Via Wall
Street Journal - In a new study to be released by the ASPCA, "physical
appearance" is the top reason given for picking a particular puppy at an
animal shelter. With cats, it's a
different story: "Behavior with people" was what convinced most
adopters to choose a particular adult cat.
The research, conducted by the animal-advocacy organization
from January through May of 2011, involved five shelters across the country.
About 1,500 adopters filled out questionnaires explaining how they knew the cat
or dog was "the one."
By understanding why people choose the pets they do, the ASPCA hopes to increase adoption rates and ensure adopters go home with a perfect match. It's particularly useful for shelter workers to know that appearance is often a deciding factor. They can then counsel adopters about behavior and other traits that might be overlooked.
"As an animal behaviorist, it was interesting to get
inside the human animal's head," says Emily Weiss, vice president of
shelter research and development with the ASPCA.
The study supported findings from previous research showing
that animals that approach the front of the cage when a visitor nears have a
much greater chance of being placed in a new home. In the new study, many of
the adopters who were asked, "What did this pet do when you first met
him/her?" specified a social interaction, such as an approach, a meow, a
lick or even jumping on the visitor
"That interaction is important for the human animal - not
just entertainment, but in choosing their next friend," Dr. Weiss says.
Visit http://on.wsj.com/JBGyhx
to see the results of this study.
Written by Beth DeCarbo
Interesting! You'd think more people would concentrated on behavioral aspects of dogs in their shelter selection process. Though, I'm given to understand that depending on time spent in the shelter, a dog's personality may be altered or subdued.
ReplyDeleteI think that's an important result of the study. Adoption counselors can help people understand that behavior in the shelter may be more subdued and encourage people to give a dog/cat a second look. However, I don't think anything will ever change the "cuteness factor" in adopting a puppy or kitten.
DeleteI guess this doesn't surprise me as that was my first reaction too when finding Mario. He chose us, but he was another black and white kitty and we had already had a black one and two grey tabbys. I wanted something different. But Mario made sure I changed my mind by the second visit with him. Of course I was concerned about temperament also, but my first impulse was to go for a color I wanted!
ReplyDeleteSince my cats were all strays, they chose me - I have one all black, two gray and white, one brown tabby, and a flame-point (white with orange points).
DeleteVery interesting! I guess I chose Bella partially based on appearance - when I saw her cute little photo on Petfinder, I just had to go meet her!
ReplyDeleteWell of course - she's a cutie! But I think that making a decision based just on appearance could lead to "buyers regret." That's why it's important to meet the dog or cat before making a definite commitment.
DeleteAnother reason why volunteers who socialize with the animals are so vital to helping them be adopted!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Volunteers teach dogs and cats to trust and interact with people which increases their chance of being adopted.
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