Rover’s Do Over is excited to announce its innovative partnership with the City of Utica and Wanderers’ Rest aimed at enhancing the well-being of dogs in our community. With the City's commitment to improving the lives of our furry friends and our expertise, motivation, and dedication to animal welfare, we are eager for this opportunity to create a brighter future for the pets in our community.
At Rover's Do Over, we believe that teamwork and collaboration are the keys to success. We work together to achieve our goals and make a better tomorrow for the dogs in our community!
Duke, a City of Utica ACO Alum, entered RDO's Foster Care Program on May 3rd, 2024
Rover's Role
Advocate for City Animals: We aim to be a voice for the animals in our city, ensuring their welfare and rights are upheld.
Public Relations and Transparency: We will serve as a bridge between the city dogs and the community, managing public relations efforts and providing transparency about the situation and our initiatives.
Streamline Adoption Process: We aim to streamline the process between animal control and finding forever homes for these dogs through pathway planning. Facilitate Adoptions: We will facilitate the adoption of dogs through our various channels, including our website, social media, and adoption events.
Communication with Wanderers Rest: We will maintain open communication with Wanderers Rest for dogs nearing the end of their stay at their facility.
Community Outreach & Education: We will empower the community through education. By raising awareness about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and the importance of adoption, we aspire to create a more compassionate and informed society. Our commitment extends to actively engaging with community members, offering valuable resources and support.
City of Utica Animal control Dogs
In May 2024, the city entered into a $150,000 contract with Wanderers' Rest, which took on the responsibility of housing and adopting out dogs when animal control’s attempts to locate their owners were unsuccessful. However, this agreement only provided six kennels for city dogs. In July, to help manage the excess of dogs at the city maintenance garage, Rover's Do Over stepped in to volunteer its services. The contributions of RDO not only helped alleviate the overflow of strays but also ensured that many dogs were placed in loving homes rather than being sent to the shelter.
City of Utica animal control dogs are currently sheltered at the City of Utica Police Department Maintenance Garage. All dogs spend a minimum of 24 hours at this location before moving to Wanderers' Rest Humane Association in Canastota. If there is no space available, the dog will spend the remainder of its 5-10 day stray hold at the holding facility with the opportunity to move to the shelter at any time. If an owner is not found, the dog will have the option to be fostered through Rover's Do Over Foster Care Program or placed into a Foster-to-Adopt home until the dog can be vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped.
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RDO proved the value of its volunteer services to the collaboration by transferring 32 of the 70 dogs in need of sheltering services into its program, all successfully adopted into loving forever homes. RDO proudly took in 46% of all the unclaimed dogs in need of sheltering services from Utica Animal Control at no cost to the City. The remaining unclaimed dogs were sent to Wanderers' Rest for housing and adoption through their contract agreement.​
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The cost of vetting and supplies incurred by RDO for the City of Utica dogs amounted to $12,080.18. This included expenses for vaccines (DHPP & Bordatella), spaying, neutering, and special medical cases. Additionally, RDO provided each of the 32 dogs with flea/tick treatment, deworming and microchipping.
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Since its inception, RDO has been committed to supporting the community and ensuring that dogs in need receive the necessary care and attention they deserve. This achievement not only highlights the effectiveness of our program but also underscores the importance of community involvement in animal rescue efforts.
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Petey's Patrol has been pivotal in establishing a system that provides a safety net for homeless dogs in the City of Utica, ensuring they receive the medical care, socialization, and affection required for their well-being. The achievements of Petey's Patrol reflect the commitment and hard work of our volunteers, along with the steadfast support of our community. As we anticipate the upcoming year, we are eager to continue this partnership and expand our efforts to further improve the lives of homeless dogs in Utica and beyond.