Pawfect Match

Match is a social media campaign designed to improve compatible matches between prostective adopters and dogs.

The M.A.T.C.H. Process

Is a 5-step process that aims to revolutionise sustainable adoption by asking all potential adopters to:

M- Meet multiple dogs, not just the ones you find cute online or the first dog you see in the rescue or shelter.

A- Assess your lifestyle and compatibility. Research various breeds, activity levels, training needs, and think of your finances, work hours and living environment.

T- Think realistically about the adoption rather than the dog. Adopting is a long-term commitment that needs patience and consistency. Consider extra costs such as pet insurance and monthly vet plans, potential behaviour changes, veterinary costs, and daily care the dog may need currently or in the future. Do you know the 3-3-3 Rule?

C- Choose responsibly. Make an informed decision based on compatibility with your lifestyle rather than breed stereotypes, appearance, or impulses.

H- Bring your new furry companion to its stable, forever home.

M.A.T.C.H. ultimately aims to reduce rehoming failures by creating more informed, realistic and compatible adoptions through immersive media.

What is Pawfect Match

On this site you will find a wealth of information to support you on your adoption journey. No matter what stage of the adoption you are at, you can rely on Pawfect Match to be your one-stop shop for everything you need to guide you to a successful, sustainable adoption.

Like an estate agent portal, Pawfect Match provides a web platform for animal shelters across Northern Ireland to upload their dogs available for adoption, giving every dog a fair and equal opportunity for visibility and adoption. Accumulating listings helps ensure that all dogs have the same level of accessibility and exposure, regardless of a shelter’s confidence in technology and website management. This removes inconsistencies in user experience that could negatively impact the adoption journey.

As this is a collective portal for multiple shelters to use rather than an individual organisation, it eliminates the need for potential adopters to search across multiple websites, often prolonging their journey to find their perfect match.

Pawfect Match also, unlike many shelter sites, offers guidance before and after adoption, along with a dedicated resource section for trainers, emotional and wellbeing support services, and helplines, ensuring adopters have access to everything they need to support a successful and sustainable adoption beyond leaving the shelter with their new companion.

Pre-Adoption

So, you’re thinking about getting a dog and have decided to adopt — that’s wonderful. Your decision not only gives a shelter dog the chance of a loving home, but also helps create space and resources for other dogs in need while lessening the risk of euthanasia caused by overcrowding.

To give your adoption the best chance of success, follow our 5-step M.A.T.C.H. process and explore our pre-adoption guidance and adoption preparation resources to help you choose the right dog for your lifestyle, home and experience level. Pre-Adoption Advice

Adoption Process

So, you’ve found your PAWfect M.A.T.C.H. and you’re ready to welcome them home. This stage is often one of the most exciting parts of the adoption journey, but it can also require patience. Once a suitable match has been identified, some shelters may complete the process within a few weeks, while others can take several months depending on assessments, home checks and the individual needs of the dog.

To better understand what to expect during this stage, explore our Adoption Process guidance for advice on timelines, introductions, paperwork and preparing for your dog’s arrival. Adoption Process Advice

Post-Adoption

You did it! You and your new furry companion have made a compatible match, and now you need to know how to create a successful one.

Many adopters think the process ends once they officially bring their new dog home; however, this is where the real journey begins.

Many dogs need time to decompress, build trust, and adjust to their new environment, but adjustment takes time, patience, and understanding. With many dogs, different behaviours begin to show several weeks after adoption as they become more comfortable in the home.