OPERATION SAFETY NET

What would it take to keep your dog from entering a shelter? That one question that has saved countless dogs from entering the South LA shelter, since the program started in December 2008. The Safety Net Program is set up to assist low income dog owners in the South LA Animal Shelter area. A sign and postcards are available in the Center lobby to inform dog owners how they can keep their dog when they think they have run out of options. This is how the program works: Dog owners sometimes come into the South LA Shelter because they feeling forced to surrender their dog. Most of the time the dog owner can’t afford to feed, vaccinate, spay/neuter, treat a minor medical issue, get basic obedience training, or even pay for a $15 dog license. With Safety Net, LA Animal Services staff and volunteers encourage the dog owner to take their dog home, and call the Downtown Dog Rescue phone number on the postcard given to them. When the dog owner calls the Downtown Dog Rescue Hotline Phone Number a volunteer will return the call within 48 to help address the situation that brought the dog owner to the shelter. The great majority of the calls that we receive are a combination of several issues. Most dogs need to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, licensed, and training. Monthly dog food deliveries are also a frequent request. “Safety Net is a collaboration with Downtown Dog Rescue, Karma Rescue, Paw'd Squad and LA Animal Services,” said Ed Boks, general manager of LA Animal Services. “These three private organizations bring tremendous experience working with large breed dogs who are more frequently relinquished and euthanized at the shelter. We are thrilled to be working with them on this life saving program.” The program is not designed to help dogs surrendered because the owner is moving, or just doesn't have time for the dog; it is designed to help a dog owners who want to keep their dog if only they had the resources. The program is modeled after Downtown Dog Rescue’s successful 13 year old Skid Row program to help homeless dog owners. Donate to help keep more dogs out of the South LA shelter today Your donation is 100% tax deductible DONATE NOW

VISIT OUR SHELTER DOG SUPPORT GROUP PAGE!

“Hi Kathy and Lori Thank you very much for all your help finding the right place for my dog's examination, lucky for him he did not have to go through surgery. please tell everyone at Down Town Dog Rescue who had already made a donation for Zimba's leg surgery that we appreciate their support and willingness to help a stranger. God bless you all.” - Carlos Orellana

RESCUED PUPPIES FROM OPERATION SAFETY NET

OPERATION SAFTEY NET helped keep Mr. Salazar’s three pit bulls out of the South LA shelter.

“Hi Cathy!! Just to say Thanks.... My dogs are doing BETTTER ...LUcky Is heeling well and PACH and GUERO are ok. tha medication work perfet. Please letme know if is something I can do to help ,I passing flyers whit the information abouth the program .. Letme know were are you goint to be next satuday please .. my sister have a female chihuahua and she want to have her fix. Thanks." - ALVARO SALAZAR

	Scrappy Doo had been hit by a car in South Central LA. His owner, who had no money, or resources for Scrappy, other than taking him to the South LA shelter, contacted our volunteer Cathy for help. The injury was not too bad, but did require surgery. When the wound was treated, Scrappy was also neutered and vaccinated. His owner is very grateful to receive the service. Scrappy is doing great, and will make a full recovery.

	No living creature should have to endure this level of suffering. Humane education often starts when the dog owner calls our hotline for the first time. We assist that dog so they will never need to chain their dog, working to comply with the anti-tethering ordinance and mandatory spay/neuter ordinance that the City of Los Angeles has in place for all City residence.

Downtown Dog Rescue is a program within the non-profit Friends For Animals
(818) 407-4145 | lori@modernica.net