| What Pet Rescues and Shelters Face | | | | proximity to zip code therefore qualifying your |
| The pet breeding industry is thriving today and is one | | | | potential contacts. Online advertising and online |
| of the fastest growing domestic markets. Over the | | | | classifieds are the first place many prospective pet |
| past five years, the number of pet breeders has | | | | adopters now look. If you are not advertising your |
| increased by at least 20 percent. As a result of the | | | | shelter or rescue online you are limiting your |
| breeding effort more and more people are purchasing | | | | exposure and ability to place those pets that |
| pets that later become unwanted. These unwanted | | | | ultimately face termination. Another item to note is |
| pets end up in shelters and rescues. Unfortunately | | | | that pictures increase interest in pets. If you place |
| many of these unwanted pets end up being | | | | ads online, include pictures. Ads with pictures will |
| destroyed due to lack of public interest in adoption. | | | | receive up to 7 times the number of inquiries as ads |
| Pet rescues and pet shelters need to work on | | | | without pictures. |
| educating the public and increasing their exposure to | | | | Other Opportunities |
| potential adopters | | | | Building various online profiles on social networking |
| The Benefit of a Website | | | | sites can also help you network with other shelters |
| Pet rescues and pet shelters should not | | | | and rescues. If you have licenses or are affiliated |
| underestimate the power of an online presence. A | | | | with national rescue and shelter organizations, (i.e. |
| simple and professional website will increase exposure | | | | you're a duly registered veterinarian who also owns |
| of your rescue or shelter to potential pet adopters. | | | | and operates a shelter or rescue) make sure that |
| The website does not need to be expensive, | | | | you indicate the same in your profile. This can help |
| graphics-heavy or fancy, a simple site will do as long | | | | build your reputation. |
| as it is easily maintained and will encourage interaction | | | | Register with various online forums and engage in |
| between potential adopters and the pet rescue or | | | | discussions. Don't hesitate to help educate people |
| shelter. | | | | who are searching for pets or those who need help |
| Pet Classifieds & Other Advertising Opportunities | | | | on how to take care of their new companions. |
| You should make use of websites which offer free | | | | Pet shelters and pet rescues need to consider the |
| ads to pet rescues and pet shelters. Some of these | | | | Internet and other media to aide in optimizing |
| sites offer potential adopters the ability to search by | | | | successful pet placement. |