Development of a Post-Adoption Survey to Improve Dog Adoption Success

Disciplines

Animal Studies | Other Psychology

Abstract (300 words maximum)

Each year in the United States, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter shelters, and nearly 400,000 are euthanized (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 2023). As many as 20% of dogs adopted from shelters are returned within six months (Hawes et al., 2020). Dogs with behavioral problems are at particular risk for repeated shelter relinquishment and are more likely to be euthanized (Powell et al., 2021). These facts pose a significant animal welfare concern and underscore the importance of reducing relinquishment, encouraging retention in the adoptive home, and optimizing the adoption process. Previous research supports the idea that dog behavior is a significant factor in dog selection, the bond between a dog and its owner, and the ultimate success or failure of adoption. We developed a behaviorally focused post-adoption survey with Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue, the results of which will provide a framework for improved adoption processes and post-adoption support. The survey includes sections focused on the adoption process, adoption counseling, dog behavior, demographics, owner expectations, and fit between dog and owner. Shelter staff and volunteers will email the survey to dog owners within two weeks of adoption, with the goal of reaching owners during the period with the highest probability of shelter returns. We hope to use the results of this survey to promote adoption success by evaluating the efficacy of in-shelter behavioral assessments and training, identifying areas for improving the adoption process, pinpointing specific behaviors that impact adoption outcomes, and encouraging the use of post-adoption training resources.

Academic department under which the project should be listed

RCHSS - Psychological Science

Primary Investigator (PI) Name

Allison Martin

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Development of a Post-Adoption Survey to Improve Dog Adoption Success

Each year in the United States, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter shelters, and nearly 400,000 are euthanized (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 2023). As many as 20% of dogs adopted from shelters are returned within six months (Hawes et al., 2020). Dogs with behavioral problems are at particular risk for repeated shelter relinquishment and are more likely to be euthanized (Powell et al., 2021). These facts pose a significant animal welfare concern and underscore the importance of reducing relinquishment, encouraging retention in the adoptive home, and optimizing the adoption process. Previous research supports the idea that dog behavior is a significant factor in dog selection, the bond between a dog and its owner, and the ultimate success or failure of adoption. We developed a behaviorally focused post-adoption survey with Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue, the results of which will provide a framework for improved adoption processes and post-adoption support. The survey includes sections focused on the adoption process, adoption counseling, dog behavior, demographics, owner expectations, and fit between dog and owner. Shelter staff and volunteers will email the survey to dog owners within two weeks of adoption, with the goal of reaching owners during the period with the highest probability of shelter returns. We hope to use the results of this survey to promote adoption success by evaluating the efficacy of in-shelter behavioral assessments and training, identifying areas for improving the adoption process, pinpointing specific behaviors that impact adoption outcomes, and encouraging the use of post-adoption training resources.