FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AT GIGI'S
GIGI'S GENERAL FAQ
Have a question about Gigi’s? You’re in the right place. This section covers some of the most common questions we get about our work, our services, and how to get involved.
If you don’t see your question listed here, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help. You can contact us anytime at info@gigis.org. Together, we’re improving the lives of shelter dogs™.
Gigi’s is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the lives of shelter dogs™. We help under-resourced rural shelters by providing high-quality shelter, veterinary, behavior, and adoption services. Based in Columbus, Ohio, our team works behind the scenes to get dogs out of overcrowded shelters and into permanent homes—faster and healthier.
Whether it’s through lifesaving transport, affordable vet care, or behavior support, everything we do is designed to give shelter dogs the care and opportunity they deserve.
Yes—Gigi’s is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We’re funded by private donations, grants, and mission-driven services like adoption, veterinary care, and training. Because of the generosity of our founders’ vision and support, 100% of every donation and every dollar earned goes directly into caring for dogs. That means your support stays within the animal welfare community—where it makes the biggest difference in improving the lives of shelter dogs™.
Every bit of support helps us in improving the lives of shelter dogs™. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to make a difference:
- Make a gift. Nothing beats direct support. Monetary donations fuel every part of our mission—from emergency vet care to lifesaving transport. You can give at gigis.org.
- Donate items. Gently used household goods like blankets, towels, sheets, and dog beds are always welcome. You can drop them off at Building 3 (at the corner of Gender and Wright Road) anytime. You can also send supplies directly through our Amazon Wish List.
- Link your Kroger card. Enroll in Kroger Community Rewards and select Gigi’s as your nonprofit. It’s a free way to give back—every grocery trip can help save lives.
Gigi’s partners with rural shelters across Ohio and beyond—places where resources are stretched and the need is great. We also support the organizations that serve those shelters, including rescue groups and nonprofit partners. Our work helps reduce overcrowding, provides lifesaving care, and creates a clear path from shelter to home for dogs who need it most.
All of the dogs in our care come from our network of rural shelter partners—communities where shelters are often overwhelmed, underfunded, and doing everything they can with limited resources. Many of these dogs arrive at their local shelter after facing tough circumstances: abandonment, neglect, or life on their own without consistent care.
Gigi’s steps in to provide the next chapter. Once dogs arrive at our campus, they receive high-quality shelter, veterinary, and behavior care—along with a clear pathway to placement, whether through adoption or rescue transfer. Every dog deserves that chance, and at Gigi’s, we work to make it happen.
Gigi’s is not a public intake shelter. Instead, we focus on helping rural shelters that often have limited staff, funding, and space. By supporting those shelters directly, we help more dogs get home—faster and healthier. If you need help rehoming your dog, we encourage you to reach out to your local county shelter or a reputable rehoming resource.
In Ohio, every county is legally required to provide sheltering services for stray dogs through its dog warden or county shelter. Please contact your county’s shelter—they are the right place to ensure the dog receives care and has the best chance of being reunited with their family.
Our campus isn’t open for general walk-ins. Most of our work happens behind the scenes, supporting shelters and rescues through veterinary care, behavior support, and transport. When we offer public-facing programs—like adoptions or special events—you’ll find those opportunities shared on gigis.org and on Facebook and Instagram @gigisfordogs.
We know how special it is for kids to spend time with dogs, but Gigi’s is not set up for drop-in visits or casual playtime. Our dogs are here for focused medical and behavioral care, and many are on individualized treatment plans. When family-friendly events or volunteer opportunities become available, we’ll share them on our website and social channels.
We love that you want to help. While we’re still a young organization and our volunteer opportunities are currently limited, we’re actively growing our volunteer programs. As we expand, we’ll be offering more ways for individuals and groups to get involved in meaningful, hands-on ways. Stay tuned to gigis.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @gigisfordogs to be the first to know when new opportunities launch. We’d love to have you join us in improving the lives of shelter dogs™.
We love seeing students get excited about helping shelter dogs—and we believe deeply in creating meaningful learning opportunities for the next generation of animal welfare professionals.
That said, structured student programs take time and staffing to do well, and our small team is focused on providing the best possible care to the dogs in our system. While we aren’t able to offer formal programs year-round, we do occasionally host internships or student-led projects when capacity allows.
If opportunities become available, we’ll share them on Facebook and Instagram @gigisfordogs. In the meantime, thank you for your interest in improving the lives of shelter dogs™. We’re so glad you’re here.
Yes—we’re grateful for your generosity. We accept many common household goods, especially items that support the comfort and care of our dogs. Blankets, flat sheets (no fitted sheets), towels, beds, and other gently used dog care items are always appreciated.
You can drop off donations anytime at our campus. Look for the donation cart located at the back door of Building 3, which is at the corner of Gender Road and Wright Road.
If you’d prefer to make a direct purchase, you can also support the dogs by shopping from our Amazon Wish List, which features our most-needed items and allows for direct shipment to Gigi’s. Thank you for helping us in improving the lives of shelter dogs™.
We can accept unopened dog food only—thank you for checking! For safety reasons, we’re not able to accept any medications, even if they’re unused. If you’re unsure about a specific item, feel free to reach out before dropping it off. Every safe, usable donation helps us in improving the lives of shelter dogs™.
Gigi’s veterinary services are designed specifically to support nonprofit and government-run shelters and rescues. We’re not a public clinic and are not able to offer veterinary care for personally owned pets. If you need help finding affordable care in your area, we recommend reaching out to a local veterinary clinic or low-cost community program.
Gigi’s is focused on improving the lives of shelter dogs™ by providing access to high-quality shelter, veterinary, behavior, and adoption services that help dogs move into permanent homes. We currently partner with several rural, under-resourced shelters in some of Ohio’s most underserved communities.
While we’re not currently expanding our intake shelter partnerships, we are accepting new Adoption Partners—organizations that receive dogs transferred from Gigi’s for placement. We also offer low-cost veterinary care through Gigi’s Rescue Veterinary Services, which is available to eligible shelters and rescues.
If you’d like to explore adoption partnership or veterinary service options—or connect about a potential future intake partnership—please email us at info@gigis.org. We’re grateful for the work you do for shelter dogs.
Gigi’s does offer fostering, though our model is a bit different from traditional long-term foster care. Most of our dogs move quickly through the system, so foster placements are typically short-term and purpose-driven—supporting a medical recovery, behavioral plan, or special case.
That said, the core of our foster program is traditional: volunteers open their homes, and Gigi’s provides everything needed—medical care, food, supplies, and support.
If you're interested in joining our foster network, apply at gigis.org/foster. It’s one more way you can help in improving the lives of shelter dogs™.
Fostering is a powerful way to support dogs in need. If you're interested in joining our foster network for those situations, you can apply at gigis.org/foster.
We provide everything you need—just bring the love. Thank you for being part of improving the lives of shelter dogs™.
Yes! Gigi’s offers training and behavior support through our in-house Behavior Services team.
We provide:
- Puppy Support Group – for puppies ages 7–14 weeks, with rolling admission.
- Skills & Manners Classes – for dogs 16 weeks and older, focused on practical behavior topics and reward-based methods.
- Private Behavior Support – one-on-one sessions for dogs needing personalized behavior modification plans.
All classes are held on-site at Gigi’s with an expert trainer and are open to any dog who meets vaccination requirements.
To learn more or register for a class, visit gigisbehavior.org.
We also offer a growing library of digital behavior resources and webinars, available anytime at puppypassports.com Whether you're working on basic skills or managing complex behavior, we’re here to help you in improving the lives of shelter dogs™.
Gigi’s is not a boarding facility and we do not offer board-and-train services. Our campus is dedicated to serving shelter dogs from under-resourced communities through medical, behavioral, and adoption support.
If you’re looking for boarding or training options for your personal pet, we recommend connecting with a local provider who uses positive, science-based methods. You can search for a certified Fear Free® professional in your area through the “Fear Free Near Me” tool at fearfreepets.com.
GIGI'S ADOPTION FAQ
At Gigi’s, we believe adopting a dog should feel welcoming, clear, and judgment-free. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our process, our dogs, and what to expect when you visit. If you don’t see your question here, we’re always happy to help—just reach out to us anytime at adopt@gigis.org.
You can view all of our currently available dogs here. Dogs arrive and go home every day, so keep checking back if you don’t see your match just yet!
If it’s a match, your dog can go home the same day you meet! Our process is designed to be quick and thoughtful so that dogs spend less time in the shelter and more time where they belong—at home.
Our approach is rooted in science that shows removing barriers leads to more successful placements and fewer dogs in shelters. At Gigi’s, there’s no long application or interview process. We focus on matching dogs with people, not passing judgment. And because not every match works out, we offer a 90-day full return policy. You can return your dog at any time—because even a few days in a loving home is better than another day in the shelter.
Please bring:
- A valid photo ID
- A credit card for payment
- Any human or dog* family members you’d like involved in the decision
- A safe transport method like a travel crate or seatbelt tether
*All dogs should arrive on a non-retractable leash with a properly fitted collar.
Yes. Our adoption fees help cover a portion of each dog’s care:
- Puppies (under 5 months): $400
- Adult dogs (5 months and older): $225
Your your Gigi's Grad adoption includes:
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Microchip
- All age-appropriate vaccines (DAPP, rabies, and bordetella)
- Flea/tick and heartworm prevention
- Any medical or dental procedures needed while at Gigi’s—including parvo treatment
- Collar, leash, a small bag of food they’ve been eating, and any medications they’re currently on
We work hard to ensure every Gigi’s Grad is truly ready for their next chapter.
It’s simple and quick. Once you’ve met your match, we’ll collect a few details from you, talk through next steps, and send you home with everything you need to get started.
Plan on spending about an hour with us. This may vary based on how many dogs you meet (three per visit max) or whether a dog-to-dog introduction is needed.
Absolutely! There is no limit to how many people you can bring to your visit. While the adopting adult must be 18 or older, we encourage you to involve your whole family—including your current dog(s), if you’d like.
We generally limit visits to three dogs per appointment. This helps reduce stress for the dogs, as multiple back-to-back meetings can be overwhelming for them. But don’t worry—our team is here to help guide you toward dogs that are most likely to be a great fit.
If you don’t find your match right away, you’re always welcome to come back another day and meet three more. We’re here to help you find the right dog, not just any dog.
Some shelters offer what’s called a “kennel walk,” where visitors can walk past kennels and choose dogs to meet based on who catches their eye. At Gigi’s, we’ve found that this approach can be a little overwhelming for the dogs. Lots of foot traffic and excitement can make it harder for them to relax and show their true personalities.
Instead, we take a quieter, more focused approach. Our team will talk with you about what you're looking for, then help match you with a few dogs to meet one-on-one in a calm space. It’s part of our commitment to low-stress, thoughtful matchmaking—for the dogs and for you.
Every Gigi’s Grad receives comprehensive veterinary care from our on-site shelter medicine team. This includes:
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Age-appropriate vaccines
- Flea/tick and heartworm prevention
- Dental procedures and specialty surgeries when needed
- Parvovirus treatment, if applicable
Our goal is to ensure every dog is healthy and adoption-ready when they meet you.
Yes! Once you’ve found a potential match, we’ll help coordinate a safe, structured introduction in our spacious, versatile campus. Please let our staff know at check-in if you plan to bring your dog.
Not necessarily. We don’t require it, but we do recommend it if you want to see how your dog and a potential new sibling interact before heading home. Our team is happy to help with the introduction if needed.
Our adoption program moves quickly! A dog may have already been adopted, transferred to one of our Adoption Partners, or temporarily removed from availability for medical care. Our website is updated frequently, so check back often.
That’s likely one of our Adoption Partners. Gigi’s began as a transport and medical partner for other shelters, and we continue to support that work. We ensure every dog is medically ready before transferring them to a partner for adoption. Whether adopted at Gigi’s or through a partner, the outcome is the same—a healthy dog going home faster.
We don’t offer a formal foster-to-adopt program. Dogs in foster care may be asked to return at any time so another family can adopt them. If you're looking to adopt, we recommend focusing on dogs who are currently available at our campus. Still unsure? Let’s talk—we’ll help you figure out the best next step.
No. We’re only able to accept credit card payments at this time.
We’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule. If you can’t visit during regular adoption hours, email us at adopt@gigis.org and we’ll see what we can do.
We don’t offer holds at this time. Because dogs are ready to go home when they meet you, we focus on finding matches in real time. This helps reduce their stay in the shelter and supports their overall well-being. If you're not quite ready, we invite you to check back when the timing is right—we’re always adding new dogs to our adoption program.
Email is best: adopt@gigis.org. You can also call 614-356-8081 ext. 315 and leave a message. Our team will follow up as soon as we’re able.
We don’t maintain waitlists or breed-specific alerts at this time. Our team focuses on helping the dogs currently in our care find homes as quickly as possible, and things move fast—so we encourage you to check our website regularly. It’s updated daily as new dogs become available.
and FWIW And while we can usually tell you what a dog is thinking and solve just about any medical problem, there’s one thing our team has never successfully predicted: a dog’s breed. We’ve got a perfect record—for guessing wrong on DNA tests!
We’ll send you short check-ins by email at 1, 2, and 3 days post-adoption—just to see how things are going. You'll also hear from us at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and again at the 1-year mark. We love hearing updates and are always here to support you.
As an adopter, you’ll also receive a special email address to reach our team directly within the first 24 hours. That way, if you have an urgent question or need support, we can respond quickly.
Want to share how your dog is doing? Tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok using @gigisfordogs or use the hashtag #gigisgrad—we love seeing our grads thrive in their new families!
GIGI'S BEHAVIOR SERVICES FAQ
At Gigi’s, we believe training should be relationship-based, rewards-focused, and rooted in real-life support — for both dogs and their people. Whether you’re just getting started or working through a specific challenge, we’re here to meet you where you are and help you build skills that last.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or want to talk through your dog’s needs, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out any time at behavior@gigis.org.
No, and that’s an important part of ethical behavior work. Reputable certification and membership organizations actually require that behavior professionals do not guarantee results — because behavior is complex, influenced by environment, history, health, and day-to-day consistency.
We can’t promise what your dog will or won’t do in the future, but we can promise to work with you closely. We’ll help you develop strategies that fit your real life and be there to troubleshoot when things don’t go as planned. Your follow-through makes a big difference, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We’re proud to have Dr. Meghan Herron — a national leader in veterinary behavior — guiding our work at Gigi’s. Dr. Herron oversees both our shelter behavior program and Gigi’s Behavior Services training offerings.
At this time, we don’t offer public appointments with Dr. Herron. However, for clients actively working with Gigi’s Behavior Services, we do provide the option for vet-to-vet consultation. That means your veterinarian can collaborate directly with Dr. Herron to support your dog’s care when needed.
To learn more about that process, visit our Behavior Modification page.
Absolutely — we’re happy to help you feel confident before you commit. If you’re curious about our private consults, you can find examples of how our remote sessions work on our YouTube channel.
For group classes, just reach out. We’re glad to talk through which ongoing classes might be a good fit to visit. Our How to Train seminar is also a great way to get a feel for our approach and see if we’re the right match for you and your dog.
If you’re a pet professional interested in referring clients, we’d love to connect — and you’re welcome to come observe a session. Just contact us to start the conversation.
Yes — positive reinforcement is at the core of what we do. That said, behavior is more than a single method or tool.
Our focus is on helping you build a strong, trusting relationship with your dog using humane, evidence-based strategies. For some teams, that includes clicker training. For others, it might look different. We’ll work with you to find the tools and approaches that make the most sense for your dog — and for your life. The simple answer is yes! Behavior is more complicated than using training tools or slapping a label on something. More than a particular tool or label, we are a partner in building your relationship with your dog by choosing humane tools and methods that suit you and your pet.
Yes — dogs and people are always capable of learning and growing. If you’ve used correction-based techniques in the past, it may take a little extra patience to unlearn old patterns, but positive change is absolutely possible.
At Gigi’s, we offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore how effective rewards-based training can be. We’ll meet you where you are, and help you and your dog build new skills together. If you have questions or concerns, we’re here to talk. Dogs (and their people) can learn new things. Prior experience with different training techniques may require a little bit of extra patience to overcome/break old habits. We would love to offer you a supportive environment to explore how effective rewards-based training can be. We know change can be hard, feel free to reach out if you have concerns or questions.
We do not offer refunds for services that have already been provided.
For group classes, you’re eligible for:
- A full refund if you cancel 7 or more days before class begins.
- A 50% refund or the option to transfer to another session for a $25 fee if you cancel within 7 days of the start date.
- No refunds are available once the first class has begun.
For private sessions, you’ll receive a full refund if canceled at least 72 hours in advance. Closer to the appointment, cancellation fees may apply — those details are provided at registration.
If you have any questions, we’re happy to walk through your options.
A full refund will be issued for private sessions canceled at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Cancellation fees will apply closer to the session – these are detailed when you register for your session.
Private Sessions
We understand that things come up. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us at least 72 hours’ notice so we have time to adjust. Cancellations made within 72 hours may incur a fee, and unfortunately, no-shows aren’t eligible for a refund.
Group Classes
If you can’t make a class, just let your instructor know ahead of time if possible. We’ll make sure you still get handouts and support in your remaining sessions. You’re also welcome to join one of our drop-in Skills and Manners Sessions to keep your progress going.
To keep all dogs safe and healthy, we ask that you provide documentation showing your dog is current on vaccinations for parvo, distemper, Bordetella, and — if your dog is old enough — rabies.
Puppies can start our Puppy Class one week after their first set of vaccinations. Starting early is a great way to build confidence and set the stage for lifelong learning.
Yes — we offer several options for private sessions to meet your needs. You can work with us at Gigi’s, in your home, or remotely via Zoom. We’ll help you choose the format that’s the best fit for you, your dog, and your goals.
Yes! Our 10,000-square-foot training space is located on our 6-acre campus in Columbus, where we offer both group classes and private sessions. Whether you’re just getting started or working on advanced skills, we’ll help you find the right fit for your dog’s needs — and yours.
Yes — it’s never too late to start. Whether you’re working on long-standing challenges or just looking to strengthen your bond, we can help you build skills, set goals, and improve your relationship with your dog.
We’ll meet you where you are and create a plan that supports both you and your dog — no matter your starting point.Old dogs can learn new tricks! Even if you have been putting off training for years, we can help you develop and work towards your training goals, improve your relationship with your dog, and teach you new ways to play with one another.
Right away. The old advice about waiting until 6 months to start training doesn’t apply when you use positive, humane methods. In fact, early training is one of the best things you can do for your puppy.
We’ll help you teach your puppy that the world is safe, predictable, and full of good things — laying the foundation for a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. No pain, no force, no fear. Just practical, effective training that starts the moment your puppy comes home.
Absolutely. We’re happy to make creative adjustments so training is accessible, effective, and enjoyable for everyone. Just let us know what you need — we’re here to support you.
Please note: While we do not train service dogs, as they require specialized task training, we highly recommend the team at Atlas Assistance Dogs for those services. You can learn more about their excellent program at www.atlasdog.org.
Yes — absolutely. Dogs with physical differences often just need a little help learni how to communicate in ways that work for them.
We’ll create a customized training plan that takes your dog’s needs into account and helps you navigate any unique challenges you’re facing. Every dog deserves the chance to learn and thrive, and were here to help you get there — together.
Yes — that’s exactly what class is for! One of our main goals is helping your dog learn to focus on you, even with distractions like other dogs, new people, and a busy environment. We’ll teach you how to build that skill together.
If you're unsure about handling your dog in a group setting, or if your dog shows signs of fear or aggression, please reach out before registering. We’ll help you decide if a group class or a private session is the best starting point.
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