Great Resources To Get Your Foster Pet Adopted!
Great Resources To Get Your Foster Pet Adopted!
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General Guidelines for Marketing Your Foster Pet
General Guidelines for Marketing Your Foster Pet
Don’t use “STOP Language” - This means do not use language that may discourage people from wanting to meet the pet. Examples: “Not potty trained”, “Chews furniture”, etc. This information is not necessary in promoting the pet online, but is to be a conversation during the adoption counseling process.
If your pet has behavioral challenges you will need to cast a wide net to get as many people interested as possible, and then during the individual counseling, let them know about these challenges. These types of pets take a little more time and effort during the adoption process, letting potential adopters know their exact quirks etc.
Full disclosure should ALWAYS be provided at the time of one on one conversation/meeting the pet/adoption, but not during the “marketing” process.
Be Everywhere - Post every place that will let you. The more places that people can see your pet’s face the closer you are to finding the perfect match for your friend. The content does need to be engaging and show all the fun and lovable things about your pet.
Be Accessible - Being accessible will keep a potential adopter engaged and interested in the pet. Make meetings with potential adopters as easy to schedule as possible and try to be as quick with responses as you can.
We understand you have your own jobs, families, etc. juggling on top of being an incredible foster parent and we appreciate your willingness to help your foster babies find homes.
We do know from experience that the sooner someone can meet a pet face to face and connect with them, the better the pet’s chances for adoption. Once the potential adopter meets your foster baby in person an emotional connection is more likely to be made.
Be Creative - Don’t be afraid to try new things! Be adventurous with your pet’s story...Make a video, send a letter to the newspaper about your pet, make flyers to hang up at work and coffee shops!
What Makes A Good Photo
What Makes A Good Photo
Photos can make or break a potential adopter inquiring more about a pet. A great photo can make someone fall in love “at first sight”. It is best to make sure the photo of the pet is centered around the face and shows them happy and in a positive light. We want the adopters to see the pet’s amazing and fun qualities through their photo.
Photography Tips:
Photography Tips:
If possible, work with a partner- it can be helpful to have a second person engaging the pet so you can take photos.
2. Focus on the eyes- Eyes tend to create an emotional connection. Use them to your advantage and make them the focus in the photo.
3. Focus on the pet’s personality- think about what they love. Whether that’s sleeping, eating, or playing, or focus on a quirk or characteristic that makes them special. That way you’ll capture a moment that represents what your pet is really like.
4. Get down to the pet’s level- shoot at eye level. It gives your photos the feeling of a portrait rather than a simple snapshot, and helps you better capture the personality and expression of the pet.
5. Take a lot of photos- Part of taking a successful pet portrait is persistence. Taking many photos will give you options to choose from and help you find one that captures your pet perfectly.
6. Have treats ready for dogs- To keep your pooch focused on her photoshoot, have a handful of treats ready to reward her for performing.
7. Wait for cats- Toys usually work best with kittens, but with adult cats too much motion can scare them away, so wait and watch. Once a cat feels comfortable, you can catch them in action, even if that action is just lounging around adorably.
8. Take photos of dogs outside- Most dogs are naturally less stressed when outdoors and the backgrounds you have to choose from are beautiful and never ending. Lighting is always better outside as well and will give you more clear photos.
9. Take photos of your foster pet with other pets or people/children. This shows how they are around other pets and people. This captures them in a wonderfully positive light.
Here is an example of a great photo. The focus is all on 16 year old Mabel and not on the background. Mable was adopted the same day this photo went on facebook.
Here is an example of a great photo. The focus is all on 16 year old Mabel and not on the background. Mable was adopted the same day this photo went on facebook.
Type of Photos
Type of Photos
Head-Shot
Shows off that cute face!
Personality Photo
Helps a potential adopter imagine what life could be like with this pet!
Full Body Photo
Show that nice coat and size of the pet.
Family Photo
Shows off great moments with cats, people/kids, and/or dogs
What Makes a Good Description?
What Makes a Good Description?
Bios / descriptions are used to market the pet and get people interested in meeting them. This is not the time to describe every single issue or quirk the pet may have, but more to capture an “audience.” You want to draw in adopters with the bios and photos. The time to counsel them about issues or quirks the pet may have is during a one-on-one conversation with potential adopters.
Description Tips:
Description Tips:
Focus on your pet’s personality, think about what they love; whether that’s sleeping, eating, playing, or a quirk that makes them special! That way you’ll capture a moment that represents what your pet is really like.
Make the first sentence interesting and portray the pet in a positive light.
Example: If your dog does not like cats, you do not want to start the bio out with that. Start it out with their happy attributes, maybe they love to snuggle or play with a ball.
Make sure to let the potential adopter know how they can meet your pet. Include your phone number or email so they can contact you directly.
Don't be afraid to use humor!
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