Heidi’s Village launches pilot program to find homes for long-stay shelter dogs

An Arizona animal welfare organization has launched a new adoption program aimed at finding homes for dogs that have lingered in the county shelter system for more than a month.

Heidi’s Village, a resource hub for rescue organizations across the state, announced Village Dogs, a pilot program that transfers long-stay dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control and makes them available for adoption at the Heidi’s Village facility.

The program houses about 10 dogs at a time, providing them with medical care, behavioral training, enrichment and broader exposure to potential adopters.

“Every day, we see incredible dogs who simply need a little more time, individualized care and visibility to find the right family,” Annet Ruiter, executive director of Heidi’s Village, said in a news release. “This is another way we can support our partners and our community by helping dogs who need a little extra opportunity.”

The first group of Village Dogs was already moved over to the Tempe area facility.

The pilot is funded by the McS Charitable Foundation and Two Pups Project Get Out.

It comes as the Arizona Humane Society made an urgent plea to clear the shelter, waving adoption fees on Saturday.

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