The Association Blog

Seeking animal shelters and rescue groups that adopt out dogs and cats in the continental United States

Are you interested in learning about the power of the human-animal bond, and the ways in which shelter animals may benefit human mental health? Would you like to know more about the adjustment period for newly adopted dogs and cats entering homes?

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have asked us to spread the word that they are seeking animal shelters and rescue groups to support a nationwide study to answer these questions.

Participating organizations will be asked to share a brief online survey with their adopters. The research team will then follow-up with adopters directly at 3, 6, and 12 months post-adoption to collect data about human and animal wellbeing.

Eligible organizations must actively adopt out dogs and cats within the continental United States and be willing to promote the study to adopters prior to adoption. The Penn Human Research Protection Program has approved this research protocol. If your organization is interested in participating or learning more about this important research, email Dr. Jessie Dyer at jdyer14@upenn.edu with your name, organization and city.

Learn More

U Penn research: “Characterizing unsuccessful animal adoptions”
U Penn research: “The impact of returning a pet to the shelter on future adoptions”
Blog: Can Training Classes Help Adopted Dogs Stay in Their Homes?