October is Adopt-a-Dog Month!
An estimated 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year, according to the ASPCA.
Every October, the ASPCA sponsors Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month to encourage adoptions from local shelters. Here are six ways your veterinary practice can help pet parents give shelter dogs a safe and loving home.
Spread the word through social media
Your clinic’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or website can be used to help educate the public about the importance of adopting shelter pets, and to amplify the reach local adoption and fundraising events. You can also post fliers in your clinic’s reception area, or have the staff put together a fun banner. If your staff or clients have adopted shelter dogs in the past, see if they would be willing to share a positive personal story about their experience on your clinic’s blog or Facebook page.
Post photos of adoptable dogs from a local shelter
Partner with a local shelter to highlight a selection of dogs waiting for adoption. Post photos on social media or in the lobby of your clinic, along with information for clients who are interested in adopting. Too many options can overwhelm even the most eager potential pet parents, so focus on just a handful of dogs, or rotate the selection over the course of the month.
Educate pet parents about the importance of spaying and neutering
Sadly, most unexpected puppies wind up in shelters. Make sure your clients understand the risks of leaving their pet unaltered and emphasize the many benefits of spaying or neutering their dog. On average, spayed or neutered pets benefit from longer lifespans and better overall health. Take advantage of Next In Line’s automated reminders to keep pet parents on track with their puppy’s spay or neuter surgery and vaccine schedule.
Promote ID microchips for dogs
Approximately 620,000 dogs who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners. Next In Line allows you to tailor the platform and gather the information you need from your clients, so be sure to collect microchip information from new pets who are seen at your clinic. This is also a great service to offer during a wellness visit if the pet’s information indicates it never received a microchip.
Encourage clients to donate funds, supplies, or time
Clients who aren’t in a position to adopt a dog at present might still want to help. You can direct them towards reputable shelters in you area to volunteer, or they could donate to the ASPCA. Every little bit helps.
Host a special walk-in event for adoptive pet parents
A good way to promote shelter dog adoption and expand your practice’s client base is to have a special event for pet parents and their newly adopted pets. Set aside either a whole day or part of a day for folks to bring their new furry friends to your clinic for a wellness visit, nail trim, or other convenient and helpful services. Next In Line makes it easy with streamlined registration, proprietary check-in features, and automatic wait-time updates. When pet parents see how easy it is to get superior veterinary care at your clinic, they’ll quickly become regulars.
Any of these steps can help make the future brighter for countless shelter dogs
Next In Line’s unique scheduling software can make managing your veterinary practice a breeze, so you can dedicate more time to helping animals in need.
