Three Things to Know
Researchers investigated how a dog’s physical characteristics, such as size, age, color, and head shape (e.g., Brachycephalic), influenced its chances of adoption. They also examined how adopter preferences changed based on the length of stay in the shelter for a dog.
The study confirmed that age, size, and head shape affected adoption rates. Puppies and smaller dogs were initially more likely to be adopted than adult and larger dogs. However, this advantage decreased as length of stay increased. Brachycephalic breeds were consistently less adoptable than those with normal-shaped heads.
Researchers supported the practice of “fast-tracking,” where healthy, adoptable dogs, especially puppies and small to medium-sized breeds, are prioritized for quick adoption. This approach can free up shelter space and resources, allowing the shelter to focus on dogs that may need more time or specialized care.
The Full Picture
Euthanasia rates for shelter dogs in the U.S. have decreased, and more dogs are finding loving homes through adoption or being reunited with their owners. However, with only 30% of U.S. dog owners choosing to adopt from shelters, competition for adoptable dogs remains fierce. Identifying traits that potential adopters find appealing could help shelters increase successful placements and reduce euthanasia.
Previous studies have shown that factors like age, coat length, color, size, and breed influence adoption rates. Puppies, lighter-colored dogs, those with medium or long coats, smaller breeds, and purebreds tend to be adopted more quickly. These findings suggest that adopters often prioritize a dog’s appearance when making their decision.
To better understand these preferences and improve adoption outcomes, the study “Phenotypic Characteristics Associated with Shelter Dog Adoption in the United States,” aims to analyze the traits of a large number of dogs across the U.S., taking into account how long they stayed in shelters.
Study Methods
The study analyzed data from 17 municipally funded animal shelters across five U.S. states: Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Colorado, and Oklahoma. The dataset included 19,514 unique dogs admitted between January and December 2017. Only dogs with the potential for adoption were considered. As such, dogs with outcomes like owner-requested euthanasia or zero-day stays were excluded.
The study focused on how key variables listed below affected length of stay (LOS) and first outcome, and how adoption likelihood changed over time:
- Phenotypic Traits: Derived from breed descriptions on public pet adoption websites. These traits included:
- Predicted adult size (small, medium, large, or giant)
- Coat length (short or long)
- Skull shape (brachycephalic, dolichocephalic, or mesocephalic)
- Coat color (simplified to eight primary categories)
- Blockhead trait (present in breeds like pit bulls, boxers, and mastiffs)
- Age: Dogs were categorized as puppies (≤6 months), adults (6 months to 8 years), or seniors (≥8 years).
- Region: Shelters were grouped into three regions: Southern (Mississippi, Oklahoma), Northern (Michigan, Pennsylvania), and Western (Colorado).
Study Results
The study analyzed data from 17 shelters for 19,514 adoptable dogs, with outcomes including adoption (66%), euthanasia (14%), transfer (16%), escape/missing/death in shelter (<1%), and unknown (4%). The median length of stay (LOS) for adoption was 10 days, with an average of 14.1 days.
Age: Puppies were the most likely to be adopted, but their chances decreased over time. Despite this, they remained more adoptable than adult dogs throughout their stay in the shelter. This aligns with previous research on the appeal of puppies but adds a new understanding of how time in the shelter influences their adoption rates. Senior dogs, initially less likely to be adopted than adults, became more likely as their stay lengthened. This trend may be due to targeted adoption efforts or rescue groups focused on older dogs.
Size: Smaller dogs (small and medium) were initially more likely to be adopted than larger dogs. However, their advantage decreased over time. This suggests that shelters should prioritize finding homes for smaller dogs early in their stay.
Skull Type: Brachycephalic dogs (those with short, flat faces) were consistently less likely to be adopted than mesocephalic dogs (those with normal-shaped heads). This may be due to breed-specific factors like overpopulation, misidentification, or health issues.
Region: Dogs in southern U.S. shelters were significantly less likely to be adopted compared to those in northern and western shelters. This may be due to factors like milder winters, which allow for more stray dogs, and less stringent animal control laws. Northern states, with stricter laws and harsher winters, tend to have fewer stray dogs. However, regional variations and socioeconomic factors limit the generalizability of these findings, especially for regions like the western U.S. that were represented by a single state (i.e. Colorado).
Recommendation
The study supports the practice of “fast-tracking,” where healthy and adoptable dogs, particularly puppies and small to medium-sized breeds, are prioritized for quick adoption. This approach can free up shelter space and resources, allowing for a focus on initially less-adoptable dogs like seniors or large breeds. However, it’s important to balance speed with responsible adoption practices. Rushing the adoption process can lead to unprepared adopters and increased returns. By carefully selecting suitable adopters and providing adequate support, shelters can effectively implement fast-tracking while minimizing risks and maximizing positive outcomes for both dogs and adopters.
Conclusion
This study offers a deeper understanding of how a dog’s age, size, and head shape influence its chances of being adopted. Unlike previous research, this study examines how these factors change over time as a dog stays in the shelter. The findings show that a dog’s physical characteristics, combined with the length of its stay, significantly impact its chances of adoption. This dynamic nature of adopter preferences can help shelter workers make more informed decisions about which dogs are most likely to be adopted and which may need additional support or alternative placement options.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Shelter Dogs > Improving Rehoming Success > Adopter Preferences
Year of Publication:
2020
External Link:
Cain CJ, Woodruff KA, Smith DR. Phenotypic Characteristics Associated with Shelter Dog Adoption in the United States. Animals. 2020; 10(11):1959. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10111959