FOHA Receives PEDIGREE Foundation Grant to Expand Behavior Program
Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) has received renewed funding to expand its vital behavioral support systems. Operating on a 40-acre property near Aldie, Virginia, FOHA is a dedicated no-kill shelter. This latest PEDIGREE Foundation grant will help FOHA upgrade its innovative volunteer tools and advance its behavioral support programs.
“We are incredibly grateful for the PEDIGREE Foundation’s continued belief in our work,” said Alison Maurhoff, Executive Director of FOHA. “This next phase of support allows us to scale our training and technology. Consequently, we can make a measurable difference for dogs who need extra time, structure, or behavior support before adoption.”
Advancing FOHA’s Dog Behavior and Training Program
To implement this curriculum, FOHA has partnered with Positive Dog Solutions behavioral therapists. The comprehensive dog behavior and training program is built entirely on early intervention, individualized plans, and consistent volunteer engagement.
Every dog entering FOHA receives a full behavioral and medical evaluation. Therefore, the team can identify training needs early. This proactive approach successfully prevents the escalation of fear, anxiety, or stress behaviors that often prolong shelter stays.
Additionally, the new funding will help FOHA continue modernizing its volunteer training model. FOHA is transitioning to a more targeted curriculum. This system teaches volunteers how to confidently and safely support dogs with specific needs, such as leash reactivity, strong pulling, or extreme shyness. Volunteers who complete the full series will qualify as “senior volunteers” to support FOHA’s more complex dogs.
Enhancing FOHA’s Mobile Training App
The PEDIGREE Foundation’s 2024 grant originally enabled FOHA to build an innovative mobile app. This app places a dog’s training plan and progress notes directly in volunteers’ hands. Specifically, this latest round of funding will elevate the app into a fully featured training and communication tool.
Planned app enhancements include:
- Self-Paced Training Modules: Volunteers and fosters can complete coursework online before in-person training.
- Direct Communication Features: “Ask the Trainer” and “Ask the Medical Team” tools will streamline care.
- Real-Time Caregiver Portal: Staff can log observations that automatically notify behavior or medical teams.
- Seamless Website Integration: Volunteers can easily publish photos and videos directly to dog adoption profiles.
“These enhancements mean more consistency, communication, and confidence,” Maurhoff said. “Ultimately, this technology puts the tools our volunteers and fosters need right at their fingertips.”
Supporting Fosters and Increasing Adoption Success
FOHA’s foster network is a critical component of its behavioral mission. Fosters offer dogs personalized attention in structured home environments. Furthermore, the new online modules will provide fosters with immediate, accessible guidance tailored to each dog’s specific goals.
These improved support tools help shorten the time to adoption, especially for dogs with moderate to complex needs. Consequently, they ensure much smoother transitions into permanent homes.
Measurable Impact for Dogs and Volunteers
FOHA expects the expanded program to reach approximately 300 dogs through customized behavioral support. The team anticipates that at least 250 of those dogs will find homes within a year. In addition, the grant will enable FOHA to train more than 100 volunteers using self-paced online tools.
A Model for Shelter Behavior Programs
FOHA’s unique approach integrates expert guidance, volunteer development, and supportive technology. With the continued support of this PEDIGREE Foundation grant, FOHA aims to eventually share these tools and learnings with other shelters nationwide.
About Friends of Homeless Animals
Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) is a no-kill animal shelter located near Aldie, Va. The facility operates on 40 acres and has rescued or rehomed over 18,000 cats and dogs. Learn more at www.foha.org.
About PEDIGREE Foundation
PEDIGREE Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to help end pet homelessness. Established in 2008 by Mars Petcare, the foundation has awarded more than 6,400 grants and over $15.3 million to U.S. and Canadian shelters. Learn more at PedigreeFoundation.org.
