Here’s Isla, a four-year-old Siberian Husky currently staying at the Nova Scotia SPCA. (Source: Nova Scotia SPCA)
At the Nova Scotia SPCA in Dartmouth, a playful four-year-old Siberian Husky named Isla has been waiting nearly a year for her forever home. She’s friendly, full of energy, and loves the outdoors — but her large size may be holding her back from finding a family.
“I met Isla in July during a trip to Cape Breton,” said dog trainer Amy MacRae, who works with the SPCA. “We’ve become great friends since then. She loves going for walks in the park, and so do I, so we have a lot of fun together.”
Despite her bright spirit, Isla is one of many large-breed dogs struggling to get adopted in Canada.
Bigger Dogs, Longer Waits
According to Heather Woodin, the Nova Scotia SPCA’s chief of animal operations, larger dogs spend much more time in shelters compared to smaller ones.
“Our average adoption time is under 30 days for most dogs,” said Woodin. “But for big breeds, it can stretch to three months or even longer — Isla has been with us for 11 months now.”
That pattern isn’t just local. A new study from Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada, called the 2025 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, found that large dogs are the hardest to place in homes across the country.
Canadians Prefer Smaller Pets
Frances Cheslo, a shelter engagement specialist with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, said Canadians clearly prefer smaller pets. “Cats are still the most popular,” she explained. “Then come small dogs, and then medium-sized ones. Unfortunately, large dogs are the least popular. Only 17 per cent of people in our study said they would adopt a big dog.”
The report found that 48 per cent of Canadians would likely adopt a cat, 39 per cent would consider a small dog, and 37 per cent would choose a medium-sized one.
Why People Avoid Large Dogs
There are many reasons behind the hesitation to adopt bigger breeds. Housing restrictions, higher food costs, and misconceptions about their energy levels all play a role.
“Some people live in places that don’t allow large dogs,” said Woodin. “Others worry about the cost of food or think they need a huge yard.”
Trainer Amy MacRae said these concerns often fade when people actually meet a big dog. “Dogs don’t need a lot of space,” she said. “They need a lot of time and attention.”
Younger Generations Offer Hope
While adoption rates for large dogs remain low, there’s a positive sign ahead. Cheslo said younger Canadians are more open to adopting big breeds. “Gen Z and millennials are leading the way,” she said. “They’re much more likely than older generations to take home a large dog.”
Isla’s Perfect Match
MacRae believes Isla would thrive with an active person or family. “She’d make an amazing adventure buddy,” she said. “She loves car rides and being outside.”
To help Isla find her new home, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is offering her future adopter a full year’s supply of dog food.
The SPCA encourages anyone interested in adopting Isla or other large-breed dogs to visit the shelter. Staff say the adoption process is simple and usually takes just a few days.
