5 TIPS FOR MARKETING YOUR ANIMAL SHELTER TO INCREASE ADOPTIONS

THU, 29 NOV 2018 BY LINDA ROSADO

A GUIDE TO SUCCESSFULLY MARKETING YOUR ANIMAL SHELTER

Getting pups into good homes is no easy task, but with a little bit of effort and creativity, you can take your animal shelter’s marketing to the next level. Put your local animal shelter on the map and get more homeless dogs into the loving care of a good family with these five tips.

1. KEEP IT CLEAN

A clean environment is a great first step before marketing an animal shelter for dog or cat adoptions.

When you walk into a dirty, smelly environment, it’s an instant put-off. If your shelter has dog waste and unruly animals, it may turn volunteers and guests away from coming to your establishment.

Showcasing a clean environment will ensure that potential adopters feel they are coming to a reputable and safe shelter. To ensure your shelter stays clean and environmentally friendly, DOGIPOT® pet stations can be a valuable tool.

2. SHOWCASE YOUR PETS’ PERSONALITIES

When marketing animals available for adoption, personality can go a long way. Uploading bios on your website or social media channels about their favorite activities and treats is a great way to attract adopters. Maybe even write their descriptions in “their voice” to add humor and flare to your marketing.

For example, you can write, “Hello! I’m Fido. I’m 2 years old, weigh 40 pounds, and love long runs and peanut butter. I am full of energy and will take all the exercise I can get!” This is a fun way to put all the information about Fido out there and talk about his energetic attitude in a humorous way.

Pairing that with a photo or video shoot will help add a new dimension to the bio. If the pup is shown having fun and being active, potential owners will be more attracted to adopting them.

3. GET THE DOGS INVOLVED

The more people who see your pets, the better when it comes to marketing. Setting up an eye-catching booth or table at local events and fairs will raise awareness for animal adoption. If the venue allows it, bring the animals out to socialize with event-goers.

Your dogs’ natural cuteness will already attract attention, so your booth should get plenty of activity and you may even find good homes for the pups on the spot. It’s also a good idea to keep plenty of flyers about your shelter, other pups or animals for adoption and volunteer opportunities on hand for interested dog lovers.

While out in the community, be sure to keep an eye out for DOGIPOT® products and trash receptacles to keep your puppy-takeover event clean.

4. HOST A FUN EVENT

Hosting an event is an exciting way to get the public more involved with your shelter. A great starting point is a themed event around a big game or holiday.

Consider doing your own puppy bowl where you have the dogs playfully compete with guests in silly games. You could even host a dog fashion show or costume party to get the pups dressed up and meeting potential new owners.

As the holidays approach, a canine holiday party with pups dressed as reindeer, winter arts and crafts, and holiday games can also stir up some adoption interest.

Remember to promote your event. Posting flyers around town, raising awareness at local hotspots and crafting social media posts will ensure a healthy attendance at your events.

5. SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION

Social media can be used as a bridge to not only promote your shelter’s events, but also shine a light on the animals for adoption. Below are a few ideas to keep your audience engaged on all social channels.

• Regular posting is a necessity, but get creative with what you post.
• Keep your followers up to date with every pet, even after adoption.
• Consider doing weekly highlights to show each animal’s happy life with their owner.
• Showcase your ready-to-adopt pups as much as possible.
• Keep it fun. Try action shots of Frisbee catches or them cuddled up in a blanket.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Keep your audience aware of food drives and volunteer opportunities.
• Post naming contests and other community involvement projects.
• Highlight your supporters and volunteers. It’s a great way to say thank you.