Recruit and interview

I recruited 11 pet owners through social networks for 60-minute phone interviews.

Screening criteria

  • Successfully adopted a rescue pet (still with the adopter) within the past year.

  • Adopted either a cat or dog.

  • Either first-time or repeat adopters.

  • Went through shelter or rescue channels for adoption.

Scope of interviews

Interviews centered around the adoption process, excluding direct references to Petfinder. Key topics included:

  • Factors influencing pet selection.

  • Resources for finding adoptable pets.

  • Detailed steps of the adoption process.

  • Transitioning a new pet into the home.

After each interview, I followed up and asked permission to use a pet photo in the team presentation.

Baxter the adopted lab mix.

“It wasn't about the breed although we wanted more of a calm dog like a Lab so something from the Lab family. We had Labs in our past but we were open-minded.”

— Baxter, California

Boy with an adopted greyhound

"I felt we were doing something really important and special here. We knew this dog wouldn't be destroyed or left to starve at a racetrack.”

— Abbey, Ohio

Closeup of Milhouse, the adopted greyhound.

“A lot of these places are very particular and kind of a pain in the ass with home visits. You don't feel like going through all that if you know you're going to be a good doggie parent.”

— Milhouse, DC