Through effective programming, education, and community involvement, VWB/VSF strives to improve the health and wellbeing of people and their companion animals.  We recognize that free-roaming dogs are a global problem in terms of both animal welfare and public health, but that they also serve a multitude of roles including companionship, community policing, and a variety of ecological and public health functions. We work closely with community members, technical experts, local public health authorities, and with local and national veterinary associations, veterinary schools and licensing boards. By integrating human health, animal welfare and ecological sustainability, this program is developing long-term strategies to control dog overpopulation and prevent diseases transmitted to people such as rabies.