When it comes to moving pets into loving homes, we can’t let perfect get in the way of good. No one is perfect. Running late for annual vaccines or lacking a fenced-in yard does not indicate less love or responsibility as a pet owner. Have you ever put off your own wellness appointment because everything was fine and you were busy? I know I have. Pets are a beloved part of our families. Most families aren’t perfect, but many can still provide an incredible life for a pet.

My heart hurts every time I read a story or hear about a loving, potential adopter getting turned away by an organization for a technical, potentially fixable, reason or getting frustrated by a long, multi-step process. I have friends who have experienced this. Even I was once turned down for adoption because I didn’t have a fenced yard. When I hear these stories, I know we just turned an adopter into a pet buyer, and they will share their experience with others. Believe me, I completely understand an organization’s desire to find the best possible home for the pets in their care. They fall in love with the pet, and it’s hard to part with that pet unless it seems “perfect.” I bring lots of dogs into my home, provide medical care for them and nurture them until they are ready to be with a family. I have the same feelings—I have so much time and love invested, I really need to know the adopters are going to provide the same level of care. But after conversations and determining to the best of our ability that they are good people, we all have to take the leap of faith to let the pet go to a home.

Unfortunately, when potential adopters get turned away after going through a rigorous vetting process because they have the wrong kind of fence, or similar reason, they leave with a negative impression of adoption. They tried to do the right thing and then they rebound to buying a dog, potentially from a puppy mill or pet store—because it’s so easy. Not only that, but they share their frustrating adoption experience with their friends and families, turning others away from adoption.

Let’s do better for the pets waiting for homes and for the loving families trying to adopt. Trust in other humans, start the conversations and keep perfect from getting in the way of good. Good people are seeking their next pet; let’s help them make a connection with a homeless pet.

Until every pet has a home,