Bridging the Gap with Awareness & Art

 

Every year, approximately 6.3 million animals enter U.S. shelters. While dogs and cats make up the majority, this number also includes rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, birds, farm animals, and even horses. The good news? Around 4.1 million are adopted into loving homes. But that still leaves over 2 million animals waiting—often overlooked, often forgotten—too often, worse.

At Licked! Pet Photography, we believe these animals deserve more than just a number in a statistic. They deserve to be seen. They deserve a chance. And that’s where the power of photography comes in.

Why Aren’t More Animals Adopted?

You’d think with millions of people looking for pets, finding homes for these animals wouldn’t be so difficult. But the reality is more complicated:

• They’re invisible – In overcrowded shelters, some animals don’t get the attention they need. Potential adopters might walk past a nervous dog or a shy rabbit without realizing they’d be a perfect companion.
• Breed biases – Larger dogs, black pets, pit bulls, and “exotic” animals often have a harder time getting adopted. Some adopters look for specific breeds instead of considering the wonderful mixed-breed animals waiting for homes.
• Unflattering first impressions – A blurry, dimly lit photo taken in a kennel doesn’t exactly scream “adopt me!” Shelter staff do their best, but with limited time and resources, animals aren’t always presented in the best light.

The Power of Photography in Boosting Adoptions

A great adoption photo is more than just a picture—it’s a lifeline. It’s the difference between being scrolled past and being noticed. Research proves it:

• 64% of adopters consider online photos extremely or very important in their decision to adopt a dog.
• 95% of adopters use online photos to compare multiple dogs before choosing one.
• Professional portraits increase adoption rates by 85% in some shelters.
• Dogs with high-quality images are adopted in 14 days on average, compared to 43 days for those with poor-quality images.

We use professional photography to capture adoptable animals in a way that grabs attention, builds emotional connections, and ultimately gets them adopted faster.

The Role of Awareness and Art

Beyond adoption photos, art and photography have the power to educate, inspire, and shift perspectives. Our work isn’t just about getting animals adopted—it’s about changing the way people see shelter animals.

• Showcasing long-term shelter residents – Some animals wait for months or years simply because no one has captured their personality in a way that speaks to adopters.
• Highlighting the variety of animals available – Yes, dogs and cats need homes, but so do rabbits, birds, reptiles, and horses!
• Encouraging responsible pet ownership – Education helps reduce surrenders, meaning fewer animals end up in shelters in the first place.

A Path to Empty Shelters

Imagine a world where shelters are empty because every animal has a home. It might be closer than you think. According to Best Friends Animal Society, if just 6% more people chose to adopt, we could end the unnecessary euthanasia of shelter animals. 

With millions of households in the U.S., a small increase in the number of families choosing adoption can make a monumental difference. It’s a powerful reminder that individual actions collectively lead to significant change.

How You Can Help

We can’t do this alone. If you love animals, you can be part of closing the adoption gap in small but meaningful ways:

1. Adopt, don’t shop – Consider adopting your next pet, whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit, or even a reptile.
2. Foster if you can – Temporary homes save lives and help shelters make space for more animals.
3. Support rescue photography – Share adoption photos, donate to rescue organizations, or sponsor a photography session to help a long-term shelter resident get noticed.
4. Spread the word – The more people see and talk about adoptable animals, the better their chances of finding homes.

The Bottom Line

Over 2 million animals shouldn’t have to wait in shelters—or worse, never get a second chance. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about saving lives.

We use the power of art to make sure these animals are seen, celebrated, and, most importantly, adopted. Because every pet deserves a home—and sometimes, all it takes is the right photo to make it happen.