Increasingly, as the effects of the weak economy down-trickle, cats and dogs are left homeless as their owners lose their jobs or homes. Combined with the increasing push from the public for no-kill shelters, the need for space in animal shelters has increased across the country.
Colorado Animal Rescue, or CARE, is a no-kill animal shelter whose mission is to provide safety and care for homeless animals and education for the pet owning public. Located just outside Glenwood Springs, Colorado, CARE is funded through private donations and a partnership with the City of Glenwood Springs and Garfield County. Their funding, like others, has also experienced recent cuts.
Animal Behaviorist Helps Adopt Dogs
Unlike many animal shelters, CARE is fortunate to have Tracey Yajko, an on-site animal behaviorist and dog trainer. Every dog that comes into the shelter, with the help of additional CARE staff, is evaluated by Yajko. The standardized behavior evaluation monitors the dog's reaction to people, other pets, and every day stressors to determine its strengths and weaknesses.
Through a series of exercises, Yajko, to the best of her ability, identifies potential behavior issues to determine where the dog could benefit from additional environmental enrichment and training. The evaluations facilitate the adoptions and provide the dogs the best opportunity to be paired with an appropriate owner.
Animal Behavior Programs Offered Job Opportunity
Yajko, a longtime animal lover, received her Certificate in Behavior and Counseling from the well respected San Francisco Dog Trainer Academy at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The program, taught by well known dog behaviorist and author Jean Donaldson, focused heavily on learning theory and hands-on work with shelter animals.
CARE strives to be a leader in shelter management. The dogs at CARE are allowed to run in the outside enclosure three times a day and are offered basic manners training. Every adoptable dog at the shelter is, at the very least, taught to sit and to walk on a leash to prepare it for its new home. CARE also has a full-time, on-site vet tech and also sees weekly visits from local veterinarian Julie Martin, who performs health exams and spays, neuters and micro-chips each of the dogs and cats before they are adopted.
“We are very lucky to have the space and resources that we have here at CARE,” explains Yajko. “Many shelters in urban area are extremely over crowded and the animals are never let out of their kennels to run. We have a great facility and all of our local vets, staff and volunteers are very helpful.”
Colorado Animal Rescue
Colorado Animal Rescue currently has lots of great cats and dogs that need a new home. Anyone who is interested in adopting a pet is encouraged to call CARE at 866-947-9173. Adoption applications are also available on CARE's website. The shelter is always in need of committed volunteers and those who cannot commit their time are encouraged to donate food, dog treats, cleaning products or office supplies. Tracey Yajko, who can be reached at CARE, also offers dog training services to the public.
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