Three Things to Know
To gain insights on why some adoptions succeed, researchers interviewed 31 adopters of high-risk dogs from RSPCA Queensland, Australia, to understand their strategies for successfully transitioning these dogs into new family environments.
Three key themes emerged: 1) adoption requires time and patience, 2) building trust and understanding limits are essential, and 3) human–dog relationships are unique and idiosyncratic.
Adopters emphasized that the transition period can take considerable time—up to six months in some cases. It also demands flexibility, a realistic re-evaluation of expectations, and a deep commitment to working through behavioral challenges within the dog’s individual limits.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners
Shelters often utilize various resources to manage adopter expectations, yet this study’s researchers highlight the powerful impact of adopter narratives.
Shelters can effectively integrate storytelling techniques into both pre-adoption counseling and post-adoption follow-ups. By recruiting adopters as volunteers, they can share their real-life experiences through follow-up calls, in-person seminars, or pre-recorded videos and podcasts. This approach not only helps set realistic expectations for potential adopters but also fosters valuable community connections by empowering willing adopters to give back and support others.
The Full Picture
This study, titled “Coming Home, Staying Home: Adopters’ Stories about Transitioning Their New Dog into Their Home and Family”, explores the complex and deeply personal journey of dog adoption and potential re-adoption, focusing on the experiences of adopters who took in dogs identified as high-risk for return from RSPCA Queensland in Australia.
Study Methods
This study used semi-structured phone interviews to explore the experiences of adopters who adopted dogs identified as higher-risk for return from RSPCA Queensland. The interviews focused specifically on the “transition to home” phase, investigating how adopters helped their dogs adjust and what factors contributed to retention or return. In total, 31 interviews were conducted from late 2022 to early 2023, covering adopters who had their dogs for three to four years.
Participants were mostly adults aged 35–65, living in family households, with a majority having prior dog ownership experience. The adopted dogs were primarily medium to large mixed breeds, often strays or owner surrenders, who had received behavior assessments and training prior to adoption.
Study Results
The study’s findings highlight the emotional depth and complexity of dog adoption, especially when dogs are at higher risk of being returned. Through the voices of 31 adopters, three key themes emerged:
1. Adoption Takes Time and Patience
Adopters emphasized that transitioning a dog into a new home is a gradual process, often taking three to six months or longer. During this period, dogs adjusted to family members, new routines, and environments, while owners learned about their pet’s fears, behaviours, and needs. Many adopters encountered challenges — like separation anxiety, fear of loud noises or water, and reactivity in public spaces — but with patience and time, trust and routines often developed. Some dogs settled quickly, while others required significant effort. Several adopters noted the lack of background information or support, suggesting improvements like follow-up calls, training resources, or education seminars.
2. Building Trust and Learning Limits Are Key
Successful adoptions involved adopters adjusting their expectations and learning to work within their dog’s behavioral limits. This included giving up imagined activities, such as dog park visits or coffee shop outings, if those weren’t safe for the dog. Many adopters had to change routines, implement training, or accept that some behaviours would persist. While some adopters used professional help, most relied on personal experience or shelter advice. In cases where owners couldn’t ensure safety — for the dog or others — some chose to rehome privately or, in extreme cases, make the difficult decision to euthanize. Even so, they expressed care and responsibility for the dog’s well-being.
3. Human–Dog Relationships Are Unique
Each adopter-dog relationship was shaped by individual circumstances, personalities, and lived experiences. Adopters expressed deep commitment, often persevering through behavioral challenges, medical issues, and lifestyle adjustments. Some dogs required significant investment in time, training, or medical care, but the enduring bonds formed often resembled those between family members. Adopters spoke of their dogs as best friends, companions, and active participants in the relationship. Despite varied outcomes, common elements in lasting adoptions included emotional attachment, mutual trust, self-reflection, and the ability to adapt expectations to the dog’s individual needs.
The results support calls for shelters to rethink what constitutes a “successful” adoption, advocating for post-adoption support programs, tailored education, and better preparation for the realities of dog ownership. Adopter narratives proved a powerful tool —both for understanding the human–animal relationship and for helping other adopters. Sharing real-life stories through videos, seminars, or podcasts could help set realistic expectations and strengthen bonds between adopters and dogs.
Conclusion
This study explored the lived experiences of adopters who took in higher-risk shelter dogs, focusing on how they built relationships during the transition to home and beyond. Findings revealed that each adoption journey is unique, evolving over time through patience, trust-building, and the adopter’s willingness to adjust expectations and invest effort. Participants often acknowledged having unrealistic expectations at the start, but many grew to understand their dog’s needs and adapted accordingly. Successful long-term adoptions were shaped by adopters’ ability to respond flexibly to challenges and recognize their role in the relationship.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Shelter Dogs > Post-Adoption Management > Reducing Adoption Returns
Year of Publication:
2024
External Link:
Thumpkin E, Pachana NA, Paterson MBA. Coming Home, Staying Home: Adopters’ Stories about Transitioning Their New Dog into Their Home and Family. Animals. 2024; 14(5):723. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050723