Staff Reports | Community Updates
Heidi’s Village has launched Village Dogs, a pilot program designed to help long-stay shelter dogs find permanent homes while supporting animal welfare organizations throughout Arizona.
The program expands Heidi’s Village’s role as a resource for rescue organizations by providing additional support for dogs that have spent more than 30 days in a shelter, according to a press release.
Through the pilot program, Heidi’s Village has transferred its first group of adoptable dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control. Participating dogs receive individualized medical care, enrichment activities, training and increased visibility to help improve their adoption opportunities.
“Every day, we see incredible dogs who simply need a little more time, individualized care, and visibility to find the right family,” Annet Ruiter, executive director of Heidi’s Village, said. “This is another way we can support our partners and our community by helping dogs who need a little extra opportunity while continuing to stand beside the rescue organizations we serve every day.”
Heidi’s Village provides veterinary care, training, behavioral support and other services to rescue organizations across Arizona. The organization said Village Dogs is intended to complement those efforts while assisting shelter animals that face longer adoption timelines.
The pilot program is intentionally limited in size, with about 10 dogs participating at any given time.Village Dogs is supported by funding from McS Charitable Foundation and Two Pups Project Get Out.
