The ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center is dedicated to rehabilitating fearful, undersocialized dogs, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding situations.
The facility in Weaverville, N.C. treats dogs from ASPCA cruelty cases as well as dogs from other animal welfare organizations.
Dogs are provided with an intensive program designed to reduce their anxiety, improve their well-being and ready them for adoptive homes.
From there, the dogs are transferred to partner shelters for placement.
The center’s team has documented its protocols and procedures as part of a formal research study, and those findings will be shared with shelters and rescue groups around the country.
The center is in the process of launching a mentor program to provide research-based training for eligible animal welfare organizations. The expansion includes a dormitory and several teaching spaces where shelter professionals will learn about effective behavior rehabilitation techniques, as well as specialized socialization, enrichment and sheltering protocols.
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The Behavioral Rehabilitation program is featured in an award-winning ASPCA documentary currently available on Netflix. Watch the trailer below.