Better Together
Many times, when you’re searching for a furry friend to adopt, you might see pairs of animals labeled bonded. These are animals– most often cats –who need to find homes together. Adopting two pets at once can feel like a big ask, but there is a lot of heart behind the concept. Let’s talk about why shelters and rescues might decide to bond animals, even knowing it could slow their journey to forever homes, and how doubling up could be the right choice for you!
The shelter is an incredibly stressful environment. It’s loud, full of unfamiliar animals and smells, and constantly changing. Most of the animals at Second Chance are owner surrenders, meaning they’ve lived in homes before coming to the shelter, and their worlds have just been turned upside down. Some pets adjust quickly, but others struggle without the familiarity they once knew.
When shelters choose to bond two animals, it is not done lightly. There is usually a wealth of evidence supporting the decision—cats who consistently snuggle, groom, and play together, or dogs who show signs of extreme anxiety when separated from their companion. These relationships often reveal themselves naturally and early on.
Bonding animals who come to the shelter together can ease some of that stress. Think of it like a comfort blanket! When pets have a trusted friend to rely on, they tend to feel safer and more relaxed. Most bonded pairs have already spent much of their lives together, such as siblings or parent and offspring, but sometimes animals find their platonic soulmates while in our care. Shy or shut-down pets, in particular, may form deep attachments to another animal, and at that point, shelter staff must carefully consider the emotional weight of separating them. Single kittens can also benefit from going home with a friend. With a built-in best friend, they learn social skills more quickly and are less likely to develop boredom-based destructive behaviors.
Not everyone is in a position to bring home two animals, and that is completely okay. Being bonded can sometimes mean a longer stay in the shelter, but in the long run, it is far better for these animals’ emotional well-being. And it can be good for adopters, too! Adopting a bonded pair is no small feat—you’re saving not just one life, but two.
Bringing home two pets at once can be double the fun! You get twice the unconditional love, twice the kisses, and twice the laughs. When animals already have an established relationship, you don’t need to worry about finding them a friend and whether they will get along in the future. Bonded pets may also be less prone to loneliness since they always have a familiar companion by their side. Plus, two is always better than one, right?
We have several bonded pairs available for adoption at SCHS! Cinnamon and Toast are two cats who have lived together since birth. Hermione and Ron are two FeLV-positive cats who can’t live with other cats due to their diagnoses. Adopting them together means that they will never have to be alone! If you’ve got the room for more than one pet, opening your heart to a bonded pair is the perfect place to start.
Since 1994, the Animal Resource Center and the Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been dedicated to serving animals in Southwestern Colorado. Our adoption hours are every day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are located at 177 County Rd 10, Ridgway, CO. You can view our shelter pets and services online at secondchancehumane.org.