Animal Welfare Professionals

Hello,

We are looking into updating our process of handing out adoption paperwork and information. And I would love to hear from others how they prepare the adoption packet and what is in it. I put down a couple of questions but please feel free to comment on anything you'd be willing to share in this context.

1) Besides pet-specific information/records and contract, what other material do you give your potential adopter (e.g. promotional material about your own organization, general pet care information, materials from sponsors, etc.)?

2) How do you handout your adoption paperwork and materials? (e.g. electronically, simple printouts, folders with materials inside etc.)

3) Does anyone know of a good cost-effective resource for buying adoption folders?

Thanks in advance!

Nora

#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms

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Nora Paech
Development Director
Snake River Animal Shelter
ID
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Good Morning!
We are actually thinking about going digital with our adoption folders. We often feel like people take them home and they end up in the garbage. We use Petstablished so it wouldn't be difficult. Its just a matter of finding someone with the time to input all the additional documents into each profile and also I need to build an adoption contract in there. We currently scan in copies of all medical records, intake forms, and signed adoption contracts. Not that we have a lot of returned animals, but typically when they do return an animal they do not bring any records with them so digital copies makes it easier on us to rebuild at least a partial folder.

Our other hesitation with going strictly digital is for the segment of population that does not embrace technology. We do have some seniors (and some younger generations) that do not use computers much and we don't want to exclude any potential adopters.  We hate to duplicate efforts on the chance an adopter will not be computer savvy.

However currently do paper folders, we include all the medical info,, adoption contract (original), microchip info, the importance of heartworm prevention, and a flyer about the 3*3*3 Rule. For cat folders, it has an info sheet about how to introduce your new cat to existing household members (people, cats, & dogs). For dog folders, it has info about bringing a new dog home, crate & house training. If we have a local business supporting us that provides info to put in the folders, we do. Currently we have a trainer offering 1 free session to every newly adopted dog - so that flyer goes in as well.

We buy folders in bulk when they do the back to school sales. Usually the volunteers/supporters will buy them. The 2 pocket folders go on sale for 15c at the beginning of the school year. We get 300 folders for $45 which usually lasts us through the year. 

Hope some of that is helpful.

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Sarah Hoadley
Paws in Middle Georgia Animal Rescue
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Thank you so much for your answer and thoughts on the topic, Sarah. That was super helpful (hadn't even thought about Back To School Sales!)

Nora

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Nora Paech
Development Director
Snake River Animal Shelter
ID
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-23-2024 04:39 AM
From: Sarah Hoadley
Subject: Adoption Material and Folders

Good Morning!
We are actually thinking about going digital with our adoption folders. We often feel like people take them home and they end up in the garbage. We use Petstablished so it wouldn't be difficult. Its just a matter of finding someone with the time to input all the additional documents into each profile and also I need to build an adoption contract in there. We currently scan in copies of all medical records, intake forms, and signed adoption contracts. Not that we have a lot of returned animals, but typically when they do return an animal they do not bring any records with them so digital copies makes it easier on us to rebuild at least a partial folder.

Our other hesitation with going strictly digital is for the segment of population that does not embrace technology. We do have some seniors (and some younger generations) that do not use computers much and we don't want to exclude any potential adopters.  We hate to duplicate efforts on the chance an adopter will not be computer savvy.

However currently do paper folders, we include all the medical info,, adoption contract (original), microchip info, the importance of heartworm prevention, and a flyer about the 3*3*3 Rule. For cat folders, it has an info sheet about how to introduce your new cat to existing household members (people, cats, & dogs). For dog folders, it has info about bringing a new dog home, crate & house training. If we have a local business supporting us that provides info to put in the folders, we do. Currently we have a trainer offering 1 free session to every newly adopted dog - so that flyer goes in as well.

We buy folders in bulk when they do the back to school sales. Usually the volunteers/supporters will buy them. The 2 pocket folders go on sale for 15c at the beginning of the school year. We get 300 folders for $45 which usually lasts us through the year. 

Hope some of that is helpful.

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Sarah Hoadley
Paws in Middle Georgia Animal Rescue
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