FAQs
Answers to some of our most asked questions!​
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General Information
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​​What does your rescue do?
Novy's Ark's mission is to rescue dogs from high-risk situations and shelter them in a loving home environment as part of our family until they join yours.
Where are you located?
San Luis Obispo County, CA. We are a foster-based rescue, so there is no brick-and-mortar shelter.
How can I contact you?
Email: novysark@gmail.com
Phone: 805-574-0320
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Adoption
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How do I adopt a pet?
Complete our adoption application. Once approved, we’ll schedule a meet-and-greet and a home check if needed.
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What are your adoption fees?
$300.00. Fees include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping.
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Are your animals vaccinated and spayed/neutered?
Adult dogs are fully vetted before adoption, including spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchips. Puppies receive vaccinations on an age-appropriate schedule. We have a spay/neuter clause in our contract so that the puppies can develop more before their sterilization appointment at 6 months.
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Can I return a pet if it doesn’t work out?
We allow returns within 2 weeks of an adoption. In an effort to limit returns, we provide a list of reputable trainers for adopters to reach out to for help.
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Can I adopt if I live out of the area?
Yes, with additional screening. Travel or transport is the adopter's responsibility.
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Can I place a hold on an animal?
We do not place holds on our available dogs. Interested adopters make an appointment for a meet & greet with one of our dogs. They then have 24 hours to let us know if they want to move forward or not. Our goal is to match them with the best possible situation. If more than one person/family is interested in the same dog, we make the determination which family is the best long-term fit.
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Do you adopt to renters or apartment dwellers?
Yes, as long as pets are allowed in your lease. We ask for landlord contact information.
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Do you conduct home checks?
Yes, on a case-by-case basis, especially for animals with special needs or behavior considerations.
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Donations & Support
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Thank you for donating! We accept:
• Online donations
• Venmo @anouk-novy
• Checks, mailed to 1575 Verde Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• Amazon Wishlist
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Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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Can I sponsor an animal?
Yes! We do have a sponsorship program. Your business or family sponsors one of our dogs when they come out of the shelter. It is a $500 sponsorship and the first thing that you get to do is name the dog. We will announce it on our social media pages and we encourage the sponsor to let the community know that they are sponsoring a dog for us as well. The sponsorship fee covers medical, food, supplies etc. It’s a fabulous way to support our work and our community. If you are interested in sponsorship please email novysark@gmail.com. We also have a Membership program where your $25 monthly donation will go to help the animals in our care.
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Can I donate in honor or in memory of someone?
Yes. We’ll gladly send a notification to the person or family being honored.
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Volunteering & Fostering
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How do I volunteer?
Fill out our Volunteer Interest form
We currently need help with:
• Dog Socialization
• Off-site Adventures
• Fundraising and Special Events
• Social Media Outreach
• Maintenance Work
• Foster Care (there is a separate application for Fosters)
• Clerical Work
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Do you need foster homes?
Yes! We supply food and vet care—you supply the love and space.
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What is the minimum age to volunteer?
Minimum age is 18. Fosters must be 21+.
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Can kids or teens help?
Unfortunately, anyone under 18 is not covered by our insurance to have direct contact with the dogs. We do have other volunteer opportunities they can participate in and you can email novysark@gmail.com for information about those.
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Can I host a donation drive for your shelter?
Yes! Contact us to plan your school, workplace, or group drive.
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Animal Intake & Medical
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Can I surrender my pet?
No. We only take in dogs from high-kill shelters, not from private homes. Please check with your local County Animal Services Department or other humane societies/rescues in your area to surrender your dog.
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Do you take strays?
No. We are not a licensed stray-hold facility. Contact your local County Animal Services Department.
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Are animals behavior- and health-assessed before adoption?
Yes. All animals receive basic medical care and a behavioral evaluation.
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Do you offer support for behavior or training?
Yes, we offer resources and referrals to local trainers.
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What if my adopted pet doesn’t get along with others?
Contact us—we’ll offer integration tips and support, or help with rehoming if needed.
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Community & Events
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Do you host monthly adoption events?
Yes! Check our events page or follow us on social media for upcoming events and to see all our adoptable dogs at one time.
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What should I do if I find a lost or injured animal?
Contact your local County Animal Services Department or an emergency vet.
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Do you offer boarding or grooming services?
No, we do not offer public boarding or grooming.