Programs

Here's How You Can Get Involved

At The Humane Society of the Western Communities, our mission is to foster a compassionate world where animals are treated with love, care, and respect. Through our dedicated programs, we offer unique opportunities for individuals to join us in making a significant difference in the lives of animals.

The Humane Society of the Western Communities Programs

Internship Program

An Internship Program at Justin Bartlett Animal Hospital provides the student the opportunity for career exploration and development, and to learn new skills. It offers the hospital management staff to bring new ideas and energy into the workplace, develop talent and potentially build a pipeline for future hospital future staffing.

Interns are offered an entry level work-based experience. It is basically like a job, in the sense that you do real work that our staff does, however the focus is to learn about the workplace and build skills.


Benefits of Internships:

  • Gain valuable work experience
  • Explore a career path
  • Give yourself an edge in the job market
  • Develop and refine skills
  • Receive financial compensation
  • Network with professionals in the field
  • Gain confidence
  • Transition into a job

Externship Program

The Externship Program that we offer at Justin Bartlett Animal Hospital provide the students with practical experience that complements research and school-based theoretical learning.

Externs can expect to begin their externship with a tour of the hospital and introduction to key staff who can provide valuable information on what it's like to work at Justin Bartlett Animal Hospital. The extern may rotate through each department, including surgery and front desk. They will be able to see what a typical day is like and what staff actually do.

While students follow hands-on modules created by our own experienced staff, we also incorporate those modules provided by the training facilities such as Penn Foster and HCI College.

Students participating in the Externship program will most likely be required to complete a certain number of hours.

At the completion of the program, you will be presented with a Certificate of Completion.

Externs that demonstrate a passion for the field and excel in their training are often offered a job opportunity at Justin Bartlett Animal Hospital

Foster Program

Become a Lifesaver - Join Our Foster Program

Introduction:

Every year, countless animals find themselves in need of a temporary home until they can be permanently adopted. By becoming a foster parent with Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, you provide a loving and safe environment that is a crucial bridge to a better future for these animals.

Why Foster?

Fostering an animal is not only rewarding, but it's also critical to our mission. It helps reduce overcrowding in shelters and prepares animals for a successful transition to a permanent home. Plus, it can be a flexible commitment that fits your schedule.

Who Can Foster?

Our foster program is looking for compassionate individuals who:

  • Have a safe, clean, and loving environment.
  • Can provide care for the animals’ daily needs.
  • Are interested in helping animals recover from surgery, illness, or need help with socialization.

How We Support Our Foster Families:

We ensure that all our foster families are equipped with the necessary supplies and support, including:

  • All necessary medical care, including vaccinations and medications.
  • Food and supplies required for the care of the foster animal.
  • Training and support for special care needs.
  • A dedicated foster coordinator for questions and assistance.

Foster Opportunities:

We offer foster opportunities for various durations and needs, including:

  • Emergency fostering for animals recovering from surgery or illness.
  • Short-term fostering for animals awaiting transfer to another rescue facility.
  • Long-term fostering for older animals or those needing extended care.

Testimonials:

Hear from some of our amazing foster families about their experiences:

  • “Fostering has brought so much joy to our lives. It's wonderful to know we are making a difference.” - Emily R.
  • “Seeing a once-timid animal grow and flourish in your care is incredibly rewarding. I can't recommend fostering enough!” - Mark S.

Join Our Foster Family:

If you’re ready to make a significant impact in the lives of animals, we invite you to apply to our Foster Program. Your love and care can be the crucial step an animal needs on their journey to a forever home.

Contact Us:

For more information about becoming a foster, please contact us at admin@justinbartlett.org. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Healing Hounds Program

The Healing Hounds Program is a unique program made possible through  partnerships with local facilities (prisons, rehab facilities, schools) and Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue. Selected participants (residents/fosters/ inmates) have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in “The Program”. Participants work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals. Some of these dogs move on to a more intense program to become therapy dogs for adopters with disabilities, others just simply become more adoptable. In either case, once the dogs have successfully completed either training, they will be adopted through the adoption process.

There are multiple benefits to  “The Program”;
The Healing Hounds Program gives its participants the skills necessary to support successful rehabilitation and, ultimately improving community awareness. At the same time, this is an opportunity for the participants to develop training skills.

“The Program” may also be used as a form of reward, as only participants with the best performance may be eligible to participate in the Healing Hounds Program.

The opportunity for the participants to give back to the community.

Participants in “The Program” will improve behavior as poor behavior will result removal from “The Program.

“The Program” will also saves dogs' lives. Many dogs that were unwanted and would have been euthanized have found a temporary foster family after been through “The Program”.

Some of the pups that enter “The Program” have typically lost their trust in people. They have been traumatized and sometimes even abused. While in the Healing Hounds Program, they are given time to heal and re-gain their confidence and trust in humans. The dogs are assigned to a participant and they live alongside him/her the entire time the participant is in “The Program”.

The participants socialize the pups and get them ready to live with a family of their own or become therapy dogs to disabled vets. Over the course of time in “The program”, each pup learns to walk on a leash, is housebroken, and learns basic commands, all the while building a stronger faith in humans.

In summary “The Program” is designed to educate, reward and promote.

Educate the participant in animal care, the prevention of animal cruelty, and provide them the necessary new valuable skill to seek a job in the animal field.

Reward both, the animal and the participant, for good behaviour.

To promote a forever adoption as the result of a well behaved, trained dog.

Interested in joining “The Program” as a volunteer or as a host facility?

Call us at 561-795-9999

Angel Fund: A Lifeline for Pets in Need

From the moment our doors first opened, we've been driven by a commitment to animal welfare and the bond between pets and their families. The Angel Fund stands as a testament to this commitment, offering a beacon of hope to pets in critical conditions due to illness or accidents, and their owners who find themselves facing financial hardships.

How the Angel Fund Makes a Difference

  • Immediate Care Without Financial Worry: The Angel Fund empowers our staff to provide essential medical care to injured animals without delay, ensuring that financial concerns do not stand in the way of life-saving treatments.
  • Support in Stressful Times: For pet owners faced with the distress of an emergency, the Angel Fund offers not just financial assistance but also peace of mind, knowing their beloved pet will receive the care they desperately need.
  • A Commitment to Animal Welfare: Our hospital's dedication to the well-being of all animals is reflected in the existence of the Angel Fund. It underscores our belief that every pet deserves a chance at health and happiness, irrespective of their owner's financial situation.
  • The Impact of Your Support

The Angel Fund relies on the generosity of our community to continue its vital work. Contributions to the fund enable us to extend our helping hand to more pets in need, ensuring they receive the urgent care that can truly save lives. It's a powerful way to make a direct impact on the lives of pets and their grateful owners during their most challenging times.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your support of the Angel Fund can change the course of a pet's life and bring immense relief to their owners. Together, we can ensure that every animal that comes through our doors receives the care they need to thrive again.

Support the Angel Fund today and be a part of a compassionate community dedicated to animal welfare.

Pawsitive Beginnings: A Guide to Compassionate Animal Care

At Pawsitive Beginnings, we're committed to setting the foundation for a healthy and happy life for pets and their future families. Our program focuses on the following key areas to ensure the well-being of animals from birth through adoption:

1. Animal Welfare

We prioritize the health and happiness of pregnant animals and their babies. Proper care, nutrition, and medical attention are provided throughout the pregnancy, delivery, and nursing periods, ensuring a safe start for the newborns.

2. Socialization

Creating a nurturing environment for newborn animals is essential. Early socialization helps them grow into well-adjusted and friendly pets, ready to join their forever families.

3. Healthcare

We ensure the health of both mothers and their offspring through regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and deworming. This proactive approach helps prevent diseases and promotes overall well-being.

4. Spaying and Neutering

To combat pet overpopulation, we advocate for and perform spaying and neutering. This crucial step ensures fewer unwanted litters and promotes a healthier life for pets.

5. Owner Education

Educating pet owners is key to responsible pet ownership. We provide resources on the importance of regular vet visits, vaccinations, and how to care for pets properly, ensuring they lead a happy, healthy life.

6. Adoption Process

When it's time for our kittens and puppies to find their forever homes, we follow a thorough adoption process. This includes screening potential adopters to ensure the best match for each animal, promoting long-term happiness for both pets and their new families.

7. Follow-Up Care

Our commitment doesn't end at adoption. We offer ongoing support and follow-up care to adopters, ensuring our animals continue to thrive in their new homes.

By adopting these practices, we aim to make a lasting impact on animal welfare and encourage a culture of responsible pet ownership in our community. Together, we can ensure every pet enjoys a loving, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Be part of the change. Support Pawsitive Beginnings today.

Take a Dog for a Date Day

Dive into a day of joy and companionship with our "Take a Dog for a Date Day" program. Spend an unforgettable day with a lovable rescue dog, creating memories and exploring together.

Your Day Includes:

  • Companionship: Share the joy of exploring with a friendly rescue dog.
  • Treats & Toys: Your date comes with delightful treats and toys.
  • Lunch Gift Certificate: Enjoy a special meal on us.

Make a Difference:

This program is more than just a day out; it's an opportunity to spread love and happiness with a wagging tail.

Sign Up Now: Ready for a day filled with tail wags and heartwarming adventures? Join us and make a lasting impact, one rescue dog at a time.

Let’s create cherished moments together!

Get Involved:

Interested in becoming a volunteer or hosting the Healing Hounds Program at your facility?

Get Involved

Your journey as a volunteer with Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue promises to be rewarding, impactful, and filled with opportunities to create positive change. Whether you're fostering connections between animals and people, raising awareness for our cause, or supporting the operational backbone of our organization, your role is crucial. Join us today, and be a part of a community dedicated to compassion, care, and the well-being of animals in need. Together, we can continue to make a significant difference in the lives of countless animals.