CURRENT PROJECTS
Although a life-saving measure, transport is merely a short-term solution to shelter overcrowding. Since our inception, the Shelter Dog Transport Alliance has been committed to addressing the root causes that fuel overpopulation in the South. We are also deeply committed to improving standards of care within our shelter systems so that we can compassionately care for our most vulnerable.
See What We're Working On
GROWING TRANSPORT
When we started our transport program, we served just a handful of county shelters. Soon after we started getting pleas from overcrowded shelters from all over the State and beyond for transport support. Although we have the vans and the means to save more lives, we simply don't have enough Northern receivers to assist us with reducing our shelter euthanasia rates. If you are a reputable rescue or humane society and wish to partner with us in making a difference, please contact us. It takes a village to do what we do, and there's simply no way we can do it without our rescue families up North.
SHELTER MENTORSHIP
Any time a shelter reaches out for transport support, we always do a needs assessment. If they not only struggle with overcrowding, but also find themselves under- resourced around access to veterinary/medical services, food, shelter supplies and shelter management experience--we provide them with those resources. Experienced shelter managers and techs from within the alliance volunteer their services to support sister shelters in need either through one-one training, or being available by phone when emergencies arise. When asked, our local shelters and rescues, as well as Northern partners that have a surplus of medical supplies and food graciously step up to help as well. After a period of mentorship, shelters learn to become more self-sufficient and competent in being able to manage their shelter needs more effectively as well as compassionately.
SHELTER UPGRADES
Many of our county shelters were built decades ago with only public safety and population control in mind. Strays were brought in for a 72 hour hold period and then euthanized if not claimed. Thankfully, times have changed and the majority of our county shelter workers want a more humane, enriching facility for the animals in their care. However, rural county budgets and official mindsets still lag behind in prioritizing the welfare of unwanted and abandoned community animals. The Shelter Dog Transport Alliance has partnered with the Benny Fund in directing financial as well as logistical assistance to several shelters in desperate need of additional dog runs to increase capacity of care, secure fencing, spacious play yards, isolation units as well as medical suites. When shelters don't have sufficient space or infrastructure to safely and compassionately care for their own, needless suffering occurs.
SPAY / NEUTER
Although transport is a worthy, life-changing endeavor; we're well aware it's not a sustainable solution to animal overpopulation in the South. We started this transport program out of necessity, but if we truly care about the welfare of our most vulnerable; then it has to be our responsibility to stop the cycle that fuels the need for relocation. Our Northern partners are able to open their rescue doors to our shelter animals in need because years ago they committed to spay/neuter legislation, while simultaneously ensuring services were affordable and accessible within their communities. They've provided us with the hope and resolve needed to keep fighting the good fight, knowing that if they've been able to successfully tackle pet overpopulation, there's no reason we can't either. The Shelter Dog Transport Alliance has partnered with the Benny Fund to target several rural communities in dire need of spay/neuter support. By sponsoring monthly free spay/neuter clinics, as well as renovating space within existing shelters to accommodate small spay/neuter suites, our aim is to one day have this vital service be accessible and affordable to all.
