Do people who plan and research before adopting a shelter pet end up keeping that pet more often than people who adopt more impulsively? No, says a new study from the American Humane Association.

In part two of an extensive, three-part study on pet adoption in the United States, researchers examined the factors that led to shelter pet adoptions not working out and the pet being relinquished, returned to the shelter, given away or lost.

One finding that might surprise many people in the rescue and shelter community is that prior investigation, research and planning did not result in better pet retention. Neither did being counseled by staff at the shelter, although support and input from family members and friends did correlate with a higher retention rate.

Taking the new pet to the veterinarian also matched up with higher retention rates, although that may be a result rather than cause of the success of the match.

The study, which was funded by a grant from PetSmart Charities, can be read here.