If an animal is considered a danger to the public, we may have no choice but to euthanize.
The SPCA Ouest has a very strict no-bite policy. Under normal circumstances, we will not take in an animal that has a history of biting humans.
Our staff is very important to us. We would not want to risk their safety. We have families that come in to meet our dogs, we would not want to risk any harm coming to them. We will accept dogs who may be a little grumpy, or a little reactive, because most personality traits can be worked and, if matched with a suitable family, even a reactive dog can thrive.
We work with animal behaviorists who evaluate all of the dogs ready for adoption and who work with special needs cases if ever reactive tendencies are present. A shelter is a stressful environment for a dog. Some are more comfortable in their enclosures, but with others it can bring out the worst in them. We understand this and we give them the time and attention they need to show us their true colours and use foster homes and trainers when necessary.