We are involved in a variety of outreach and educational programs. As stated in our mission, Animal Services is committed to making the Rochester community safe for its human and non-human residents. Although enforcement is a major component of our operations, education and training are also essential. That means providing educational programs for the community and pursuing on-going training for our animal care and control personnel. Read more about what's going on at Animal Services in our newsletter.
The Fast & The Furriest™ 10K Race & 1-Mile Dog Walk 
This third annual event continues to grow. On Saturday June 27, 2009 the Verona Street Animal Society organized The Fast & The Furriest™ 10K Race & 1-Mile Dog Walk. The event drew 218 registered runners, 193 dog walkers, and raised over $22,000 for Animal Services. VSAS is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization established to help support the mission and programs of Animal Services. Through this event, VSAS is raises awareness about the City's animal shelter and its programs and helps boost adoptions and volunteer recruitment. Additionally, the funds raised help support the spay/neuter program, improve animal care, and enhance materials to promote the Animal Services mission.
The next race and walk is scheduled for Saturday June 12, 2010. 
If you are interested in getting involved with the 2010 event, contact Chris Fitzgerald at Chris.Fitzgerald@cityofrochester.gov.
2nd Annual Frosty Paws Winter Carnival
When: Saturday, January 23, 2010 / 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: ARTISANworks, 565 Blossom Road Suite L, Rochester, New York 14610
Visit: http://www.artisanworks.net/ for information on the venue.
What: Join us for an evening of musical fare, mystic carnival entertainment and great food and wine. In support of Rochester's furry friends, the Frosty Paws Carnival is complete with silent auction, tarot card reader, and animal psychic all among the magnificent artistic surroundings of ARTISANworks! It's an evening you won't want to miss. Tickets on sale beginning this fall.
BUY TICKETS at Rochester Animal Services, Twelve Corners Barber Shop or at www.vsas.org 
Be sure to include "Frosty Paws" in the donation Purpose field so we know you're purchasing a ticket!
1-877-New Pet Line
Hill's will launch the first-ever live toll free help line to guide potential, new and current pet owners in making the right behavioral and nutritional decisions to help manage their pets' special needs during lifestage transitions.
Open House
In celebration of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Animal Services is having an open house on Sunday November 1, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come tour the shelter, visit the animals, meet the Mounted Patrol horses, learn about our spay-neuter programs, and find out how to get involved as a volunteer. There will be a K9 dog demonstration weather permitting. Bring your pet for a free nail clipping or to have a microchip ID implanted ($30). Watch a professional groomer demonstrate his trade. NY Dog Whisperer Sy Potter will be on hand to provide free training and socialization tips. Animal Communicator Kathy Smith will be providing 15-minute readings. This annual event is a great opportunity to highlight the life-saving work that Animal Services performs on a daily basis.
Pet First Aid Class
The American Red Cross 3-hour course is now here in Monroe County. Pet first aid is the immediate, temporary care given to an injured animal until it can be taken to a veterinarian for professional medical attention. Course fee is $25 made payable to the Rochester Animal Services and includes ARC certification and the book Pet First Aid: Cats and Dogs. The next class is forming now. Call (585) 428-7274 for registration information and class details. Enrollment is limited so call now to register.
Volunteer Orientation Meeting
Volunteer meetings are at the Animal Services Shelter at 184 Verona Street. Please call (585) 428-7274 or follow this link to find out more about our volunteer program. Then come on down and join the team to help us help Rochester's animals.
Responsible Pet Guardian Program
Provided upon request. Learn tips on providing appropriate care, nutrition, training, and socialization to keep your pets happy and healthy. Please call our office at (585) 428-7274 to schedule a program at the animal shelter or at your school, workplace, or neighborhood association.
Dog Bite Prevention Program
Provided upon request. Learn the do's and don'ts around dogs. We can cater these programs to school groups, utilities workers, visiting nurses, social workers, postal carriers, and others as appropriate. Please call our office at (585) 428-7274 to schedule a program at the animal shelter or at your school, workplace, or neighborhood association.
Weekend adoptions at PetSmart
We bring adoptable animals to the Ridge Road location on select weekends. For a schedule call the shelter at (585) 428-7274 or visit the PetSmart web site for more details about PetSmart Charities and the Luv-A-Pet Adoption Center program.