a nonprofit dog rescue based in Sturgeon County, Alberta.
We specialize in adoption-focused care for dogs that come to us through trusted partner organizations. We are not a public intake shelter or a pound. Instead, we help dogs coming out of larger cases, seizures, or rural files find the structure and care they need before moving into a permanent home.
Our focus is simple: give dogs the time, safety, and attention they need — and match them with families who are truly ready.
The Dogs in Our Care
Most of the dogs we support arrive through large-scale animal welfare cases or seizures carried out by enforcement agencies. Once they're in our care, we begin the process of helping them decompress, recover, and rebuild trust in a safe, consistent environment.
This includes daily structure, gentle handling, professional care, and time - however long they need. Some dogs bounce back quickly. Others take longer. We move at their pace.
From the moment they arrive, we’re focused on what’s ahead. Every dog gets the chance to build confidence, experience stability, and prepare for a future in a loving home. It’s not always fast or easy - but it works.
Our Approach to Adoption
We make sure every dog is ready before they’re placed in a home.
Each dog is given the time they need to adjust, settle, and show us who they are. Once a dog is ready, we walk adopters through a thoughtful process designed to set everyone up for success.
We’re here to help adopters understand the dog’s needs, history, and routine — and to make sure the match feels right on both sides. Every adoption includes a starter kit (with one week of food, any medications, and a bag of treats) and follow-ups at 2 weeks and 3 months.
Volunteering at BARKS
We’re always grateful when people want to support our work - and yes, we do have opportunities for volunteers.
That said, our volunteer program is small and selective. Because many of our dogs are coming from sensitive situations, we prioritize consistent handling, clear routines, and safety for everyone involved.
If you're interested in volunteering, we encourage you to fill out a short application. We review each one carefully and will be in touch if a good fit opens up.
Why We Do This Work
By the time a dog reaches us, they’ve often been through something hard - and sometimes, it shows.
Our job is to help them feel safe again. To rebuild trust in small ways: steady routines, calm voices, consistency. Some dogs lean in right away. Others take time. But there’s a moment, a tail wag, a gentle nudge, a quiet nap beside your feet, when you know they’re starting to believe the world might be okay.
That moment is everything. And it’s why we do this work.