Adopting shelter dogs with pre-existing challenges can be a tough decision for potential owners, and a study by King et al. (2021) highlights which factors most influence that choice. Surveying 752 participants through a web-based platform, researchers examined how individuals rated the adoptability, appeal, and perceived demands of shelter dogs with varying medical and behavioral profiles.
The findings revealed that dogs with behavioral issues were generally viewed as less adoptable and more demanding than those with medical problems. For example, dogs with separation anxiety or diabetes were seen as the least adoptable, while friendly dogs ranked highest in appeal and perceived ease of care. Interestingly, dogs with a history of abuse were rated more positively than dogs with either medical or behavioral challenges.
Gender differences emerged: women perceived dogs with behavioral issues as less adoptable than those with medical problems, whereas men showed the opposite tendency. Personal experience also played a role—individuals who currently had a dog or were raised with one viewed the stimulus dogs more favorably. Furthermore, younger and married participants tended to perceive dogs as more adoptable overall.
The study offers actionable insights for shelters. For example, marketing strategies can highlight positive traits in dogs with behavioral issues, while offering prospective adopters training support and educational resources to increase confidence and adoption rates. Understanding the nuanced beliefs of potential adopters can help shelters better position dogs with pre-existing challenges and ensure more of them find lasting homes.
Source: Camille King, Theresa J. Smith, Emily Holman, James Serpell, Temple Grandin. “Medical, Behavioral, and Abuse Status Characteristics: Predictors of Perceived Adoptability, Appeal, and Resource Demands of Shelter Dogs.” Anthrozoös, Volume 34, Pages 507–524, 2021-04-29. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2021.1913616
