The Psychology of Petfinder

Don't get me wrong. I think Petfinder has been a boon to the animal rescue community. I think it's an excellent resource for getting folks to adopt rather than buy a pet, particularly those dead set on a specific breed of animal.

I have heard, however, the complaint shared by many in the rescue community that some prospective adopters can become so enamored with pictures and listings for certain animals that they then become disappointed when they are rejected for the pet and/or told the animal has been adopted to someone else. "It's as if they thought they were shopping for an animal," I've heard.

Well, it is rather similar.

Even though I'm nowhere ready to adopt a dog, I will occasionally peruse the listings for specific breeds in my area that I'm interested in. Just to see how common these breeds are in shelters and rescues. And, I'll tell you, from a psychological perspective, looking at all the pet listings does feel as though I am shopping online.

I know. I know. There are rather distinct differences. Instead of plunking down my credit card information and ordering the pet I want, I have to contact the group directly. And I am aware that any money going toward a Petfinder pet is for adoption fees. And I do not consider pets to be commodities like shoes and handbags.

But I think that, psychologically, looking at the Petfinder listings resembles the online shopping process a lot. So I can understand why a lot of regular folk, who are used to shopping through eBay and Amazon can feel befuddled by the Petfinder process.

So what can rescue groups do about this "Petfinder effect"?

I think it boils down to understanding this psychological mindset and reminding all prospective adopters that of the thousands of pets in shelters and rescue, only a fraction appear on Petfinder, as well as referring responsible adopters to other groups if they do not qualify for a pet from your group.

Also, continue to encourage interested applicants to check the local shelters. Yes, even little fluffy lapdogs wind up in the area kill-shelter.

Petfinder is great but it doesn't beat a visit to the local shelter!