What makes Animal Care & Welfare Inc.
different from other rescues?

The answer can be found in our temperament testing. It is the key to our successful adoptions, because it helps adopters know more about the pet they are adopting and makes a pet’s transition into a new home much easier. Most shelters and rescues do not do temperament testing, and therefore, little is known about their adoption pets.

On a typical day, we spend at least 3-4 hours or more at a shelter evaluating dogs and cats. These pets are required to pass multiple behavioral tests before they can be considered for adoption by AC&W. The pictures you see below are just a few examples of what a day at the shelter may look like.

We initially test all our adoption dogs for signs of aggression and dominance. We choose dogs that are submissive in nature and tend to be people oriented. Our dogs must be able to form that special bond with their new families. They must also be good with kids, cats and other dogs. There can be no signs of food aggression.

We choose kitties that are also submissive in behavior and enjoy the company of people. They must like to be picked up, held and cradled. We certainly don’t want someone to adopt a cat that hides all the time. They must be good with other cats and dogs. We perform all of these tests in a safe and regulated environment. It takes years of experience to temperament test properly.

However, the temperament testing does not stop there. Once our new adoption pets are chosen, they are taken to our private adoption center for further observation. Rescue pets do not always exhibit their full personality at the shelter so extra time is taken to get to know our new cats and dogs on a more personal level. It enables us to better answer the questions a potential adopter may have. It is at that point we start crate training and housebreaking our dogs if needed.

Transitioning to a new home can be a very stressful time for a new pet. So it may take several weeks or longer for a new dog or cat to adjust to their new home and surroundings. New adopters may learn new things about their new pet long after adoption day. Temperament testing is not fool proof, but it is a better way to choose a new forever friend and secure a successful adoption.