Susan,
We are trying to implement a Doggy Day Out program here at our shelter. Do you have any SOPs, guidelines, or any sort of paperwork for your program? I'd love to take a look and share it with our team to see if we can utilize some of your shelter's tips and tricks!
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Animal Protection Society - Friday Harbor
Private, Nonprofit Animal Welfare Organization
Friday Harbor, Washington
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-10-2025 12:52 PM
From: Susan Murphy
Subject: How to increase visibility of adoptable dogs
I volunteer at a large municipal shelter in Indianapolis. We (as many shelters) do "Doggie Day Outs". We take our pups to festivals, farmers markets, breweries, etc--anywhere there are people (especially families). It is possible that not all of your dogs will do well with this but we have found MOST do great. It is time for socialization and out of the shelter. There is no reason this could not be done by rescues (and even volunteers for rescues taking them out for their foster parents). I can attest that many of these dogs have found their forever homes from the visibility of the DDOs and quite frankly even if they don't they seem to be adopted within a week or so. You'd be amazed how many people approach you, interact with the dogs, take pictures and share them. It is also an opportunity for you to get pictures of the pups. Photos with people (including children) and these pets in public places allow potential adopters to see themselves--very powerful marketing. So grab your "adopt me" harness, leash or bandana and experience what we have come to call "the magic of the Doggie Day Out"!!
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Susan Murphy
Original Message:
Sent: 06-27-2025 10:56 AM
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: How to increase visibility of adoptable dogs
This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
Hello,
Does anyone have experience with a non-profit rescue that does not actively promote or market their dogs? I am helping a volunteer walk some dogs boarded at a vet clinic but these dogs are barely visible anywhere except for adopt-a-pet out of state. What can I do? I feel this is inhumane. Why would a rescue pull dogs from a shelter only to have them languish in boarding?
#MarketingandSocialMedia