Volunteer to Walk Dogs or Help Clean at Road to Home Rescue in Utica

Want to help the dogs at the Road to Home Rescue in Utica? You can volunteer to walk the dogs or help clean the warehouse on Broad Street and it's now easy to sign up online.

Volunteers are needed between 11am-8pm each day through June 30th and you can register online for one or more shifts.

The animal rescue came under fire after video surfaced of more than 100 dogs living in inhumane conditions. Road to Home Rescue founder Elyse Giurco says Kim Strong, who ran the shelter, "left Friday and never came back. We've been working to clean the warehouse ever since and are trying to place the 59 dogs that remain in a safe environment.

Anyone wanting to volunteer must keep these things in mind:

-You must bring your photo ID with you to each volunteer shift.
-Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
-Everything you need will be provided (leashes, treats, poop bags, gloves, etc.) But feel free to bring some treats to donate.
-You will meet a volunteer check-in person outside of the gate. They will give you a short training so you can help while keeping the pups and you safe.

You can sign up for more than one shift at a time and are encouraged to recruit some friends to come with you.

Got questions? Email roadtohomeuticavolunteers@gmail.com.

You can also help by adopting or fostering one or more of the dogs left at the facility. If you do, Paws 4 the Pack, in Cooperstown will give you 3 free training sessions and 30% off all continued training. "Some of these dogs will likely need behavior rehabilitation, confidence building and training from living in a kennel situation for this long. If your willing to help so are we."

The District Attorney is investigating the case and officials from the Mayor's office, Police Department and animal control stopped by to tour the warehouse Monday. "It's mind boggling that a person who portrayed herself as caring for animals like Kim Strong is even allowed to be around them," Utica Mayor Rob Palmieri said through tears after seeing the "beyond deplorable conditions."