The SPCA KK Rehabilitation and Adoption Centre in Papar, Sabah, currently cares for 249 dogs, aged between one and six years, often exceeding its capacity. The lack of mental stimulation and interactive spaces has led to boredom, anxiety, and behavioral problems in many dogs, particularly those who have stayed long-term. Limited staff-to-animal ratios further restrict the ability to provide individualized care, making it harder for the dogs to adapt and find permanent homes—only 55 adoptions occurred between January and September 2024. To address these challenges, the project will introduce DIY dog playground equipment to provide much-needed enrichment. The playground will be open to public visitors for free each evening, allowing them to interact and bond with the dogs in a fun environment. By documenting the dogs' progress and sharing their training journeys on social media, combined with encouraging toy donations and volunteer involvement, the project aims to reduce anxiety, improve mental stimulation, and create stronger connections with potential adopters, ultimately increasing adoption rates and relieving overcrowding.

Vision:

1. "To create a supportive, community-focused space where the dogs at SPCA KK feel less stressed, become more social, and improve their mental health, making them more likely to be adopted."

Mission: 

1. "To collaborate with the community in providing essential resources such as toys and playground equipment for the dogs at SPCA KK."

2. "To stimulate the dogs’ minds, reduce anxiety, and enhance their social skills, facilitating smoother transitions into permanent homes."

For this project, the activities are such as:

1. Toys Donation and Constructing Playground Equipment: While working with volunteers to construct DIY dog playground equipment, we will promote the initiative on social media and place donation boxes for toys at local pet stores and vet clinics. This will encourage community involvement and support for the dogs at SPCA KK.

2. Recruit Professional Dog Trainer: To provide training for SPCA staff on effective dog handling techniques and offer consultation services.

3. Behavioral Assessment: Conduct a basic assessment of 10 selected dogs to ensure they do not exhibit excessive aggression or fearfulness. (Every one month)

4. Dogs Socialization: Volunteers and staff will introduce the 10 selected dogs to the playground equipment under supervision, ensuring regular playtime in the playground. Five dogs will participate for one hour each evening.

5. Showcasing Progress: Highlight the journey of each dog on social media through narratives and before-and-after visuals, emphasizing their readiness for adoption over a one-month period for the 10 selected dogs.

6. Recruiting Volunteers: Invite volunteers who lives nearby to build dog equipment, offer certificates and foster connections with shelter animals.

7. Public Engagement: Opening the playground to the public at no charge during the dog's playtime in playground will attract visitors, raise awareness about the shelter, and potentially enhance adoption rates.

1. Enhanced Shelter Environment: A more positive and stimulating environment for the animals, contributing to their overall happiness and adaptability.

2. Improved Mental Well-being of Animals: Enhanced mental stimulation and reduced anxiety for the dogs and cats at the SPCA KK through DIY playground equipment and donated toys.

3. Increased Adoption Rates: Higher chances of animals finding permanent homes due to improved behavior and well-being, as well as increased exposure to potential adopters.

4. Greater Community Engagement: Increased public awareness and participation, leading to more volunteers and potential adopters getting involved with the shelter.

5. Reduced Overcrowding: Reducing overcrowding at the shelter as more dogs find permanent homes.