cases/pawsteps

Our heroes

Herzlia Love Animals Association

Dog Adopters

Herzliya Loves Animals Association faced a

critical problem:

Despite successful initial adoptions, they were experiencing an alarming return rate:

Problem Statement

About

of adopted dogs are returned within

the first 3 months.

That causes issues, such as:

Additional expenses

Extra time and resources

Trauma to the dog

Trauma to the adopter

Well, I rolled my sleeves and went to check it out

User Survey

46 answered

8 in-depth interviews

With dog adopters both ones who returned dogs as well as those who kept them

Interviews

With the association’s team

Research

Information Deficiency

50%

Reported a lack of guidance for adaptation

48%

Lacked an explanation about the initial adaptation period

65%

Claimed to receive inaccurate dog characteristic information

50%

Felt a lack of immediate information during the adoption process

Post-Adoption

50%

Dissatisfied with post-adoption support

40%

Needed over a month for the dog to fully adjust at home

35%

Never contacted professionals for help

Key Findings

The Buttom Line

Adopters expressed a strong need for

clearer information

and

better guidance

during the adaptation and adjustment period

Goals

Provide the dog with precise care and nutrition tailored to its needs

Give and receive love, ensuring the dog feels like part of the family

Pain Points

Information Overload

Unable to find information sources he feels are trustworthy and reliable

Financial Constraints

Lacks financial capacity to pay a professional (trainer) over an extended period

Mismatch

Feels deceived - was told the dog was social and friendly but doesn't observe this behavior

Medical Uncertainty

Has no knowledge of which vaccinations the dog received or what additional care is needed

The User

Meet

Dor

• Graduate student • 30 y.o. • Small apartment

• No pet experience • Financially cautious

Solution

Adoption Support Application

A comprehensive digital companion designed to bridge the information gap and provide ongoing support during the critical first weeks of adoption.

Complete Dog Profile

Detailed behavioral, medical, and personality insights with ongoing updates based on actual home behavior patterns.

Personalized Guidance

Tailored recommendations based on dog characteristics, adopter experience, and living situation.

Proactive Support

Smart reminders, milestone tracking, and direct access to professional guidance when needed

Engaging Design

Gamified learning experiences that make the adjustment period educational and rewarding.

Seamless Onboarding

Quick registration with phone verification, eliminating friction while maintaining security.

Dog Recognition

Visual confirmation system connecting adopters with their specific dog's profile and history.

Profile Customization

Comprehensive setup including behavioral patterns, medical history, and environmental preferences.

Personalization

Adopter profile creation enabling tailored guidance based on experience and household dynamics.

Ongoing Support

Access to centralized resources, professional guidance, and community support systems.

User Journey