What is Meet Your Match® and how can it help you adopt the right pet?

by | Campaigns |

To help ensure the matches that we make at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society are for a lifetime, our standard adoption process includes the Meet Your Match ® program, which evaluates an animal’s behaviour and interests and matches them to an adopter’s preferences so that you take home a pet you can really click with. 

You could be gazing at the animal of your dreams, but you just can’t tell what she’s thinking behind that furry face. What if you knew a little something about her personality? The ASPCA’s Meet Your Match® program wouldn’t let you go home without knowing who’s in that carrier or on that leash.

The science-based Meet Your Match® evaluates an animal’s behaviour and interests and matches them to an adopter’s preferences. Our goal is to send adopters home with their best match and make sure they understand what care their new family member will require.

Here is an overview of the canine-alities and feline-alities you could be matched with:

Canine-alities

Couch Potato Couch Potato

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. (Internally motivated)

Constant Companion Constant Companion

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. (Socially motivated)

Teacher's Pet Teacher’s Pet

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’ll be yours forever. (Externally motivated)

Wallflower Wallflower

Shy yet charming canine searching for patient adopter with relaxed lifestyle. Looking for gentle guidance to help me come out of my shell. Treat me sweet and kind and I’ll blossom. (Internally motivated)

Busy Bee Busy Bee

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 front of the fire with you in the evenings. (Externally motivated)

Goofball Goofball

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 some time to spend with me. I’m a dog on a mission to please you. (Socially motivated)

Life of the Party Life of the Party

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 surprises, life with me will keep you constantly on your toes, and the fun is guaranteed. (Socially motivated)

Go-Getter Go-Getter

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. (Externally motivated)

Free Spirit Free Spirit

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. (Internally motivated)

Feline-alities

Private Investigator Private Investigator

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 thin air if anyone or anything interferes with my investigation. If you need a cat who knows how to stay out of trouble and will always keep your secrets, I just might take your case.

Secret Admirer Secret Admirer

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 a lot of you!

Love Bug Love Bug

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?

The Executive The Executive

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.

Sidekick Sidekick

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.

Personal Assistant Personal Assistant

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 in 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.

MVP MVP

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.

Party Animal Party Animal

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.

Leader of the Band Leader of the Band

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.

Take the quiz today at https://ontariospca.ca/adopt/meet-your-match/ to see which type of pet would be best suited for your home. There are so many animals across the province needing loving homes! Make a difference in the life of an animal today.

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