The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society celebrated the grand opening of its Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre in June 2023. The centre was custom-built to help dogs who need more individualized care than a typical animal centre can provide. 

Operated by the Ontario SPCA’s Animal Behaviour team, the centre provides evidence-based behavioural support to help dogs overcome challenges so they can find a loving home.  

Contribution made in honour of beloved dog, Arlo 

The centre contains several unique features, including the Arlo Gattuso-Slaight Dog Living Room. Made possible thanks to the generosity of La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso, who supported the Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre in honour of her beloved dog, Arlo, this designated space is complete with a functioning TV, sofa, and other features of a family home living room.  

The importance of the Arlo Gattuso-Slaight Dog Living Room is that it allows the team of animal behaviour experts to work with dogs to practice appropriate behaviours in a simulated home environment.  

A key piece in assessing dogs 

“The Arlo Gattuso-Slaight living room has been a key piece in helping to assess dogs in our care,” says Kassie Dickson, Animal Behaviour Coordinator, Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre. “It ensures they are given time outside of the hustle and bustle of the centre where they can kick back, relax, and get some much-needed decompression. This has helped greatly in decreasing stress and easing the transition into homes after adoption.” 

Some dogs that come to the Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre have never lived in a home setting. Being able to introduce these dogs to a living room to practice living in a house helps prepare them for adoption. 

The Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre team works diligently to help dogs from animal centres across the province overcome behavioural challenges that may be a barrier in finding a loving home. The Arlo Gattuso-Slaight Dog Living Room serves as a unique and successful tool in helping to achieve this goal.   

Want to learn more? 

To learn more about the Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre, or donate to help give an underdog a second chance, visit ontariospca.ca/dogrehab 

Get a glimpse inside the Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre. Check out our grand opening video here. 

 

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