Open adoption basically means that (almost) no one is denied to adopt an animal just from their answer on a form. Instead, the adoption coordinator would have a conversation with potential adopters to get a better feel for their situation. The idea was to simplify and humanize the adoption process.
Proponents of open adoption believe that owning a dog or cat should not be only for the well-to-do and the best of the best. They believe open adoption will not only allow regular families to adopt, but also help with finding the right fit.
Opponents argue that it will allow more people who shouldn't allow pets to adopt, or give people who are not financially stable even more of a money burden. There is also the fact that conversation based adoptions are going to take up more of the shelter employee's time.
@Tepid_Tapir They don't just hand you a dog because you walked into the pound and say "Yeah, that old one-eyed tripod looks like a good friend for me." Seriously, it was that simple in Pikeville. Just go to Animal Control, fill out a form promising to get the animal spayed (they have a deal with a vet that'll spay or neuter a dog for ten dollars), and you can take your new friend home.
@Tepid_Tapir That's just fucken cruel to the animal and its litter. Spay/neuter your dog so it doesn't suffer heats. Even inside dogs and cats need it. Especially cats. I think cats get cancer if they have too many unsatisfied heats.