Making a Difference

Big Hair Animal Rescue (BHAR) is a volunteer run 501c3 rescue located in Sturbridge Massachusetts. Founded in April of 2015 we are a foster based rescue. To date we have saved nearly 1000 lives. Big Hair Animal Rescue is non breed specific; however, we primarily focus on helping breeds that over populate shelters.  We are a registered public charity with the Attorney General's Office and an approved shelter with the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture.

We recognize that all of the animals in our care have been failed previously. Some even have a long history and pattern of failed placements. Due to this we prioritize getting to know our dogs prior to placing them responsibly in the community.  All of our cats and dogs are medically and behaviorally evaluated and temperament tested to ensure responsible placements moving forward. Our goal and definition of a successful adoption is the permanent placement/ home for the rest of our dogs or cat's life.  The evaluation process and time spent in the rescue prior to adoption allows us to determine whether or not our dogs are suitable to live with other dogs, cats, and/or children.  Through this process we identify a dog's strengths, weaknesses as well as their strongest needs- which is often structured daily exercise. In addition to this we test for food aggression, resource guarding,  reactivity, and separation anxiety. We work with adopters weeks, months even years after adoptions to ensure successful placements and to offer as much support as necessary.