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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Original Message:
Sent: 11-01-2023 12:04 PM
From: Katheryn E Walters
Subject: increases adoption of long-term dogs
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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