The Association Blog

This just-released study provides actionable insights to better address decreasing adoption rates

Too many animals, not enough adoptions…. It’s happening at animal welfare organizations all across the country. To better understand the decrease in adoptions through the lens of the consumer, Hill’s Pet Nutrition conducted a survey of more than 1,500 pet owners this past June. The resulting data was released earlier this month in the 2023 State of Shelter Adoption Report.

The report looks at reported barriers to adoption, including housing restrictions (cited as an issue by a whopping 73% of pet owners), and expectations surrounding the perfect pet—which 41% of pet owners were not finding at shelters. The research also digs into fostering and rehoming, and takes a closer look at consumers’ experiences with shelters. Of pet owners who have visited a shelter, 83% had a good or excellent experience, while 42% view shelters as a number one source of trusted information about their pet.

What do the numbers tell us about what consumers want in a shelter pet? And are you currently offering these types of pets? Download the full report for insights that can help your organization meet consumer demand and navigate through the crises that many shelters are facing.

P.S. Look for the quotes from The Association’s very own Jim Tedford, President & CEO.