All dogs and cats deserve a loving home. But according to statistics from PetFinder.com, some pets have a harder time finding their forever family than others.

A “less adoptable” pet is defined as a cat or dog that may take 48 weeks or more to be adopted, compared to other animals that may find a home in about 12.5 weeks.

In honor of “Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week,” celebrated through the third week of September, learn why “less adoptable” doesn’t make a pet any less worthy of a loving home.

What Makes Some Pets Less Adoptable?

Age. Age is one of the biggest factors that can prolong a pet’s stay in an animal shelter. Puppies and kittens are naturally at their most adorable stage of life, and they’re perceived as being easier to train and more predictable. Older pets may be perceived as having baggage and potentially taking longer to adapt to their new home. However, many fully grown dogs and cats in shelters are already house trained, well socialized, and long past that hyper, destructive phase. Their predictable, laid-back temperament makes them ideal for households with limited time and energy for training.
 

Looks. Trendy breeds and unusual coat colors and patterns can quickly land a pet in a home, but those perceived to be less “attractive,” have just as much charm. Adopters should question why they may have their heart set on a trendy merle coat or a popular breed, instead opting for a pet whose breed, size, and temperament fits their lifestyle. While designer breeds and exotic coat patterns quickly go out of style, a dog or cat with a great personality is a best friend for life.
 

Special needs. Pets with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and other special needs are also less likely to find their home right away. While caring for a pet with special needs can come with extra costs and challenges, many conditions are surprisingly manageable. For example, FIV-positive cats can live long, healthy lives, and are unlikely to pass the virus to other cats, as the condition is only spread through bites. If you fall in love with a special needs cat or dog, you can ask their caretakers, talk to your vet, and do your own research to decide if you have the time and resources to give them a forever home.

Not Sure If You’re The Right Adopter for a “Less Adoptable” Pet?

Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. Even senior pets, whose age cannot always be verified, may be a part of your family for ten years or more. Opening your heart and your home to a less adoptable pet is a noble and wonderful act, but it’s not one to take lightly.

If you’re considering adopting a less adoptable pet, but not sure if your family is the right fit, consider fostering. Fostering a pet is an opportunity to bring them home and free up their spot at the shelter. If you discover that the pet is not right for your home, you’ll still greatly increase their chances of getting adopted by taking them out of a potentially noisy, busy shelter and giving them opportunities to socialize during their stay.

But don’t be surprised if you end up with a “foster failure,” that is, a foster pet that you end up adopting. Many dogs and cats in shelters really shine after some time in a foster home. It’s amazing what a little love can do, especially when a pet is taken out of the noisy, stressful shelter environment.

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.