Shelter Dog All Stars

Women's Animal Center does all that we can to provide personal care and comfort to the animals who enter our shelter. In spite of this, the shelter environment is never ideal for pets, and can cause even the most easy-going and social animals to develop medical or behavioral issues where there once were none.

Women's Animal Center understands that an animal's mental and emotional well-being are just as important as their physical health, and in fact can never truly be separated. One always impacts the other in ways that may or may not be apparent. Stress can be a significant trigger of illness in both humans and animals.

In consideration of this, Women's Animal Center instituted our Shelter Dog All-Stars Program. Just as with our dog training classes for the community, this vital program uses the same methods to train our shelter dogs. Spending the majority of each day inside a kennel can lead to boredom and depression. For our shelter dogs, training not only teaches them basic commands and manners, but works to divert their focus and energy to an activity both mentally stimulating and emotionally rewarding for them.

Training has been an invaluable tool in helping the staff and volunteers of Women's Animal Center to create bonds with our dogs through one-on-one attention; to learn more about their unique personalities; and, ultimately, to increase their chances of adoption.

Importantly, this lifesaving program also teaches our dogs obedience, important skills and even fun tricks they can use post-adoption to increase the chances that they'll remain in their new homes.