Managing Bonded Pets

Some pets form strong attachments to each other and should be adopted together. PawPlacer provides tools to identify, manage, and promote these bonded pairs or groups.

Understanding Bonded Pets

Bonded pets are animals that have developed strong connections and should remain together for their emotional well-being. Common examples include:

• Littermates that have never been separated
• Long-term companions from the same household
• Pets that rely on each other for emotional support
• Animals that show signs of distress when separated

Creating Bonded Pet Relationships

Marking Pets as Bonded

1. Go to any pet's profile page
2. Click the Edit button
3. Scroll to the "Bonded Pets" section
4. Click "Add Bonded Pet"
5. Search for and select the pet(s) that are bonded with this one
6. Save the changes

The system will automatically create a reciprocal bond, linking both pets together.

Viewing Bonded Relationships

Once pets are marked as bonded:

1. A special icon (chain or link symbol) appears on their profile
2. Clicking this icon shows all bonded companions
3. Each pet's profile displays thumbnails of their bonded pets
4. Clicking a thumbnail navigates to that pet's profile

Bonded Pet Visibility

On Pet Profiles

When viewing a pet with bonded companions:

1. Look for the bond indicator icon near the pet's name
2. Click the icon to see a popup showing all bonded pets
3. Each bonded pet displays:

• Name
• Photo
• Basic information
• Link to their full profile

In Search Results

Bonded pets are clearly identified in search results:

1. The bond icon appears on their listing
2. Hovering over the icon shows bonded companions
3. Filtering options allow searching specifically for bonded/unbonded pets
4. Sort options can prioritize bonded pets in listings

Managing Bonded Pets Together

Status Changes

When changing a bonded pet's status:

1. The system asks if you want to apply the same change to all bonded pets
2. You can choose to:

• Update all bonded pets
• Update only the selected pet
• Cancel the operation

This ensures bonds are preserved throughout status transitions.

Coordinating Care

For medical and care management:

1. When scheduling medical procedures, a notification appears for bonded pets
2. Task assignments can be coordinated for all bonded pets
3. Notes about bonded behavior can be added to each pet's profile
4. Special handling instructions can be flagged for staff awareness

Foster Placements for Bonded Pets

When sending bonded pets to foster care:

1. The system recommends placing bonded pets in the same foster home
2. Foster capacity considerations are automatically adjusted for bonded groups
3. Foster parents with experience handling multiple pets are prioritized
4. Special instructions for maintaining the bond are included

Selecting Foster Homes

When creating foster assignments:

1. Navigate to either pet's profile
2. Change the status to "Fostered"
3. The system will detect the bonded relationship
4. You'll be asked if you want to foster all bonded pets together
5. If yes, create a single foster assignment for all bonded pets
6. Ensure the foster home has capacity for all pets in the bonded group

Adoption Process for Bonded Pets

Promoting Bonded Adoptions

To effectively promote bonded pets:

1. Public profiles clearly indicate these pets must be adopted together
2. Adoption fees can be adjusted for bonded pairs (often at a discount)
3. Marketing materials emphasize the special relationship
4. Special "Bonded Pairs" events can be organized

Creating Adoption Applications

When processing adoptions for bonded pets:

1. Create a single adoption application for all bonded pets
2. The system automatically includes all bonded animals
3. Adoption fees are calculated for the entire group
4. Required paperwork is generated for each pet
5. All pets must be approved together for the adoption to proceed

Adoption Contract

The adoption contract for bonded pets includes:

1. Special clauses about keeping the pets together
2. Requirements that all pets be returned if the adoption doesn't work out
3. Guidelines for maintaining the bond
4. Resources for helping bonded pets adjust to their new home

Breaking Bonds (When Necessary)

In rare cases, bonds may need to be reevaluated:

1. Navigate to either pet's profile
2. Click "Edit"
3. Scroll to the Bonded Pets section
4. Select "Remove Bond"
5. Provide a reason for breaking the bond
6. Both pets' records will be updated

Important: Breaking bonds should only be done when:

• Professional behavior assessment indicates the bond is causing stress
• Medical professionals advise separation for health reasons
• Extensive adoption efforts have failed and separation improves adoption chances

Tracking Bonded Adoptions

Monitor the success of bonded adoptions:

1. Follow-up contacts specifically address how the pets are adjusting together
2. Success stories are documented for future reference
3. Any returns are analyzed to improve bonded adoption protocols
4. Outcomes are tracked to refine bonding assessment criteria

Best Practices for Bonded Pets

Housing

Keep bonded pets together in:

• Same kennel or adjacent kennels when possible
• Same playgroup sessions
• Same room for cats or small animals
• Consistent location to reduce stress

Introductions to New Pets

When introducing bonded pets to potential new companions:

1. Always introduce the bonded pets together
2. Monitor their behavior as a unit
3. Note how the bond affects their interaction with others
4. Document whether they're exclusive or open to new bonds

Marketing Strategies

Effective promotion of bonded pets:

1. Use compelling photos of the pets together
2. Tell the story of their relationship
3. Highlight the benefits of adopting bonded pets
4. Create special social media campaigns
5. Consider adoption fee incentives for bonded groups