Maverick is a large adult male dog who since intake, has shown aggressive responses to attempts at handling. He was found as a stray by good samaritans, however once he jumped into their vehicle, he began growling anytime they got close. Since then he has been exhibiting severe fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in the shelter environment, volunteers and staff have been unable so far to handle him safely or get him out of his kennel.

Observed behaviors include:

• Charging kennel doors

• Barking, growling, snapping, and showing teeth toward handlers

• Hard staring, lunging at barrier, and snapping toward upper body

• Inability to safely complete vaccinations or neuter surgery

• Unable to handle without tools for safety


He has eaten treats and followed basic cues (sit/down) from behind the kennel doors, he appears highly sensitive to environmental triggers (noise, proximity of people, kennel traffic), and the shelter setting is clearly overwhelming and deteriorating his quality of life.


This is a time-sensitive plea. We don't want Maverick living in a state of constant fear in the shelter, and since handlers have not yet been able to safely handle him for routine medical care or enrichment/socialization activity, humane euthanasia is being considered due to quality-of-life concerns if no appropriate placement can be found.

Update 1/14: Staff and volunteers have been working with Maverick since he arrived at the shelter, and Maverick has shown that he can show social behavior with people and tolerates body handling once he trusts the person, however, his kennel behavior still includes charging kennel doors, barking, growling, snapping and showing teeth towards people walking by.  He has also shown some intermittent aggressive behavior towards people approaching when he is with his handlers while on a leash, no bite contact has been made, but he does vocalize and move towards them.  Maverick has also shown difficult behavior around other dogs and in playgroup he has been muzzled and will charge at the other dogs and get very tense with corrections.  


If your rescue can help or knows of a suitable placement, please reach out immediately. We are happy to provide additional video, notes, or coordinate transport support where possible.


Maverick’s current behavior prevents care and significantly limits his options within a municipal shelter. If you can help or know an organization or individual with appropriate experience, please contact VCAR.Rescue@venturacounty.gov .

Sharing to reach the right placement is appreciated.