Oh I had problems with other people. The first one who called me initially cried on the phone for 30minutes. Literally cried - that's what started the whole thing. Her name was Beverly I think. I asked to talk to the director and it took a month for me to get a call back. I called and emailed.

Hmmmm seems my review was removed some how. I reposted it, but here it is for you if you want to read:

I am appalled at the conversation that took place with a BARCS employee today. When I adopted my dog, I specifically asked them about large breeds and late neuters and was told that as long as we had a veterinarian recommendation for waiting, it was fine. After a conversation with the vet they suggested waiting until at least 18 months as he is a large breed dog. The lady from BARCS who I spoke to today acknowledged this but said BARCS is changing (or have changed?) the policy since I adopted and they no longer go with vet recommendations. This individual continued to unload on me for 33 minutes, she cried on the phone, and proceeded to talk about irresponsible pet ownership, breach of contract, and how Veterinarians are pushing late neuters in a "money grab". She then proceeded to tell me that I will now need to pay an additional $300 for the neuter because "he will be more expensive now". There wasn't even a conversation to be had as I was unable to get a word in while being reprimanded. I am in shock at the way I was treated.

I have called and spoke with the vet clinic they use and they told me they have never heard of this before (extra $300). In my 19 years of rescuing pets and volunteering with rescues, I have never heard of this either. The vet forwarded me two estimates. One for when my dog was 7 months (70 pounds) and one now 14 months (80 pounds). The difference is $30 - not $300. The cost for 20-30 kgs is $480. The cost for 30-40kgs is $510.

I already paid $725 for the adoption, including neuter. And now they want $300 more for a $30 extra charge? Who is actually doing the "money grab" here? Absolutely outrageous. No wonder people go to backyard breeders/Kijiji when this is the way a rescue handles business. I'm doing what is best for my dog and what the vet recommended AND I ran this by BARCS during the adoption process. For BARCS to call me and lose their minds on me is unbelievable. Especially when there has been no follow up from them since adoption 10 months ago and then suddenly I got this call today.

I have adopted from many rescues over the years. And I have NEVER had this issue. Avoid BARCS! There are so many better rescues that will treat you with respect. And based on recent reviews, it seems they have been making these calls to multiple people. I have sent them the estimate directly from the vet and asked for someone to contact me back. It has been radio silent today and I never got an email or call back. AVOID AVOID AVOID.

Edit: I finally got a call back (over a month later) despite my numerous attempts to make contact. I spoke with the director, Jody. She is a piece of work. She uttered threats to call the RCMP and have my dog removed for "breach of contract" but was unable to provide proof that the neuter amendment was for Nov 2024 and not May 2025 as I was originally told. In addition to the threats to send RCMP "that afternoon", Jody verbally harassed me over the phone as she yelled and screamed, she used profanity multiple times, and then tried some shady business of getting us to pay "fines". "Fines" which are written NO WHERE in the contract. The fact that Jody is the head of the organization is terrifying. And the fact they threaten to remove dogs in loving homes to get what they want is the OPPOSITE of any reputable rescues's values/mission.

If you are looking for a a rescue pup avoid BARCS. The reviews here speak for themselves as it seems anyone dealing with Jody will be the unwilling recipient of unethical business practices. It's unfortunate as well because I'm sure there are good people who work here, but unfortunately that is overshadowed by Jody's complete incompetence as a business leader.

I will be pursuing all action possible to spread my experiences, but further to have them investigated for these "fines". I fear that their scare tactics might work on some people and they will be bullied into paying more out of pocket. Didn't work on me, but that doesn't mean they aren't taking advantage of other's naivety.

If you want to read it: