Helping Enhance Animals’ Lives (HEAL)™

For many animals, life in a shelter can be stressful. Dogs may bark, jump, or pace, while cats may hide, overgroom, or become lethargic. These behaviors—often caused by stress, boredom, and limited positive human interaction—can make otherwise wonderful pets seem less adoptable.

In 1997, spcaLA created the Helping Enhance Animals’ Lives (HEAL)™ program to change that.

Through HEAL, the spcaLA Animal Behavior and Training Department partners with shelter staff and dedicated volunteers to enrich the daily lives of shelter animals. Volunteers work one-on-one with dogs to teach basic obedience, and manners, while also providing in-kennel enrichment.

The results are undeniable.

Dogs who once hid at the back of their kennels now greet visitors with wagging tails. Dogs learn to sit politely when people, instead of barking and jumping. By reducing stress and building positive associations with people, HEAL helps animals make connections with potential adopters.

HEAL doesn’t just improve life in the shelter—it helps ensure lasting adoptions. Studies, including those by the National Council on Pet Overpopulation, show that behavioral issues are a leading reason pets are returned to shelters. By providing early training and socialization, HEAL aims to reduce the likelihood that dogs will be returned for behavioral reasons.

In addition to HEAL activities for shelter dogs, shelter cats, rabbits, and other animals benefit from enrichment to keep them mentally engaged and physically active.  Volunteers and staff socialize, groom, and play with these animals to reduce stress and improve the human-animal bond. Even cats under medical treatment enjoy specialized behavioral care in the Cat Comfort Ward program.

The HEAL program is made possible through the generosity of our supporters. Together, we’re giving shelter animals the tools they need to thrive—in the shelter and in their new homes.