MEET YOUR MATCH®
You are a person, and you have a personality. Pets also have their own certain "alities"!
THE MEET YOUR MATCH ADOPTION PROGRAM® was created by Emily Weiss, Ph.D., in conjunction with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). This program is generously sponsored by Iams.
The Meet Your Match® Canine-ality, Puppy-ality and Feline-ality Adoption Programs helps you find the pet that's right for you and your personality. Each animal is then placed into one of three color-coded categories: easy maintenance (purple), average maintenance (orange) and high maintenance (green). Within each color category are three descriptions to help you better understand the animal. When you arrive at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, you'll be asked to fill out an Adopter Survey. This one-page survey gathers information about your expectations of pet ownership and helps us determine the pet traits that best suits your lifestyle. Based on the results of the survey, you'll receive a color-coded Guest Pass to help guide you to animals that best meet your expectations and lifestyle. For example, if your pass is green, look for animals with a green cage card. It is a multi-faceted approach designed to increase the likelihood that shelter animals, will be accepted into their new homes as welcomed members of the family. PURPLE The three descriptions are used to describe the animals "ality" in terms the adopter can relate to. These color-coded descriptions are used for the animal’s kennel card, and to help guide you through the available animals on our website to help you Meet Your Match®! WHAT COLOR IS YOUR DOG? COUCH POTATO CONSTANT COMPANION TEACHER’S PET WALLFLOWER BUSY BEE GOOFBALL LIFE OF THE PARTY GO-GETTER FREE SPIRIT What Color is your Puppy (6 months and under) Day Dreamer The Detective Kindergartner Bashful Tourist Class Clown The Rookie Thrill Seeker King of the Mountain Super Hero What Color is your Cat? LOVE BUG SECRET ADMIRER PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR PERSONAL ASSISTANT SIDEKICK THE EXECUTIVE LEADER OF THE BAND PARTY ANIMAL M V P
All of our animals are tested to determine his or her characteristics including friendliness, playfulness, energy level, motivation and drive.
Matching the "ality" of the dogs in our shelter with the "Person-ality" of the adopter(s) lays the foundation for the human/animal bond to develop, increasing the potential for a successful, permanent placement.
The Assessment goes beyond behavior or aggression evaluations by providing you with information about the individual needs of each animal. It consists of five tests administered to the animal to determine his general "ality", including friendliness, playfulness, energy level and motivation or drive.
Here's a look at the color-coded categories of Meet Your Match®:
ORANGE
GREEN
Like the easy life? Then I’m the perfect match for you. I’m a relaxed, laid back kind of dog who enjoys long naps, watching movies, curling up on laps, and walking very short distances from the couch to the food bowl and back.
Looking for an emotionally secure, mutually satisfying, low maintenance relationship? I am all you need. Let me sit at your feet, walk by your side, and I’ll be your devoted companion forever.
I’ve got the whole package - smart, fuzzy, four legs, love to learn and live to please. Go ahead, teach me anything. Sit, stay, balance your checkbook, I can do it all. Keep me entertained and I will be yours forever.
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.
I’m a naturally playful, curious and trusting canine. Take me for a big walk every day; give me something to do. After my job’s done, I’ll curl up in with you in the evenings. I’m a dog on a mission to please you and myself.
I’m a fun-loving, happy-all-the-time, glass-is-half-full kind of dog looking for someone who loves to laugh and play around. Must have a great sense of humor and a bunch of tennis balls.
I think everything is fun, interesting and meant for play, especially you. Anything you do, I’ll want to do too. With my own brand of surprise, life with me will keep you constantly on your toes, and the fun is guaranteed.
Want to get more exercise? Action is my middle name. My "Let’s GO!" lifestyle will keep you motivated to get outside and move. I’ve got tons of energy; and just like the sun, I’m burning and working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I’ll run for miles, chase a ball for hours, and still want to play at the end of the day.
Intelligent, independent, confident and clever, I prefer making my own decisions but will listen to you if you make a good case. We’re partners in this adventure. Treat me like one and we’ll both live happily ever after.
Easy-going, relaxed pup seeks laid-back human for mutually low stress relationship. Must see the bowl as half-full, enjoy leisurely games of fetch followed by a quick snack and two-hour nap, and be willing to explore the joys of relaxing together.
It's elementary, my dear assistant... let's unravel the mysteries of the world together. I simply use my trusty nose and my natural taste for details. You simply offer any leads you might have. Together we'll solve every mystery that comes our way.
It's the first day of school and, boy oh boy, am I nervous! I'm not sure where to sit, when we eat or even where the bathroom is. All I need is a person I can trust to show me the ropes. Will you be my mentor and show me around?
So this is my first time on my own, and jeez, did you know the world is a really big and kind of scary place (especially when you don't speak the language)? With the right translator, I know I can learn my way around. Until a get familiar with the place, let me stay right by your side... or maybe just a little behind you.
Class clown seeks good-humored soulmate ready to let the good times roll. My playful jokes, love of all things chewable and slapstick comedy will keep you and your friends doubled over laughing for hours. When I hog the spotlight, just let me know the joke's over and I'll settle down.
Young self-starter looking for an inspirational coach to take us to the top. I've got the whole package-brains, good looks, and loads of raw talent-and I'm ready to use them. Teach me, praise me and I guarantee I'll make you proud at home, on walks, or competing in the field.
WOO-HOO! This is so cool! Have you tried this ride called LIFE yet? It's got all these great twists and turns and so many neat things to play with like balls, fleece toys, rawhides, socks, pant legs, fingers-and so many neat people to meet-you, your friends, your friends' friends, and the friends of your friends' friends. Jump on board and we'll have a blast together!
I'm self-educated with a splash of ambition. As canine royalty, I like to set the rules. Explain a better way though, and I'll give you due consideration. I'm really looking to share my throne with a hard-working, confident, and full-of-pep human.
I'm an all-purpose pup ready to commit 110%. When there's a crumb dropped, I'll be there to pick it up for you. When there's a hole that needs to be dug, I'll be there with all four feet. When someone needs a buddy to run miles with, I'll be there with leash in tow. Commit 110% to me, and I'll be yours forever.
Do you seek affection? I do! If you also like petting, purrs, and paws kneading your lap, I think we might have a LOT in common. I'm looking for "someone who enjoys quiet times and togetherness." Could that someone be you?
When it comes to relationships, I'm very level-headed. I don't leap in paws first, if you know what I mean. But give me a little time, and then I'll shower you with purrs, head-butts, and plenty of lap time. In the meantime, you may not see a lot of me - but I'll be thinking of you!
I'm working undercover to keep an eye on you and your household. You may not even know you're under surveillance. I can vanish into think air if anyone or anything interferes with my investigation. If you need a cat who knows how to stay our of trouble and will always keep your secrets, I just might take your case.
You're working on the computer? Let me press the keys. Reading the paper? I'll hold the pages down for you. Watching TV? I'll just plop on your lap so you can pet me. I love an orderly household, don't you? I'll help you with all your chores, and I'll help you relax when we're done. You'll wonder how you ever managed without me.
Like all sidekicks, I'm just plain good company. I like attention, and I also like my solitude. I don't go looking for trouble but I'm no scaredy-cat either. If you are looking for a steady companion to travel with you on the road of life, look no further.
I have to say, I'm a busy cat. First, I've got to check out what's happening out the window. Next, I'll see if any closets or cupboards need looking into. And then there are my naps - can't be late for those. I can fit a little socializing into my schedule. Shall we plan on breakfast and dinner? I hope you like kibbles.
I'm a cat who does everything in a big way. I not only like to be in the middle of things - I like to lead the parade. I'm an adventurous cat, but I'll still make plenty of time to show you my affectionate side. I'm the demonstrative type, you might say. Want a cat who's brimming with confidence? That's me
I'm a cat on a mission: PARTY! I love to play and explore and test my limits. I'd love to play with you, but I can make a toy out of anything: pencils, post-it notes, potatoes. If you're looking for some laughs and someone to liven up the party, think about inviting me.
I'm a savvy cat who knows the score. I'm pretty unflappable, too. I don't mind entertaining myself, but a human companion at the other end of the couch and a nice scratch behind the ears always make my day. If you're looking for a resourceful addition to your team, think about signing this Most Valuable Pussycat
