Rehoming animals can be the most rewarding aspect of animal protection work. We offer ideas, resources and information on how to find more homes for more animals.
Resources and Articles
From the Magazine
Featured ARTICLES
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Judgment Calls
Interactions between the adoption counselor and the potential adopter are always charged with uncertainty. We present essays from both sides of the counter.
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How to Save a Life—or Maybe 300
With a top prize of $100,000 at stake, the ASPCA’s $100K Challenge sparked a friendly competition between two animal welfare organizations in Washington, D.C.—and others around the country.
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Don't Forget About Us
Shelter staffs use special events, savvy marketing, and social networking to promote small-animal adoption.
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In Virginia, Challenging the Status Quo
In Virginia, the Richmond SPCA is shaking things up. As the SPCA’s Project Safety Net offers programs and services aimed at reducing animal relinquishment, the organization is succeeding in saving more lives by partnering with the community.
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Going the Distance for Cats
Catnip Acres serves as a way station—and a spay station—for homeless kitties in Pennsylvania. The group has spayed and neutered over 4,000 cats since opening an on-site surgical suite in 2010.
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Getting Black (and Mostly Black) Cats Adopted
Looking to improve your luck in adopting out black cats? Try these creatively-themed events, cat-chy strategies, and reduced adoption fees to get your delightfully dark kitties noticed!
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Where Reservations Need You
Outside groups partner with tribal members to bring veterinary care to the underserved community on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona.
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Speeding Up an Adoption
A rescue group uses a little creativity—and a shiny, red convertible—to help an overlooked dog find his forever home.
Samples
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Samples: Seattle Animal Shelter Cage/Information Cards
Use these samples from Seattle Animal Shelter to quickly convey important information to potential adopters.
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Samples: Seattle Animal Shelter Adoption Forms
Use these sample adoption applications from the Seattle Animal Shelter to help you develop your group's own adoption materials.
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Sample: Nevada Humane Society - Animal Help Desk Caseworker Handbook
Clients ask your front desk staff for help with many different issues, from behavioral problems to rehoming animals. Use this sample helpdesk handbook from Nevada Humane to help your staff be ready to assist!
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Nevada Humane Society - How to Write Pet Profiles
Pet profiles are your chance to market your animals to potential adopters. Check out these great how-to's from Nevada Humane.
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Sample: Nevada Humane Society - Rescue Contract
Starting a new rescue program at your shelter, or updating your current one? Check out Nevada Humane's transfer contract.
Policies & Programs
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Pets for Life Toolkit Users' Survey
Getting to know the people who use the PFL Community Outreach Toolkit
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Pets for Life Community Outreach Toolkit
Download chapters or the complete toolkit—or purchase the book and flashdrive
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The Shelter Pet Project
The Shelter Pet Project is an unprecedented three-year media campaign aimed at boosting pet adoptions nationwide. A collaborative effort by The Humane Society of the United States, Maddie's Fund, and the Ad Council, in partnership with the entire animal welfare community, The Shelter Pet Project has the potental to change the lives of millions of animals.
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Spanish Language Information
Resources for outreach to Spanish-speaking communities, including reproducible pet behavior tip sheets, spay/neuter materials, and more.
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National Animal Shelter (and Rescue!) Appreciation Week
Join The HSUS in highlighting the truly lifesaving work done by animal shelters and rescue groups like yours around the country during National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week each November.
More
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Spanish Pet Behavior Tip Sheets
Reach out to your community's Spanish-speaking population with our reproducible pet behavior tip sheets.
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PetSmart Charities Webinars and Resources
PetSmart Charities provides access to webinars on a variety of animal welfare-related topics, links to animal-welfare presentations, conference materials, as well as links to governmental forms helpful for nonprofits.
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Animal Farm Foundation - Resources for Shelters and Rescues
Located in Dutchess County NY, AFF has been working nationally to secure equal treatment and opportunity for “pit bull” dogs since 1985.
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ASPCA: Fast Pass: Preparing Stray Pets for New Homes
A program at Humane Society of Boulder Valley provides for early evaluations on strays, giving some of the animals a "fast pass" to a new home.
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ASPCA Pro - Little Black Book of Adoption Ideas
Adoption ideas for dogs, cats, discounts, and holidays, plus marketing strategies!
