Specific Findings

• How committed are you to adoption/rescue (as opposed to buying an animal)? Very (86%), Somewhat (11%), Not really. I just want a great pet. (3%)
• What has been your experience with the adoption process? Very positive and happy (50%), Mostly positive (26%), I’m happy with my pet but the adoption process was unpleasant (7%), Very unpleasant (9%), I haven’t had the experience yet (7%)
• Sometimes we hear that it takes a while for shelters/rescues to return calls or provide feedback. How many times would you try to adopt before you would consider getting a pet from a pet store or breeder? One unsuccessful attempt and I will consider buying a pet (2%), Two (8%), Three (7%), More than three, but I will give up eventually (24%), I will never give up (60%).
• Have you ever contacted an adoption group about a pet and received no reply? Yes (40%), No (60%)
• Would you rather adopt from a shelter or a rescue/foster group? Shelter (20%), Rescue/foster (25%), Don’t care (50%), Don’t know the difference (6%)

The biggest influences cited for choosing the specific type of organization include:

• Shelters: Variety of pets (25%), Doing the most good (25%), Desire for an easy, pleasant experience (24%)
• Rescue/Foster: Their attitude toward the pet (35%), Their expertise and advise (34%), The health of pets (31%)