2008 Fast Facts

 

The Rescue Waggin’ Program

• PetSmart Charities Rescue Wagon program launched in 2004 in the Midwest.
• Rescue Waggin’ is a national program that transports dogs from high euthanasia shelters to high adoption shelters in order to save more pets’ lives.
• Rescue Waggin’ currently operates in 21 states, running three routes: one on the East Coast, one in the Midwest, and one in the Great Plains states.
• Since 2004, more than 17,000 dogs have been saved through the Rescue Waggin’ transport program.
• Rescue Waggin’ transports will save more than 6,000 animals in 2008.

 

The Vehicle

• Since 2004, Rescue Waggin’ has logged 600,000 miles transporting dogs from shelters with high euthanasia to shelters with high adoption rates.
  
• The Rescue Waggin’ truck can transport as many as 50-60 puppies and dogs at one time.
• Rescue Waggin’ animal transport coordinators are trained in pet care and animal first aid to ensure the highest quality care for the dogs en route.
• Temperature-controlled environments and piped-in lullaby music on the truck provide comfort for the dogs during the trip.
• Program guidelines have been reviewed by veterinarians and national humane organizations and are considered the gold standard for pet transport.

 

The Shelters

• Currently, more than 30 shelters participate in the Rescue Waggin’ program.
• All shelters in the Rescue Waggin’ program must go through a screening and training process before being admitted into the national transport program.
  
  
• Shelter staff receives temperament-testing training to ensure only behaviorally-adoptable dogs are chosen and transported through the program.
  
• On average, shelters claim the Rescue Waggin’ program has enabled them to reduce euthanasia by as much as 50 percent in their communities.
• Rescue Waggin’ selects destination shelters based on their high adoption rates and available space for more animals in need.
  
• Shelters in the Rescue Waggin’ program are eligible for PetSmart Charities’ grants so that they can improve their shelter facilities and increase their services to their communities.
  
  

 

The Dogs

• All dogs are behaviorally-tested as a condition of selection for the Rescue Waggin’ program. Only well-tempered dogs are transported to new shelters.
  
• All puppies and dogs must be vaccinated prior to travel and are examined for illness prior to transport.
  
• No animals are ever displaced at destination shelters to make room for incoming dogs.
  
• Upon arrival at the destination shelters, animals are given 12-24 hours “down time” to de-stress before receiving a medical exam and spay/neuter surgery.
• Once on the adoption floor, Rescue Waggin’ dogs are generally adopted within three days.