Peninsula Humane Society & SPC
Pet Adoption Strategies

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is a non-profit organization that provides ethical care for animals in need, regardless of condition or background, and works to foster placement of all adoptable pets that are serviced. Offered was a series of design interventions in an effort to increase adoptions rates of small dogs (chihuahuas have replaced pit bulls as the largest percentage of the shelter population). Some included owner/pet profiles that re-frame the first question from 'do I want to adopt a dog?' into 'which dog is the best match for me?' (as well as open connect adopters/pets that might not normally be connected), the use of first person doggie narratives placed at the viewing kennels, a home-away-from home design in “pet meet n' greet” rooms to encourage more familiar interactions between pets and potential owners, as well as community intervention programs to increase traffic and awareness. Collaborative project leading Project H Design with Everyday Culture Officers.