Writing engaging bios for pets in your care is one of the best ways to help them connect with adopters. But we know it isn’t always easy. Between busy shelter days, limited staff and volunteer time, and the reality that you may only know what a dog is like inside the shelter environment, the process can feel daunting.
That’s where AI tools can lend a hand. AI won’t, and shouldn’t, replace your voice or your observations.
But it can help you beat writer’s block, save time, and spark creativity so you can focus on what matters most: connecting people with pets.
It’s critical to remember that, especially when it comes to bios, words matter. Even with AI in the mix, bios should reflect compassion, accuracy, and individuality, not stereotypes or assumptions. That means working with the information you do have, rather than letting AI fill in the blanks (see our Words Matter guide).
New to AI?
If you’ve never used AI before, don’t worry—you don’t need to be an expert. Open any AI writing tool (ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or Claude AI are all popular right now), paste in one of the prompts below, and then review the result. The key is to provide accurate details, add context where you can, and make edits so the bio reflects both the pet and your organization’s voice.
10 Bio Writing Prompts for AI
1. “Write a warm, welcoming bio that highlights this pet’s personality, favorite activities, and the type of home where they’ll thrive.”
2. “Create a playful, short bio that shows off a pet’s quirks in a way that makes them relatable and lovable.” (Best if you add a few quirky behaviors or funny habits for the AI to work with.)
3. “Write this bio in the style of a travel guide, introducing the pet as the destination everyone should experience.” (Give the AI details like favorite activities, quirks, or personality traits so the style doesn’t feel generic.)
4. “Draft a bio that frames the pet as the star of their own movie trailer, highlighting their best qualities in a dramatic or funny way.” (Provide examples of their habits, energy level, or standout quirks of the pet)
5. “Write a kid-friendly version of this bio, using simple language that helps children feel included in the adoption process.” (Add gentle or playful details that kids might easily connect with.)
6. “Highlight this pet’s individuality. Avoid assumptions about breed and instead focus on observed behaviors and personality.” (Include notes from staff or volunteers who’ve spent time with them and ask AI to include a quote)
7. “Write a short story-style bio told from the pet’s perspective. Try different tones—playful, thoughtful, or adventurous.” (Share details the pet ‘would notice,’ like their favorite toy or how they greet people.)
8. “Draft a bio that acknowledges this pet came into care recently and emphasizes resilience and hope.” (Use only the facts you know about how they arrived—avoid speculating about their past.)
9. “Write a compassionate bio for a shy or gentle pet, encouraging patience and highlighting how they connect with people.” (Offer observed gestures like leaning in for pets, preferring calm spaces, or offering a paw.)
10. “Create three different opening sentences for this bio so we can choose the one that feels most engaging.” (Add a few personality traits or behaviors so the AI has direction)
Pro Tips for Using Prompts
- Stick to the facts: Only feed the AI what you know from staff, volunteers, or direct observation.
- Add context: The more details you include (favorite toy, greeting style, quirks), the better the output.
- Always edit: AI can spark ideas, but you are the final voice. Review for accuracy, compassion, and tone.
- Keep your audience in mind: Write for the people you want to reach—whether that’s families, first-time adopters, or seasoned dog lovers—and adjust language so it feels welcoming and clear.
- Experiment: Try the same details with two different prompts—you’ll be surprised how many fresh angles appear.
Prompts in Action: Real Examples from AFF Dogs
Here’s how the prompts work in practice. We started with details from the dogs’ existing profiles and asked AI to rewrite them with a slightly different focus—while keeping all the original information we provided intact. As a best practice, we told AI that we wanted to include a clear way for interested adopters to take action at the end of every bio.
BRANDY
Prompt Used: “Write a warm, welcoming bio that highlights this dog’s personality, favorite activities, and the type of home where they’ll thrive.”
Original details: Brandy has a bubbly personality, a contagious smile, loves cuddles, enjoys playing with dog friends, and thrives on affection.
AI-Enhanced Bio:
“Brandy doesn’t just walk into a room—she lights it up with her big smile and joyful energy. She loves nothing more than connecting with people, whether that’s leaning in for a hug or sharing a cuddle. Brandy is also a social butterfly with her dog friends, always ready for a game of chase or a romp in the yard. Her enthusiasm and warmth make every day brighter, and she’ll thrive in a home that enjoys both playtime and snuggles. Ready to meet your sunshine on four paws? Learn how to begin the adoption process here.”
JOEY
Prompt Used: “Write a playful, short bio that shows off a pet’s quirks in a way that makes them relatable and lovable.”
Original details: Joey is playful, goofy, silly, has quirky wiggles, unique tail, an expressive face, came from NYC ACC, has boundless energy, spreads laughter.
AI-Enhanced Bio:
“Joey is our resident comedian! With his goofy wiggles, silly faces, and one-of-a-kind tail, he has a knack for turning any day into an adventure. Nicknamed our ‘house lemur,’ Joey’s playful spirit keeps everyone smiling—whether he’s zooming through the yard or making funny faces just to get a laugh. Since arriving from NYC ACC, he hasn’t stopped spreading joy. Looking for a loyal sidekick who will keep life fun? Joey’s your guy! Click here to see the next steps in adopting Joey.”
VIOLET
Prompt Used: “Write a compassionate bio for a shy or gentle pet, encouraging patience and highlighting how they connect with people.”
Original details: Violet is gentle, affectionate, offers her paw, has quirky charm, came from Palm Beach Animal Control, enjoys agility training, gains confidence, best friends with Milo, seems to enjoy quiet moments.
AI-Enhanced Bio:
“Violet is a gentle soul with a touch of elegance. One of her sweetest quirks is delicately offering her paw—it’s her way of inviting connection. Originally from Palm Beach Animal Control, Violet has blossomed into a kind and affectionate companion. She’s recently discovered agility and is taking on jumps and tunnels with enthusiasm, each success boosting her confidence. She also treasures time with her best friend Milo, whether sharing a playful romp or a quiet moment side by side. Violet is ready to bring her soft spirit, newfound confidence, and loving heart into her next chapter. Could that be with you? Here’s how to start the adoption process.”
Final Tips for Using AI in Bio Writing
- Stick to what you know: AI should never invent details about a pet. Base bios on shelter observations and staff/volunteer notes.
- Highlight individuality: Every dog is unique—bios should reflect personality and observed behaviors, not stereotypes or assumptions (read more in our Thoughtful Marketing guide).
- Make it welcoming: End bios with a clear, friendly call to action. Many adopters may be new to the process, so guiding them with a next step is supportive and encouraging.
Now You Try! Test these prompts with one or two pets in your care this week and see how AI can help you create bios more quickly, while keeping them accurate and compassionate. Share your results with us—we’d love to see how you’re using AI to highlight the individuality of pets in your community.
For more inspiration, check out:
