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 
Join us on Saturday June 12, 2010 for The Fast & The Furriest™ 10K Race and 1-Mile Dog Walk. In 2009, 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 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 enrichment, and enhance the promotion of Animal Services programs.
Register now to participate in the run, the walk, or both activities. 
If you are interested in getting involved with the 2010 event, contact Chris Fitzgerald at Chris.Fitzgerald@cityofrochester.gov.
3rd Annual Frosty Paws Winter Carnival 
Presented by Invisible Fence Brand
When: TBD Winter 2011 / 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 Winter Carnival is complete with silent auction, tarot card reader, henna artist, and animal psychic all among the magnificent artistic surroundings of ARTISANworks! It's an evening you won't want to miss.
Open House
In celebration of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Animal Services is having an open house on Sunday November 7, 2010 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 professional pet groomers demonstrate their techniques. 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.
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, parole and probation officers, 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.