Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Story
**$110 in pledges to any rescue that may pull**
Venom ACCT-A-259698 is currently considered urgent and at risk of euthanasia due to length of stay and lack of space for incoming dogs. Venom must have confirmed placement with a RESCUE PARTNER or ADOPTER by TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND at 10AM. Should Venom’s medical or behavioral status change, his urgency and timeline for placement may also change.
Meet Venom! Don’t let his tough-sounding name fool you—this handsome boy is a softie at heart. Venom is a gentle, sweet, and incredibly affectionate dog who has made an amazing transformation since arriving at the shelter. When he first came to us, he was very fearful and unsure of new people and would avoid the leash or flinch when someone tried to interact with him. But with patience, a slow approach, and a little trust, Venom has been steadily coming out of his shell—and watching his confidence grow has been incredibly rewarding.
Once Venom feels safe with you, his true personality comes shining through. He loves being petted and will nudge your hand when you stop, happily settling in for full-body scratches and cuddles. He has even climbed into a volunteer’s lap for kisses! He is wonderfully mannered outside of his kennel, walks beautifully on leash with little to no pulling, and enjoys leisurely walks and exploring. He is also housetrained and has been very calm and easygoing once he is out and comfortable. Venom knows sit and paw, and while treats aren't always his biggest motivation, affection certainly seems to be!
Venom has also made great progress with other dogs. He has had several appropriate, calm dog-to-dog interactions, including recent successful meets where he remained curious but neutral and well-mannered. He has greeted dogs through a fence appropriately and has shown that he can coexist comfortably with canine friends when introductions are handled thoughtfully.
Venom will need an adopter who understands that patience is key with a fearful dog. He may still be hesitant when being leashed or meeting new people, and he does best when given the time and space to approach interactions at his own pace. His ideal home will be one where his family is prepared to help him acclimate gradually and build confidence rather than expecting him to be comfortable immediately. He is best suited for a home with children ages 10+, and the entire household must be present for his meet and adoption.
Venom has come such a long way, and every day he is showing us more of the loving, loyal companion hiding underneath that initial shyness. If you’re willing to go slow, earn his trust, and let him blossom, you may be rewarded with the sweetest cuddle buddy who will happily follow you around, lean into your affection, and remind you just how special he is. We’re so proud of this brave boy and can’t wait to see him find the loving home he deserves.
Videos:
More pets for sweetie Venom!:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Rb751Cj3Iq0
Venom and Oreo blizzard dog meet: https://youtu.be/82hT5nEdsJU?is=W8S1M6miQf1EzM71
Pets for Venom: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hAoWyN5uX7Y
Getting pets: https://youtube.com/shorts/mwEUDgNdjI0?is=0nk7Muz01UFXSWQ2
Meeting / coexisting with Bebe: https://youtube.com/shorts/Tl1UYirR21A?is=UJK7Wi9mjb5uOS4u
Behavior Notes:
Walksheet notes:
8/30 - low energy, very shy, neutral dog meet, had to lasso to leash, flinches, asocial, exit searching, go slow
8/31 - whale eyes, kind of freezes as you try to leash and then darts to avoid leash
9/1 - low energy, aloof, flinched at handling and would run away, likes beef jerky and pork jerky, used pork jerky to leash, very shy
9/2 - low energy, took me 15 mins to have him come to leash, took ten minutes for him to feel comfortable with pets, loves to walk on leash, brought him back to kennel and he came to front with happy tail wag
9/2 - low energy, much more relaxed today
9/2 - low energy, attempted dog meet with Princess - he did great. She did try to snap and he did not react
9/3 - low energy, came right out, went right back in easy
9/3 - low energy, tried meet with Rainbow - both were cordial, quick butt sniffs, no real interest
9/5 - medium energy, good fence meet with another dog, what a pleasure this boy is, he is a little scared of traffic and large trucks. Easy to walk when he feels safe. leans in for affection, great dog
9/9 - low energy, hesitant to leash, walks well, go sow, he leaned in to all handling
9/12 - low energy, being so brave and opening up, solicited pets, very proud of him
9/14 - low energy, so well mannered, nudged for pets
9/15 - low energy, sweet boy! very housetrained, peed and pooped immediately, very cuddly once out of kennel, did leash dodge for awhile, didn't care for my treats, not playful just wanted snuggles all over, not reactive to traffic
9/16 - low energy, good dog meet, Venom has come such a long way! today he allowed all handling and had a good dog meet with Oreo Blizzard
Per staff 9/17:
Best suited for a home with kids 10+. Whole family must be present at the time of meet/adoption. Home must have knowledge of how to acclimate a fearful dog into the home.
Per volunteer 09/16/2:
"Approaching Venom’s kennel, he was loose at the front with soft eyes, a neutral body, and small tail wags. He does leash dodge a little, but he allows leashing within about 10–15 seconds and easily hops out of his kennel once leashed.
It’s been a little while since I’ve taken Venom out, and I’m so happy to see how much he has opened up since the last time! He prances when he walks and walks so well on leash with little to no pulling. He allowed all handling, although he can initially be a little flinchy.
Venom also had a good dog meet today with Oreo Blizzard. He was curious about her but remained very calm and neutral throughout their interaction. I’m so proud of how far Venom has come! He had no issues returning to his kennel."
Per volunteer 9/14:
"Venom is 'cold club' and hadn't been out in 2 days, so I went to his kennel. He came to his kennel door to greet me, but he is still a little shy about being leashed. He stepped back, and briefly dodged the leash, but it's nothing significant. Once leashed, he steps right out. He walks confidently, almost a prance, with minimal pulling. He is trying to stay housetrained, and is calm and easy going.
Venom immediately went up to greet Pauly through the fence; he had good sniffs, wasn't vocal, just appropriate, well mannered greetings. He came to me the several times I called him, but he wasn't interested in toys, and my treats didn't interest him.
He is very well mannered in the yard - no mouthing, no jumping, and when I started petting him, he calmly sat with his back to me to enjoy full body pets. His coat is soft and fluffy. He gave me no issues walking through the shelter or being returned to his channel and unleashed. This boy is a stunning, well mannered, dog social dog."
Per volunteer 9/12:
This guy is really coming out of his shell!
Per staff 9/8:
Was asked by nurses to help get Venom's PCR test. I went up to his kennel and he greeted me with mid to low slow tail wags, wider eyes and a furrowed brow. I offered a treat which he took gently. When I opened the door he backed up to the middle of his kennel with ears back and mid to low tail wags, wider eyes. Would come forward then retreat, was no longer eating the treat I had, switched to cheese which he came forward for, flinched and retreated when my leash touched him. Would not come back forward. I closed the door to give him some time and he came forward eating the treats again. The nurse was able to get the PCR through the kennel bars with some treats.
Per staff 9/3:
Easy to leash, came right to the front. Walked nicely on the leash, no pulling I tried calling him over to pet, he was not interested Walked right into kennel and unleashed without issue
Per volunteer 9/2:
"Difficult to leash- fearful Hiding in the back of the kennel. Walked nicely on the leash, no pulling Yes, I handled the dog. Walked right into kennel and unleashed without issue. Venom became a different dog once I gained his trust. It took about fifteen minutes for him to come to me so that I could leash him. Outside he showed no interest in toys or treats but eventually he allowed all over handling, Venom loves to walk and he does not pull and takes correction easily. After our walk we spent some time in the volunteer room, and he became a totally different dog. We playfully, would not let me stop petting him, jumped up on my lap and gave kisses.
When I returned him to the kennel he instantly became more nervous again, but came right up to me and gave kisses gave me his paw. I think once Venom can trust you he becomes a loving playfull boy. Go slow and you will be rewarded with a loyal loving dog."
Per staff 9/2:
I was in the volunteer room when a volunteer brought venom into the room. Venom's body was loose, tail up and wagging, soft eyes and open relaxed mouth. He was leaning into the volunteer allowing all handling. When the volunteer sat down on the bench and Venom jumped up nudging his hand every time he stopped petting him. He was a little more nervous with me until I started offering treats. He then allowed me to pet his neck and leaned into it. Knows sit and paw! It was so nice to see his true personality.
Per previous owner:
I wanted to give some more info about the dog Venom that was surrendered last week. He belonged to my cousins sister in law. I am not sure how much info she provided so I wanted to just provide what I know about him. He is extremely gentle and mild mannered. I have never heard him bark and sticks by his handler 24/7. He lived with children ages 1-6 yrs old and was extremely gentle and tolerant of them. I do know he is not fond of other dogs, especially larger breeds as he was attacked (not severely) by a husky in the neighborhood. He also lived with a cat and paid her no mind. Had I known he was going to be surrendered I would have tried to help house him but my dog is pretty dog reactive. So I am hoping this info is seen by any rescues that may be interested in him. He is really a great dog and loves being pet and getting attention. He will nudge you if you stop petting him lol
Per staff 9/1:
For several days during my walkthrough, Venom would cower and not engage. Yesterday morning he began taking steps towards the front of the cage whenever I would begin walking away, soft eyes loose body, just cautious of interaction. Eventually he came all the way up to the front of the cage and smelled the air when I was about 5 feet away while making eye contact with me. This morning he was at the front of the kennel and began licking my hand with soft eyes and loose body :)
Per staff 8/30:
Kennel Presentation: Laying on the bed when I approached kennel. Wide eyes and ears to the side.
Leash Skills: Moved away when I opened the door. Tail down not moving. Needed to lasso to leash with light leash pressure to come out of kennel. Eyes darting, tail down and ears back walking through the kennels.
Sociability: Asocial and avoidant. Tense body, skin crawled and side eyed when I went to pet him.
Play: n/a
Dog Interaction: Met BB and Nova. With BB avoidant and tolerant of being sniffed. Tense with nova who was higher energy. Lip curl when she came up this face.
Return to Kennel: Slowly clipped his leash and he went right into kennel able to slip leash off
Color Level: Blue
Per staff 8/29:
Venom came into intake with an ACA his body and eyes were neutral, panting slightly but came in with no hesitation. Once inside he started panting and looking around and sat with the ACA and I for a few minutes to get acclimated and read memos, while sitting at the computer he looked at me and when I talked to him in a baby voice he started to lower his tail and loosen his body and came over and licked my knee and leaned into me for pets. I was able to pet him all over and he relaxed into me more. Asked for another female ACA on phones just in case and we decided muzzle would be safest, we practiced putting it on and taking it off a few times and when tightening it he got tense but still sat by/leaned on ACA, had no reaction to vaccines or microchip while being baby talked and let me undo the muzzle with no issue. Very sweet guy who just needs some time to warm up, didn't take cream cheese or hot dog when offered but seemed more affectionate motivated
Per staff 8/27:
Venom came in intake already a little weary he did take hot dogs n cream cheese he let us do the physical but once he got doubled leash he got tensed n whale eyes then we tried muzzled n double leash n he was super tense n whale eye n side eye then when we tried to give the vaccine he bucked up so we stopped & TTA him so he can get trazadone.
Per staff 8/27:
"ACA lead asked if I could assist at attempting to get Venom checked in. She was able to get the leash on however he was sitting in the corner of the kennel not moving. Needed leash pressure to come out of kennel. His eyes were wide/darting, ears back and tail tightly down not moving. Brought into intake we went slowly getting him onto the scale for a weight. While we were in there he did multiple stress yawns and appeasement licks at my hand. He began eating while we were in there. Able to check for fleas with a flea comb. Added a second leash out of abundance of caution. Smeared cream cheese on the door, however he would not get close enough to the door. He began wide/whale eyeing myself and the other handler.
Decided to try a muzzle, able to get it on then when the needle went in he head whipped and began low growling. Ended there and decided to take him outside to see if being outside would help. He stayed at the fence line staring out into the parking lot looking at each person out there (owner searching). He hesitated to go back into the building and needed leash pressure. I was able to lift up the stoppers on the leash and quickly clip the leashes. Took off the second leash and he went right into kennel. pulled back on the leash once in the kennel and was able to slip the leash off."
Per staff 8/26:
Venom was very nice and gentle with me and CS staff when owner brought him in, eventually leaned into my legs and elicited pets, just took a minute to warm up - would retreat back to his owner when new people walked by. ACA came up to get him and Venom was hiding behind owner. Owner informed ACA that he is especially fearful of men. Out of abundance of caution and for dog's comfort coming into the shelter, ACA had owner walk the dog to the kennel.
Per staff 8/26:
Dog was very sweet with me and help desk just very fearful of new people go slow
Per owner 8/26:
"Venom was surrendered by his owner of 3 years due to moving and being unable to bring him along. He lived with adults, kids, babies, toddlers, and cats. He is fully housebroken, fully crate trained, medium energy, pulls a little on leash, enjoys jerky, likes stuffed plush toys, and has no noted behavior issues nor has ever bitten.
He is nervous and shy with strangers, children, dogs, and cats, but does have a high prey drive towards wild animals when outside.
He sleeps in a dog bed or in his crate, knows commands: his name, sit, lay down, no and stay. Enjoys Exploring outdoors, Going for walks, Napping, Being petted, Getting a bath, Snuggling/cuddling with owners.
Favorite thing about him: Playing in the snow , throwing his plush toys , jumping up on my bed to snuggle
Ideal home: Loving home, someone who will play with him and give him attention but also not be aggressive , a real family home he can grow old with and enjoy the outdoors
He is a good dog. Loves going on car rides and playing with his plush toys , loves his walks and being outdoors , never had an accident in the house or bit anyone. Just needs a loving home someone who can give him the attention he needs and love on him."
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Due to being significantly overcapacity with dogs and cats and higher than usual intake, extensions are unlikely to be granted. If you are interested in an animal please contact ACCT Philly immediately.
Due to limited space, timestamps may also be proceeded with early so it is imperative to let us know if you are considering adopting or tagging a dog or cat.
ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. We are open for adoptions 7 days a week. Please visit www.acctphilly.org/adopt for details.
If you are a rescue interested in pulling this animal, please email our lifesaving team, or visit here if you are not currently a rescue partner: https://acctphilly.org/acct-philly-love-local-partnership-program/
Confirmed placement is considered confirmation of an actual rescue pull. Possible placement, interested parties, and other "TBD" statuses are not considered confirmed and do not indicate an animal is no longer urgent.
All animals at ACCT Philly are from Philadelphia, as the only open intake animal shelter in Philadelphia, we are not able to accept animals from outside of Philadelphia. ACCT Philly’s Pennsylvania kennel license number is 08313.