Why our Research and Education Program is important: National Canine has developed the most comprehensive database in Colorado, containing information on the movement of dogs into and within our state, financial and operational statistics for more than 200 Colorado rescue and shelter organizations, and much more. With this vast amount of information, we are uniquely able to develop and deliver fact-based education to support our mission.

What we’ve done so far: We were honored when asked to present to the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies our Colorado Pet Animal Importation Discussion materials, which prompted robust conversation and led to a follow-up presentation and discussion with the ASPCA. Our Retail Rescue educational materials were made available on our Facebook page and sparked a great deal of dialogue with policymakers and animal advocates. Using the information we’ve collected, we provided compelling testimony associated with several State of Colorado animal welfare bills and a Colorado Springs city ordinance related to a proposed ban on pet stores. We also presented relevant facts at stakeholder meetings coming out of the State of Colorado bills. Our research contributed to the making of a two-part story about Colorado rescue issues that aired on Colorado’s CBS4 in November 2021. Our presentation to the Texas Animal Control Association would not have been possible were it not for the significant amount of research we do.

What’s next: We will continue to update and grow our database to support fact-based education and discussion around the most important issues in canine welfare and strengthen our policymaking contributions.