The Adoption Data Book

2018

Capstone I INTERIM REPORT

17020973D LEUNG Tsz Wan

ADOPTION Is it what you think it is?

Alan Kan’s Grp

The DATA BOOK

contents

01

about this project

02

research questions

03

methodology

04

research data

05

project advertiser

01

about this project

initial thoughts

Adoption is not suitable for everyone.

As being one of the long-term volunteer in animal shelter in Hong Kong, I feel the urge to let the public learn the importance of right adoption. It is a common phenomenon that people come into the adoption centre and ask a lot of questions regarding to adopting animals.

They seemed to be enthusiastic about this “meaningful event”, however, the contents of the questions reveals the lack of basic understanding on having a pet, or adoption. The cases of returning pets during post-adoption period are also growing, with various reasons which, some of them are experiencing unexpected circumstances after taking the rescued pets home.

If we can stop the act of “unfortunate adoption” before it happened, will we be able to prevent animals from getting abandoned for the second time? Will promoting the basic knowledge of adoption to the public, can help them to build correct mindsets on adoption?

Adoption welcomes everyone, but it is not suitable for everyone.

exmaples of unsuitable type of people for adoption

People who do not value promises They lack of sense of responsibility, which makes them unsuitable for keeping a pet, needless to say about adoption.

People who do it for a show They perform the act of adoption under the halo. Adoption can have shallow meaning to them.

People who do entirely for animals They put too much emphasis on the animals itself and underestimated the desire and will of themselves.

rationale

Pet ownership in Hong Kong is showing an increasing trend over years. (”Pet theory: rising ownership in Hong Kong opens up a host of retail opportunities”, 2018)

Owning pets in Hong Kong is gaining popularity over years as couples are less willing to give birth to children nowadays. They would rather keep pets and see them as child in the family.

The trend of people having pets in Hong Kong opens up a space for me to investigate into this topic. As there are many ways to get a pet, adoption is often being seen as a humane way and meaningful event. However, the issue of adoption in Hong Kong is often being “heavily promoted” by emphasizing how meaningful and helpful it would be, to save and rescue animals. Consequences and benefits are known, but a strong motivation and persuasion for potential adopters are still not convincing enough.

Throughout the project, I wish to dig out the true meaning of adoption by understanding the behaviour and mindsets of adopters, hence, promote adoption through creative ways with a starting point of educating the general public on the basic knowledge of pet adoption.

about this issue

a Social Issue This topic is related to the development of a society and the pet culture, and how it affectes one’s thoughts and action.

Mind & Behaviour People’s mind and behaviour play crutial part in this project as this might be the start of an “unfortunate adoption”.

Different Perspectives People’s perspectives might change over time when they experience different role in adoption process, which may lead to different results in post-adoption period.

related news

(”接載待領養狗狗有感而發 Call車老闆：港人應有 領養代替購買觀念”,2018)

A news from 香港01 mentioned about how Hong Kong peopel should adopt instead of shop when getting a pet. It emphasize on how dogs want a family of its own, but seldom talks about the what adoption could mean and everyone should do it.

(”港實測：唐狗vs柴犬被遺棄街頭 路人反應大不同？”,2018)

This social experiment conducted by on.cc was to test the reactions of passerby to different dog breeds being abandon on streets.

The result of the experiment was within expectation, as the famous breed Shiba got more attention from people, whereas the Tong Gau caught less help from the strangers.

Though this test has shown the genuine reaction from public, the setting of the dogs’ background might affect the result of the test. The shown age of the Tong Gau is much older in terms of age than the Shiba, which added one undesirable favour to its breed. Therefore, this report is only for reference instead of taken into accurate example in this project.

(”關注團體籲領養代替購買”,2018)

(”養寵物全因為潮流？掉毛太多竟成棄養藉口”,2018)

On.cc showed another news on concerns groups suggest people to adopt animals with older age. However, these suggestions partly override personal will or desire, which I think can lead to worse consequences during post-adoption.

香港01 also posted another news on keeping pets should not be a trend and blindly follow with it. I would say adoption is also not a trend that should be blindly followed. Think about how well do you know about it is also important.

aims of project

To take away the “hard sell” way of adoption in Hong Kong

To understand what adoption means instead of rush into the “right thing”

Educate the public on the correct mindset of adoption

target audience

Potential Adopters They are suppose to understand clearly the meaning of adoption and figure out if they are a suitable adopter to prevent rejection in application or returning pets during post-adoption phase.

General Public Even they might/might not be potential adopters in future, it is essential to understand the basic knowledge on pet adoption instead of simply getting the superficial answer of it, as it may alter the culture of adoption in pets and the future generation.

02

research questions

A. What is/are the reason(s) for Adoption? 點解要領養？

This questions can find out in today’s society, what adoption means to people.

The reasons to adoption referes to their choice of choosing adoption over other ways. What is aoption speical and attractive to them?

By investigating on the reasons for people to choose adoption, I can look for the causes on how people make their decisions on pet adoption and understanad their behaviour by studying their motives and logic.

B. What is the meaning of Adoption? 領養有咩意義/意思？

This question focus on two points. One of them is the definition on words, as if what is adoption and what does it included. Another one is related to the meaning behind the gesture of adoption, which leads to the motivation behind this event.

It helps to reveal how the potential adopters’ perception on this event and understand the values of helping the rescued animals.

C. What is/are the factor(s) to be considered when getting a pet? 當選擇寵物嘅時候，有咩考慮條件?

In this question, it occurs to most of the people who are getting ready to own a pet, no matter through adoption or not.

Having the priories and understand what one’s desire is essential in this topic, and a point worth investigating in.

It helps me to draw a line and take a balaence between helping animals and one’s desire on certain traits. At the end of the project, it should be able to define how people should take an appropriate balance between these two considerations.

D. Who is not suitable for Adoption? 咩人唔適合領養？

As mentioned at the beginning of the project insight, according to my experience and research, I think adoption is not something that suitable for everyone. This questions help me to distinguish and categorize different types of people with different mindsets, that can determine how fit are they to become a good and successful adopter.

Other than certain groups of people who are not applicable for adoption, this questions also focuses on how to change and educate the “right meaning” for this group of “unsuitable” adopters, who, are also my of target audience of the project.

E. What is the right way of Adoption? 甚麼才是正確領養？

This is a question that requires all analysis of data in the project in order to get the right answer. Survey can help collecting public opinion on their own defintions of adoption, yet they may not be the correct way and attitude to have adoption.

Through looking out for the answer for this research question, it helps to assess all of the details collected along the process, at the same time with objective viewpoints and convincing evidences.

03

methodology

ways to collect data

Online Materials News, blogs and websites that helps me familiarise the topic and basic information.

Literature Review Research that have been done before that support my points and insights, including useful quotes and findings.

Direct Observation Visit adoption centres to observe and experience the realistic situation with potential adopters.

Questionnaire Collect large sample size from public to analyse on their common perception of the topic and look for workable direction.

Interview Talk to professionals and business insiders to get accurate information for more specific questions I wish to know.

Focus Groups To further investigate on certain points and look for more detail answers through the interaction in the group.

Social Experiment To test strangers’ genuine response and reaction on some scenario and situations that counter for the behaviour.

04

research data

literature review

12 papers

“The lack of understanding to adoption and pets leads to greater chance of returning pets during post-adoption period.�

(Shore, 2005)

In the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science established in 2005, Shore has mentioned that the pet returning rate was significantly highter when pet owners shows insufficient knowlege towards pets and adoption (Shore, 2005).

Among the interviewees she approached, either they are being rejected during the stage of adoption application, or they sent the adopted animals back to the rescue shelter after a certain amount of time. In her studies, it points out that since the adopters lack of experience in pet ownership and did not study enough into the possible situations that might happen after adoption. Therefore, even with reasons to return them, the best solution would be strating from the period of pre-adoption and ensure they know the potential risks and circumstances.

questionnaire

833 respondents

Questions are divided into three parts:

I. background of the respondents

II. mindsets and priority when getting pets

III. Understanding on Adoption

I. background of respondents

age 7.7%

below 19

8.2% above 45

20.2%

36-45 years old

28.7%

19-25 years old

35.2%

26-35 years old

are you a pet owner?

79.1% pet owner

20.1%

non-pet owner

did you get your pet through adoption?

62.7% yes

37.3%

no

II. mindsets and priority when getting pets

What makes you choose adoption?

71.4%

help/rescue animals

67.9%

a meaningful event

63.1%

to keep an abandoned animal

40.8%

38.6%

35.6%

lowering the number of stray dogs

it’s just one way of getting a pet

help to stopping the breeders

10%

0.2%

0.2%

it’s cheaper than buying in pet shops

because I like animals

for domestic purposes at home

“As an companion of the pet that I already have.”

“I have mouse at my home.”

“Because the one I have at home has passed away.”

What turns you away from adoption?

37.4%

too much procedure

17.9%

can’t find the one I like

10.6%

I don’t know

10.3%

9.9%

5.3%

breed

age

housing restrictions

3.3%

1.5%

0.4%

behaviour

don’t understand the benefit of adoption

never come up with adoption before

“I have no reasons not to adopt.”

“Adoption was not the trend back then.”

“They can always be found on streets.”

“I don’t understand the benefits of adoption.”

What are the concerns when you choose a pet?

161

242

272

304

origin

breed

behaviour

Size

307 Age

330

Personality

436

Healthiness

“No requirement at all.”

“Appearance comes firtst.”

“See if we have the chemistry and the bonding between us.”

“The story behind the animal .”

If you want to adopt a pet, but you can’t find you ideal one in adoption centre, you will...

46.8% wait until there is a pet I like in adoption centres

40.3% change my preferences and choose the one they have in adoption centres

8.8% give up and look for other ways to get a pet

“There is no such thing as ideal pet.”

“I let the dog choose me.”

“I will go catch one by myself.”

“There is no choosing as all life deserves respects.”

III. understanding on adoption

Do you understand the true meaning of adoption?

72.9% claimed they understand

40.3% unsure about what is it

1.7% do not understand

What is the true meaning of adoption to you?

“Adoption is putting the welfare of animals before our own.”

“ 減少流浪動物 ”

“ 減少棄養 ” “Reduce animal cruelty.”

“ 避免動物被人道毀滅 ”

“ 個人意願, 唔可以話一定要領養唔俾人買心儀寵物 ”

“Give them a home. Again.”

“ 正義 ”

interview

4 interviewees

Andrea Lung Assistant Manager in Hong Kong Dog Rescue ALC Homing Centre

Throughout the interview with Andrea, she talks a lot about what did she encountered daily as she is the one communicating with potential adopters.

She explained that people often walk in to the homing centre and ask about the information of pet adoption. Despite they have the motivation to get to know what adoption is about, it has shown the lack of general knowledge of pet adoption in Hong Kong.

“People come in and ask weired questions.” said Andrea.

She found that many of the potential adopters or general people do not have sufficient understanding in pet ownership and carried a lot of inaccurate perceptions about this issue.

She the importance of knowing what one’s desire and having clear understanding on what they are doing are beneficial to the shelter animals as well as the adopters.

Harryn Yip Long-term Volunteer in SPCA and HKDR for over 6 years

Harryn Yip has been serving for SPCA in Hong Kong and HKDR for over 6 years time and saw the trend of adoption starting to grow over period. Although Hong Kong people starting to choose adoption over buying, Harryn still see the gap between one’s understanding in adoption and doing it correctly.

“If they just doing it blindly, I’d rather ask them not to adopt.” pointed out by Harryn. In these six years, it is still unrare that there are many adoption cases failed, due to the misconception on having pets. She said it is not always heaven or movie-like when you own a pet. There are always more to expect when you own it, especially through adoptions.

“You guys will charge me for adoption fee? Isn’t it free? I am here to help you take a dog home.” is one of the most ridiculous question Harryn has heard over her time of serving the adoption centre. “Isn’t it weird that even adoption has becoming popular, while the knowledge on it is still lagged behind?” said Harryn.

Chu Kayan General Co-ordinator in Hong Kong Dog Rescue

Kayan has joined Hong Kong Dog Rescue for 4 years and discovered some interesting phenomenon in the habit of adoption.

“Even more people come to us and adopt a dog, you can still see that some of them are confused about what their actions means.” Kayan noticed that, a certain type of people will choose to adopt because the friends around them has adopted pets, whereas the adopter himself does not completely understand about adoption. “Sometimes, peer

pressure affects one’s decision on having adoption or not.” said

by Kayan.

If peer pressure is the cause of choosing adoption, will it lead to a bad result or consequences? Kayan agreed. “For sure.

Under these circumstances, returning rate of pets are significantly highter. Try to imagine when you do something just because of conformity, when the trend or environment changed, will you still be able to recall the firm reason on why you choose it at first? Owning a pet shall never be percieved this way, especially for adoption.

Cactus Mok Certified Dog Trainer & Educational Co-ordinator in Hong Kong Dog Rescue

Cactus is one of the professional dog behavioural trainer with certification and qualification in Hong Kong. She is also the person in charge for educational activities in Hong Kong Dog Rescue.

“General knowledge on adoption of public is better than before, but hard-work on education is still needed.” said Cactus. She often comes across with different adopters and does a lot of post-adoption follow ups. She sensed that some of the pet owners will return pets with “excuses” rather than reasons.

“They will easily give up on dogs once they have small obstacles. I personally think this is because they do not have determination with clear mind when they adopt the dogs, and lack of understanding on possible behaviour and situations of rescued dogs.

She hopes that education would help with the currect situations. “Some

said they support adoption, but deep down they still desire for famous breeds.”pointed out by

Cactus. “And we can sense it during we talk to each other in pre-adoption period.” The educational school talks in Hong Kong helped people to familiarize the concept of adoption by starting at younger stage. She is happy that it is quite effective. One of the cases is that parents wish to buy dogs from pet shops, while the children stopped them and suggested for adoption.

At the end of the interview, she noticed that more effort we have to invest in if we want more people to truly understand what adoption is about.

05

project advertiser

project advertiser

(錙港01, 2017)

(SPCA, 2006)

Research has reported that dogs are the most common choice in pet ownership in Hong Kong. And the number is showing an increasing trend over years. Therefore I would like to focus on dogs adoption in this project, as there is an urge and need for the public to gain more information about this issue.

Hong Kong Dog Rescue

an animal rescue organization established in 2003

owned two adoption centres in Ap Lei Chau and Tai Po

has over 4-digit number of dogs rehomed per year

promote on adoption while also valuing the importance on education

to conclude

Project outcome should be able to...

stop and end “unfortunate adoption”

educate the basic understanding of animal adoption to public

promote “correct” adoption through creative ways

up coming schedule

Week 7 interim presenation sumbission of interim report with data

Week 8 conduct primary research direct observation and planon social experiment

Week 9 collect and organize data in week 8 conduct research with focus group

Week 10 analyse and re-organize data look for workable directions for Capstone II

Adoption Is not what you think it is

Woof !