Rescue dogs deserve accurate welfare assessment and carefully matched placement to maximise adoption success and minimise the risk of return to shelter.
Rescue dog welfare extends from the shelter environment into the adoption process and the first months in a new home. Accurate behavioural assessment that reflects what dogs are actually like rather than what stressed shelter dogs look like under assessment conditions is fundamental to good matching. Overly cautious assessment that labels normal shelter behaviour as aggression or fear can result in dogs being incorrectly categorised as unsuitable for adoption. Post-adoption support that provides training advice, helps adopters understand normal settling behaviour, and provides a path for concerns reduces returns and improves welfare outcomes for dogs and adopters alike.