As many of you know, I do a radio show that features adoptable animals. On the show, we feature animals that have been overlooked for one reason or another. As a result, I've been thinking about how difficult it can be to place certain pets.
For example, these are just a few of the "special needs" animals that have been on my radio show lately:
- Dogs and cats that are black (because of their coat color, they are often the last to be adopted; potential adopters often don't realize that.)
- Shy or fearful animals.
- Animals missing legs or eyes.
- Pit bulls or other "bully breeds."
- Older pets.
- Animals with treatable conditions such as diabetes.
Obviously there are many other issues that may make an animal "hard" to place; these are just the ones that have been on my radio show recently.
Other than featuring these pets on my show, what other tactics can you use to give these "special" critters more attention and increase the likelihood they'll be adopted? Here a a few simple ideas:
1. Sign them up for training. In addition to the basics (for dogs) like sit and down, consider teaching them tricks. Even cats can be trained. You might experiment with clicker training and teach your favorite black kitty to roll over or do a "high five" for a treat. People love seeing animals do tricks.
2. Ask foster parents to bring their pets to off-site adoptathons and other events. Sometimes long-term fosters don't get out much. Make sure they are at every event. Consider putting a cute bandana or collar on the pet to make her stand out.
3. Look for opportunities to tell the animal's story. That was one of my goals when I agreed to do the radio show: to tell the stories. Because every animal has a story. Consider sending out press releases to your local media. They LOVE a good story.
4. If you have a shelter, consider giving the special needs animals special time in more visible areas, such as at the counter or in more prominent viewing rooms. Getting these guys out of cages and in circulation can help a lot.
5. Ask your employees and volunteers to spread the word. Word of mouth is a powerful thing. Now with the Internet, we have "word of mouse" as well. Take advantage of it!
The bottom line is: don't give up. There is always someone who will want to adopt that "hard to place" animal.
As always, thank you for all you do to help the animals ;-)
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