What does "adoption" mean in the context of animal control?

In the context of animal control, "adoption" specifically refers to placing an animal into a new home where it will receive care. This process involves transitioning an animal from a shelter or rescue organization to a family or individual who has committed to providing a loving and permanent environment. The goal of adoption is to ensure the animal's well-being, support responsible pet ownership, and reduce the number of homeless animals.

While transferring ownership of an animal officially is related to adoption, what distinguishes adoption is the emphasis on finding a suitable and caring home for the animal rather than simply a change of ownership. Sending an animal to a wildlife reserve does not align with the concept of adoption, as it typically involves reintroduction to the wild rather than finding a personal home. Similarly, giving away an animal for free lacks the thorough process and commitment associated with adoption, which usually includes an application, a home check, and often a fee to support the care of animals in shelters.