NASHVILLE, Ind. – Brown County Humane Society (BCHS) has been awarded a grant from PEDIGREE Foundation to support its Behavior, Enrichment, Socialization and Training (BEST) Program.
The initiative is designed to reduce stress in shelter dogs, increase adoptability, and provide critical post-adoption support for families.
The BEST program focuses on proactive behavior support, structured enrichment, and training for dogs both during and after their time in the shelter. With this funding, BCHS will expand its ability to address stress-related behaviors that often develop in kennel environments and can delay adoption or lead to returns.
“In recent years, we’ve seen dogs staying in our care longer and arriving with more complex behavioral needs,” said Stephanie Lenney, BCHS Behavior Coordinator. “This grant allows us to address those challenges head-on, helping dogs feel calmer, learn important skills, and successfully transition into loving homes.”
Grant funds will support staff training and mentorship for shelter behavior programming, daily enrichment activities to reduce kennel stress, individualized behavior plans for dogs who need extra support, and resources for adopters after they bring a dog home.
The program also emphasizes helping pet owners resolve behavior concerns before surrender becomes necessary, keeping more pets with the families who love them.
By investing in both dogs and the people who care for them, the BEST Program aims to shorten the length of stay, improve overall well-being, and strengthen long-term adoption success.
To learn more about Brown County Humane Society or how you can support programs like BEST, visit https://www.bchumane.org.
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