Detroit Animal Care and Control, facing constant overcrowding with nearly 100 dogs at any given time, is pioneering a program to improve the lives of shelter dogs and increase adoption rates. The nonprofit organization, Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control, plays a crucial role by educating the community and organizing adoption events. In a bid to provide extra exposure and socialization for shelter dogs, they initiated “Detroit Dog-Ventures” in 2019, allowing volunteers to take dogs out of the shelter seven days a week.
Tamra Talmadge-Anderson, a dedicated volunteer board member, emphasizes the importance of community support for the city and its dogs. Volunteers participating in Detroit Dog-Ventures are equipped with toys, treats, harnesses, and leashes that read “adopt me,” making the shelter dogs stand out during outings. The program aims to showcase the dogs in public spaces, offering them opportunities to interact and connect with potential adopters.
The outings not only benefit the dogs but also provide valuable information about their behaviors and qualities. Talmadge-Anderson notes that volunteers might discover a dog’s love for kids or its ability to follow commands, information that proves crucial in the adoption process.
Cydney Hall, a devoted volunteer, highlights the positive impact of the program, recounting how dogs she took out for Detroit Dog-Ventures found loving homes shortly afterward. The social interaction during these outings has proven to be a significant factor in influencing adoption decisions.
Detroit Animal Care and Control welcomes donations and volunteers to continue their efforts. Those interested in participating in Detroit Dog-Ventures must be 18 years or older, and the program operates seven days a week throughout the year. Participants can sign up for specific dates and times or visit the shelter between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The return times for all outings are set at 3:00 p.m.
The innovative program not only offers a heartwarming experience for volunteers but also significantly impacts the lives of shelter dogs, potentially paving the way for a new chapter with loving families. For those looking to contribute, Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control accepts monetary donations online or through Venmo, supporting essential services such as medical care, pet ownership classes, adoption events, and promotion of available shelter dogs for adoption.
