Bark Bus Hits the Streets to Help Detroit’s Pets
Detroit’s dogs and cats are riding in style, thanks to the Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) Bark Bus! Once a humble school bus, this transformed pet transport now serves as a lifeline for the city’s animals, offering free rides to essential veterinary services and rescue opportunities.
The Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control’s Bark Bus transports animals to medical and rescue opportunities.
Through a partnership with the BISSELL Pet Foundation, the Bark Bus regularly transports Detroiter-owned pets to be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped at no cost to their owners—helping keep beloved pets healthy while preventing pet overpopulation. The bus also serves as a rescue shuttle, moving shelter animals to partner organizations and delivering free pet food to community distribution events.
And it’s impossible to miss! Wrapped in heartwarming images of DACC alumni, the Bark Bus is a rolling tribute to the shelter pets of Detroit—past, present, and future. So, the next time you see it cruising through town, give a wave to the four-legged passengers getting the care they deserve.
Want to meet the Bark Bus Celebrities? Read their stories from their owners below!
Tito
I rescued my soul dog, Tito, in January 2020. Tito unexpectedly passed on 10/26/24, but his legacy will live on through everyone he touched. At first, Tito was a scared, timid dog that was skeptical of the world and heartworm positive. With a lot of time, patience, and love, he grew into a healthy, confident, wise, beautiful companion that had the best and most unique personality. Seeing the drastic change in dogs like Tito is what inspired me to join 3 other FoDACC volunteers in starting Underdog Rescue Ranch. Tito loved to go on walks, sniff every blade of grass, roll around in the grass, sit in the sun and snow, play with his best doggy friends, travel to mountains and lakes to hike with me, chase squirrels up trees, and nibble on his squeaky toys. Tito taught me so much - LOVE AND MISS YOU TEETS MCGEETS!
Miko
When I started volunteering at DACC, I never intended to bring home another dog. That changed the day I met Miko. He was skinny, scared, but still so sweet. My hubby and I decided to foster him. Watching Miko grow into a healthy, playful pup was amazing! He fit right into our family, getting along great with his fur siblings Charlie and Kasia. After just two weeks, on 12/1/18, we adopted him. He is the BEST boy and we are forever grateful to DACC for our beloved Miko!
Frankie
Let me tell you about one of the bestest boys, my Frankie. I adopted Frankie from DACC in December of 2018. He was one of the first dogs that Friends of DACC treated for heartworms that year. He is the most wonderful and amazing boy. He loves adventures and snuggling. Frankie loves everyone. He's the first of our dogs to meet any foster and he can match any play style.
Watson
I first met my mom when she was learning how to clean the cat room. I'm glad she came, because I hated everyone else. I knew I loved her from day one, and she loved me even though I only have 5 teeth ! She made me realize people aren't as scary as I first thought. She took me home and now I have 5 siblings and the best moms ever :)
Maple
We decided to foster Maple when she came to DACC as an emaciated (6 lbs!) puppy with a broken tail. It was honestly love at first sight (and first snuggle, when she burrowed her little head into my neck.) Her loving demeanor, curious head tilts, and spunky personality quickly won us over, and we knew she was meant to be part of our family - a total foster "fail". One of her trademarks is her big toothy smile, which she breaks out when she's super happy (like when she greets her people at the front door), and is typically accompanied with many wiggly-bodied tail wags. Maple is one of the happiest, most loving dogs I've ever met and is a shining example of the love and joy shelter dogs can bring to a family.
Eleanor
Eleanor (formerly Ruby) was our 70th foster dog. She came to us terrified of the world. After fostering her for a few months and seeing her slowly come out of her shell, there was no way we could let her go. So we officially adopted her and made her a part of our family.
Buddy Bear
This is my heart BUDDY BEAR, formerly ACCORDIAN. He’s a complete joy every day and brings so much love and silliness to my life. We walk every day and play together. I’m blessed to be his service person and shepherd him through life. Together we make a great team and I’ll continue to protect and take the best care of him. I’m forever grateful to DACC for rescuing him so our paths could cross.
Charlotte
Miss Charlotte is a proud DACC alum, class of 2023. We selected this photo of her for three reasons: 1. It shows that she's ready to go for a ride; 2. It showcases her ears very nicely; 3. It's adorable. Charlotte is so honored to be featured on the FoDACC Bark Bus. She is a very good passenger and enjoys looking out the window. She looks forward to every destination, whether it's a park, an adventure walk, Gramma and Grampa's house, other Gramma and Grampa's house, or the vet!
Sake
Sake (formerly known as "Island" in the shelter) - Picked up as a stray in Detroit, estimated 1 year old at the time, unfixed, not microchipped, and no one claimed her. She immediately caught the eye of professional dog trainer Abbie Volpone, one of FoDACC's training partners, and came home with her in February of 2022. Her DNA test came back as German Shepherd, Husky, And Chow Chow. She easily adapted to life with dogs and other pet siblings, including a cat she loves to wrestle with, and a free roaming iguana. Every single day since she came home, she makes her people smile with her spunky, goofy personality, and she has thrived with the challenge of being a trainer's dog. She knows many tricks and behaviors, loves going paddleboarding and hiking, and she holds multiple AKC titles, including her Canine Good Citizen certification.
Sir
Sir, a resilient and lovable dog, is a cherished success story with Friends of DACC. He arrived at the shelter under tough circumstances, having been hit by a car and requiring multiple surgeries—including entropion surgery to ease his vision and comfort. Despite the challenges, Sir’s affectionate nature made him an instant volunteer favorite. He had a special way of showing his love, often settling right onto volunteers' laps as if he couldn’t get close enough. Sir was one of the last residents of the shelter’s previous location, and his journey took a positive turn when he was welcomed by one of DACC’s dedicated transfer rescue partners. Thanks to their efforts, Sir was quickly adopted into a loving home. His story highlights not only Sir’s courage and warmth but also the invaluable role of transfer partners in finding second chances for shelter pets in need.
