Regarding Judy Vorreuter's recent column on the SPCA's adoption policy, I'd like to make a few suggestions that might help facilitate adoptions. I would like to see all shelter animals adopted.
1. Shorten your application form and re-think some of your questions. An adoption can be broken on the spot if the prospective adopter feels as if he is being interrogated instead of being interviewed and if he feels that you are being unduly invasive.
2. Make the potential adopters feel welcome and treat them as a person who might adopt out one of the animals. Unfortunately, I have had a number of people call me and say that they were treated rudely and left without adopting an animal.
3. Bring the animals out of the shelter. Many people don't like going into shelters and seeing animals in that setting. This would also show the public that the SPCA is serious about adopting these pets. Many smaller animal groups do this on a routine basis and are very successful with it.
4. Have adopt-a-thons, every couple of months with the sole purpose of adopting out every animal in the shelter. Lower your prices for the event and advertise extensively. It works.
5. Work from the premise that the animal will be adopted and not from how many reasons you can find so that it won't be let go. Many minor concerns you may have, may be able to be corrected with your help or direction.
6. Look for every possible prudent and safe way to market your animals. I have seen individuals and small groups with no budget except a wing and a prayer and determination place all their rescued animals into loving, caring homes.
So, though I do understand the reason for Ms. Vorreuter's promoting shelter adoptions, I think it would benefit her and all other interested parties to talk with the board of directors of the SPCA about becoming much more pro-active in their adoption policies. Then I don't think the price would be the deterrent. If shelters could remember that they are only to be temporary holding places, the whole shelter community would have a different perspective to work from. I hope these tips from the Animal Resource Center help.
Rita Sarnicola
Auburn
Sarnicola is owner of the Animal Resource Center
2. Make the potential adopters feel welcome and treat them as a person who might adopt out one of the animals. Unfortunately, I have had a number of people call me and say that they were treated rudely and left without adopting an animal.
3. Bring the animals out of the shelter. Many people don't like going into shelters and seeing animals in that setting. This would also show the public that the SPCA is serious about adopting these pets. Many smaller animal groups do this on a routine basis and are very successful with it.
4. Have adopt-a-thons, every couple of months with the sole purpose of adopting out every animal in the shelter. Lower your prices for the event and advertise extensively. It works.
5. Work from the premise that the animal will be adopted and not from how many reasons you can find so that it won't be let go. Many minor concerns you may have, may be able to be corrected with your help or direction.
6. Look for every possible prudent and safe way to market your animals. I have seen individuals and small groups with no budget except a wing and a prayer and determination place all their rescued animals into loving, caring homes.
So, though I do understand the reason for Ms. Vorreuter's promoting shelter adoptions, I think it would benefit her and all other interested parties to talk with the board of directors of the SPCA about becoming much more pro-active in their adoption policies. Then I don't think the price would be the deterrent. If shelters could remember that they are only to be temporary holding places, the whole shelter community would have a different perspective to work from. I hope these tips from the Animal Resource Center help.
Rita Sarnicola
Auburn
Sarnicola is owner of the Animal Resource Center
The Citizens' Say
There are 4 comment(s)
cm wrote on Mar 28, 2008 5:12 PM:
one reason many just check the classifieds first.
I understand they have fees
1. shots approx.30.00
2. spay costs approx 25.00
3. essentials: vet check,food, shelter
yet I think of they lowered to about 50.00 they might find homes for more animals. "
Leon Kapowski wrote on Mar 28, 2008 10:00 AM:
Fresh Air Kid wrote on Mar 28, 2008 8:59 AM:
cm wrote on Mar 27, 2008 1:28 PM:
Local pet stores-we have more than one-hold adoptions every weekend. Local girlscout/boy scout troops aid and make blankets or do food drive to help the area shelters.
One HS student raised 10,000 --think what that amount would be if the whole 12th grade class did something like this for animals?!
"