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December 13, 2024
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Where Have All the Dog and Cat Adopters Gone?
04Aug’24
Where Have All the Dog and Cat Adopters Gone?
Part 2 Webinar Series Recap
Overview of the Issue: In part 2 of our viral webinar, a follow-up to Where Have All the Dog Adopters Gone? we explored the decline in dog and cat adoptions since the pandemic. The discussion, led by experts Stephanie Filer (Shelter Animals Count), April Huntsman (Adopt A Pet), Courtney Suthoff (Hills Pet Nutrition), Amanda Foster (Human Animal Support Services), and Lindsay Hamrick (Humane Society of the United States) centered around the reasons behind this decline and how shelters can address the barriers to adoption.
Key Takeaways:
- + Decline in Dog Adoptions: While cat adoptions have remained strong, dog adoptions have seen a significant decrease, with current number of adoptions lower than pre-pandemic levels. This has led to longer shelter stays for dogs and a bottleneck in the transfer system.
- + Adoption Barriers: Only 31% of potential adopters who visit shelters leave with a pet due to barriers such as pets not being ready for adoption, decision paralysis, and mismatches between adopter expectations and available pets.
- + Website and Process Improvements: Enhancing shelter websites, simplifying the adoption process, and increasing public awareness about available resources can help improve adoption rates and outcomes.
- + Fostering and Post-Adoption Support: Strengthening fostering programs and offering post-adoption support can play a crucial role in increasing successful adoptions and reducing pet returns.
Watch the Conversation:
ICYMI: Part 1 Recap
If you missed the first part of our webinar, watch part 1 here.
Additional Resources
Explore related reports and resources from our presenters:
2024 Mid-Year Report by Shelter Animals Count
2024 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report by Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Adopters Welcome Manual by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
Animal Care Expo 2025 by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
Competitive Pet Placement Project Results by Human Animal Support Services (HASS)
Shelter & Rescue Resources by Adopt A Pet
We Want to Hear From You
Tell us your questions, suggest topics, and let us know what other data points you’d like us to dig into. Send us an email at info@shelteranimalscount.org. We’re listening!