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If you've visited a pet supply store on the weekends, you've probably seen a pet adoption event. Employees and volunteers, surrounded by adoptable pets, extol the virtues of this or that animal. The dogs bark, the cats meow, and the people chatter. But what if there were another option? Instead of another boring, predictable pet adoption event, you can use ideas to plan events that'll get your fuzzy friends adopted in no time.
Novel Places
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Instead of the same old big-box pet store adoption event, pick a new and unexpected location. One adoption event held in 2009 in Tucson, Arizona, took place at a store for motorcycle enthusiasts. Bikers came in looking for motorcycle accessories and some left with a new furry friend. Likewise, a music store in San Francisco hosted a pet adoption event to coincide with Valentine's Day.
Pet Speed Dating
Just like marriage, adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment. Why not "date" your potential pet first to see if sparks fly? One animal rescue organization offers people the opportunity to attend a speed dating event with the "most furry and eligible bachelors and bachelorettes" in the city. Sometimes commercial organizations get into the act. For example, the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile makes appearances at pet adoption events. People get a chance to check out the Wienermobile while meeting adoptable pets and winning prizes for their "wiener dog" dachshunds.
Innovative Pairings
Another way to attract people to your pet adoption event is to associate your event with people's hobbies and lifestyle choices. For example, several Tucson, Arizona animal foster organizations pair their events with a local motorcycle association. People can socialize with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, enjoy a car and motorcycle show and listen to live music while meeting adoptable animals. Likewise, a Houston, Texas animal rescue organization joins forces with a local bicycle shop to promote pet adoptions.
Food, Fun and Furry Friends
The prospect of food and drink will attract people to your event. Team up with local restaurants and breweries to provide a flavorful and fun way to introduce adoptable pets to their human companions. One animal rescue organization pairs up with a local brewery and women's roller derby team. The roller girls wash your dog, the brewery serves you a beer, and a percentage of the proceeds goes to the rescue organization. If beer isn't your thing, consider a wine-tasting event instead.
By Erin Flanigan
References
Amoeba Music: Pet Adoption Day!
Tucson Citizen: Tucson Tails - Connecting Pets and People; "Oscar Meyer Weinermobile Rolls into Humane Society, Park Place Mall;" Karyn Zoldan; Feb. 9, 2011
Tucson Biker Events: Calendar of Events
Texas Cats and Dogs: Adoptable Pets and Cyclists Gear Up for Halloween Off of Washington Avenue; October 2010
Humane Society of Southern Arizona: Tails & Ales Dog Wash; Sheena Stewart; March 2011
TucsoCitizen: Tucson Tails - Connecting Pets and People; "Dogs, Love, and Celebrating Valentines Day;" Karyn Zoldan; Feb. 14, 2011
About the Author
Erin Flanigan has been writing professionally since 2011. She is currently a high school English and social studies teacher. She also has years of experience in bicycle sales and repair. Erin earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Arizona.