Meet Your Match™

 

The Hinsdale Humane Society offers the ASPCA Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality and Feline-ality Adoption Program.  This research based program was created by Emily Weiss, Ph.D., in conjunction with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The program is designed to match an adopter’s personality, lifestyle, and energy level to a pet with the same traits. Making this match is the foundation for the human/pet bond to develop, increasing the potential for a successful, permanent placement.  

 

Canine-ality: Finding the perfect Dog!

 

The Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality™ assessment begins with an initial behavior screening. This helps us determine the individual needs of the dog. We test each dog to help us determine their general canine-ality, including their friendliness, playfulness, energy level, motivation and drive. Each dog is then categorized into a personality color according to their scores. These categories are color-coded green, orange and purple. In all there are nine color-coded categories. Some pooches are laid-back “Couch Potatoes,” others are curious “Busy Bees,” and then there are the action hero “Go-Getter” types.

 

As an adopter, you also get a color based on your preference and lifestyle. On your visit, you will fill out a survey, it takes less than 5 minutes. This helps us gauge your expectations in a pet and determine what type of pet would be best suited to your home. Or, download the survey below and bring it with you.

 

Take the Dog Survey! 

 

  • Green adopters are most successful with pooches who like to be physically and mentally engaged.

  • Orange adopters are a good fit with middle-of-the-road dogs who are responsive and enjoy regular activity and interaction.

  • Purple adopters are comfortable with canines who have a laidback attitude and prefer an easygoing lifestyle.

 

Now you’re off—with a color-coded guest pass in hand—to find your new companion. As you pass each furry face, you’ll notice the dogs have color cards on their cages. You don’t have to choose a pooch whose color matches yours—love at first sight does happen. But knowing the color lets you at least prepare for the way your four-legged love will respond when he gets home.

 

Canine-ality Color Descriptions:

 

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:

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:  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:

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. (Internally motivated)

 

 

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: 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: 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:  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: 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)

 

 

 

 

 

 Meet the Feline-alities!  Learn about finding the purrrfect cat!  Who is your favorite color?