Streamlining pet adoption: A user-centric approach

Growing up, I noticed how many stray animals needed homes but also saw how adoption processes could be cumbersome and inefficient. When the chance came to create a final project, I knew I wanted to address this by making pet adoption more accessible and engaging. My project aimed to bring simplicity, user-friendliness, and secure data handling into the process, especially for areas with limited resources.

My primary focus was on creating a platform that seamlessly connects prospective adopters with animal shelters and veterinary clinics. I envisioned a one-stop solution where users could search, apply, and communicate within a single app, making the adoption journey smoother and more accessible.

I needed robust and scalable tools that could support a platform centred on ease of use and security. For the frontend, I went with Next.js for its efficient server-side rendering and component structure, perfect for a dynamic, fast application. Tailwind CSS also played a key role, enabling responsive, clean styling without compromising on performance.

The backend uses Node.js and MongoDB, with Prisma as the ORM. MongoDB was ideal for its flexibility with pet profiles and adopter information, while Prisma provided a streamlined way to manage database queries and updates. These tools together created a stable backend ready for user growth.

My aim was to create an intuitive experience for users of all backgrounds. To streamline the user journey, I used simple navigation, clear labels, and functional design. Users could register, search for pets, and submit applications with minimal steps.

I implemented features for both adopters and organisations, with adopters getting notifications on their application status and organisations having a dedicated dashboard to manage profiles and applications. This approach enabled each user type to have a seamless experience.

The heart of the app is its adoption process. I wanted adopters to experience a clear journey—from browsing available pets, submitting an application, to finally getting approval. The platform fosters secure, open communication between adopters and shelters, supporting each step to ensure both the pet and adopter find the right match.

This journey is carefully designed to be transparent and secure, with privacy controls and verification steps in place to protect all parties. As the project progressed, feedback from adopters and shelter representatives was crucial in fine-tuning these elements.

This project has shown me the impact that well-designed technology can have on real-world problems. There’s a significant need for user-friendly, secure adoption platforms, and I'm excited about exploring ways to expand this work.

With this app, I aimed to simplify the pet adoption journey for communities and organisations that often don’t have access to comprehensive solutions. I’m grateful for this experience, and I look forward to seeing how technology can continue bridging gaps in pet adoption and animal welfare.