Like other aspects of animal welfare, social and emotional health are deeply important to how a new animal will adjust to their adoptive home. Some prefer to fly solo, others enjoy playmates. Then there are Bonded Pairs, a dynamic duo all ready to go home together.
Bonded Pairs are two cats or dogs who have a strong attachment to each other, often causing them anxiety or depression if separated. Often they are siblings, but that’s not a requirement. At JHACC, we determine if two animals that enter our facility are a bonded pair and then proceed with the priority of having them adopted together.
Here are some of the signs we look for when determining a Bonded Pair:
- Are the animals eating while separated?
- Are the animals drinking while separated?
- Do they pace when alone, or show other signs of stress and anxiety?
Looking for signs of a bonded pair can help us to determine whether animals need certain accommodations while in our facility, or if they will be adoptable separately.
Although the thought of adopting two animals, often adults, may be intimidating to some people; adopting a Bonded Pair can have plenty of benefits. Moving to a new home can be extremely stressful for an animal, but the adjustment period is thought to be shorter for a bonded pair! Having their best friend nearby may reduce their anxiety, and help them warm up to their new home. Many adopters of bonded pairs also like that their pet has someone to play with daily, noting that in some cases it reduces destructive behavior and separation anxiety while their owners are at work or school. Not to mention, who doesn’t love one more dog or cat to snuggle with? A bonded Pair often lacks the social tensions households may have when introducing a second pet to their individual cat or dog.
Twice the love, twice the cuddles, and twice the fun!
Consider a Bonded Pair the next time you’re looking for your new companions!
DISCLAIMER: This post has been reviewed by any pertinent staff members of JHACC. Artificial Intelligence has in no way been used to create this content, and it is considered correct to the best of our knowledge as of the date of publication.
SOURCES:
https://www.nycacc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Bonded-Pair.pdf
https://www.trupanion.com/pet-blog/article/how-to-tell-if-cats-are-bonded
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-adoption-bonded-pairs
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants: https://m.iaabc.org/
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists: http://corecaab.org/
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: http://www.ccpdt.org
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists: http://corecaab.org
