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 Meet Your Match™ program wouldn’t let you go home without knowing who’s in that carrier or on that leash. MYM 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. Meet Your Match™ is a program of ASPCA.

What is Canine-ality™?

The Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality™ assessment begins with an initial MYM SAFER™ (Safety Assessment for Evaluating Rehoming) behavior screening to make sure each pooch is a good candidate for adoption. Dogs are then tested on their friendliness, playfulness, energy level, motivation and drive, and placed into one of nine color-coded Canine-alities. Some pooches are laid-back “Couch Potatoes,” others are curious “Busy Bees,” and then there are the action hero “Go-Getter” types.

As an adopter, you also get a color based on your preferences and lifestyle. On your visit to the adoption facility, you’re given a purple, orange or green guest pass to match the pets who might suit you best.

Now you’re off—with a color-coded guest pass in hand—to find your new companion. As you pass each furry face, you’ll notice the dogs have color cards on their cages. You don’t have to choose a pooch whose color matches yours—love at first sight does happen. But knowing the color lets you at least prepare for the way your four-legged love will respond when he gets home.

Click here to watch a video about Canie-ality!

Meet the Canine-alities:

What Is Puppy-ality™?

Eeeny, meeny, miney, moe… No, that’s not how we recommend that new puppy parents pick their perfect pooch! But we do know how hard it is choose a puppy who’ll be compatible with your lifestyle—and even professionals agree that it’s difficult to predict how puppies less than six months old will behave with their new families. That’s why ASPCA experts have developed the Meet Your Match Puppy-ality Adoption Program (MYM), a fun color-coding method that sets adopters up for success from the moment they get their puppy home.

The Dog Adopter Survey: This one’s for you, potential pup parents! When you are ready to adopt, you’ll be asked to fill out a one-page survey—including questions about your lifestyle and how you see your dog fitting in your life. Sounds fun? It is… and fast, too—think magazine quiz, not college application.

Your results will tell the shelter what your “color” is—green, orange or purple.

• Green adopters do best with puppies who like to be physically and mentally engaged.
• Orange adopters are a good fit with the pups we like to describe as “middle of the road,” who respond best to regular activity and interaction.
• Purple peeps dig pups who have a laid-back attitude and would enjoy an easygoing lifestyle.

Once you know your color, you’re off—with a color-coded guest pass in hand. As you pass the cages, you’ll notice that each pup has a special color card, too. If you—re, say, a green adopter, pay special attention to green pups. Of course, you don’t have to stick with your own color—love at first sight can happen. But knowing a little about that furry bundle of joy can help prepare you when you’re at home, on your own.

Day Dreamer (purple)

Easy-going, relaxed pup seeks laid-back human for mutually low stress relationship. Must see the bowl as half-full, enjoy leisurely games of fetch followed by a quick snack and two-hour nap, and be willing to explore the joys of relaxing together. (Internally motivated)

Kindergartner (purple)

It’s the first day of school and, boy oh boy, am I nervous! I’m not sure where to sit, when we eat or even where the bathroom is. All I need is a person I can trust to show me the ropes. Will you be my mentor and show me around? (Socially motivated)

The Detective (purple)

It’s elementary, my dear assistant — let’s unravel the mysteries of the world together. I simply use my trusty nose and my natural taste for details. You simply offer any leads you might have. Together we’ll solve every mystery that comes our way. (Externally motivated)

Bashful Tourist (orange)

So this is my first time on my own and, jeez, did you know the world is a really big and kind of scary place (especially when you don’t speak the language)? With the right translator, I know I can learn my way around. Until I get familiar with the place, let me stay right by your side — or maybe just a little behind you. (Internally motivated)

Class Clown (orange)

Class clown seeks good-humored soul mate ready to let the good times roll. My playful jokes, love of all things chewable and slapstick comedy will keep you and your friends doubled over laughing for hours. When I hog the spotlight, just let me know the joke’s over and I’ll settle down. (Socially motivated)

The Rookie (orange)

Young self-starter looking for an inspirational coach to take us to the top. I’ve got the whole package — brains, good looks, and loads of raw talent — and I’m ready to use them. Teach me, praise me and I guarantee I’ll make you proud at home, on walks, or competing in the field. (Externally motivated)

King of the Mountain (green)

I’m self-educated with a splash of ambition. As canine royalty, I like to set the rules. Explain a better way though, and I’ll give you due consideration. I’m really looking to share my throne with a hard working, confident, and full-of-pep human. (Internally motivated)

Super Hero (green)

I’m an all-purpose pup ready to commit 110 percent. When there’s a crumb dropped, I’ll be there to pick it up for you. When there’s a hole that needs to be dug, I’ll be there with all four feet. When someone needs a buddy to run miles with, I’ll be there with leash in tow. Commit 110 percent to me, and I’ll be yours forever. (Socially motivated)

Thrill Seeker (green)

WOO-HOO! This is so cool! Have you tried this ride called LIFE yet? It’s got all these great twists and turns and so many neat things to play with like balls, fleece toys, rawhides, socks, pant legs, fingers — and so many neat people to meet — you, your friends, your friends’ friends and the friends of your friends’ friends. Jump on board and we’ll have a blast together! (Externally motivated)

Ready to Meet Your Match?  You can take an online Meet Your Match Survey and fill out an Adopter Information Form by Clicking Here.

Learn about the Meet Your Match Feline-ality program by Clicking Here!