Joybound People & Pets has rescued eight Beagles, ages 4 to 6, who were voluntarily released from a research laboratory that is closing. Upon arrival at Joybound, each dog received comprehensive veterinary care, behavioral evaluation, and individualized support to prepare them for adoption into patient, loving homes. For many laboratory dogs, everyday experiences like playing with toys, walking through a neighborhood, or resting on a soft bed are entirely new.
Beagles are one of the most commonly used dog breeds in laboratory research. Their gentle, trusting temperament and cooperative nature, combined with physical characteristics such as their small-to-medium size, manageable weight, and consistent genetic traits have historically made them a preferred breed for certain types of medical and pharmaceutical testing. As a result, many beagles across the country are still specifically bred for research purposes.
“In recent years, we’ve seen meaningful changes in both public and corporate policy, with companies increasingly encouraged to move away from testing on animals,” said Miguel Abi-hassan, Chief Programs Officer at Joybound People & Pets. “As that shift continues, it’s critical that we’re prepared to provide clear pathways for these dogs to transition into loving homes.”
Abi-hassan brings more than two decades of animal welfare leadership to this work, having led major national and international rescue efforts, including the historic rescue of 4,000 Beagles from a large-scale laboratory.
Abi-hassan added, “Dogs from research settings are just as capable of forming deep, meaningful bonds with families as any other dog. With compassion, love, and patience, they blossom into devoted and loyal companions.”
About Joybound People & Pet Alliance
We are Joybound People & Pets Alliance, formerly ARF, a privately-funded, 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Walnut Creek, California. With dog and cat rescue and adoption at the heart of its mission, Joybound forms, supports, elevates, and celebrates the human-animal bond through services such as training and veterinary care, food and supply assistance, therapy and service-animal programs, and rich learning resources for all pet families. We serve our community through programs for children, seniors, Veterans, and animal guardians who need a helping hand to keep their pets in safe, healthy, forever homes. Joybound’s goal is for every adoption story to become a lasting tale of friendship, love, and mutual happiness.
