These Shelters Are Changing the Game to Get Their Dogs Adopted This Halloween
The best thing about these promotions is that they cost little to no money to pull off.
Picture Me Perfect: How Washington County Humane Society is Saving Lives Through Marketing
When Debbie Block, the Community Relations/Grant Director of The Washington County Humane Society in Slinger, WI, wrote us to report how WCHS had used the Adoption Marketing grant funds we awarded them last year, this caught our eye right away:
Perfect Fit: Why “Pit Bull” Dogs Are Flying Out Our Doors
Guest post written by Stephanie Filer, Manager of Special Gifts & Partnerships, Animal Rescue League of Iowa. A young newlywed recently asked us for help. She wanted to surprise her husband with a new dog for his birthday. Excited to assist, we created a gift that included a dog application with the words “APPROVED” on it and some dog toys. After she surprised him with […]
More Animal Shelters Remove Breed Labels: Is Software Catching Up?
Guest post written by Kristen Auerbach, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer at Austin Animal Center in Austin, TX. In 2008, Dr. Amy Marder wrote, “Instead of depending on inaccurate breed labels, we want people to choose their future companions based on accurate personality profiles.” To this end, she introduced the idea of using “American Shelter Dog” in place of a […]
Looking Back on 2015: Service, Play, and Innovation
From movie stars and public service announcements to service dogs and play yards, Animal Farm Foundation has enjoyed a productive year working to secure equal opportunity and treatment for “pit bull” dogs and their families. As 2015 comes to a close, we wanted to take a look back at the highlights from this year. We’re […]
Breed Identification, Labels, and Perceptions Revisited
The following is an updated version of a blog posted in 2013. In 2015, we’re still being asked: What role should breed – breed identification and breed labeling – play in today’s animal shelters? Thanks to years of research we all know about the inaccuracy of breed labeling based on visual inspection, so perhaps the question should be: Why […]
Once This Shelter Dropped Breed Labels, Its Dogs Got Really Happy Because More of Them Found Homes
Last year, we had the privilege of working with the staff at Capital Area Humane Society in Lansing, Michigan. In addition to sending staff members to our internships, CAHS also welcomed AFF to visit their shelter and provide more hands-on training.
Raising Awareness: We’ve Come A Long Way!
Every October, groups around the country host a variety of “Pit Bull Awareness” events. These are positive, educational events. However, we know that language shapes how we perceive the world and, as animal welfare evolves, it’s important that we occasionally stop and take a critical look at how we frame “pit bull” dogs with our […]
How Does Your Organization Influence The Public’s Actions?
“No one wants to adopt our “pit bull” dogs.” In our work with shelters around the country, it’s not uncommon to hear some version of this statement. When we hear this, we like to jump in to offer what we know works to boost adoptions – better policies, welcoming adoption counseling, kennel enrichment, positive marketing. You name it; we […]
Fairfax County Animal Shelter: No Restrictions, Just Success
Last year we had the privilege to meet several members of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FCAS) at our Language and Advocacy Internship program. Later that year, FCAS shared that they had been able to double the number of “pit bull” dog adoptions at their shelter. This accomplishment is noteworthy at any shelter, but FCAS […]