ABSTRACT
The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that each year in the United States approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized, more than 40,000 on average each day. The primary interventions developed for the program in 2004 were two new products, one for potential pet adopters and one for shelter personnel, both needed to ensure a great match. Evaluation research confirmed that conversations and information received from the adoption counselor gave adopters the info they needed to modify their expectations and increase the likelihood of a successful match. Prospective foster parents have many and varied unanswered questions including whether they would qualify given their work schedule, have the right kind of home, need to have a car, can have nonfamily members in the home, and need to be in good health. Donors were unaware they would be receiving such a message, and so came as a welcomed surprise, bolstering the ‘warm glow’ following their donation.
