The vast majority of pets that end up in animal shelters belonged to a family at some point. Tens of thousands of animals are given up every year, many of which are later euthanized.
Data from our Pet Helpline shows that the number one reason pets are relinquished is behavior challenges. We wanted to help those families before they reached the end of their rope, so we partnered with John Willis of Triangle Pet Behavior to develop the new Pet Behavior Support program.
As Finn grew up, he developed issues with fear-based aggression. Training classes hadn′t helped, and Finn′s family was at the end of their rope.
Gopal Y., a first-time dog owner, reached out to our Pet Helpline in August to ask about surrendering Finn, their family’s 3-year-old Aussie. Finn had a troubling case of fear-based aggression – he couldn’t be handled or even put into his harness without trying to bite any hands that came near him.
As Gopal explains, “I was in a really tough spot. We weren’t sure how to deal with this dog’s behavior. I had no options but to give him to the shelter.” Gopal feared Finn would be euthanized due to his behavior. “I would have regretted it for the rest of my life; my kids would have. And then I went to the SPCA’s website.”
Gopal was thrilled to hear we had a program that could help him. We dispatched John to the family’s home to meet Finn and begin working together on a training plan.
After a few weeks of sessions, Gopal was amazed by Finn’s improvement.
“Without this support, I would have given up,” Gopal told us. “The assistance the SPCA was able to provide has been really impactful.
This is the first thing I've found that has made an impact on this dog's life. This program is a lifesaver for us humans and for Finn too.
Gopal Y., Finn′s owner
In 2024, our Pet Helpline received 3,079 requests for help rehoming a pet. The #1 reason for these requests was due to a challenge with pet behavior or training.
Through our new Pet Behavior program with Triangle Pet Behavior, 398 hours of training and behavior support was provided to 143 pets to address behavioral concerns in an effort to keep those pets in their homes and out of shelters.
With John’s training plan, Finn became able to put on his harness and welcome visitors at their home. Instead of biting at hands coming toward him, Finn learned to give them high-fives instead!
Because of your support, 143 pets and 119 families received help from this program last year.
Thanks to you, instead of broken-hearted families and more homeless pets, these families found personalized, compassionate support – and those pets and people got to stay where they belong: together.
Want to get involved?
or
Thanks to your support, Gopal′s son and his best friend Finn got to stay together and enjoy Christmas as a family.