Rochester Animal Services: The Play Yard

Background

Animal Services recognized the need to provide its shelter dogs with exercise and socialization as part of the Shelter Enrichment Program.
Beginning in 2007, Animal Services began exploring opportunities to establish a play area for dogs. In 2012, Kodak and the City established a site access agreement for the use of a vacant property on Brown Street to exercise and socialize shelter dogs.
The City installed snow fencing and Animal Services began using the area in a limited capacity with dogs on long lines.

In March 2013, Animal Services brought Animal Farm Foundation representatives to Rochester for a full-day seminar on adoptions, behavior assessment, and kennel enrichment.
The Animal Farm Foundation’s grant coordinator encouraged the Verona Street Animal Society (VSAS) to apply for funding to install a more appropriately fenced area.
VSAS submitted the request, the grant was awarded, and the fence was installed in mid-August 2013.
In late August, Aimee Sadler presented her 3-day Dogs Playing for Life™(DPFL) workshop, which was also made possible by VSAS with funds obtained from the Animal Farm Foundation.
RAS immediately began implementing playgroups 2–3 days per week and are led by volunteers.
In July 2017, after obtaining additional DPFL™ training for staff and volunteers and making adjustments to the work schedule, Animal Services increased the frequency of playgroups so that it is nearly a daily activity.

Dogs are better socialized, obtaining more exercise, and appear less stressed and visibly “happier.”
Playgroups are the best way for shelter dogs to experience enrichment and to socialize.
Socialization for shelter dogs is essential for the dogs' physical and mental well-being and results in sending more dogs home faster.