Column: These matchmakers get to the heart of successful pet adoptions
Meatball (A526376) is ready to be a lucky adopter’s perfect match! This lovable pup’s dating profile would definitely list his favorite things: long walks in the park, endless cuddles, and fun games of fetch. A staff and volunteer favorite, Meatball loves to pose for the camera in hopes of showing off his best side as he searches for his forever home. To learn more about Meatball, visit pasadenahumane.org.
Dating apps have changed how people look for connection. They rely on profiles, photos, quick impressions and the hope that something meaningful might come from a first meeting.
We don’t usually think of pet adoption and dating apps in the same sentence. But if you look closely, there are a few familiar moments.
You notice a photo. You read a profile. You wonder if the personality might be a good fit. Often, you start online. Sometimes you meet in person. And sometimes, a connection surprises you.
Those first impressions matter. But at Pasadena Humane, we know a successful adoption is about much more than that initial spark.
We operate under what we call an Open Adoptions philosophy. In practice, this means we approach pet adoption as a conversation.
Adopters of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome. Our goal is to be an educational resource for adopters, helping them feel comfortable and confident with the pet they choose to bring home.
We want to get to know the person or family adopting. Adoption counselors ask meaningful questions to understand what prospective adopters are looking for so we can make the best match.
Izzy Nidetz, Pasadena Humane’s director of placement, loves to ask adopters how they envision a new pet fitting into their life. This helps her understand the bigger-picture goals an adopter may have when bringing home a dog, cat or critter.
She also finds asking about previous pets and their personality traits helpful when matchmaking. Knowing which traits an adopter cherishes can help Izzy identify which animal at the shelter may be a good match.
Adopters are welcome through our doors seven days a week. At our shelter, they get the chance to meet and interact with the pets they are interested in.
Our adoptions team is like a support system. The team will provide advice where needed and check in with the adopter during the process to see if there’s anything a person is unsure of or would like more information about.
Some people come to us with a clear vision of whom they want to adopt, based primarily on looks. When a pet’s breed or physical attributes match an adopter’s lifestyle, it’s a slam dunk. But when it doesn’t, we like to have an open and honest conversation with our adopters to see if the pet’s needs are something they are truly willing to take on and manage.
Once a love connection is made, our adoption teams will finalize the adoption. In many cases, that pet is ready to go to its new home on the same day.
Izzy reminds us that the first night with a new pet is often the hardest. She vividly remembers bringing her adopted dog home. He cried all night, and she kept thinking to herself, “What did I do?”
The truth is that a new pet may not sleep or eat well at first. It might find spaces to hide in, too. By keeping up with routine and being patient, its owners can help the pet adjust and feel more comfortable over time.
To help make that transition easier, we recently partnered with Petszel, an easy-to-use app that provides postadoption support during those early weeks at home. Petszel offers tailored behavior guidance and also helps our team identify when an adopter might need extra support, so we can reach out directly.
If you’ve been thinking about adopting, Valentine’s Day weekend is a good time to find your match. We’re marking the occasion with Swipe Right, a heartfelt adoption event running Feb. 13-15, with $14 adoption fees thanks to the generous support of MetLife. Adoptions are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Learn more at pasadenahumane.org/adopt.
Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.
This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on February 6, 2026.
