Back Roads Animal Rescue: we rescue the mistreated, save the injured, and love the abandoned animals of Carter County Kentucky. We fully vet every animal as recommended by our trusted veterinarians. Most of our dogs get transferred to other reputable partner rescues and are transported out of state. From there they receive any additional vet work needed and are carefully placed into prescreened homes where they will be welcomed as indoor pets. Home visits and rigorous screening processes are completed in order to place the animals in homes that are best suited for their personality, energy level and needs.
We are currently seeking qualified foster homes for all of the animals to whom we are committed. Fostering is not always easy or short-lived, but most volunteers will tell you the reward of the entire process is worth the commitment. We are constantly in search of valuable team members who are both professional and compassionate. Transport drivers are always welcomed and one of the most valuable assets to the organization. Finally, we NEED advocates not only for the important work of the rescue but also for the sake of the many animals who still need our help! We must be the voice for the voiceless.
Where it Started
Back Roads Animal Rescue was founded by Angel Pope, a lifelong animal lover and rescuer. After moving to Grayson, KY in 2009 with her family Angel quickly identified the dire need for a resource for animals. As she would drive her children to school on the back roads of the county she would see stray dogs almost daily. Much to her husband's dismay, she often stopped and loaded the needy dogs into her car and tried to rehome them after seeking vet care. The burden quickly became more than the family could burden so Back Roads was formed and has steadily grown since its inception. A few of the needy dogs still live with the Pope's.
The county of Carter, comprised of an East (Grayson) and West (Olive Hill) end, is only recently served by a small, rural animal shelter. Funding is limited and spay/neuter, while offered at time of adoption via a certificate, is not guaranteed. The cat problem in Carter County is left without resources or options.
The problems Back Roads faces daily are numerous:
There is not a program for registering dogs with the city of Grayson/Olive Hill or Carter County.
There are no incentives to encourage pet owners to spay/neuter or properly vet their animals.
There is no way to ensure animals are vaccinated for rabies.
The laws pertaining to humane animal care are sparse in KY and Back Roads is often contacted with reports of abuse or neglect (at which time Back Roads refers the cases to animal control). It's not uncommon to see dogs in the area chained, often times with very minimal housing to truly protect them from the elements of nature.
At this time, if Back Roads accepts a stray dog for any reason the dog must be held for a five day stray hold. If the same dog is picked up numerous times, there are no laws in place to reprimand the owner and encourage them to keep their animal safely contained.
If Back Roads accepts a dog that was involved in trauma and an owner cannot be found, if the owner surfaces there is nothing that requires the owner to accept financial responsibilities for the animal.
There is no place to house unwanted cats or kittens. Without foster homes, Back Roads must turn away cats almost daily.
The need for this rescue is very real. No other group in recent years has worked to reduce the overpopulation issues or the lack of humane education in Carter County. Back Roads strives to maintain a positive community awareness while working with local businesses to offer low cost care for owned pets and adequate care for stray/abandoned/unwanted animals in the county. The process has been slow but steady. The Board of Directors is very selective when choosing businesses and individuals to align with and add to the Back Roads team.
At Back Roads Animal Rescue we have come to know that, without a doubt,