Getting abandoned animals adopted as quickly as possible is one of the main goals of shelters. A researcher has found the solution to activate dog adoptions while guaranteeing better well-being.
In 2023, the animal protection society (SPA) collected 13,124 dogs in total, according to the association’s annual report. Animals who sometimes find new foster families after often several weeks in a shelter. However, spending time in this type of establishment can be a real source of stress for dogs. According to a study led by Erica Feuerbacher, professor of animal sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and published in Plos One, shelter dogs waiting foradoption do better when they share their cage with another furry friend.
Harmful social isolation in dogs
“Although they are a social species, dogs are often housed alone in shelters to reduce disease transmission and the risk of injury from dog-to-dog conflict. But this social isolation can harm behavior dogs and their adoption capacity”explains Erica Feuerbacher.
The researcher then wanted to know if keeping dogs in pairs kept them happier. So she applied her theory to the 61 dogs at the Humane Society of Western Montana shelter. The group of animals was divided into two: on one side, dogs alone in their cage and on the other, dogs housed in pairs.
Better well-being essential for rapid adoption
After a week of study where the behavior of the animals was observed as well as analyzes carried out, it emerged that THE dogs housed together showed less stressful behaviors. Additional and particularly important advantage in this context: dogs placed in pairs were, on average, adopted four days earlier than dogs housed alone.
“Dogs housed in shelters may face levels of stress chronic due to noise, restricted kennel space and limited access to social interactions”underlines the researcher who believes that if their general well-being is impacted, this can have an effect on their ability to adopt. “Show clearly that dogs can successfully interact with others could highlight them as good companions, resulting in a greater number of successful adoptions”concludes Erica Feuerbacher.
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