BADRAP's Owner Support Work

Creating change in our most challenged communities

Why do so many pit bull type dogs land in the shelters? Foreclosures, landlord evictions and a general lack of resources including affordable dog training are some of the key reasons dogs end up in crisis. Our years within the pit bull community has taught us that one of the best approaches to turning the tide for the dogs is to work directly with the residents of some of our most under-served neighborhoods. We can get positive change immediately simply by providing owner support and resources to dog owners who are otherwise unable to afford or access help:

Free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchips, free leashes/collars and behavior counseling and dog training.

Most dog owners love their pets and want to be responsible. Breed specific laws including mandatory spay/neuter laws target and stereotype dog owners and alienate them from the people who should be their key source of responsible owner information - their local shelters and city agencies. Communities respond more favorably when solutions to dog-related challenges embrace the human-animal bond rather than tear it apart.

Build It and They Will Come

It's probably the most important work any dog activist can do. Our group brings resources and information - marketed as 'Celebrate Your Pit Bull' events - to select east bay neighborhoods several times a year. By building positive relationships with fellow pit bull owners, we're able to bridge gaps and learn what people's bigger challenges to dog ownership are so those issues can be addressed. 

Our Biggest Challenge!

In years past, we struggled with helping our outreach clients accept spay/neuter as a healthy option for their dog. Those days are long gone. Now our biggest challenge is finding a way to meet the need of all of the people who want to get their dogs fixed. We currently work with a small handful of veterinarians who donate their services or offer them at a reduced fee during our event. Each time, we're greeted with a long line of dog owners who show up hours early in hopes of securing a surgery for their pet. Take a peek:

Photos from some of our past Shots Fairs:

• Pittsburg
• East Oakland
• Vallejo

Question: Aren't spay/neuter clinics already filling the need?

In the SF bay area, the average wait for a free spay/neuter appointment can be three months or more. Unaltered dogs can reproduce during that time, and dog owners may change their minds and decide not to follow through. With so much need, offering timely, accessible surgeries is critical. Outreach work brings surgeries straight to our communities so the benefits can begin working immediately.

Question: How much do spay/neuter surgeries usually cost?

We're spending between $90 - $300 per surgery, depending on the weight and condition of the dog and how quickly we need an appointment. However the public can pay several hundred dollars for the same. See this list of current PRICES for s/n surgeries in Contra Costa County, for example. No wonder so many people avoid getting their pets fixed.

From a shots fair client:

Thank you guys so very much. Charly was neutered, micro-chipped, and given his rabies vaccine. Without you guys, meeting my pitbull debts would have been extremely stressful. That awesome leather collar donated by Ana, was just the icing on the cake, he is doing great. Love you guys. - Ruben Paredes Jr.

Please join us in creating change

We welcome the help of fellow dog lovers in this important work. If you're a veterinarian or RVT, please consider donating your services to this cause. Contact Christine for more info. Supporters are encouraged to donate so we can the meet the needs of more dog owners in our community. Thank you.

DONATE

Press: BADRAP Outreach Events in the News:

• Change.org
• Contra Costa Times