40% of American pets are adopted from shelters: Survey

TAMPA (BLOOM) – Adopting a pet is a heartwarming journey, akin to welcoming a furry bundle of joy that had a rough start. Whether it’s through a city council pound, an adoption agency, or an animal charity, giving these animals a new home can bring immense joy to both the pet and the owner. But just how many of us take this route? A recent survey sheds some light on this, and the results might surprise you.

The Adoption Story: A Continental Comparison

We all love our pets, but how we acquire them varies. According to a survey of over 3,000 adults from Australia, the USA, and Canada, a significant portion of pet owners choose to adopt. Spoiler alert: our friends in the USA lead the pack.

Adopting in Numbers

• USA: 39.7% of pets are adopted
• Australia: 36.2% of pets are adopted
• Canada: 34.8% of pets are adopted

Not too shabby, right? Americans are the frontrunners in adopting pets, while Australians and Canadians aren’t far behind. It’s a beautiful testament to the growing awareness and love for rescue animals.

What Do People Look For When Buying Pets?

When it comes to picking the perfect pet, we all have our checklists, and it’s not just about who has the cutest face (although that definitely helps). According to the survey, pet owners across Australia, the USA, and Canada prioritize certain characteristics when choosing their new furry friends.

Top Traits: Temperament and Size

Surprisingly, it’s not all about looks. The most important trait that potential pet owners consider is temperament. After all, nobody wants a grumpy cat or a hyperactive dog chewing up the furniture. A pet with a calm and friendly disposition is high on the list, making it easier to integrate them into family life.

Close behind temperament is the pet’s size. Whether you’re living in a cozy apartment or a spacious house, the size of your pet plays a crucial role. You don’t want a Great Dane in a studio apartment—unless you’re into that kind of chaos.

Other Important Factors

Beyond temperament and size, other factors also weigh in:

• Breed: The breed of a pet can give insights into its future size, behavior, and health needs. Plus, some people have a soft spot for specific breeds.
• Hypoallergenic: For those with allergies, a hypoallergenic pet is a game-changer. These pets are less likely to cause allergic reactions, making them a better fit for sensitive households.
• Shedding: Nobody enjoys a house covered in fur. Pets that shed less are often more desirable, saving you from the constant battle with pet hair on your clothes and furniture.

These preferences highlight the practical and personal considerations people have when welcoming a new pet into their lives. It’s about finding a balance between the heart and the head—choosing a pet that not only fits your lifestyle but also captures your heart.

Friends, Family, and Furry Friends

Interestingly, the next popular source for acquiring pets varies by region. In the USA and Canada, many people receive their pets from friends and family, while in Australia, registered breeders take the second spot. Here’s a quick rundown:

• USA: Friends/Family (26.3%), Pet Shop (20.1%), Registered Breeder (9.3%)
• Australia: Registered Breeder (20.4%), Friends/Family (19.4%), Pet Shop (16.4%)
• Canada: Friends/Family (24.7%), Pet Shop (15.1%), Registered Breeder (15.0%)

Who knew our social circles were such a popular source for our four-legged companions?

The Well-Behaved Myth

Now, let’s tackle the age-old question: Are rescue pets as well-behaved as those from pet stores or breeders? Drumroll, please.

Behaviors Across the Board

• USA: Pet Shop Pets (41.4% extremely well-behaved), Rescue Pets (31.8% extremely well-behaved)
• Australia: Pet Shop Pets (37.4% extremely well-behaved), Rescue Pets (25.6% extremely well-behaved)
• Canada: Equal footing! Pet Shop and Rescue Pets (41.6% extremely well-behaved)

Surprise gifts? Well, they might surprise you more than you’d like. Pets received as gifts are often reported to be less well-behaved, which makes sense. Who wouldn’t be a little rebellious if they were an unexpected present?

Cats vs. Dogs: The Behavior Battle

The fur might fly on this one, but let’s see how cats and dogs stack up in terms of behavior.

Australia and Canada

• Cats: More likely to be extremely well-behaved (30% in Australia, 37.4% in Canada)
• Dogs: More likely to be mostly well-behaved (54.5% in Australia, 49.6% in Canada)

USA

• Dogs: More extremely well-behaved (38.4%)
• Cats: More mostly well-behaved (49.5%)

So, whether you’re a cat person or a dog person, there’s good news: both can be good boys and girls, with slight variations.

The Role of Pet Insurance

Adrian Taylor, Executive General Manager of General Insurance at Compare the Market, highlights the value of pet insurance in managing pet behavior. Top-tier policies often include behavioral management classes, which can be a game-changer for new pet parents.

“Routine care and pet behavior classes aren’t usually a standard inclusion, and are typically only available with comprehensive pet insurance policies. However, if you’ve got a new pet, such as a puppy, pet behavior classes or puppy school can be invaluable for not only helping your new furry family member fit in, but equipping you to manage all sorts of situations going forward,” Taylor explains.

Adopting a pet is not just about giving an animal a second chance; it’s about creating a loving home and enjoying the companionship they offer. Whether you’re adopting, buying from a pet store, or receiving a surprise furball, remember: every pet has the potential to be well-behaved with the right care and love.

So, next time you’re thinking of expanding your family with a furry friend, consider adoption. Who knows? You might just find your perfect, well-behaved companion waiting for you at a shelter.

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