Understanding Survey Data

Understanding Survey Data for Shelters and Rescues

Petszel’s automated post-adoption surveys help animal shelters and rescues stay connected with adopters and gather valuable insights that improve pet retention, satisfaction, and support. Here's how the data works and how you can use it to better serve your adopters.

What Surveys Are Sent and When?

Petszel sends a series of personalized, mobile-friendly surveys to adopters at key points after adoption:

• Day 1: First impressions of the adoption experience

• Week 1: Early adjustment and common challenges

• Month 1: Progress on training, vet care, and bonding

• Month 2: Continued adjustment and support needs

• Month 3: “Rule of 3” milestone check-in

• Month 4: Heartwarming story + photo submission

• Month 6: Long-term status and outcomes

• Year 1: Final check-in and journey reflection

Each survey is delivered via email and SMS with reminder messages if the adopter doesn’t respond. You can preview the surveys from your shelter dashboard.

💡 Surveys are sent from your organization’s name, helping build trust and continuity with the adopter.

Types of Data You’ll See

Each survey collects both quantitative and qualitative data points that help your team identify trends and offer timely support.

• Pet Adjustment Ratings (1–5 scale)
  Track how pets are doing over time and flag early signs of difficulty.

• Satisfaction Score (1–10)
  Understand how likely adopters are to recommend your shelter or rescue.

• Behavior & Health Questions
  Common issues (e.g., chewing, fear, litter box concerns, etc.) are identified—some responses automatically trigger follow-up recommendations or alerts for your staff.

• Open-Ended Feedback
  Adopters can share what went well, what could be improved, and personal stories or concerns.

• Request for Support
  Adopters can opt-in to additional help and specify preferred contact methods and timing.

• Photo & Story Submissions (Month 4)
  Great for social media or fundraising content with built-in permission included!

How to Use This Data

• Monitor pet well-being in the early weeks and months post-adoption

• Identify at-risk adoptions early and follow up with appropriate support

• Track satisfaction and feedback to improve your adoption process

• Share success stories for outreach, engagement, and fundraising

• Coordinate internal response by assigning follow-ups to staff based on preferred contact method and concern type

🐶 Survey results are viewable in your shelter’s Petszel Dashboard. You can filter by timeframe, score range, or keywords to find trends and individual cases.

Petszel’s survey system isn’t just about data—it’s about staying connected to adopters and supporting your mission with tools that make a measurable difference.