Adoption Discounts: Do They Really Help Shelter Dogs?

Did you know that discounting adoption fees might not actually speed up the process of finding homes for shelter dogs? While many believe that lowering adoption fees can lead to faster adoptions, the data reveal a more complex story.

When Price Isn’t Everything

Picture yourself at a bustling animal shelter, surrounded by wagging tails and hopeful eyes. Many potential adopters are drawn to puppies and small breeds, driven more by emotion than by price. It’s a universal truth: people everywhere prefer tiny paws over hefty ones, which both travelers to farms and apartment dwellers can relate to.

The Research Story

A recent study from a municipal animal shelter in Australia sheds light on this exact dynamic. Researchers tracked 479 dogs over one year to examine the link between adoption discounts and the time dogs remained in the shelter. They recorded factors such as breed, size, age, and entry method (whether the dogs were strays, seized, or surrendered).

What They Found

• Purebred gundogs and terriers had the shortest shelter stays.
• Small dogs and puppies were adopted faster than their larger or older counterparts.
• Dogs with no adoption price discount spent significantly less time at the shelter than those with discounts.
• Flash Sales (less than 48 hours) had the highest adoption rates but also the highest returns.

Now comes the part pet owners can actually use…

The Pet Owner Playbook

Considerations for Choosing a Pet:

• Adopt based on your lifestyle and space—small dogs for apartment living; larger breeds for more active, spacious homes.
• Don’t rush decisions during discount campaigns, especially Flash Sales. Consider your choice to prevent impulsive returns.
• Look beyond breed and size. Consider temperament, energy levels, and potential health needs.

But there’s one more twist worth knowing…

What This Means for the Future of Pet Care

This study underscores the importance of strategic promotional campaigns. While discounts can increase exposure and temporarily drive up adoption rates, they may not address the underlying factors influencing LOS. Shelters can optimize adoption campaigns by tailoring them to dog attributes like age, size, and breed. Additionally, future adoption promotions could benefit from offering post-adoption support rather than focusing solely on price reductions.

Let’s Explore Together

Have you ever noticed this pattern in your pet adoptions? What’s one small change you’d try this week when considering a new furry friend? If you could ask a veterinary researcher one question, what would it be?

This article is for education and isn’t veterinary medical advice—if your pet has sudden or severe symptoms, contact a veterinarian.