Feasibility of Recruiting and Retaining Adopters From Animal Shelters for a Longitudinal Study of Mental Health

Jessie L. Dyer; Brittany Watson; Chelsea L. Reinhard; Heather Klusaritz; James A.  Serpell; Lauren Powell

doi:10.56771/jsmcah.v5.175

Authors

Jessie L. Dyer Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Brittany Watson Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Chelsea L. Reinhard Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Heather Klusaritz Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
James A. Serpell Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Lauren Powell Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3141-5551

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56771/jsmcah.v5.175

Keywords:

animal shelter, cats, dogs, pets, community engagement, psychological health, mental well-being, human–animal interactions, human–animal bond, stress

Abstract

Companion animals offer an underutilized pathway that may improve public mental health. A critical evidence gap persists regarding the role of companion animals in mental health outcomes among lower-income pet owners. While animal shelters provide a unique avenue to reach this under-represented population, longitudinal data remain scarce. This pilot study used a prospective observational design to assess the feasibility of recruiting and retaining a sample of prospective dog and cat adopters across socioeconomic groups for a longitudinal study about animal adoption and mental health through animal shelters. Participants completed a series of validated mental well-being scales prior to adoption and at 1- and 3-month post-adoption intervals.

Between August and December 2024, 16 participants were recruited from two animal shelters in Philadelphia. The baseline response rate was 41%. Non-response to follow-up measures was common, with only four participants providing complete responses at both the 1- and 3-month survey time points. The majority of participants reported household incomes within the first (≤ $30,623, n = 3, 19%) and second income quintiles ($30,624 – $58,741, n = 7, 44%) based on the U.S. Census. The results affirm the potential of shelter-based recruitment to advance research about the impacts of companion animal adoption on mental health for adopters spanning socioeconomic groups. However, researchers must be aware of the significant potential for participant non-response and implement additional strategies to promote retention.

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