Adoption Returns: A Step Forward, Not a Setback
Adoption returns often carry an unfortunate stigma—but they really shouldn’t. While we encourage rehoming as a first option, sometimes pets come back to the shelter, and that’s okay! Sometimes, despite the best intentions and efforts of everyone involved, things just don’t work out. In fact, when a pet returns to the shelter, we gain valuable insights, much like we do when a pet comes back from a foster home. These experiences provide us with a deeper understanding of the pet, which helps us find the best possible match for their future family, more so than if they never left the shelter.
Nala’s Story: What We Learned
Take Nala, for instance. She recently returned to the shelter after spending several weeks with a family who had adopted her with the best intentions, hoping to give her a permanent home. While returning her may seem like a setback, it’s actually the opposite. These decisions are never made lightly—adopters genuinely want to make a difference for animals in need by giving a shelter pet a home, which in turn helps create space for other pets who turn to our open-admission shelter as a lifeline. Thanks to Nala’s time in a home environment, we gained valuable insights about her that will help us find her perfect match.
What did we discover? Nala is all about love. Though she’s a bit shy at first, with a little patience, her true personality shines. She’s a Velcro dog at heart, always seeking out cuddles and following her people from room to room, finding cozy spots to nap close by. Her affectionate nature wasn’t something we could fully appreciate until she had the opportunity to bond in a home setting.
We also learned that Nala can be selective about her dog companions. While she bonded quickly with one resident dog, she didn’t get along as well with another. Just as we don’t expect to form deep friendships with every person we meet, it’s important to remember that pets are no different. This valuable insight helps us understand that Nala would thrive best either with a family that is content with being a one-pet household or in a home with another playful dog of a similar age, setting her up for a more successful match in the future.
Why Adoption Returns Matter
Adoption returns, like Nala’s, are learning experiences that benefit everyone involved. They provide insights we wouldn’t have had otherwise, helping us make informed decisions about what kind of home will allow pets like Nala to truly thrive. A return isn’t a failure—it’s a step forward, bringing us closer to finding the right match for both the pet and their future family.
Consider the story of Charlie, a pit bull-type dog adopted from our shelter and highlighted by our partners at Pets for Patriots. After spending a few days in a new home, the family realized that Charlie seemed to bond more closely with one person and might do better in a home with fewer family members. With that newfound understanding, Charlie was soon matched with someone who needed exactly the kind of love and companionship that only Charlie could offer.
Danny and Charlie. (Photo/Pets for Patriots)
A New Perspective on Returns
Adoption returns shouldn’t be seen as setbacks. Instead, they offer shelters and adopters alike an opportunity to learn more about the pet’s unique needs and personality. The information gained from these experiences leads to better, more informed decisions that ultimately result in happy, well-matched families.
So, the next time you hear about an adoption return, remember: it’s not a sign of failure—it’s a step toward finding the perfect fit.
