Not am impossible question, but this is likely a question that researchers are looking into now. We are roughly a little over one year into post-pandemic operations in the industry, and reports are beginning to come out now about the effects of the pandemic on adoptions and other areas of interest. We may begin to see published research that addresses your question in 2024, so stay tuned!!
As for my individual perspective, I believe we are back to seeing similar traffic and shelter visitors as we saw pre-pandemic. Many places turned to appointment-only site visits during the pandemic and are still refining the visitation policies to fit our new post-pandemic reality. I would argue that shelters may see slightly more "browsers" and "just visitors" for the near-term (2023-2024) because residents are still trying to weather local economic, housing, and future employment trends. So, there may be more related uncertainty that gives people reason to delay decisions like adding a new furry family member.
Since our current model waits for people to make substantial search and decision progress before our adoption staff engages them, we may be experiencing the effects of the search and decision process being stretched out.
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Lawrence Minnis
Director, Workforce Development
Humane Rescue Alliance
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2023 03:04 PM
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Community Conversations - 9/11/23 - Top Dog Adoption Decision-Making Factors
This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
Unanswered question from the chat, "I'm probably asking an impossible question here, but any thoughts or ideas as to how or if any of this has changed post-pandemic?" - Jessie Sullivan
Original Message:
Sent: 09-07-2023 12:28 PM
From: Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Subject: Community Conversations - 9/11/23 - Top Dog Adoption Decision-Making Factors
We hope to see you on Monday, 9/11 at 11am PT for our next Community Conversations call for a presentation on, "Top Dog Adoption Decision-Making Factors" by @Lawrence Minnis, Director of Workforce Development at Humane Rescue Alliance!
A potential adopter walks into your shelter to look at adoptable dogs. They ask the front desk about the adoption process then walk through the dog kennels. Twenty minutes later they leave the kennels, say "Thank you!" to the front desk and leave. This may be a common occurrence at your shelter, but what do you know about the thought process that the potential adopter went through? What were they thinking? And how may your operations impact their decision process?
Lawrence Minnis has studied shelter visitors and adoption decision-making research and will highlight findings from his research and other studies. Lawrence will also share information about his upcoming research and what we may hope to learn about the adoption decision-making process.
💸 Maddie's Fund will also be announcing the August grant giveaway winners so be sure to tune in to see if you've won! 💸
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#DataandTechnology
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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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