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Our Programs

Serving pets and the people who love them

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is more than just an animal shelter. HSSA has many programs designed to serve the pets in our community and the people who care for them.

New Beginnings Behavior Program

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona helps thousands of animals find place in loving homes every year. Some of these animals may have arrived at the shelter after facing adverse living conditions, neglect, abuse, medical emergencies, or trauma. Others simply have never been properly socialized to people or other animals.

Thanks to generous donors, HSSA has been able to implement a solution-based training program to help "at risk" dogs with the aid of selected Department of Corrections (DOC) crew members.

Crew members handle and train dogs in need of special behavioral attention under direct supervision of HSSA's Behavioral Supervisor. The eight-week course provides basic obedience training and socialization with other dogs and people in hopes of building the dog's confidence and social skills. The animals receive necessary attention, training, and nurturing in order to curb unwanted behavior and to properly acclimate them to being around people and other dogs.

The DOC crew members are given an opportunity to build confidence and develop a sense of responsibility within themselves as they learn how to handle and train these at-risk dogs. Both parties complete the course with a new found sense of pride and confidence that will follow them into their new lives ahead.

New Beginnings Behavior Program Logo Update 2022