Nova

Nova is an adoptable female Black Labrador Retriever looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a young adult and medium in size. She is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Nova, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Recommendations FAMILY INTRODUCTION IN HOME TRAINING EXPERIENCED HANDLER ONLY DOG Memo 9/4/2026 09/04/26 12:24 Canine has engaged in concerning behavior toward other dogs in a previous environment. Recurrence may pose risk in future settings. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 9/10/26 to ensure secure management and appropriate behavioral support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/11/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/1/2026 What is the reason for surrender? 2 FAMILY MEMBERS ARE ALLERGIC TO THIS PET AND PET SHEDS A LOT. How long have you had your pet? 2 MONTHS. Where did you get this animal from? ACS OLD. Is your pet spayed/neutered? YES. Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? NO. We offer resources such as low-cost veterinary care, trainers, food/medication coupons, and financial assistance. Would you like any resources instead of surrendering? NO. Has the animal bitten anyone? If yes, please explain? NO. Any near bites (contact but did not break skin)? If yes, please explain? NO. Do you have pictures of injuries/bites? N/A Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? N/A Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? YES. TOWARDS OTHER ANIMALS. Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO. How is the animal around children? PET HAS BEEN AROUND CHILDREN AGES 1, 2, 6, 8 Please describe behavior around children? THIS PET ALLOWS ALL PETTING HANDLING FROM THE CHILDREN IN HOME. PET IS FRIENDLY AND PLAYFUL WITH 8 YEAR OLD WHO ENJOYS PLAYING WITH THIS. THIS PET IS FRIENDLY AND GENTLY WITH 2 YEAR OLD IN HOME. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? PET IS VERY FRIENDLY WITH ALL ADULTS IN HOME AND JUMPS UP WHEN EXCITED. Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? Cats? NO. Dogs? WHEN OUT WALKING, THIS PET PULLS VERY HARD TOWARDS OTHER DOGS, BARKS NONSTOP AT OTHER DOGS, WILL NOT SETTLE UNTIL PET CAN NO LONGER SEE OTHER DOGS. PET IS DIFFICULT TO REDIRECT BACK TO WALK AND MUST BE PULLED AWAY. Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? NO. Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? NO. Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NO. Is the animal house-trained? YES. Is your pet potty trained? YES. Familiar with a dog door? NO. Crate trained? YES. Leash trained? YES, BUT PULLS VERY HARD TOWARDS OTHER DOGS. Knows commands? SIT. KNOWS STOP. WORKING ON DOWN. KNOWS NAME. Where was this animal kept? INSIDE. Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? NO. Last vaccinations / last vet visit? ON FILE. How would you describe your pet's energy level? HIGH. Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? PET TRIED TO RUN AWAY DURING BATHS. PET BARKS AT VACUUM AND MOP. What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? LOVES BALLS. LIKED TUG TOY. SOMETIMES PLAYS FETCH. Any escapist behavior? ONCE BROKE A HARNESS WHILE PULLING TOWARDS ANOTHER DOG. OWNER HAD TO PICKUP PET. Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? NO. Any Additional details/notes on behavior? LOVES SLEEPING WITH BLANKET AND HER FAVORITE SQUEEKY PLUSH TOY. SHE IS VERY FRIENDLY, SUPER PLAYFUL, AND AN AMAZING FAMILY DOG. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/4/2026 Approached front of kennel for verbal coaxing; soft wiggly; tail wagging; easy leash; moderate to strong pull; startled by reactive dogs in building; cowered away; continued walking; stopped to sniff a dog in kennel; in a play bow position; kept walking. Assistant handler was in catch pen with A3811055. Entering yard, dog noticed A3811055; handler kept dog on leash; briefly glanced; started exploring; sniffing nose to ground; walked dog around in yard; started to explore near catch pen fence; noticed A3811055; cowered away; went back to exploring. After a few more moments, dog noticed A3811055 again; approached catch pen fence; hackles became raised; closed tight mouth; posturing forward; began alarm barking; handler used moderate leash pressure to redirect away; settled once a few feet away; continued to explore; relaxed body. Later, handler walked dog over to A3811055; moderate pull towards A3811055; sniffed through fence hackles raised; alarm barking; snout at fence; used moderate leash pressure to redirect away; used a squeaker; easily able to redirect away. A3811055 exited. Continued to hold leash; walked dog around; allowed for petting; offered treats; took treats gently; demonstrated sit; dropped leash for a few moments; allowed for more petting; jumped up. Exited yard; walked past A3811055 in neighboring yard; sniffed through small yard gate opening; alarm barking; used light leash pressure to redirect. Walked past kennels; ignored other dogs; sniffed neighboring dog while handler unlocked kennel; neutral body; soft tail wag; walked away; sniffed ground; handler finally opened door; dog walked into kennel; allowed for leash removal. 09/04/26 12:25 Updating color due to NHO status. 9/3/2026 Requesting full eval due to history. 9/1/2026 Soft and wiggly, easy leashing, high energy, allowed all handling and vaccine, walked to kennel, strong pull, easy leash removal. 6/28/2026 Relaxed body with fast tail wags. Gently took treats. Appears to know \"SIT\". Allowed petting. Interested parties should be counseled on providing this dog with proper decompression time in a new home.  Allowing time to adjust is important for their comfort and well-being.  Adopters should be counseled on proper dog-to-dog introductions, which should only occur after the dog has fully decompressed. Based on kennel presence & intake notes, dog is behaviorally adoptable @ intake color. 6/26/2026 soft wiggly body; panting; ASO able to leash. Dog seeks attention and allows all petting and handling. Dog was hesistant walking, due to heat ASO picked up and carried to truck kennel no issues. 6/26/2026 k9 had soft wiggly body, allowed all handling, seeked attention, light restraint for vaccines, walked great on a leash, took treats gently, knows 'sit' Name: Nova Animal ID: A5167332 Breed: BLACK/WHITE LABRADOR RETR Sex: Spayed Age: 1Y 3M Weight: 42.5 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing E - 141 Intake Date: 9/1/2026 Deadline Date: 9/10/2026