Visitor intentions and outcomes when visiting one an animal shelter

What is it about?

We assume visitors to animal shelters are there to adopt a pet. Some anecdotal stories suggested this may not be entirely true. This study surveyed visitors to one animal shelter as they left to ask them about their reasons for visiting that day (adoption plans), what they were looking for if planning to adopt, if they adopted a pet, and why they picked that pet (if they had adopted). Survey results revealed that almost 20% of visitors had no intention of adopting that day or in the near future. One quarter of those exiting the shelter had adopted a pet (companion animal) compared to 11% who had been planning to adopt that day but did not. Being affectionate and friendly were important characteristics sought by potential adopters, although non-adopters reported more frequently than adopters that the animal’s reaction to them was important.

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Why is it important?

This study's results revealed that not all visitors to shelters may be prospective adopters at the time of their visit but may be future adopters or advocates so represent an opportunity for engagement and education. Additionally, results suggest that the animal's reaction may be important to the decision to adopt so shelters should work toward increasing chances for pets to connect and interact with visitors. Finally, shelters may wish to survey their own visitor populations periodically to identify visitor intentions and outcomes and find opportunities for greater engagement, education, and , of course, adoption.