When we compared length of stay prior to adoption, black dogs being the control group, the graph above showed brown, red and white dogs were adopted an average of 2 days sooner than black dogs. Consequently, blue dogs took 2.5 days longer to adopt than black dogs.

In our analysis this week we find that length of stay prior to euthanasia (with black dogs as the control group) shows white and brown dogs were euthanized sooner than black dogs by half a day. Conversely blue dogs were euthanized 2 days later when compared to black dogs.

Using the same sample data, including the same time period and the same list of animal welfare organizations we have found that white and red dogs had a higher euthanasia rate* than black dogs. So again the suggestion that black dogs are more difficult to adopt estimated by length of stay or euthanasia rate, would appear not to be true based solely on the data accumulated through PetPoint.

Note that all figures in this research are based on the input of the participating PetPoint organizations and that the decision over the color of a dog (e.g. tan versus beige, smoke versus gray) is made at the shelter's discretion.

*Euthanasia Rate being the number of dogs euthanized out of total dog intakes in the same color group.

About PetPoint…

Nearly 700 organizations have now licensed PetPoint and current PetPoint users are on pace to account for over 1.1-million intakes this year alone. This puts Pethealth in a unique position as being stewards of the largest depository of aggregated information generated from activities in the shelter community. It also means we can see trends occurring that others might not. We believe, therefore, that we have an opportunity, if not an obligation, to provide to those that have made the switch to PetPoint quality statistical information not available from any other source.

Last week’s Pethealth Post was the first time that we had used aggregated data to test market reaction, and the reaction was very favorable; so much so that beginning August 15th we will begin issuing bimonthly editions of “DataPoint Journal”, a new email newsletter, which will be devoted specifically to issues and trends generated from the aggregated data being collected through the PetPoint application like that above. This journal will be distributed exclusively to those organizations using PetPoint. Additionally, we will very soon look to create an editorial board of those involved in animal welfare to assist us in analyzing and disseminating information to PetPoint users.

Whereas all organizations in our database will continue to receive the Pethealth Post, which already has developed a loyal following and which will continue to offer information of a more general nature, only those organizations which have licensed PetPoint will receive DataPoint Journal. So, if your organization has been considering joining the nearly 700 shelters and animal welfare groups that have already made the move to PetPoint, perhaps this is another reason for you to do so now.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of those below at 1-866-630-7387