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No More Homeless Pets Forum
June 21, 2004 Creative Pet Adoptions |
This week, you are the forum guest: What are your top adoption tips for getting animals into good new homes? Do you have a unique adoption event? Have you discovered a hot new adoption venue? The following successful adoption experiences were e-mailed into the forum this week by members.
Subjects
"Adopt A Buddy" adoption plan
Reaching senior citizens with senior animals
Seniors for Seniors
Fun posters highlighting individual animals
Matching names for adoptable animals and doing follow up checks
Stay at home adoption program
Calling cards for adoptable animals
Match a pet program
Showing at convention center and next to Farmer's Market
Adoption day and fashion show at a Harley Davidson dealership
A boarding facility for fosters and a virtual foster program
Get Fit with Fido and Sundays in the Park
Celebrating St. Catricks Day and Labrador Day
Locating adoption trailer in tourist towns
Having trained dogs at adoption days
Advertising our PETsMART adoptathon
"Adopt A Buddy" adoption plan
Comment from Julie:
Our most successful adoption gimmick for our cat adoption group is our "Adopt A Buddy" plan. In actuality, it's just a 2-for-1 plan in which the adopter pays the fee for the first cat and the second one adopted at the same time is free. It's very efficient because adoption counselors only have to screen and counsel once for two placements. The costs are minimal (other than the lost adoption fee), and it is easy to promote in the classified ads or at the time of adoption.For encouraging multiple-cat placements, the 2-for-1 deals, seems to work better than simply reducing the adoption fee. Our group does not rely on adoption fees for our main source of funding, and we would rather shorten the cats' time with us rather than hold out for collecting more fees. During kitten season this time of year, the need to move cats out of rescue facilities quickly is even more urgent if the goal is to save as many lives as possible.
When we have too many cats, we'll even send post cards to previous adopters telling them the Adopt-A-Buddy program entitles them to a free cat if they still have the old one. We also market our cats with names that suggest pairing, such as Peanut Butter and Jelly or Peaches and Cream.
Reaching senior citizens with senior animals
Comment from Gail:
Our group is participating in our County Senior Fair. Groups interested in assisting seniors put up a booth and promote their group to the senior citizens in our County. We are taking our mature cats and articles on the need for companionship and health advantages of pets in seniors lives. This will help them and us. We are also setting up a group that will help to finance pet adoptions for the seniors who cannot afford the adoption fees.Comment from Diane:
Purina has a "Pets for People" program that will pay $50.00 of the adoption fee for senior citizens. Our shelter uses this program all the time.Seniors for Seniors
Comment from Leigh:
This is what we did for the seniors program including sending the info to the senior centers and churches... we also had the local newspapers do stories from seniors who'd adopted our pets.Story: Effective October 18, 2000, the staff realizes that companion animals are essential to keeping people healthy, vibrant and to reducing blood pressure and stress. Often times older people need and want animals to give them love and companionship throughout their golden years. Because the staff recognized that pets can be expensive if one is on disability, Social Security or limited income, we have come up with the Seniors for Seniors program.
The shelter will waive the adoption fee of any animal at our shelter 5 years or older for an adopter 55 years or older. The shelter will also have that pet spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated and vet checked before sending it home with the adopting family. The average cost of this service is over $100 and the adoption fee for a dog or cat is $75. The adopting family is getting a healthy, friendly companion and saving the initial cost of any medical care and adoption fees. This program is a win/win situation for both the adopter and the pet.
Often times older animals are "overlooked" and someone takes an adolescent animal, not realizing the average lifespan is 15+ years, there are also vaccinations and tests that need to be run at an average cost of $1,000 for the first year! By adopting one of our mature animals, the family gets a great pet who is ready to go!
Please consider our Seniors for Seniors program for yourself OR someone in your family that might be looking for a new friend!
Please note: All adopters must have proof of age and be approved for adoption by filling out the adoption application. Interested parties can print this application off our website or come into the shelter. If there is a specific pet they are looking for they can fill out the Pet Request form on our website or call the shelter to leave information on our waiting list. We will then contact him/her when the shelter receives the perfect match. Please specify that you are interested in adopting through the Seniors for Seniors program, and we will make sure you are a top priority!
Fun posters highlighting individual animals
Comment from Bonney:
Simple, inexpensive posters that highlight one animal.We've had great success with simple 8.5" X 11" posters that show a photo and highlight one animal. We'd usually write them from the animal's perspective, and we'd be totally up front about any special needs, health issues, or personality traits that may be less than desirable.
The posters had a bold headline that usually said something like "Looking for a special person" or "I need a home" or "Can you help me?" Also critical was a good photo of the animal - people need to be able to see their eyes, to make a connection with the individual animals - and rip off tabs on the bottom of the poster. The featured pets always got homes. It worked especially well for FIV+ cats and pets with other medical issues, as well as shy, elderly, or otherwise difficult pets in need of homes.
The key, of course, is not just making the posters, but also aggressively getting them out there! Each week we'd highlight three or four animals and the posters were distributed to volunteers (we sent them out to some of the volunteers who were too far away to pick them up easily) who put them up in local markets, pet supply stores, churches, libraries, health clubs, senior centers, etc.
We tested posters with multiple pets, or ones that said we had a wide variety of nice animals for adoption, and they were not worth the time and money to produce them. The key seems to be highlighting an individual.
The best part is that these can be done by volunteers!
Matching names for adoptable animals and doing follow up checks
Comment from Danielle:
One of the ways we try to get two littermates to go to the same home is by naming them matching names, like peanut and jelly, Mike and Ike, Amos and Andy, Bert and Ernie, Milo and Otis, Lady and Tramp, etc. This way, people feel the need to adopt BOTH of the sweeties. The animals get to stay together giving them companionship instead of being a single animal in the home. We call it our package deal. :-)Comment from Michelle:
One thing I have known to work well is putting only 2 kittens in a cage, as a pair, with names that go together like " Sonny and Cher" or " Rachel and Ross" or " Hansel and Gretel". Write up a bio for them that describes how the two of them are bonded together and need to be adopted together. This works especially well when one of the kittens is cute and the other one is not so cute. People will want the cuter one, but when you explain that they are a package deal because they are so bonded and can't be taken away, most true animal lovers will understand and do not want to separate them. We always explain that it's better to adopt two together because it's less stressful for the kittens, and they can keep themselves entertained and out of mischief better than one kitten that is left home alone all day.Our rescue group also does follow up calls to check on the kittens and make sure everything is going smoothly. When doing the follow up calls, if there is no answer we don't leave a message on a machine. We call back until we get them on the phone. That way they are not expecting us and don't have time to think of the answers they think we want to hear. We've got them on the spur of the moment and we are more likely to get honest answers.
I also send a "Congratulations on Your New Pet" in the mail. We want it to be a very positive and exciting experience for the whole family.
Stay at home adoption program
Comment from Beth:
One of our best adoption programs is our "Stay at Home Rescue" program. We have had a great deal of successful adoptions through this program, and many people are extremely grateful for our help. The program is simple to implement and does not cost the rescue or shelter any money.The basis of the program is the pet owner becomes the animal's foster home during the re-homing process. The pet never leaves the comfort and safety of his home, which helps maintain the animal's adoptability. The emotional and physical stress of the ordeal of a noisy and confusing animal shelter is completely avoided without using up a valuable foster home. Keeping the pet in the original home also preserves positive behaviors, such as the pet remaining housebroken. This in turn helps the pet find a new home more quickly and ensures the adoption to be successful, since the pet will likely transition into a new home environment with greater ease. The program also eliminates the possibility of euthanasia as long as the owners are willing to continue "fostering" their own pet.
How do we implement our program? We return all requests for help by introducing our Stay at Home Rescue program. We explain the benefits of the program and invite the person to enter their pet into the program. We get to know the pet by meeting the animal and interacting with it, and learning as much as possible about the pet from the pet's family. We explain to them that the more we know about this animal, the better we can do to find an appropriate adopter. Since all animals are eligible for this program, most people are honest about the pet's temperament and personality because they know we won't turn them away. This helps us write accurate and detailed descriptions for the online pet postings. We have noticed that we get much more response from potential adopters when we include detailed descriptions.
We require all pets in the program to be up to date on shots, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. There is no financial cost of the program to our rescue group. If the person cannot afford this veterinary care, we refer them to low cost clinics in their area.
At times, this program has actually helped people decide to keep their pets. We offer helpful advice on behavior and training, and sometimes an understanding person on the other end of the phone or email can help an inexperienced pet owner get over a problem. However, for the majority of people who simply can't keep their pet due to personal circumstances, our rescue is truly rescuing the pet and the person from terrifying circumstances. Many people are incredibly grateful for our help, and they become strong supporters of our organization through donations or adoption referrals.
This is a recent letter from a woman who needed help re-homing an 8 year old, sweet dog who would have had an uncertain future in a municipal pound, "With my sincere thanks for your kindness, 'counsel', and perseverance in finding my dog a new home. You ... make such a difference in this life. Many hearts are smiling because of your work."
Tia was another adult dog in our program. Tia, a German Shepherd, was loyal to her family but might have appeared aggressive in a shelter environment, while confused by losing her family. Tia might not have survived the shelter experience. Instead, Tia now lives with a couple who adore her. The adopters remained in contact with the previous owners who were thrilled to receive updates on Tia. Everyone was thankful to our rescue group for this program that brought them together.
It's natural to be angry with people giving up their pets. Many people won't want to be involved by enrolling their pet in this type of program. Many people just want to get rid of the problem now. But there are many other people with caring hearts that really need help. By offering this program and warmly inviting people to use this service, the animals will win. They will be the ones who will have the chance to stay in the safety of their own home while you help save their lives. And a lucky few may have owners who realize with your help that maybe they can keep the animal as part of their family. Either way, this program can help your group expand its reach to help many more animals.
As an added incentive, since the program does not cost your group any money, this program can be a fundraiser for other programs. By continuing to charge an adoption fee and accepting donations for providing this service, your rescue or shelter can raise money while helping more animals!
Please feel free to contact me at beth@sheltershowcase.com if you have questions about starting a similar program in your area, or if you would like copies of the forms we use to implement this program. Please note this program can be altered to fit the needs of your shelter or rescue group, while still helping to effectively save animal lives in your area.
Calling cards for adoptable animals
Comment from Celeste:
I might add one little idea to Bonney's excellent and very effective suggestion to put up posters highlighting individual animals....Create a little paper cardholder to the poster, to hold a few of the animal's "calling cards". In other words, a business card, with a brief description of the adoptable pet, all contact information for his or her adoption, and a thumbnail photo. The photo can either be the same as the poster, or a little different shot that shows another facet of the animal's personality.
This is much classier than tear-off tabs at the bottom of the poster, and the interested party will have that beautiful set of eyes staring at them every time they look at the card. What a clincher!
Also, it would be a much more effective tool for someone who's picking up the information for someone else. "Here's a card with all the information you need to find out more about Starlet, including a web link where you can view more photos." would really sell better than, "I saw a poster at the grocery star for a really great, brown dog. You should call this number."
The cards could also be passed out to visitors at adoption events as a little memento to make it easier for them to follow up later.
Another option would be business cards with magnetic backing. People can't seem to resist putting those up in the busiest place in the house, the refrigerator!
Match a pet program
Comment from Elizabeth:
Sample Poster -MATCH-A-PET PROGRAM
Are you looking for a particular breed of pet? Match-A-Pet Program (or whatever name you choose to call your program) will help find the perfect addition to your family.
Match-A-Pet is designed to help people who are looking for a companion animal of a specific breed, breed mix, age, or size. We receive many purebred dogs and cats on a regular basis as well as small animals, birds, and reptiles. We will do our best to help you adopt the special pet you've been looking for.
Simply fill out and return the Match-A-Pet application, return it to the shelter and the search for your new best friend will be underway. As a Match-A-Pet participant you will be contacted when your specified breed is placed up for adoption. You'll then have one day to stop by the shelter and meet the pet or contact us to arrange a visit. As with our regular adoption policies, we do reserve the right to deny any application based on noncompliance with our adoption policies and staff recommendations.
A $10.00 fee for this service will be added to the regular adoption fee at the time of adoption.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply for a Match-A-Pet in two ways:
1. Visit the Shelter and ask a volunteer or staff member for a Match-A-Pet application. Fill out the application and leave it with the front desk staff.
2. Fill out a Match-A-Pet application and return it to the shelter. (If your group can put it on line, it can be e-mailed back)
How Do I Stay on the List?
We ask that you check in with the Match-A-Pet coordinator at the front desk staff when you visit the shelter to let us know you are still interested. Return calls even if you are not interested in the animal we have called you about. If you do not respond we will assume you are no longer looking. If, for any reason, you are no longer interested in the program, please call the shelter and have your name removed from the list.
Showing at convention center and next to Farmer's Market
Comment from BJ:
Our volunteer coordinator has made a connection with the event coordinator at the local convention center. When there are big events scheduled we are usually contacted and offered space outside, near the front entrance, and often there is no entry fee. Most of these events are 2 days and include a considerable amount of advance publicity with us in the listing as a vendor.Our other BIG event is on Thanksgiving Friday-Saturday at the local outlet mall. Most of the traffic is from outside of our local area and the adoptions are always significantly higher than an average weekend.
We have a regular spot in the parking lot of a local mall - next to the Saturday morning Farmer's Market and we get consistently good results.
Adoption day and fashion show at a Harley Davidson dealership
Comment from Aimee:
The humane society I used to work at did an adoption day at a local Harley Davidson dealership. What made it so memorable and fun is that we had a fashion show where a runway was lined with motorcycles and the employees dressed up in Harley wear and walked the dogs down the aisle wearing Harley dog wear from Coastal Pet Products. All clothing was for sale at the shop. A local TV personality was the emcee, and he commented on the cute, adoptable animals strutting down the runway. There was a live remote from a radio station that the dealership paid for. We were able to put out a donation jar, and we got 11 of the 15 animals we brought adopted! This turned into a great, ongoing partnership between the Humane Society and the dealer, who has auctioned off a bike, done a poker run, and donated proceeds from other fundraisers.A boarding facility for fosters and a virtual foster program
Comment from a member:
LAP Dog House is a boarding facility in Atlanta that works with rescues. Most rescue groups depend on foster homes to care for their animals until the animals are adopted. With so many homeless pets, foster homes are often scarce. And occasionally, foster moms and dads like to take vacations. By offering very low-cost boarding to rescue groups, the LAP Dog House allows rescue groups to take more dogs into their adoption programs.They also have an opportunity for people who can't foster themselves to become a virtual foster by clicking on all the dogs at the Dog House and choosing which one they want to foster. It costs $35 to take care of a dog for an entire week. When the foster dog is adopted, the virtual foster is notified and any remaining credit on the dog's account goes to the group coordinating the dog's adoption so that they can place another dog in the LAP Dog House.
Get Fit with Fido and Sundays in the Park
Comment from Stacey:
This wasn't one that we do, but one I heard about at a conference I went to recently. Seattle Animal Shelter has a "Sundays in the Park", where a team leader organizes volunteers every Sunday to walk shelter dogs on a 3-mile walk. The dogs wear "adopt me" vests, which give great exposure, get lots of exercise and socialization, and volunteers can see how they interact with other dogs and walking on a leash.They also have a "get fit with Fido" program where local joggers meet once a week to take out the animals on runs to area parks. Dogs are chosen who can handle a run and who would benefit from one. Sometimes, the runners even enter into 5k races with the dogs! I thought these were great programs to get dogs out of the kennels and to involve the community as volunteers.
Celebrating St. Catricks Day and Labrador Day
Comment from Aimee:
Some of my favorite adoption ideas are done by No More Homeless Pets in Utah. They always make their events fun and tie into already popular holidays:They celebrate St. Catricks Day where they give cats fun Irish names like O'Malley and give away a "pot of gold" with each adoption, which could include surprises for you and your cat.
Because Utah shelters are filled with labs (and who can't relate to that?), they decided to celebrate Labrador Day along with Labor Day, and every lab who is adopted goes home with a tennis ball!
Or Cinco De Meow, celebrated in place of Cinco De Mayo. Think of all the other holidays just waiting to be celebrated for animals!
Locating adoption trailer in tourist towns
Comment from Kathy:
We are a small, all volunteer, rescue group in the mountains of North Carolina. We specialize in "special needs" animals, but take in others as well. We have a small group of six foster homes, and have taken in 93 animals so far this year. Currently 37 are still in our foster homes. All others have been adopted into good homes.Our three venues for adoption in order of success are: Our mobile Adoption Center (a converted travel trailer) that sits in one TOP location in our tourist town, all season. It is in the parking lot of the best shopping area of town. We get a lot of attention there. Petfinder has been our next best venue - and third is "word-of-mouth". As you (No More Homeless Pets) have taught me, YOU MUST BE IN THE PUBLIC EYE - and use good marketing techniques.
Having trained dogs at adoption days
Comment from Sheryl:
Just an idea, and I don't know if they have this already in place. During an adoption day have either obedience dogs or therapy dogs available so prospective owners can see, not only hear, what options are available when you train and the benefits. This may relieve some of the stress of making a decision. Also, with puppies making sure people understand that as with children, what you want the dog to be like when it grows up depends heavily upon the training received as a puppy.Advertising our PETsMART adoptathon
Comment from Danielle:
The best adoption event we ever had was through our annual PETsMART Adoptathon. Our PETsMART did little in the way of help with advertise, so I decided to contact the media myself. I sent out press releases announcing our BIG adoption event, and that 5 other rescues would be there as well (didn't want to leave anyone out). My BIG draw was my talented foster dog, Scruffy, who was a paw paint artist. She had several of her pieces of artwork on display and the media was anxious to meet her. Our local ABC channel came to do interviews on Saturday, which boosted our visitors on Sunday since we had been seen on the news.Scruffy was adopted that weekend, after being in my foster home for 6 months. My group had a total of 33 successful adoptions that day, when the past 3 years we only saw an average of 5 animals adopted during the Adoptathon. The other groups in attendance had similar results! Needless to say, the media personnel received a personalized thank-you card that I made on the computer and left a blank front where another foster pet could stamp their paw print to say thanks! That card hung in the ABC break room for more than 4 months! They certainly remembered us and knew we were thankful for their help. It was a great friendship, and a great friend to have, too!
