Meet Your Match
Adopters, prepare to Meet Your Match!
You could be gazing at the animal of your dreams, but you just can’t tell what she’s thinking behind that furry face. What if you knew a little something about her personality and habits before you moved in together? The ASPCA’s Meet Your Match™ program wouldn’t let you go home without knowing who’s in that carrier or on that leash. Meet Your Match™ is the only method in existence today that evaluates an animal’s behavior and interests and matches them to an adopter’s preferences so that you take home a pet you can really click with.
Canine-ality™
A dog’s score from the Canine-ality™ Assessment places the dog in one of three color-coded categories (purple, orange, or green) representing the dog’s level of persistence in pursuing something that he or she wants.
Each color category includes three Canine-ality™ descriptions that tell adopters how individual dogs are motivated. The evaluator chooses the Canine-ality™ that best fits the dog based on the animal’s score and on the evaluator’s determination of the dog’s source of internal, external, or social (i.e. human attention) motivation while conducting the assessment.
The Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality™ Manual and Training Guide provide templates that shelters use to create the purple, orange, and green cage cards with Canine-ality™ names and descriptions.
Here are descriptions of the nine different Canine-ality™ profiles:
PURPLE
COUCH POTATO
Like the easy life? Then I’m the perfect match for you. I’m a relaxed, laid back kind of dog who enjoys long naps, watching movies, curling up on laps, and walking very short distances from the couch to the food bowl and back.
TEACHER’S PET
I’ve got the whole package—smart, fuzzy, four legs, love to learn, and live to please. Go ahead, teach me anything. Sit, stay, balance your checkbook, I can do it all. Keep me entertained and I’ll be yours forever.
CONSTANT COMPANION
Looking for an emotionally secure, mutually satisfying, low maintenance relationship? I am all you need. Let me sit at your feet, walk by your side, and I’ll be your devoted companion forever.
ORANGE
WALLFLOWER
Shy yet charming canine searching for patient owner with relaxed lifestyle. Looking for gentle guidance to help me come out of my shell. Treat me sweet and kind and I’ll blossom.
BUSY BEE
I’m a naturally playful, curious, and trusting canine. Take me for a big walk every day; give me something to do. After my job’s done, I’ll curl up in front of the fire with you in the evenings. I’m a dog on a mission to please you and myself.
GOOFBALL
I’m a fun-loving, happy-all-the-time, glass-is-half-full kind of dog looking for someone who loves to laugh and play around. Must have a great sense of humor and a bunch of tennis balls.
GREEN
GO-GETTER
Want to get more exercise? Action is my middle name. My “Let’s GO!” lifestyle will keep you motivated to get outside and move. I’ve got tons of energy, and just like the sun, I’m burning and working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I’ll run for miles, chase a ball for hours, and still want to play at the end of the day.
LIFE OF THE PARTY
I think everything is fun, interesting, and meant for play, especially you. Anything you do, I’ll want to do too. With my own brand of surprises, life with me will keep you constantly on your toes, and the fun is guaranteed.
FREE SPIRIT
Intelligent, independent, confident, and clever, I prefer making my own decisions but will listen to you if you make a good case. We’re partners in this adventure. Treat me like one and we’ll both live happily ever after.
Feline-ality™
What’s a Feline-ality™? As part of the ASPCA’s Meet Your Match™ program, shelters assess adoptable cats to predict how they’ll behave in a new environment. Cats are categorized as one of nine “feline-alities,” listed below. Which kitty sounds like the perfect match for you?
Meet the Feline-alities™:
PURPLE
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
I'm working undercover to keep an eye on you and your household. You may not even know you're under surveillance. I can vanish into thin air if anyone or anything interferes with my investigation. If you need a cat who knows how to stay out of trouble and will always keep your secrets, I just might take your case.
SECRET ADMIRER
When it comes to relationships, I'm very level-headed. I don't leap in paws first, if you know what I mean. But give me a little time, and then I'll shower you with purrs, head-butts, and plenty of lap time. In the meantime, you may not see a lot of me, but I'll be thinking a lot of you!
LOVE BUG
Do you seek affection? I do! If you also like petting, purrs, and paws kneading your lap, I think we might have a LOT in common. I'm looking for "someone who enjoys quiet times and togetherness." Could that someone be you?
ORANGE
THE EXECUTIVE
I have to say, I'm a busy cat. First, I've got to check out what's happening out the window. Next, I'll see if any closets or cupboards need looking into. And then there are my naps - can't be late for those. I can fit a little socializing into my schedule. Shall we plan on breakfast and dinner? I hope you like kibbles.
SIDEKICK
Like all sidekicks, I'm just plain good company. I like attention, and I also like my solitude. I don't go looking for trouble, but I'm no scaredy-cat, either. If you are looking for a steady companion to travel with you on the road of life, look no further.
PERSONAL ASSISTANT
You're working on the computer? Let me press the keys. Reading the paper? I'll hold the pages down for you. Watching TV? I'll just plop in your lap so you can pet me. I love an orderly household, don't you? I'll help you with all your chores, and I'll help you relax when we're done. You'll wonder how you ever managed without me.
GREEN
MVP
I'm a savvy cat who knows the score. I'm pretty unflappable, too. I don't mind entertaining myself, but a human companion at the other end of the couch and a nice scratch behind the ears always make my day. If you're looking for a resourceful addition to your team, think about signing this Most Valuable Pussycat.
PARTY ANIMAL
I'm a cat on a mission: PARTY! I love to play and explore and test my limits. I'd love to play with you, but I can make a toy out of anything: pencils, post-it notes, potatoes. If you're looking for some laughs and someone to liven up the party, think about inviting me.
LEADER OF THE BAND
I'm a cat who does everything in a big way. I not only like to be in the middle of things - I like to lead the parade. I'm an adventurous cat, but I'll still make plenty of time to show you my affectionate side. I'm the demonstrative type, you might say. Want a cat who's brimming with confidence? That's me.