How technology is revolutionizing dog breeding and pet adoption

Every year, millions of dogs end up in shelters, often due to mismatches between pets and owners. Poor matches result in heartbreak for families, stress for animals, and overcrowded shelters, with euthanasia rates climbing as a result.

Breeders, adopters, and rescue organizations are turning to technology to help address these issues and how people approach pet ownership. What was once a process rooted in handwritten applications and word-of-mouth referrals is evolving into a streamlined, data-driven system that prioritizes better matches and long-term success.

The hidden complexity of dog matching

Finding the right dog involves much more than scrolling through cute photos or reading breed descriptions online. Poor matching is a major contributor to the 3.1 million dogs abandoned in shelters each year. Of these, 1.4 million owners cite poor match quality as the reason for surrender, leading to $4.2 billion in financial waste—an average of $3,000 per dog.

Beyond the financial toll, the emotional impact is significant. Families face the distress of surrendering a pet they’ve grown attached to, while dogs endure trauma and uncertainty in shelters. For many, the expectations of dog ownership—shaped by breed descriptions or online research—don’t align with reality. Individual dogs within a breed can vary significantly in temperament, energy, and adaptability. 

Traditional breed research, such as Google searches or social media, often fails to capture these nuances. For example, one family looking for a low-maintenance companion was drawn to a high-energy working breed. Meeting the dog in person quickly revealed the mismatch, underscoring the importance of tailored education and interaction during the adoption process.

Dog selection tools: from matchmakers to marketplaces

Digital platforms like Good Dog, PuppySpot, and TellTail offer a more systematic approach, using marketplaces to help people find the right dog. These tools integrate breed profiles, lifestyle assessments, and user reviews to educate and inform prospective pet owners during the adoption journey. However, the shift to digital has also introduced challenges. Each dog breed has unique nuances, and despite better education from marketplaces, finding the right match can sometimes require an involved process, often aided by a digital pet matchmaker. Platforms like Pupscout and Doggit streamline this process, making it less labour-intensive and reducing additional expense and time.

James Williams, CEO of PupScout, created his company to bridge this gap. His platform helps future dog parents meet their ideal breed through online tools and in-person interactions. Williams explains: “Navigating the breeder market is challenging. It’s hard to know what’s ethical, what breed is right, or even where to start.”

One PupScout success story involved a couple with conflicting preferences: one partner wanted a Shih Tzu, while the other preferred a Sheltie. After assessing their lifestyle, Williams introduced them to a Löwchen—a rare French breed that’s hypoallergenic, intelligent, and adaptable to both their active and quiet routines. This tailored process highlights how combining technology with personal interaction creates better outcomes.

While directories can be useful starting points for potential pet owners, they are often just that—a starting point and referrals while very useful for those who know the type of pet and live close to breeders, are a luxury to many.

We have also seen the trend where breeders have turned to e-commerce online shops, treating dogs as products. During the pandemic, demand for dogs skyrocketed, with some breeds becoming so sought after that waiting lists extended for months. Now, breeders face increased competition and, in some cases, surplus puppies. Breeders may be tempted to adopt an e-commerce approach, especially as demand has normalized post-pandemic. This transactional model, while efficient, often reduces dogs to commodities and neglects the importance of matching a pet to a home. 

Discounts and promotions have become common, but this short-term strategy fails to address the core issue: adoption isn’t about selling a product—it’s about building a lifelong partnership. A successful match requires understanding the prospective owner’s lifestyle, expectations, and capacity for care. In this sense, pet adoption needs to look more like a dating app than an online shopping experience.

Other challenges technology solves for breeders

Balancing increased competition and fluctuating demand

During the pandemic, demand outpaced supply for many breeders. Families wanted companionship during lockdowns, and certain breeds experienced skyrocketing demand. Today, as pet ownership appetite stabilizes, breeders face new challenges: generating interest in an oversupplied market and differentiating themselves.

One solution lies in fostering community. Breeders can create support networks among adopters, offer shared learning experiences, and encourage referrals. A successful example of this approach is seen in breeder-led Facebook groups that only admit families who have adopted their dogs. These groups celebrate milestones like puppy birthdays, troubleshoot health issues, and even share training tips. For instance, one adopter noticed signs of seasonal allergies in their dog. Through the group, they received advice and support from others who had dealt with similar issues, reinforcing trust in the breeder.

High operational costs and limited automation

Dog breeding is an expensive and labor-intensive process. Breeders must evaluate hundreds of applications, track health records, and manage the logistics of artificial insemination and genetic testing. For example, a single artificial insemination procedure can cost several hundred dollars, while genetic testing and puppy monitoring add more to the breeder’s costs. Despite this, much of the process remains manual, with little digitization or automation to improve efficiency.

Modern platforms are addressing these challenges by introducing structured qualification processes, automated screening tools, and digital forms. These tools streamline the adoption process and reduce the administrative burden on breeders. However, many breeders remain wary of new technology. Building trust and demonstrating clear benefits will be key to encouraging adoption within the industry.

The future of breeding technology

Imagine a future where every dog finds its ideal home, shelters are no longer overburdened, and the adoption process is seamless and humane. Advancements in technology could make this vision a reality. AI-driven assessments could replace outdated questionnaires, offering more dynamic and personalized recommendations.

Genetic advancements could reduce hereditary health issues, and data-sharing platforms might allow breeders and adopters to track a puppy’s health and development long after adoption. These innovations would create a more transparent, efficient, and compassionate breeding ecosystem.