Meet your match
By Kathi Hamblet

Some of the most progressive US shelters are using a program that the ASPCA developed called “Meet Your Match” Canine-ality and Feline-ality. After years of research the program was first put to the test with homeless dogs and then later developed for cats.

The idea is that for people who are looking to adopt a new pet, rather than choosing a companion on qualities such as looks, breed, age or sex, the program matches the family lifestyle and expectations with the animals available for adoption. First, the prospective family fills out an adoption survey. Based on how they answer some basic questions, they will be given a color code. The animals are assigned a color code based on how they perform on a series of tests that predict manners, need for interaction, independence and activity level. Within the color codes, different categories with descriptions help with the decision making. These categories are given cute names like Couch Potato or Life of the Party. 

The numbers are impressive. Shelters who have embraced this program are showing adoption rates up as much as 60 percent and more animals are finding forever homes with return rates down as much as 80 percent. 

Of course, love can be color blind. Some critics of the program say that showing prospective adopters only one color code or category of animals is too rigid. Even if a family decides to adopt outside their assigned color code, they have realistic expectations when they take the animal home and the adoption is usually successful. The program is supposed to be translated into Spanish this year and SPA of San Miguel will be looking at this option.

Skippy is a sweet Shepherd mix who would surely be a perfect match for someone. I would give her a color code of orange and she would be a Wallflower—shy yet charming canine searching for patient owner with relaxed lifestyle: “Looking for gentle guidance to help me come out of my shell. Treat me sweet and kind and I’ll blossom.”

Skippy is a Shepherd mix with a beautiful face and pleading eyes. She has been in our training program and we are beginning to see her come out of her shell. Barbara Jimena has been working with her off lead on a long down-stay and she is learning to trust. Fast action and lots of change are not for Skippy but she would do fine with other dogs and older children. She is looking to meet her match.

Minerva is a beautiful girl with a feline-ality color code green! She is a party animal—savvy, unflappable and adventurous.

Please stop by the Sociadad Protectora de Animales to see all of our great animals. We are open 11am—2pm for volunteers and visitors. We are located at Los Pinos 7, right off Calzada de la Estación. Visit www.spasanmiguel.org  to learn more about us.