Absolutely YES! When we fully committed to consistent off-site adoption events, our euthanasia rate dropped by over 40%. Even though we're a rural shelter, more than half of our adoptions now happen off site. We host two to three a week, even if it is just a couple hour long events.
Our most successful events are farmers markets and town holiday festivals... the foot traffic and community vibe make a huge difference.
We typically bring 5–15 dogs, with all paperwork ready for same-day adoptions, plus go-home materials so everything is smooth and easy for the adopter. We also allow fosters to participate at events, which helps shy or stressed dogs shine in a more relaxed setting.
Off-site events have truly been a game changer for our outcomes. Happy to share more if helpful!
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Paighton Corley
Director
Hill country humane society
TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-25-2025 06:39 AM
From: Jill Rickman
Subject: Offsite adoption events
Would it help increase our adoptions of our shelter dogs to host off site adoption events? If so, any suggestions on how to do this well? What would a good offsite adoption event look like?
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Jill Rickman
Volunteer
Blount County Animal Center
TN
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