Optimising Shelter Outcomes Using Technology, Foster Care and External Networks: A Community Case Study of Community-Centred Adoptions in an Australian Cat Shelter

This study presents an initial in-depth analysis of foster-led adoptions via a digital platform in an Australian shelter context, where adoptions have traditionally occurred on-site. COVID-19 prompted the development of new adoption initiatives that complied with restrictive government guidelines. Between 2018 and 2024, shelter-based adoptions (n = 30,292) reduced from 80 to 60%, with adoptions through foster care, pet shops and community engagement becoming increasingly important. Growth in foster-based and pet shop adoptions supported shelter operations, accelerating the introduction of new services. Incorporating Adopets®, a digital platform compatible with Shelter BuddyPro® and relatively new to Australia, streamlined remote adoption processes, eliminated the need for in-person visits and reduced adoption barriers, notably decision fatigue. Following its implementation, off-site adoptions doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels, peaking at 40% (n = 13,713), with foster care consistently outperforming pet shop placements. In 2023, the median on-site stay for cats and kittens was 6 days and 28 days for those in foster care. In 2024, despite a 467-animal increase in intake, the median shelter stay dropped to 5 days and 24 days for those in foster care. These results highlight how incorporating technology-enabled strategies offer a replicable framework for community-centred, scalable shelter operations in Australian shelters.