Writing a Bio
Highlight your dog’s personality, temperament, and what makes him or her unique. Be honest, but save the details of behavioral issues for a phone call. To grab people’s attention, read Tips for Writing a Bio. For ideas, look for well-written bios on Petfinder.
Take Photos
With so many dogs available for adoption, help your dog get noticed by following the Tips for Taking Photos. Use different poses and showcase his/her personality.
Advertise your Dog
Use the following resources and strategies to market your dog. Post the bio, pics, and videos wherever possible. You may have to create an account on some sites. Delete all posts once your dog is adopted.
1. Adoption Sites
- Rescue Me
- Rehome by Adopt a Pet (200 word limit for bio)
- Home-Home
- Pet Classifieds
- Adopt Don’t Shop Massachusetts Facebook Page
2. Specialized Rescues
Some specialized groups post dogs who are being rehomed. For example, search online for rescues and Facebook Groups that cater to purebred dogs, dogs with disabilities, and senior dogs.
3. Social Media
Market your dog on your social media sites, and ask your friends, family, coworkers, etc. to share your posts. If you do not use social media, set up temporarily accounts or ask someone to be your social media contact.
4. Local Opportunities
Post your dog on your town or city Facebook Group. Create and print flyers to hang in the community and places frequented by dog lovers, such as groomers, doggie day cares, pet supply stores, dog parks, and boarding facilities. Ask your local animal control to do a courtesy post for you.
5. Word of Mouth
Do not be shy! Tell every single person you know about your dog. Talk to neighbors, club members, churchgoers, the veterinarian, dog park visitors, and people you meet when walking your dog. If your dog has a groomer, boarding facility, or doggie day care, tell the staff about your situation.
Warning!
When someone you do not know personally shows interest in your dog, ALWAYS use the Adoption Application and Adoption Contract and always call the person’s references. Dismiss anyone who does not want to apply, provide references, or have a contract.
Applications, Phone Calls and References
If someone inquires about your dog, have them complete the Rehome Adopt A Pet application or this sample Adoption Application. Start vetting by using the responses on the application. If you get a potential match, continue vetting through the following:
- Schedule a phone call or video call. Ask for all adult members to participate.
- Call the references to verify the applicant has dog experience and why they think the applicant would be a good adopter.
- Call the applicant’s veterinarian to ensure they took their previous pets for annual checkups and routine vaccinations. (The applicant must first give the office permission to talk with you.)
- For renters, call the landlord to verify that pets are allowed and ask about restrictions on breed and size.
Meet-and-Greets
Set your dog up for success by following our Tips for Meet-and-Greets. Bring along someone you and your dog know well. Meet on neutral ground. Choose a location that has limited distractions.
Resident Pets
For adopters with resident pets, ensure the animals meet before the adoption. Refer to our Tips for Meet-and-Greets or if your dog has a trainer, ask him/her to facilitate the process. Provide the adopter with tips for how to integrate a new dog into a home with Resident Dogs and/or a home with Resident Cats.
Children
If your dog is going to a home that has children, no matter the age, provide the adopter with tips for how to integrate a new dog into a home with Children. Kids are the most common bite victims, so be sure to teach your children how to properly interact with their new dog. To learn more, please read our blog Dogs and Kids.
Contract
Tailor this sample Adoption Contract to your dog. Include all behavioral, medical, or other important issues the adopter should know. Make a copy for each party to sign and keep.
Adjustment Period
A new environment and family will be a major change for your dog. Before the adoption, please provide the adopters with a 3-3-3 Adoption Reference, which is a short guide about easing a dog into a new home, and the Adoption Guide, which has more detail for the first few days, weeks, and months.
Send your dog with familiar belongings, such as his food, bed, and toys. Provide a printed copy of your dog’s normal schedule, favorite activities, likes and dislikes, and other information to help with the adjustment.
Check on your dog and be available to answer questions for the first few days and weeks. Should any problem cause the adopter to return your dog, it is your responsibility to take him back.