Shelter to Home: Surveys of Early Post-Adoption Experiences with More Than 22,000 Dog and Cat Adopters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56771/jsmcah.v5.158Keywords:
Pet adoption, cat behavior, dog behavior, animal shelter, human-animal bond, post-adoption, adoption satisfactionAbstract
Introduction: Understanding the early post-adoption experience is critical to supporting animal welfare, strengthening the human–animal bond, and improving shelter practices. While most adopters report high satisfaction, behavioural and care-related challenges are common. This study used the Petszel platform to evaluate early post-adoption outcomes across more than 22,000 dog and cat adopters from 112 shelters and rescue organisations in 40 United States (U.S.) states.
Methods: Surveys were distributed automatically on Day 1, Week 1, and Month 1 post-adoption. Adopters were asked about general satisfaction, specific behaviours, veterinary care, and microchip registration. Responses were included only if the pet was in the home at time of survey. Data were summarised by species and time point using descriptive statistics.
Results: Over 94% rated their experience positively (score of 4 or 5 out of 5) at all time points. However, more than 78% of dog adopters and 50% of cat adopters also reported at least one challenge. Among dogs, common issues included house soiling (32%), play biting (34%), leash pulling (28%), and separation distress/anxiety (24%). Among cats, the most frequent challenges were fear or hiding (19%), introduction to existing pets (10%), anxiety in specific situations (9%); destructive chewing/scratching (8%) and urinating and/or defecating outside the litter box (5%) were both reported slightly less commonly. By Month 1, 56% of cat adopters and 66% of dog adopters reported completing their pet’s first veterinary visit. Microchip registration was reported by 61% of cat and 62% of dog adopters by Week 1. Nearly half of dog adopters reported no plans for formal training by Month 1.
Conclusion: Despite high satisfaction ratings, many adopters faced behavioural or care challenges. These findings suggest that general satisfaction measures may obscure important challenges as animals settle into their new homes. Species-specific counselling, proactive veterinary engagement, and further microchip registration guidance may better support post-adoption success.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Margaret R. Slater, Emily Weiss, Julie K. Levy, Michael Greenberg
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