About
the Shelter Dog Rescue Project
Background:
The Shelter Dog Rescue Project was started
by UC Davis
veterinary students in 1997. Vet students work with families in
the community and 4-H Club members with the goals of saving the lives
of shelter dogs, educating participants, and increasing the awareness
of pet overpopulation problems. Shelter dogs, generally young adults,
undergo temperament evaluations and are placed in foster homes for 6-8
weeks. The foster families bring the dogs to weekly obedience classes
and work with the dogs on housetraining and socialization. The dogs
also receive all needed medical care, including vaccinations, heartworm
testing, and spay/neuter procedures. Following graduation, the dogs
are placed in permanent homes.
Where the Dogs Come From:
Veterinary students from UC
Davis visit the Sacramento
Animal Control Facility and the Yolo
County Animal Shelter. The dogs at these facilities are screened
and tested for temperament and adoptability. In addition, students consider
the likelihood that the dog will be adopted within the time allotted
by the shelter and attempt to rescue those with the least amount of
time. The program only accepts dogs that have displayed no aggression
to people or other animals, and who have shown a desire to please.
How The Program Works:
Foster families take the dogs into their
homes for the duration of the 8-week project. During this time, foster
families are taught how to housetrain, socialize, and obedience train
their dogs. The dogs also receive any needed medical care and vaccinations,
and are spayed/neutered. At the end of the 8-week program, the dogs
and foster families attend a graduation ceremony and the dogs are adopted
out to permanent, loving homes.
How You Can Help:
We can always use spare dog supplies (toys,
collars, leashes, crates, etc.) that you no longer need. We are entirely
student-run and funded, so financial donations are greatly appreciated.
On this web site, you can get more information on making
a donation, becoming a mentor to a foster family, fostering
a shelter dog, or adopting one of our dogs.
This page is always under construction, so check back often for updates!
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