A new statewide transport program is seeking to improve adoption rates for North Carolina shelter dogs by moving them to areas with higher demand — with two local county facilities taking part.

From BISSELL Pet Foundation, the North Carolina Intrastate Transport Program launched last week and aims to address how dog adoptions are declining nationwide, with many healthy dogs waiting in shelters for more than 30 days.

In the nonprofit’s announcement of the program, BPF founder Cathy Bissell said transport offers pets a second chance by introducing them to new adopters. 

“At BISSELL Pet Foundation, we know transport saves lives because we have seen it firsthand,” Bissell said in the release. “Too many shelter pets are overlooked simply because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Since 2011, the nonprofit has partnered with more than 6,000 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay and neuter programs, microchipping, and crisis and disaster response. 

As part of the NC Transport Program, animal welfare organizations throughout the state can list dogs in need on the online platform, and the animals will then be matched to locations where they have a better chance at adoption. Twenty shelters are participating in the initiative, including Chatham Sheriff’s Animal Resource Center and Orange County Animal Services. 

“Orange County Animal Services is excited to participate in this program,” OCAS Communications Specialist Tenille Fox told 97.9 The Hill. “We have always collaborated with other shelters and rescues in our state, and we know this initiative will only improve the way we all work together to help even more pets find loving homes.”

Large and medium-sized dogs are especially spending prolonged periods waiting in shelters, averaging 18 and 20 days respectively. In the release, BPF encouraged community members to visit their local shelters regularly, as new pets will be continually transferred in as part of the program.

“We spent three years developing a platform to make intrastate transport easier for shelters, helping them diversify their populations to increase adoptions,” Bissell said. “Every pet deserves a chance, and we’re proud to provide a solution that helps shelters save more lives. If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family, please visit your local shelter to adopt or foster.”

For more information about BPF or to donate, click here.

Featured image via Orange County Animal Services.

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