Coachella - Husky Dog for Adoption in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Meet Coachella (ACCT-A-257509)! This sensitive soul is looking for a patient best friend who can help her blossom. While the world can feel a little big and scary to Coachella right now, she has shown us that she is a sweet, gentle girl who just needs a calm environment to feel safe.

Because Coachella is still learning that the world is a friendly place, she is looking for a quiet home in a peaceful neighborhood. She would do best with a family that has a secure yard where she can take her time going potty without the pressure of a busy street walk. She is still working on her leash skills and can be a bit "head shy" when being leashed, so she needs someone who will move slowly and use lots of tasty treats to encourage her. Sometimes, when she gets overwhelmed, she prefers to be carried, and she is very tolerant of being picked up by those she trusts.

Coachella is looking for an adult-only home or one with older children (ages 12+) who can respect her space as she settles in. If you have a quiet home and a heart full of patience, Coachella is ready to find her way to you!

Videos:

Playgroup 8/5: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYJFToeOmAiE

Playgroup 8/4: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOUR6DC9BnNE

Behavioral Notes

08/08/2026 per staff:
Very head shy with leashing, had to move very slow. Came right out of kennel and walked nicely on leash all the way out to the side yards/grass area. Not interested in toys outside and did not come to me on own or when name was called. Tail was slightly tucked outside the entire time until she saw another dog and her tail came out and loosened up a little. Walked nicely back inside but slowly. Did not stop until right in front of kennel so I had to pick up and place in kennel. Easy to take leash off with a clipped leash. Took fresh pet treats and allowed to be pet on head and body but would move away after.

08/05/2026 Playgroup:
Steer Test - Did a steer test yesterday, steerable.
Improvement with coming into yard from yesterday, did not have to be carried into yard. In the yard, tail loosened up and just did her own thing sniffing around the yard.

08/05/2026 per staff:
Tossed treats for Coachella to come to the front side and closed the guillotine door. Attempted a treat lure however she dodged the leash. Able to lightly lasso and she slowly came out of the kennel on her own. Cautiously walked through the kennels with ears back, tail tucked and wide eyes. Occasionally would stop when there was a dog barking or loud noise. Continued walking with verbal encouragement and treats. Only had to pick up once through a door way, walked the rest of the way to the yard for playgroup. Had to carry back inside. Brought her to the behavior office to introduce to another dog. She explored the office and tolerated some short pets. She walked back to her kennel with some stopping and needed to bed picked up to go back into kennel.

08/04/2026 Playgroup:
Steer Test - Water 3-4/5, Can N/A
Did not get a can test due to being fearful. Very fearful at fence greeting - tail tucked, a little stiff. In the yard, tail slowly started to untuck after being greeted by other dogs and moved away with zoomies. Started to open up a little but needed to be carried to and from kennel.

08/04/2026 per staff behavioral eval:
Kennel Presentation: Wide eyes, ears to the side, tail tucked and moved further away when I approached.

Leash Skills: Needed to close the guillotine door. Attempted to leash with a treat lure however she would not put her head through the leash. Lassoed to get the leash on and then treat lure to come out of kennel. Body hunched, tail tucked and wide eyes. Once out of the kennel she sat down and froze. I was able to pick her up and carry her through the kennels and outside. Walk a little outside but ultimately need to be carried over to the yard.

Sociability: Tolerated being picked up. Skin crawled when touched on her back side. Took treats gently.

Play: n/a

Dog Interaction: Playgroup. Opened up with another dog.

Return to Kennel: Attempted to follow another dog back inside. Walked a little, wide eyes, tail down and ears to the side. Ended up carry her back to kennel. Removed leash with hand.

Color Level: Exp Blue

Recommendations and considerations:

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 a 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

The husky breed is renowned for its striking appearance, characterized by piercing eyes and a thick double coat. These medium sized, energetic dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them wonderful companions for active families. Originally bred for sledding and endurance in cold climates, huskies are intelligent and independent, often displaying a strong prey drive. Proper training and regular exercise are crucial to keep these playful and social animals happy and well adjusted.

Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia is the region's largest high-volume, open-admission animal shelter.  Open every single day of...