Working Smarter for Pets: Research and Collaboration to Drive Progress
At PetRescue, we’re always looking for smarter, more impactful ways to help pets and the people who care for them. That’s why we focus on participating in research projects and collaborations that not only shine a light on the current state of the animal welfare sector but also help to build a better future for everyone in it.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes, with dedicated researchers, university partners and student teams working alongside the PetRescue team to uncover insights, improve our programs, and amplify what works.
Here’s a look at the collaborative research projects shaping 2025 and how, together, we’re using data to drive positive change.
PetRescue's Guardian-Assisted Rehoming Program report
PetRescue's Guardian-Assisted Rehoming Program report draws on five years of PetRescue application data and program insights to explore trends in guardian-assisted rehoming and demonstrate how guardians are supported in safely rehoming pets, while also reducing pressure on rescue groups and shelters through the remote support program, Home2Home (H2H).
PetRescue's guardian-assisted rehoming program report
To download the full PDF boop here.
Understanding the sector: State of Pet Adoption survey insights
Project name: State of Pet Adoption Sector Survey 2025
Uniting to save lives with: La Trobe University Anthrozoology Research Group
Researchers: Dr Tiffani Howell, Dr Vanessa Rohlf, and Honours student Remi Lezon
In 2022, PetRescue launched a sector-wide survey (State of Pet Adoption) to better understand the well-being of people working in animal care roles. Honours student Remi Lezon joined the project in 2024 to lead the annual sector survey, expanding on the 2023 findings that explored the personal health and well-being of people working in the animal welfare sector. Remi added new measures to the existing SoPA survey, and his work has already resulted in a peer-reviewed paper.
Originally, the remaining findings were to be published internally by PetRescue. However, the depth and quality of the data uncovered several additional publishable outcomes. With that in mind, Dr Tiffani Howell and Dr Vanessa Rohlf proposed the development of three further academic papers. Tiffani is leading the analysis and methodology, while Vanessa and PetRescue are collaborating on the writing.
What we’re learning:
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Paper 1 (Published): Explores how job demands and organisational culture affect health and turnover.
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Paper 2 (In progress): Focuses on the emotional impact of euthanasia on workers in the sector.
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Paper 3 (In progress): Analyses operational challenges like adoption processes, behavioural issues, and sector collaboration.
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Paper 4 (Planned): Will examine workforce-related issues, including staffing and volunteer programs.
These insights will help us, and the wider sector, to build healthier, more sustainable systems of care for both pets and people.
Read the 2025 State of Pet Adoption Report
Clicks for cats: Understanding feline appeal
Project name: What makes cats appealing to adopters
Uniting to save lives with: La Trobe University
Researchers: Prof Pauleen Bennett, Jess Dawson, Dr Diana Rayment BAniSci PhD
Honours students: Sarah Whelan and Lily Chilcott
In a world where first impressions matter, what makes a cat profile catch the eye? That’s what two La Trobe Honours students are exploring in a project we proposed to better understand how adopters perceive cats online.
What the research is exploring:
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The visual features (like eye and pupil shape, coat colour) that people find most appealing.
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Whether experience with cats influences perceptions of sociability and adoptability.
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What defines the “ideal” companion cat, and how that might differ across audiences.
The findings will help us refine our cat marketing and support our rescue partners with new, evidence-based strategies to get more cats adopted.
Putting a value on impact: SROI for PetRescue
Project name: SROI PetRescue platform and programs
Uniting to save lives with: Global Consulting Group
What’s the true value of connecting pets with people? With the help of a passionate student consulting team from the Global Consulting Group working pro-bono to support Australian not-for-profits, we’re working on a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis to better understand and communicate the impact of the PetRescue platform and programs.
What the project involves:
PetRescue supported the Global Consulting Group student team (made up of undergraduate students, a student mentor, and a professional consultant mentor) by providing guidance and information throughout the six-month project. The results of this collaboration came to life in the team’s mid-year presentation.
By quantifying social impact in monetary terms, SROI makes it easier to compare the investment value of different initiatives and programs e.g. prevention vs reactive interventions. This work will help us build a framework to track our impact more clearly and share the outcomes with partners, donors and the public.
Research in action
These projects reflect the deep, collaborative work happening every day to create a stronger, more compassionate animal welfare system. Whether it’s through understanding the challenges people in the sector face, learning what makes cats more adoptable, or measuring the value of PetRescue’s programs, we’re committed to evidence-based action that leads to real, lasting change.
Stay tuned for updates as these projects evolve, and thank you for being part of a community that’s helping shape a better future for pets.
Past Research Collaborations
Counting cats: Understanding the scale and outcomes of stray and surrendered cats in Australia
Project name: Stray and Owner-Relinquished Cats in Australia
Uniting to save lives with: The University of Queensland, Australian Pet Welfare Foundation
Researchers: Diana Chua, Prof Jacquie Rand, Dr John Morton
Published: 26 May 2023
Accurate data is critical to designing effective solutions. This national study estimated the number of stray and owner-relinquished cats entering pounds, shelters and rescue groups across Australia and what happens to them.
The findings revealed that tens of thousands of cats enter the system each year, but outcomes vary greatly depending on the organisation, location, and whether the cats are reclaimed, adopted or euthanised. The research highlights both the urgent need for improved data collection and the importance of preventative strategies, including desexing, microchipping, and community-based programs.
By supporting sector-wide understanding of intake and outcomes, this work helps shape smarter, more humane approaches to managing and caring for Australia’s cat population.
Picture perfect: How photo choices impact adoption speed
Project name: Picture Perfect Pups
Uniting to save lives with: University of Sydney
Researchers: Mizuho Nakamura, Dr Navneet Dhand, Bethany Wilson, Dr Melissa Starling, Prof Paul McGreevy
Published: 16 January 2020
When it comes to helping rescue dogs find a home, the right photo can make all the difference. In this study, researchers analysed over 8,000 dog profiles on PetRescue to identify which photo features were linked to shorter adoption times. Surprisingly, dogs with closed mouths, black coats, floppy ears, or those photographed in kennel settings were adopted faster, suggesting that adopters may be more drawn to dogs who appear to need their help, rather than those already looking ‘at home’.
The research challenges assumptions from previous studies and highlights the importance of understanding adopter psychology. It continues to shape how we support rescue groups in choosing photos that create meaningful emotional connections and, ultimately, faster adoptions.
Words matter: Understanding how language influences dog adoptions
Project name: Descriptive Texts in Dog Profiles and Length of Stay
Uniting to save lives with: University of Sydney
Researchers: Mizuho Nakamura, Dr Navneet Dhand, Dr Melissa Starling, Prof Paul McGreevy
Published: 20 July 2019
In one of the earliest academic studies to use PetRescue data, researchers analysed the profiles of more than 70,000 dogs to explore how language, specifically personality adjectives, might influence adoption outcomes. The study revealed that certain words, like clever, independent or lively, were linked to faster adoptions, while terms like dominant or only dog often resulted in longer stays. Interestingly, even popular descriptors like obedient and trainable were found to lower appeal in some cases, suggesting a complex interplay between wording, breed expectations, and adopter perception.
The findings reinforce what we’ve long believed: the way we describe pets can shape their future. Insights from this study continue to influence how PetRescue supports our rescue partners in creating profiles that are not only honest but also engaging, empathetic, and effective in finding loving homes.
Beyond the shelter: Understanding online pet relinquishment
Project name: Online Relinquishments of Dogs and Cats in Australia
Uniting to save lives with: University of Adelaide
Researchers: Dr Susan Hazel, Caitlin Jenvey, Dr Jonathan Tuke
Published: 7 February 2018
Not all pets in need show up at shelters. This early study examined thousands of dog and cat listings on Gumtree, one of Australia’s largest online trading platforms, to explore a lesser-known side of pet relinquishment. In just one month, more than 4,700 ads were identified as pets being rehomed - many offered for free, and the majority under two years old.
The findings revealed that people often turned to Gumtree because they believed shelters were full or wanted to choose the new owner themselves. But without safeguards, pets rehomed this way can be vulnerable to poor outcomes.
The study highlights a clear need for safer, supported alternatives, like PetRescue’s Home2Home program, which gives guardians the ability to rehome safely while prioritising pet welfare, informed decision-making, and transparency.
What do people expect from dog ownership?
Project name: Expectations for dog ownership: Perceived physical, mental and psychosocial health consequences among prospective adopters
Uniting to save lives with: University of Sydney and collaborators
Researchers: Lauren Powell, Debbie Chia, Prof Paul McGreevy, Dr Anthony Podberscek, Dr Kate Edwards, Brendon Neilly, Prof Adam Guastella, Dr Vanessa Lee, Prof Emmanuel Stamatakis
Published: July 6, 2018
Understanding adopter expectations is key to setting up successful, lasting pet relationships. In this study of over 3,400 prospective dog adopters, researchers explored what people think dog ownership will bring, both the joys and the challenges.
The findings? Most people anticipated positive outcomes like more exercise (89%), reduced stress (74%), and greater happiness (89%). But fewer expected the potential challenges, such as added responsibility (64%) or training needs (62%). Notably, those who had owned a dog before were more likely to anticipate benefits and less likely to expect difficulties, suggesting a form of ‘optimism bias’ rooted in past experience.
The results underscore the importance of aligning expectations with reality. By supporting prospective adopters with honest, evidence-based education, we can help prevent mismatches, reduce surrender rates, and create stronger bonds between people and pets.
Community-led compassion: The case for TNR in Australia
Project name: Trap-Neuter-Return Activities in Urban Stray Cat Colonies
Uniting to save lives with: The University of Queensland, Australian Pet Welfare Foundation
Researchers: Kuan Tan, Prof Jacquie Rand, Dr John Morton
Published: 12 July 2017
With cat overpopulation still a major challenge in many communities, this study explored the impact of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) in managing urban stray colonies - a humane, proactive approach used widely overseas but often restricted under Australian legislation.
Surveying 53 Australians involved in grassroots TNR efforts, the research found that colony sizes decreased by 31% over just two years through high desexing rates and rehoming of kittens and friendly adults. Cats were regularly fed, monitored, and cared for by dedicated volunteers, often at their own expense.
The findings prove what many in the rescue space already know: community-led TNR not only works, but it’s a cost-effective, welfare-focused alternative to outdated, ineffective culling practices. With the right policy support, it could be a game-changer in reducing stray cat populations and improving outcomes for cats and communities alike.
This research strengthens the case for the kind of preventative, community-driven approaches PetRescue champions, proving that with the right support and education, compassionate alternatives to outdated systems do exist and can work.