ANIMAL CENTER OFFERS WAIVED FEES FOR PLAYGROUP ROCKSTARS

Joins forces with nonprofits Petco Love and Dogs Playing for Life to showcase adoptable dogs

Those who are thinking about adding a pet to their family have the opportunity to watch dogs at Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) play together as part of a national event on Saturday, October 7 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. WCAC is one of 43 animal shelters across the country participating in the National Playgroup Rockstars Adoption event. The playgroup setting gives dogs the chance to show off their true personalities and give potential adopters more insight into which one best fits into their lifestyle.

National nonprofit organization Petco Love is teaming up with Dogs Playing for Life and BOBS from SkechersTM for the events, in which adoption fees are waived at participating shelters like WCAC for approved applicants who welcome a “Rockstar” dog into their home. Rockstars are super social dogs who demonstrate having the behaviors and temperament needed to excel in a playgroup setting. Regular adoption fees apply to all other animals at WCAC: $50 for each kitten, adult cat, and adult dog; $85 per puppy.

Rockstar Reign is a playful girl with a heart of gold. At two years old, she knows sit, stay and come, walks well on a leash and enjoys a car ride. During sleepovers at a volunteers house, Reign was good with young children and resident pups, however, she seems to prefer medium and large dogs. Come meet Reign and all the adorable adoptables at WCAC!

According to WCAC Director Ondrea Johnson, DPFL programing, particularly playgroup, has improved the shelter experience for the most vulnerable dogs and those who struggle to thrive while at the center. “Staff and volunteers have learned how to better assess and correct behaviors that prevent dogs from being adopted and more effectively match potential adopters with the right dog,” said Johnson. “All of which decreases average length of stay and results in successful adoptions.”

DPFL programming takes place at more than 350 shelters across the U.S., including WCAC. Founder and CEO, Aimee Sadler, began developing the program in 1998, when she observed that large dogs at shelters often never left their kennel due to staffing and volunteer limitations. Playgroup is a unique enrichment program created by DPFL that operates with the simple philosophy of “Every Dog, Every Day, Let Them Play!” Their goal is to ensure that dogs positively experience life at an animal shelter, while providing animal shelter personnel and volunteers the information and skills needed to help those pets find new loving homes.