A step-by-step guide to walk you through the phases of creating pet-friendly programs for both human services shelters and animal shelters alike.
Before you Jump In
Here is an example
of what our Training
Handbook looks like
and some of its
cool features.
Tips like this will open a new tab with information here on the DFTP website.
These will direct you to outside resources we have found to be trustworthy and informational!
This will take you to some example forms we have acquired from operational pet programs across the country.
Ready to start exploring?
There are a few different ways you can explore the handbook.
You can “create your own adventure” by jumping right into the handbook. Or let us guide you through the different sections of the handbook below. Within each section on the website, we’ll take you on a deeper dive of that topic and offer some additional resources for you to check out.
Consider downloading the handbook and have it handy as you browse the website!
Why Pet Programs are important
Pet programs play an important role in maintaining the human-animal bond for people and pets in crisis. Let’s dive into WHY creating pet programs are so important.
Collaboration
Creating strong partnerships within your community will go a long way towards setting and accomplishing your goals. Remember, you don’t have to be the expert in everything!
Design For
Your Space
When designing your pet spaces, there are countless factors to consider and more than one way to do everything. Whether you are an animal or human service provider, THERE IS A PLAN FOR YOU! We also have tips for common hurdles that all programs will need to overcome.
Program Structure
& Operations
An important part of creating your pet program is determining how your program will operate from the pet’s arrival to their exit. Whether pets will be housed at a humans services organization or an animal organization, it’s important to work with your collaborative partners to determine this structure.
There are MANY different ways to operate your program, and yours will likely be unique in its own way. With example forms, basic policies to consider, and insurance do’s and don’ts, we have it all for you here!
Click on a topic on the right to learn more.
Fundraising
One of the concerns we hear from organizations most often about starting or sustaining a pet program is how they’ll fund it – both startup costs and sustaining the program. We’ve got good news! Creating a pet program to support people and their pets has some real benefits for all of your collaborative partners. Think of a pet-friendly program as a fundraising tool rather than just another budget item.
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