The landscape of pet adoption is changing. Animal shelters and rescues are full, but it’s not due to a lack of interest from potential adopters. In fact, data shows that the U.S. is welcoming pets into homes at an impressive rate—more than animal rescues could ever even process! So, why are so many animals still waiting in shelters? The answer lies in the processes that, though created with the best of intentions, can sometimes keep pets stuck in the system.
Why Our Shelters and Rescues Are Full
It’s easy to assume that shelters are overflowing because of an overwhelming number of intakes, especially in the wake of the pandemic. However, contrary to popular belief, there has not been a wave of post-pandemic surrenders, and intake levels are not unprecedented. In fact, data shows that intake has remained steady and below the peaks we saw in 2019.
The real issue is that pets are staying in shelters longer. Oddly enough it’s dogs this time that are getting overlooked, especially large dogs, while cats are moving through the system and getting out quickly. This isn’t because people aren’t willing to adopt—it’s because they’re getting caught in the adoption process itself.
Barriers to Adoption
Shelters and rescues often face significant challenges when it comes to placing pets in homes. Unfortunately, some of these challenges are self-imposed. The adoption process, designed to ensure that pets go to good homes, can inadvertently create barriers that make it harder for potential adopters to bring a new pet home.
For instance, some rescues have strict requirements like meeting every human and animal in the potential adopter’s household, denying those in mobile homes (even though 61% of mobile home owners have pets!), and restrictions based on the adopter’s age or household situation. Shelters might have limited open hours, remote locations, and lengthy waiting periods to ensure pets are fully vaccinated and altered before adoption. While these policies are well-meaning and sometimes unavoidable, they can deter many would-be adopters, who might then disparage your work online to anyone who’ll listen.
Lessons from HASS Test Shelters
To address these barriers, a group of HASS test shelters implemented new processes aimed at streamlining the adoption process and improving the overall experience for potential adopters.
One of the most successful strategies was creating a volunteer matchmaking role. By focusing on customer service in the lobby and using positive observation memos from staff and volunteers, these shelters saw a significant increase in adoptions—37% of animals with positive observation notes were adopted, compared to just 18% of those without.
The shelters also introduced a centralized tool for staff and volunteers to filter pets by characteristics making adoption counseling easier and more effective. They streamlined the application process by implementing an interest form instead of a lengthy adoption application, and organized strategic in-person adoption events to increase foot traffic.
Breaking the Barriers to Adopt
The data collected from these test shelters offers valuable insights into how shelters and rescues can break down barriers and increase pet adoptions:
- Trial Adoptions and Day Trips: For potential adopters still making a decision, trial adoptions, “furst” dates, or sleepovers can help them bond with the pet and finalize their choice.
- Assess Holds: If a pet isn’t ready to leave due to vaccination or alteration status, consider offering foster-to-adopt options to get them home the same day.
- Improve Customer Service: Better communication, operational efficiency, and client support can address concerns like wait times and process delays. Using a service like Pawlytics can help you check who you need to follow up with and for what.
- Adopter-On-Deck Lists: If someone doesn’t find the pet they’re looking for, create a list to follow up when a suitable animal comes in. Ask questions to translate specific physical traits (such as looking for a puppy) into characteristics (such as higher energy or easy to train) to expand their options to adopt.
- Focus on Compatibility: Enhance matchmaking efforts by gathering and highlighting positive observations of the pets. This also helps your adopter connect with the pet as more than just a cute face!
- Engage Browsers: Treat those who are “just browsing” as potential adopters and give them the same amount of attention and follow up. They might not take a pet home immediately, but many times they do come back! They can also become your best advocates for the work you do in your community.
Rethinking Processes for a New Generation of Adopters
The world of pet adoption is evolving with Millennials and Gen Z leading the charge. These generations expect a faster, more convenient adoption process. As a result, many are turning away from animal rescues and opting to buy dogs online from services that offer things like guaranteed approval, puppy delivery, and fully online meet-and-greet experiences.
To compete, shelters and rescues need to adapt by integrating technology that streamlines processes and creates a more welcoming environment for potential adopters. Rescue management tools like Pawlytics can make a significant difference by keeping your available pet list up to date, alerting you instantly when a new application comes in, and helping you build an adopter-on-deck list with a simple waitlist status. Pawlytics can also help match pets with the right families (whether they’re good with kids or other animals), and even keep track of medical reminders to ensure pets aren’t stuck in the system longer than necessary.
Ultimately, it’s about breaking down barriers—not just for the pets, but for the people who want to give them a home. By reassessing and refining their processes, animal shelters and rescues can take back the pet adoption market and ensure that more pets find their way to loving, permanent homes.