Dating apps have changed how people look for connection. They rely on profiles, photos, quick impressions, and the hope that something meaningful might come from a first meeting.
We don’t usually think of pet adoption and dating apps in the same sentence. But if you look closely, there are a few familiar moments.
You notice a photo. You read a profile. You wonder if the personality might be a good fit. Often, you start online. Sometimes you meet in person. And sometimes, a connection surprises you.
Those first impressions matter. But at Pasadena Humane, we know a successful adoption is about much more than that initial spark.
We operate under what we call an “Open Adoptions” philosophy. In practice, this means we approach pet adoption as a conversation.
Adopters of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome. Our goal is to be an educational resource for adopters, helping them feel comfortable and confident with the pet they choose to bring home.
We want to get to know the person or family adopting. Adoption counselors ask meaningful questions to understand what prospective adopters are looking for so we can make the best match.
Izzy Nidetz, Pasadena Humane’s Director of Placement, loves to ask adopters how they envision a new pet fitting into their life. This helps her understand the bigger-picture goals an adopter may have when bringing home a dog, cat, or critter.
She also finds asking about previous pets and their personality traits helpful when matchmaking. Knowing which traits an adopter cherishes can help Izzy identify which animal at the shelter may be a good match.
Adopters are welcome through our doors seven days a week. At our shelter, they get the chance to meet and interact with the pets they are interested in.
Our adoptions team is like a support system. They will provide advice where needed and check in with the adopter during the process to see if there’s anything they are unsure of or would like more information about.
Some people come to us with a clear vision of who they want to adopt, based primarily on looks. When a pet’s breed or physical attributes match an adopter’s lifestyle, it’s a slam dunk. But when it doesn’t, we like to have an open and honest conversation with our adopters to see if the pet’s needs are something they are truly willing to take on and manage.
Once a love connection is made, our adoption teams will finalize the adoption. In many cases, that pet is ready to go to their new home on the same day.
Izzy reminds us that the first night with a new pet is often the hardest. She vividly remembers bringing her adopted dog home. He cried all night, and she kept thinking to herself, “What did I do?”
The truth is that a new pet may not sleep or eat well at first. They might find spaces to hide, too. By keeping up with routine and being patient, their owners can help them adjust and feel more comfortable over time.
To help make that transition easier, we recently partnered with Petszel, an easy-to-use app that provides post-adoption support during those early weeks at home. Petszel offers tailored behavior guidance and also helps our team identify when an adopter might need extra support, so we can reach out directly.
If you’ve been thinking about adopting, Valentine’s Day weekend is a good time to find your match. We’re marking the occasion with Swipe Right, a heartfelt adoption event running February 13–15, with $14 adoption fees thanks to the generous support of MetLife. Adoptions are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Learn more at pasadenahumane.org/adopt
Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. pasadenahumane.org