1. Writing a Bio
Tell people about your dog’s personality and temperament. Organize the bio in short paragraphs so it’s easy to read and understand. Be honest. Use Tips for Writing a Bio to grab people’s attention. You can also review examples on Petfinder to compare well-written vs poorly written bios.
2. Taking Photos
With so many dogs available for adoption, you want your dog to look his best. Make your dog stand out in the crowd, by following the Tips for Taking Photos. You do not have to be a professional to get quality pics, but if you have no experience or have an older phone camera, ask someone to help or find a pro.
3. Advertising your Dog
Adoption Sites
Specialty Rescues
If your dog is a purebred, search online for breed specific rescues and Facebook Groups. If your dog has a disability, search for rescues that cater to your dog’s type of disability. You may be able to post your dog on these specialized sites.
Social Media
If you use social media accounts, share the same information on your sites. If you do not use social media sites, set them up temporarily or ask someone close to you to post your dog and be your social media contact. Ask your friends, family, coworkers, club members, churchgoers, and neighbors to post on their social media sites.
Local Opportunities
Your town or city, and those adjacent to you, are also great places to post your dog. Use community Facebook accounts and/or blogs. Create and print flyers to hang in places such as community centers; shops; and especially places frequented by dog lovers, such as groomers, doggie day cares, pet supply stores, dog parks, and boarding facilities. You should also ask your local animal control to see if they will do a courtesy post for you.
Word of Mouth
You’d be surprised by how effective this is! Tell every single person you know about your dog. Talk to the veterinarian, fellow dog park visitors, your coworkers, 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. Do not be shy!
Warning!
When a person you do not know, even a friend of a friend/relative you do not know is interested in adopting your dog, ALWAYS use the Adoption Application and Adoption Contract and always call the person’s references. If a person does not want to apply, provide references, or have a contract, that person is not a safe and responsible candidate. Remember, your dog needs you now more than ever. Make the right choice. Be your dog’s voice.
1. Send Applications
If someone inquires about your dog, send them an Adoption Application. Use the responses on the application to vet people who are interested in adopting . your dog. Ask all adult members of the potential family to be on the phone call or video call.
Vetting also includes checking references. The application asks for three types of references. For renters, call the landlord so you can verify that pets are allowed and if there are restrictions on breed and size. Do this before the meet-and-greet so you do not waste time if the dog is not allowed.
Contact the two non-family references to verify the applicant has dog experience and why they think the applicant would be a good adopter. Last, ask the applicant to notify their vet to give you permission to call. You simply want to ensure that the people took their previous pets for annual checkups and routine vaccinations.
If someone does not want to provide this information, they are probably not suited for your dog.
2. Schedule Meet-and-Greets
When it is time to introduce your dog to potential adopters, set your dog up for success by following our Tips for Meet-and-Greets. For support and safety, bring along someone you and your dog know well. Meet on neutral ground. Choose a location that has limited distractions, especially if your dog is very nervous. If your dog has a trainer or had one in the past, ask him/her to facilitate the meet-and-greet, especially if your dog is meeting another dog.
3. Integrating Pets
If your dog is going to a home that has other pets, we suggest you 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. Also, let the adopter know the integration tips that would especially benefit your dog.
1. Tailor this sample Adoption Contract to your dog. Include in the contract all behavioral, health, or other important issues the adopter should have. Make two copies, one for each party to sign and keep.
2. Before your dog goes to his new home, send the adopter information to ease your dog’s transition to a new home and family. The 3-3-3 Adoption Reference is a quick guide to help your dog adjust to his new environment. However, the Adoption Guide goes into more detail and explanation as to why and how to help a new dog.
3. Send your dog with his familiar belongings, such as his bed, toys, crate, and food. Provide a printed copy of his normal schedule, favorite activities, his likes and dislikes, and other helpful information to help with the adjustment.
4. Be available to answer questions during the first few days and weeks. You may want to email or call to see how things are going. Should any problem cause the adopter to want to return your dog, it is your responsibility to take him back.