The Neighborhood News Online

A Homeless Person’s Best Friend

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Category: Animal Issues and Pets

Published on Friday, 14 October 2011 23:37

Written by Dianne Lawrence

Each year Downtown Dog Rescue provides care and assistance to homeless people and their dogs.

It is the only program in California to do so and possibly the United States.

They have spayed/neutered thousands of dogs, and adopted out and assisted thousands more! Often it is the homeless person who will not leave the street without a place for their dog to go. By forming a relationship with the person, and building trust, many dogs have come into their rescue through “the safety net,” which is their rescue ID tag and microchip number that links back to the dog rescue.

To date, hundreds of dogs have been microchipped by DTDR,who identify themselves on the chip as the co-owner of a homeless person’s dog. This is important because if the dog is ever impounded, DTDR is notified, pays all impound fees at the animal shelter and makes sure the dog is healthy and safe. If the homeless person in their program can no longer care for their dog, DTDR takes the dog into their rescue.

There is no time limit on how long they keep the dog, and no temperament test for the dog to pass in order to be accepted into the rescue. All breeds, ages, and temperaments are welcome. In order for a homeless person to join they must agree to allow their dog to be sterilized, vaccinated, microchiped and licensed. In turn the homeless person is guaranteed a lifetime of care for the dog, and a commitment to that dog’s well being in every way possible.

DTDR is provided with the support of animal control agencies, homeless outreach workers, and mental health care professionals. While they can’t take in every dog, they can help you if you have rescued a dog and need help placing him/her.

If you are interested in having them help you adopt out your dog, please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a photo and bio on your dog. You may also call their hotline at 818-407-4145. Like most dog rescues, they are almost always full, and are limited on how many dogs they can handle at any given time.

To find out more; www.downtowndogrescue.org or call Sandy 818.407.4145 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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