Photo courtesy of Shelter Pet Project's Facebook page
As part of International Pet Blogger Month I've been challenged to offer 3 tips for animal shelters on how they can use social media better. Here are my suggestions:
1. Bloggers. Pet bloggers are passionate about rescue work. Scope us out and ask us to write about your shelter prior to an adoption/fundraising event. An adopted pet (such as Truffles!) can "interview" shelter residents looking for a home, or the cat or dog could write up their own little personals ad telling potential adopters about themselves similar to Match.com. A blogger fluent with Photoshop could create cute "Wanted" posters. Share the blog posts on Facebook and Twitter, and email the links to everyone on your mailing list.
2. Reach out to local photographers. My local shelter has a professional photographer volunteer her time each week to come in and snap pictures of the new pets up for adoption. There is nothing sadder than seeing a photo of a scared & lonely homeless pet cowering in the corner of a cage. Show them happy and having fun - the way they'll look once they're in their new home!
3. Video. Most all smart phones today have a video function. Video is so much more powerful than a photo. Attach a short clip of each cat or dog to the pet profiles on your website and Petfinder, or start a Youtube channel. My shelter recently had a 3-legged cat (amputation after being hit by a car), and they put up a Youtube video showing how it hadn't slowed him down one bit - he was playfully bouncing off the walls and it was a joy to see!
Orphaned pets can't speak for themselves.
We are their only voice.
Let's use our social media presence to help find needy pets a home!
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