
ASPCA Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality Adoption Program for DOGS
Click here for more information on the ASPCA Meet Your Match Feline-Ality adoption program for CATS.
Watch the ASPCA Meet Your
Match™ Canine-ality Movie
Do you have a picture in your mind’s eye of what traits your perfect dog will have?
How would you describe this perfect dog?
Energetic?
Laid back? Naturally playful? Independent? Clingy? Shy? Charming?
Aloof? Outgoing? Fun loving? A partner for long walks? A pooch to toss
balls to in the back yard? A gentle friend for your children?
Or are you just not sure considering all the possible options out there?
Don’t worry. That is why we are here. C.A.R.E. for the Evanston Animal Shelter now conducts the ASPCA Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality Adoption Program
to help you figure out the perfect dog for your household. But, what is
Canine-ality you ask? In a nutshell, Canine-ality is a color-coded
matchmaking system that brings compatible companions together. The
result is a better match between the family adopting and the shelter
dog ensuring a successful adoption.
When you come to
the shelter, you will fill out a survey that will determine your
household's color category, so you know which "canine-ality" is best
suited to your lifestyle.
To find the
"canine-ality" of each dog, we administer five assessments, including
friendliness, playfulness, energy level motivation, and drive. Based on
their results, our dogs are then placed in one of nine, color-coded
categories, including Purple (Couch Potato), Orange (Busy Bee) and
Green (Go-Getter). As we assess each of our canines and update the Available Animals
page, you will see their Canine-ality results listed as the Meet Your
Match Profile rating. Please see explanations below of each category
and then come to the shelter where our matchmakers will help you meet
your special canine.
If your survey says you are purple:
Purple people often want a low maintenance relationship. They have lots
of love to give, but have limited time or ability to exercise and train
their new family member. They may be first time guardians and/or have
young children.
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 short distances from the couch to the
food bowl and back.
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.
Teacher’s Pet:
I’ve got it all – 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.
If your survey says you are orange:
Orange people are open to dogs that have lots of action, but like to
relax and take it easy with their dog. They are happy to make the
commitment for training, exercise and an extra snuggle or two.
Wallflower:
Shy, 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.
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
great sense of humor and a bunch of tennis balls.
Busy Bee:
I’m a naturally playful, curious and trusting canine. Take me for
a big walk every day and give me something to do. After my job is done,
I’ll curl up in front of the fire with you in the evenings.
I’m a dog on a mission to please you and myself.
If your survey says you are green:
Green people are active and like their dog to be vivacious! They have
experience with active dogs and enjoy constant daily training,
exercise, and mental stimulation. They prefer a spirited dog and would
love to play frisbee, go hiking or do agility courses.
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 as one and we’ll both
live happily ever after.
Life of the Party:
I think everything is fun, interesting and needs to be played with,
especially you! Anything you do, I’ll want to do it, too. With my
own brand of surprises, life with me will keep you constantly on your
toes and the fun is guaranteed.
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 I love to work 24
hours a day. I’ll run for miles, chase balls for hours and will
still want to play around at the end of the day.