AKRON, Ohio -- A pet store rescue vehicle made an early-morning visit to 10 abandoned Ohio dogs Thursday.

The PetSmart Charities "Rescue Waggin'" came to the Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry’s Division of Animal Control in Akron to take the abandoned dogs to Erie County, N.Y., where adoptable animals are known to find homes more quickly.

Animal control manager Christine Fatheree said dogs are given a health exam and behavior evaluation before boarding the vehicle.

"Only healthy, well-tempered canines are selected for this program," said Fatheree.

The dogs ride in a temperature-controlled environment with lullabies playing from a sound system to ease travel. A video monitor allows drivers trained in pet care and animal first aid to monitor the dogs along the way.

When the dogs arrive in N.Y., they will be given 12 to 24 hours of down time to de-stress before receiving a medical exam and spay-and-neuter surgery.

PetSmart representatives said dogs from the Rescue Waggin' vehicle are commonly adopted within three days.

The Summit County Division of Animal Control is now one of four Rescue Waggin’ program source facilities in Ohio.

"By serving as a program participant, the county of Summit will also be eligible to apply for grants that will enhance our facility, as well as expand upon the spay-and-neuter services being offered throughout the community," said Pry.

Prior to becoming an official source facility, the division of animal control underwent an evaluation process, including a site visit and an educational seminar.

For more information about PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin’ program, or the services being offered through the Summit County Division of Animal Control, call 330-643-2845 or visit www.co.summit.oh.us.