The Mobile SPCA wants to introduce Gulf Coast animal lovers to Ava, a spirited young rat terrier who is this week’s featured Pet of the Week and is officially on the hunt for a forever home.
Estimated to be somewhere between 9 months and a year old, Ava was found wandering near a fruit stand in Mobile County before she was brought into the shelter’s care. Staff describe her as sweet-natured and full of energy, the kind of dog who is just as happy curling up for affection as she is bounding around with excitement.
Rat terriers, a breed developed in the United States for hunting vermin on farms, are known for being intelligent, alert and quick learners — traits shelter staff say Ava is already showing off. According to the SPCA, Ava is doing well with her crate training, a good sign for anyone hoping to bring a well-mannered, adaptable dog into their household. She is also, staff note, an enthusiastic kisser, greeting people with plenty of affection.
Rat terriers are typically compact, athletic dogs that thrive on both physical exercise and mental stimulation, making them a good fit for active families or individuals who enjoy walks, play sessions and interactive training. Their small-to-medium size also makes them adaptable to a range of living situations, from houses with yards to apartments, provided they get enough daily activity.
The Mobile SPCA, a nonprofit animal welfare organization serving the greater Mobile area, relies on adoptions like Ava’s to make room for the steady stream of stray and surrendered animals that come through its doors. Featuring a Pet of the Week is part of the shelter’s ongoing effort to connect adoptable animals with local families and reduce the number of pets awaiting placement.
Anyone interested in giving Ava a permanent home is encouraged to complete a pet adoption application through the Mobile SPCA. Shelter staff can walk prospective adopters through the process, including any meet-and-greet visits, to make sure Ava finds the right match.
Community members who are not able to adopt but still want to help are typically able to support the Mobile SPCA through donations, volunteering or fostering, all of which help the shelter continue caring for animals like Ava until they find their new families.