The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation was established by Katherine and Nancy Heigl to increase awareness of inhumane treatment of animals, support non-profit rescue efforts and  assist homeless shelter animals with rescue and medical treatment. Other goals of the organization are to fund and encourage free spay / neuter clinics, place rescue dogs and cats in loving homes and educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills and dog fighting.

This week it was announced that the Animal Advocates Alliance (AAA) and the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation have teamed up to launch the "Learn To Be a Best Friend" program, for people who adopt animals from the Baldwin Park Shelter in Los Angeles.

Starting at the end of the month, pet owners can participate in free clinics that focus on obedience training and pet care.

"No dog is perfect," said Katya Lidsky, an AAA volunteer obedience trainer who will be teaching the classes. "With every dog, there is something you have to work on. I think that's key because (pet owners) will learn where to turn or what to do instead of feeling so overwhelmed that they feel that they have to return the dog, which is truly a death sentence."

Marcos Vegas, an animal control officer at the Baldwin Park shelter, said behaviour issues are a major reason people return their pets after adoption.

Vegas said that, with more than 400 animals, the shelter is overcrowded. He added that the number can reach 800 in the summer. "(The classes are) going to help them understand that it only takes 30 minutes a day to train and it's going to change this dog's life forever. It's pretty simple," he said.

Lindsky said she will teach basic commands, such as how to train animals to sit, stay and walk on a leash. She added that the classes will also aim to provide pet owners with resources such low-cost vaccination clinics.

"I think the most important thing is that these pet owners are going to feel supported and empowered," she said.

For more information on the program and free training classes click here.