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  • 1.  increases adoption of long-term dogs

    Posted 11-01-2023 12:39 PM

    Good afternoon, 

    I am fairly new to the animal welfare world. I have noticed that our adoption rate for our long term dogs is very low, basically nothing.  Can anyone share any tips or ticks to help get dogs out? Mostly it is larger dogs and pits that seem to have issues getting out of the shelter. We recently introduced a new mandatory spay neuter, microchip ordinance so with that we have had to lower our LOS to 4 months. I don't want to have to euthanize good dogs but after so long it becomes cruel to just house them. Any advise or tips would be greatly appreciated. 


    #AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms

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    Katheryn E Walters
    Director
    Floyd County Animal Control
    GA
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  • 2.  RE: increases adoption of long-term dogs

    Posted 11-02-2023 04:08 AM

    Hi Kathryn,

    Does the ordinance require the shortened length of stay?

    We became no kill in 2013.  We have a municipal contract and must accept strays.  Being No kill is a major 

    accomplishment.  However, we then have long term residence.  We added training and enrichment.  Often, the perfect home does come for them- but it takes time- sometimes months.  Before becoming no kill, we would post pics of dogs in danger on an 'urgent' list.  This drove adoptions, but never felt like a good way to do it, as people sometimes took a dog home that wasn't a good match for them, and at that time, the shelter did not have support staff to help with training issues and other things.  

    We have had some luck with adoption specials for long timers, and also having volunteers or staff feature them in photos away from the kennels.  Sometimes offering an overnight slumber party can help get dogs a night out and some photo ops.  Photos and write ups are the best.  Sharing the info and getting others to share on social media.  

    There are some great ideas on forums like this and facebook- but it takes time to look through them all.  

    Good luck to you and thanks for caring.  :)  That is a big part of the battle- having your heart in it.  This will help you succeed.



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    Amber Dennison
    Board of Directors, President
    Humane Society of the Ohio Valley
    Marietta, OH
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  • 3.  RE: increases adoption of long-term dogs

    Posted 11-03-2023 07:57 AM

    Hi Katheryn,

    I have compiled these great sources for large dog adoption strategies/ideas/suggestions:

    Best Friends Shelter Self-Assessment Tool for Increasing Positive Outcomes for (Big) dogs: https://network.bestfriends.org/proven-strategies/program-spotlights/are-you-doing-everything-you-possibly-can-find-positive               The checklist also includes links to resources about how shelters can implement or improve processes and programs.

    Big Dogs Master Class - The Tough Stuff
    university.maddiesfund.org/products/...

    Big Dogs Master Class- Get Dogs into Great Home Faster: Proven Strategies for Minimizing LOS and Big Dog Marketing: The Easy Way
    university.maddiesfund.org/products/...

    Big Dogs Master Class: Maximizing Big Dog Foster Impact
    university.maddiesfund.org/products/...

    Big Dog Master Class: Focus on "Long Stay" Dogs
    university.maddiesfund.org/products/...



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    Mary Lou Maraganis
    President
    Animal Rescue Konnection
    Gloucester MA
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  • 4.  RE: increases adoption of long-term dogs

    Posted 11-03-2023 10:43 AM

    Hi Katheryn,

    Don't underestimate your Social Media, use it to "market" the dogs to potential adopters. Make profiles with fun info; "likes to play ball" or "enjoys belly rubs" or "love kids" ...whatever you may know about the animal, get creative and make the profiles engaging and fun. You can even write it from the dog's perspective and use a cute photo of the dog. Make sure to then share these posts to animal groups too. 

    Good Luck!

    ~Mary 



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    Mary Millenbach
    Director of Development & Fundraising
    Paws & Whiskers Cat Shelter
    OH
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  • 5.  RE: increases adoption of long-term dogs

    Posted 11-04-2023 05:20 AM

    Katheryn,

    You are not alone--what you are experiencing  is happening all across the country.  It is heart breaking at times.

    I highly recommend the Big Dog Master Class and thank you to Mary Lou for bringing it to our attention. I have so wanted to revisit this but could not remember its name!!

    If you are new to sheltering /animal welfare my advice to you is journal at least one good thing that happened that day (some days you will have many but you will have at least one).  Focusing on your positive experiences will keep you healthy and able to take care of those animals who so need you.



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    susan murphy
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: increases adoption of long-term dogs

    Posted 11-04-2023 05:38 AM

    Yes.  I wanted to change this RE: line into "Long Term Dogs v. Warehoused Dogs." We don't want to turn our long-term dogs into 'warehoused' dogs.  The difference is warehoused dogs get  LIttle to no training, enrichment,  exercise,  foster care or regular outings, socialization  and stress reductions.  If your shelter has dogs/cats that have been there for many months/years without this it rises to the level of neglect and abuse. I just wanted to highlight there is a difference b/w long term dogs and warehoused dogs.  I was recently at a seminar where this distinction was not made lumping 'long term' into warehousing.   I think it is a question that continually needs to be asked. Are we 'warehousing' or are we enriching and training our long term animals



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    Mary Lou Maraganis
    President
    Animal Rescue Konnection
    Gloucester MA
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: increases adoption of long-term dogs

    Posted 11-06-2023 08:14 AM

    To back up the social media comments: we specifically try to get our long-term dogs out to foster or day events. Not only does it help with mental health to get a change of scenery, but you can get really good photos and videos that highlight their personalities. It helps remind people that they are more than just a "pit" or "old"  or whatever else is holding their adoption up. The positive posts about how fun fostering can be can help encourage people to sign up to take future dogs, as well. 



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    Alyssa Dayton
    Staff Veterinarian
    Humane Society of Broward County
    FL
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  • 8.  RE: increases adoption of long-term dogs

    Posted 11-07-2023 07:20 AM

    Hello,

    WAGS Pet Adoption is also experiencing LOS increases on big dogs. It is sad to see the same faces week after week and now month after month. We have a robust foster program, Foster Friday highlights on our Social Media with videos, application links to make it easy, and some volunteer/foster interviews. We have not had great success with our local citizens being fosters, but we are working on accessing this citizen group through more multi-language information. The best method, honestly, is repetition - repetition - repetition. We repeat a dog's name and story through fun videos repeatedly. We ask for shares, comments, votes, and other ways to engage the watching public. Like any good marketing - repetition is key! Dog Awareness and potential adopter or foster re-call to the name of the pet needing help. Simple technique but very helpful. I often say no less than six times. 



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    Michelle Russillo
    CEO
    WAGS PET ADOPTION
    Westminster CA
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