Events

All things events  -  Etiquette, how to find them and what to do if your dog is a bit of a butt-head at events! 

How to find PIPs Events

Slack - in any slack channel, look to the top. ON the computer, you should see a tab  that says events. In the app, at the top of the channel, you will see an arrow facing down, if you click that you will see the events tab. 

Facebook - go to the main PIPs page: https://www.facebook.com/pipsrescue

On your computer click on "more" (right under out name) and you will see events.

On your phone app, there should also be a more or possible 3 dots right around the same place, that is where you will find events!

Event Etiquette for PIPs Fosters 🐶🎉

Bringing your foster dog to an adoption event? Here’s how to set them up for success and ensure a positive experience for everyone—dogs, people, and potential adopters!

✅ Advocate for Your Foster – You know them best! If they seem stressed (lip licking, yawning, tucked tail, avoiding eye contact), give them space, take a break, or remove them from the event if needed.

✅ Manage Greetings – Not all dogs want to meet every person or pup. Politely let others know if your foster prefers space. Always ask before allowing your foster to interact with another dog.

✅ Keep a Short Leash – Use a standard leash (no retractables) and maintain control to prevent jumping, pulling, or unexpected greetings.

✅ Wear "Adopt Me" Gear – Make sure your foster is easily identifiable with an "Adopt Me" bandana or leash sleeve to spark conversations with potential adopters.

✅ Engage with Visitors – Be approachable and share your foster’s best qualities! Highlight their personality, training progress, and what type of home would be a great fit.

✅ Stay Positive & Honest – Be upfront about any quirks or needs while focusing on the great things about your foster. Honesty helps find the best match!

✅ Bring Essentials – Water, poop bags, treats, and a favorite toy can help keep your foster comfortable and engaged.

✅ Be Mindful of Kids – If your foster isn’t used to small children, don’t force interactions. Help kids learn proper dog manners before they pet your foster.

✅ Take Breaks – Events can be overwhelming! Find a quiet spot for short breaks, and if your foster seems too stressed, it’s okay to leave early.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience! Your foster’s perfect match might be out there, and your advocacy can help them find their forever home.

Bringing Anxious Dogs to Adoption Events – Why It Matters 🐶💙

We know that events can be overwhelming for some dogs, especially those with anxiety—but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a chance to find their forever home! Bringing a nervous pup to an adoption event (in a way that sets them up for success) helps them gain confidence, meet potential adopters, and show their personality in a new environment.

🐾 Exposure Builds Confidence – Gentle, positive experiences at events can help anxious dogs learn that new places and people aren’t so scary. Even short visits can make a difference!

🐾 The Right Home Might Be Watching – Some adopters are looking for a dog just like yours—one that needs patience and understanding. If they don’t see them, they don’t know they exist!

🐾 You Don’t Have to Engage – If your foster isn’t ready to interact, that’s okay! You can sit off to the side, away from the crowd, and still give them valuable exposure. Just being present can help them adjust to new environments and allow the right adopter to notice them.

🐾 Ask for a PIPs Buddy – If you’re worried about managing your foster’s space, request a PIPs Buddy in advance! A fellow volunteer can help advocate for your dog’s needs and politely ask people or other dogs to give them space.

🐾 Controlled Socialization – Events provide safe opportunities to practice being in a busy environment without forcing interactions. Watching from a distance, sniffing the air, or calmly observing is still progress!

🐾 Breaks Are Key – It’s okay if your foster doesn’t stay for the whole event! Short visits, quiet breaks, and using calming tools like treats or snuffle mats can help them feel more at ease.

Even the shyest dogs deserve a loving home. With the right approach, adoption events can be a great step toward finding them the perfect family!

Here are some stress signs and how you should handle them at events: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ab6zDd0eKpAg2Odnoea1g60hY9_fNYGC/view?usp=sharing

All dogs, unless otherwise advised by the board or a trainer, should attend some adoption events. Often, we see fosters stop bringing a dog to events after a single reaction or indicator of stress, but avoiding events altogether can have the opposite effect of what fosters are trying to accomplish. Dogs need opportunities to experience new environments and learn how to navigate them in a positive way. When a foster dog is continually kept away from events, they miss out on critical socialization, which can lead to increased anxiety, behavioral challenges, and ultimately make them harder to place in a forever home. Even if a dog isn’t ready to fully engage, simply being present—whether sitting off to the side or observing from a safe distance—can provide valuable exposure. Progress doesn’t always mean direct interaction; sometimes, just existing in the space is a step forward. If you're unsure how to manage your foster at an event, you can request a PIPs Buddy to help advocate for their space and needs. With patience, the right support, and gradual exposure, many dogs can learn to feel more comfortable, making them more adoptable in the long run. 

We see dogs becoming worse by keeping them away from socializing and away from events. This comes from expereince, so please understand, dogs should still come to events, they don't need to be front and center at these events but it helps them.