BEHAVIOR

Sometimes shelter animals need a little extra help as they transition into home life. That’s why, in addition to finding loving families for the animals who come into our care, the SPCA provides post-adoption behavioral support. From follow-up phone calls and emails to home visits, our staff ensures that new pet owners have all the resources they need to help their cats and dogs settle into their new homes. If adopters have questions about housetraining, litter box issues or introducing resident pets to their new friends, we’re here to provide advice and encouragement. The goal is for pets and their people to thrive together, and in 2021 we are looking forward to expanding our behavior program. The SPCA also partners with local dog trainers to provide extra behavioral support to dogs who need it. In 2020, we sent four dogs to live at Muddy & CO, a board-andtrain facility in Northern Virginia. While at Muddy & CO, our dogs learn to live comfortably among other dogs, interact with new people and sleep quietly in their crates. They also go on some fun adventures, from field trips to pet stores to swimming sessions in the backyard pool. After living in a trainer’s home, dogs like Bagel, the Rottweiler who we found out was great with other dogs once he went to Muddy & CO, and Small Fry, a deaf pup who needed a calmer environment, settle into their forever homes more quickly and more comfortably. We’re grateful for the community support that allows us to save dogs who need behavioral intervention before they are ready for their families.