A recent survey conducted in the United States by PetSmart Charities provided a wealth of useful information relating to why people do -- and do not -- adopt pets.
When it comes to pet adoptions, "Think positive!"
Prospective adopters are put off by negative messages about euthanasia. Instead of focusing on how many pets are euthanized because they don't have homes, focus on how adoption saves lives.
Understand what adopters want and tell them where to find it.
As animal welfare advocates, we love and value mixed breed dogs and cats. Recognize, however, that not everyone shares this passion for the "un-pedigreed." Many people want a specific breed of dog or cat.
- Help these potential adopters find the purebred (or close to it) in your facility
- Direct them to a breed rescue agency in your community
- Don't be disheartened that they don't want a mixed breed dog or cat. Thank them for visiting your facility and considering adoption.
"We hope animal welfare professionals will use these findings to create effective and motivating messages about pet adoptions programs," said Susana Della Maddalena, executive Director of PetSmart Charities Inc. "Having access to this information provides all of us with excellent insight into what people think and, most importantly, the type of information we can share that not only gets [the public's] attention but also inspires them to act."
Want to know more?
- Get the full details on PetSmart's research.
- View the latest issue of PetSmart Charities Quarterly newsletter.
- Learn more with PetSmart's free webinars.
Used with permission from PetSmart Charities, Inc.
Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor
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