Josey Adams
ST. GEORGE —When a group of like-minded people with a love for dogs witnessed overcrowded shelters, they turned their mission into an official nonprofit rescue with a goal to care, protect and advocate for dogs in need.
“We’re here to serve the underserved population of animals in the Southern Utah areas,” Kyla Kane, volunteer marketing coordinator with New Start K9, told St. George News. “There are so many animals and not enough funding and resources. We take in these animals, find them their right homes and continue this process to make a difference in their lives and people in this area.”
The foster-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization New Start K9 was founded in 2021 with the vision for all dogs to live a life without suffering or pain. They assist animal shelters in both Washington County and rural areas of New Mexico by providing rescue transports and placing dogs in foster homes until they find their forever homes.
“Honestly, we love it,” Josey Adams, volunteer adoptions coordinator at New Start K9, said. “We wouldn’t do it if we didn’t love it. It’s so rewarding, especially when you see them out with their new families and lives and you remember where they came from. And they always remember you.”
Adams, who has four dogs and four kids of her own, said her kids have loved having foster dogs in and out of their home. By fostering herself, it allows dogs to become socialized and begin training so they can be a great match for another family.
Volunteer technology coordinator Brandon Ferrell said their unique foster program gives potential adopters the opportunity to take a dog they are interested in into their own home on a trial basis. The organization provides free dog food, kennels, dog beds and more – everything they initially need for the dog’s care.
“Fostering can be a huge stepping stone,” Ferrell said. “They usually end up adopting them afterward, but we want them to know it’s a good fit. That’s how they fully adopt and commit.”
To ensure dogs go to the best homes possible, Adams said they vet potential adopting families by calling references, performing home checks and meet and greets with other dogs and/or kids in the home. They also educate about breed-specific tendencies. If the dog doesn’t work out for any reason, the rescue gladly takes the dog back into its care. Once adopted, they also provide dog sitting through fosters while owners are on vacation.
“That’s our goal – forever homes,” Adams said. “We want them to know it’s a big commitment and we don’t want dogs to feel abandoned again. We want to make sure it’s a good fit for the adopter and the dog, too.”
Since New Start K9 is currently foster-based with a goal to open a facility in the future, Adams said they are only able to accept dogs that are healthy and can transition into homes with other dogs, kids and cats. They coordinate with other rescues in the area to assist reactive dogs or those in need of healthcare services.
With a mixture of static and foster volunteers, the organization’s volunteer number fluctuates. They are in need of a variety of volunteers, from fosters to fundraising and administrator positions.
“We’re always looking for people that want to volunteer with us,” Ferrell said. “For events, the computer side, financial, basically anything you want to try and volunteer to help us with, we’re always open to the help.”
New Start K9 is in need of temporary foster homes, and Adams said it can be as simple as taking a dog in over the Christmas holiday or even for a weekend.
Each foster’s lifestyle is taken into account and dogs are placed with who they feel is a good match for them. All fosters receive the supplies they need to care for the dog, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses. They also are in need of dog food, beds, treats, blankets and other supplies.
New Start K9 takes monetary donations through their website, Venmo and PayPal @newstartk9. All donations go directly to dogs in need. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, donations are tax-deductible. Follow New Start K9 on Facebook or Instagram to see adoptable dogs and up-to-date information.
Meet volunteers and adoptable dogs in person at the event below.
Event details
- What: New Start K9 Adoption Event
- When: Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: PetSmart, 15 S. River Road in St. George
- Admission: Free
- For more information see the event page.
Ed. note: When making charitable contributions it is advisable to consult with professionals for tax advice and investment risks.
Photo Gallery
Volunteers for New Start K9 work their booth at the Pride Festival in St. George, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
Chase, a dog currently up for adoption, poses for the camera, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
A trailer of community donations for New Start K9 are shown, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
Doodle dogs are transferred to Las Vegas Lab Rescue via New Start K9, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
New Start K9 participates in the Modern Pet adoption Halloween event in St. George, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
(Left to right) Kyla Kane, Josey Adams and Brandon Ferrell smile for the camera, St. George, Utah, Nov. 20, 2022 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
New Start K9 participates in the Modern Pet adoption event in St. George, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
Moose, a dog currently up for adoption, poses for the camera, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
New Start K9 volunteers pose for a photo at the “Mutts at the Mall” event, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
A booth for New Start K9 is shown at an event for “Mutts at the Mall,” location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
Volunteers for New Start K9 prepare for an adoption event at PetSmart in St. George, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
A before and after photo shows Timon, a dog rescued by New Start K9, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
A before and after photo shows dogs rescued by New Start K9, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
A before and after rescue photo shows Olivia, a dog that is currently available for adoption, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
Volunteers for New Start K9 prepare to be in the Utah Tech parade, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kyla Kane, St. George News
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