Adoption Friction

Addressing Adoption Friction: A Forward-Thinking Approach

Adoption friction at Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) prevents animals from finding forever homes. OCAS must reimagine the adoption process to prioritize efficiency and guarantee a positive experience for both adopters and our furry friends.

A 2010 University of Florida Veterinary Medicine OCAS report states, “Significant barriers in the adoption and transfer processes unnecessarily prolong animal stays, leading to crowding and increased disease risks. There’s an urgent need to identify and remove these obstacles to ensure a smoother flow and timely release of animals.”

Below are immediate calls to action OCAS can take and the key performance indicators (KPI) associated with the action to measure the action’s success:

Adoption Coordinator

  • A dedicated Adoption Coordinator will now be on hand. Their primary responsibility is to assist potential adopters in selecting the perfect pet suited to their lifestyle and living arrangements. This proactive approach reduces the number of pets returned to the shelter.
    • KPI: Returned animals
  • Provide extended support for adopters to reduce the likelihood of pet returns.
    • KPI: Returned animals

Highlighting the Stars

  • Introducing the “Dog(s) and Cat(s) of the Week” program to spotlight pets who’ve been with us the longest or are at risk. By featuring these animals prominently in the lobby and on their kennels/cages, we aim to capture the hearts of potential adopters.
    • KPI: Length of stay
    • KPI: Euthanasia

Labeling

  • Reevaluate the labeling system. For instance, if a dog is returned, avoid labeling them as ‘rescue only’ to improve their chances of finding a new home.
    • KPI: Length of stay

OCAS Website Updates

  • Amplifying the online presence of our foster dogs, ensuring they get equal attention as those labeled ‘rescue-only.’
    • KPI: Foster adoption
  • Spotlight becoming a foster
    • KPI: Foster numbers
  • Include the last chance list on the website
    • KPI: Adoption rate
  • Updating/improving lost/found pet system
    • KPI: Length of stay
  • A new website and system for records, inspired by successful models like the one in Tampa. This system allows anyone to click on the animal link to view details about the foster, volunteer, where the animal was found, and more.
    • KPI: Length of stay

Off-Site Partnerships & Community Engagement

Previous attempts to engage with local attractions for sponsorships faced challenges. We’ve sought collaboration with OCAS representatives in these initiatives, but further alignment is needed.

  • Partner with off-site facilities, enabling more convenient adoption processes for those living further afield. Engage volunteer lawyers to assist with legal waivers, facilitating more adoption events.
    • KPI: Length of stay
  • Host events at the shelter to attract casual attendees, bolster OCAS’s image, and amplify awareness, especially during peak seasons, and post on social media about it.
    • KPI: Trust fund increase
    • KPI: Length of stay
  • Forge partnerships with community leaders to amplify advocacy efforts, bridging communication between volunteers, rescues, and our team.
    • KPI: Trust fund increase
    • KPI: Length of stay
  • Use the skills of the community to help with adoption (E.g., photography and website support)
    • KPI: Length of stay
  • No NDA/Gag for volunteers – Provide volunteers with a safe platform to share concerns without fearing repercussions from the NDA, ensuring their continued involvement with the shelter and dogs.
    • KPI: Higher volunteer engagement

In conclusion, every animal at OCAS yearns for a forever home. By refining the adoption processes, we give every pet a better shot at finding love and potential families a chance to grow. Let’s turn OCAS into a beacon of hope, with every tail wag and purr signaling a brighter tomorrow

Resources

University of Florida Veterinary Medicine. (2010, July 15). Orange County Animal Services Shelter Health Assessment Services Consultation Report. Google Drive. Retrieved September 2, 2023, from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WPVrvjh7IUzJKcajs2o5CxhdO39kSXTE/view?usp=sharing