Frequently Asked Questions

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Pride & Joy Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Fargo, North Dakota, dedicated to giving horses and farm animals a second chance at life. We rescue equines and other animals who have been neglected, abused, surrendered, or are at risk of slaughter—and we provide them with the medical care, nourishment, and compassion they need to heal both body and spirit.

Our mission is rooted in trust, patience, and respect. Every animal that comes through our gates receives individualized care, rehabilitation, and, when possible, the opportunity to find a loving forever home. For those who cannot be rehomed due to age, health, or special needs, we provide lifelong sanctuary and peace.

Beyond rescue, we strive to educate and inspire our community. Through hands-on volunteer opportunities, youth involvement, and outreach programs, we teach the values of empathy, responsibility, and kindness toward all living beings.

At Pride & Joy Rescue, every life matters—and every day, we work to ensure that each animal knows safety, comfort, and love.

Every donation helps us save lives, provide medical care, and give second chances to horses and farm animals in need. Your generosity makes all the difference.

Ways to Give:
🐴 Online: Donate securely through PayPal or directly on our website under sponsorship opportunities
📬 By Mail: Send a check to
Pride & Joy Rescue
7420 40th Ave N
Fargo, ND 58102

🛒 In-Kind Donations:
We gratefully accept supplies such as hay, grain, shavings, medical supplies, and gift cards (Fleet Farm, Tractor Supply, or Runnings).

🧡 Sponsor a Horse:
Become a monthly or yearly sponsor through our Feed, Hay, Bedding, or Health Sponsorships—programs that directly support an animal’s care and recovery.

Pride & Joy Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 86-1303834). All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Thank you for helping us give hope, healing, and love to those who need it most.

Created in honor of our beloved senior horse, 40, this program focuses on caring for elderly or underweight horses who require specialized diets, medical care, and gentle rehabilitation. It ensures these senior souls live their golden years in comfort, health, and love.

Named after Baby Chance, a fragile foal who inspired us all, this program provides intensive care for orphaned, malnourished, or medically fragile foals. It gives them the nutrition, around-the-clock monitoring, and veterinary support they need to survive and thrive.

We match rescued horses and farm animals with loving homes through a careful adoption process. Each animal receives medical care, training, and evaluation before placement to ensure lifelong success. Our foster program allows caring individuals to temporarily house and rehabilitate animals in need.

Through community involvement and hands-on experiences, volunteers of all ages learn about animal care, trust-building, and responsible ownership. From youth mentorship to barn chores, every volunteer plays a vital role in the animals’ healing journey.

We honor the animals who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge by sharing their stories and celebrating the lessons they’ve left behind. Their memory continues to inspire the heart and purpose of our rescue.

   🚫No, Pride & Joy Rescue does not allow adoptions to homes with barbed wire fencing for horses or other large animals.

Barbed wire poses a serious risk of injury—especially for rescued animals who may startle easily, have limited vision, or are adjusting to new surroundings. Even minor contact can cause deep cuts, infections, and lasting trauma.

We require all adopters to provide safe, secure, and well-maintained fencing such as smooth wire, wooden rails, vinyl, or electric tape fencing. This ensures the animal’s safety and supports our mission to place them in environments where they can live healthy, happy lives.

 🚫 No, Pride & Joy Rescue strictly prohibits the breeding of any mares adopted from our rescue.

Our mission is to reduce neglect, overbreeding, and unwanted animals in need of rescue. Every horse that comes to us has already faced hardship—our goal is to give them safety, healing, and a forever home, not to add to the population of animals at risk.

All adopters sign a legally binding agreement stating that the horse will not be bred, sold, or transferred. We believe every mare deserves to live her life free from the physical strain and risk of breeding, surrounded by care and compassion.

  🚫 No, Pride & Joy Rescue requires that any adopted horse or animal be returned to the rescue if you can no longer keep them.

Under our adoption agreement, animals adopted from Pride & Joy Rescue may not be sold, leased, given away, or transferred to another individual, business, or organization. This policy protects the animal’s safety and ensures they never risk neglect, abuse, or slaughter again.

If life circumstances change, we will always welcome our animals back—no questions asked and no judgment given. Our priority is their lifelong care and well-being, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

  All adopted animals from Pride & Joy Rescue must have safe, secure, and weather-appropriate shelter. Horses and farm animals need a clean, dry space that protects them from harsh weather, wind, and extreme temperatures—typically a three-sided run-in shed or barn stall.

They must also have access to clean water, quality forage or hay, and proper nutrition at all times. Regular veterinary, dental, and farrier care are required, as well as parasite control, vaccinations, and routine health checks.

Adopters must be prepared to meet not only the animal’s physical needs but also their emotional ones—providing time, companionship, and consistency to help them continue to thrive.

 Yes—but with some important considerations. Pride & Joy Rescue welcomes adopters who are new to horse ownership as long as they are committed to learning and have experienced support in place.

We’ll work with you to ensure you understand the responsibilities involved—feeding, veterinary care, safe handling, and basic equine behavior. In some cases, we may recommend starting as a foster or volunteer first, so you can gain hands-on experience before adopting.

Our goal is to set both you and the animal up for success. With patience, guidance, and love, even first-time adopters can become incredible rescue horse owners.

 Our adoption process is designed to ensure the best possible match between each animal and their new home.

1. Submit an Application – Complete our adoption application, providing information about your experience, facility, and intended care plan.
    
2. Reference & Facility Check – We review references and may schedule a virtual or in-person visit to confirm safe fencing, shelter, and environment.
    
3. Meet & Greet – You’ll have the chance to meet the animal, ask questions, and spend time together to ensure a good fit.
    
4. Adoption Contract – Once approved, you’ll sign our adoption agreement outlining care standards, non-breeding terms, and return policies.
    
5. Follow-Up Support – Our commitment doesn’t end at adoption—we’re always available for advice, guidance, and lifelong support.
    

Each adoption is about creating a forever partnership built on trust, compassion, and love.

Riding at Pride & Joy Rescue is a privilege that depends on experience, safety, and the individual horse’s needs. Our first priority is always the well-being of the animals—many of whom are in rehabilitation or have medical or behavioral limitations that make them unsuitable for riding.

Volunteers typically start by helping with groundwork, grooming, feeding, and daily care to build trust and understanding. Only volunteers who have demonstrated appropriate experience, safety awareness, and commitment may be considered for supervised riding—and only on horses cleared for riding by our staff and veterinarian.

Our goal is to teach horsemanship based on compassion and respect. Riding, when allowed, is always done with purpose—never for recreation alone—and always in the best interest of the horse.

Volunteers are the heart of Pride & Joy Rescue. There’s always something meaningful to do, no matter your experience level. Opportunities include:

• Daily Care: Feeding, watering, cleaning stalls, and helping maintain safe, comfortable living spaces.
   
• Animal Companionship: Brushing, walking, groundwork, and providing gentle socialization to help rebuild trust.
   
• Facility Support: Assisting with fence checks, barn organization, repairs, and seasonal projects.
   
• Events & Fundraising: Helping at community events, adoption days, and fundraisers that keep our rescue thriving.
   
• Education & Outreach: Sharing our mission with schools, community groups, and potential adopters.
   

Every volunteer plays a vital role in helping animals heal, grow, and find their forever homes.

 Absolutely! We welcome families and youth volunteers who want to learn about animal care, compassion, and teamwork. Volunteering together helps strengthen the bond between people and animals while teaching responsibility and empathy.

• Youth Volunteers (Ages 12–17) are welcome with a parent or guardian present and actively participating.
   
• Family Teams can help with chores, grooming, and even special projects.
   
• Younger Children (under 12) are encouraged to attend special family days or educational events rather than regular barn shifts.
   

We love seeing families and kids grow alongside our animals—it’s one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

Getting started as a volunteer at Pride & Joy Rescue is easy—and incredibly rewarding!

1. Complete a Volunteer Application: You can fill out our form online or at the rescue. It helps us match your skills, comfort level, and interests with the right opportunities. 

                                  https://www.volgistics.com/appform/492560263
 

1. Attend Orientation: New volunteers are required to attend a brief orientation session where we cover safety, handling, and our daily routines.
    
2. Start Helping: Once orientation is complete, you’ll be scheduled for shifts that fit your availability. We offer both weekday and weekend opportunities for individuals and families.
    

No prior animal experience is required—just a willingness to learn, follow instructions, and show kindness. Every helping hand makes a difference in the lives of our animals.

 Yes! Pride & Joy Rescue proudly supports students and individuals completing school programs, community service hours, and volunteer requirements for classes or organizations.

We can provide documentation or supervisor verification for hours worked, and we’re happy to coordinate with teachers, advisors, or program leaders when needed.

All participants must complete the same application and orientation process as regular volunteers, and tasks will be assigned based on experience and safety guidelines. It’s a wonderful way to learn responsibility, teamwork, and compassion while making a real impact!

Yes — Pride & Joy Rescue does accept owner surrenders, but space and resources are limited, so each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

We understand that sometimes life circumstances change, and people can no longer care for their animals. When possible, we take in horses and farm animals who are at risk of neglect, homelessness, or euthanasia. Our priority always remains the animals most in need or those without other safe options.

If we cannot take an animal directly, we will do our best to:

• Provide guidance and resources to help owners rehome responsibly.
   
• Connect them with our trusted network of rescues, foster homes, and sanctuaries.
   

We never judge—our goal is to find the best possible outcome for every animal. To discuss a surrender, please reach out through our contact form or email prideandjoyrescue@gmail.com with details about the animal’s age, health, and situation.