ADOPT Online Kennel Helps Aid Pet Adoptions

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center (PRC) is the only open-admission animal shelter in our county of 1.3 million citizens. PRC receives cats and dogs of all conditions, ages, breeds and personalities. In 2019, PRC took in approximately 18,000 pets; on any day, there can be 500 dogs and cats in the shelter. Seeing so many pets in so many kennels can quickly overwhelm potential pet adopters. Additionally, there is a growing population that relies heavily on smart devices as part of their daily routine. Tapping into these potential adopters is part of a long-term strategy to serve the growing tech generations. The technology team developed an interface that works as a self-serve, online kennel, to streamline pet searches and provide information. It pulls the most up-to-date pet information from our extensive shelter software and features the information in a user-friendly way. Called ADOPT, or Animal Data Optimization Program, it is unique to shelters. Anyone can access ADOPT with any internet-connected device and pull up information about the pet: size, breed, likes/dislikes, behavior notes and medical history. ADOPT matches adopters to pets that better meet their pet needs and lifestyle, resulting in successful adoptions and increasing live release rate for pets.