Social media has a bad reputation sometimes but it’s capable of some incredible things. Social media has completely revolutionized the way people adopt a pet, and here ‘s how.
Many pet adoption shelters use their social media platforms to share cute pictures and heartfelt stories of cats and dogs who haven ‘t had the easiest lives. Social media is one of the biggest tools for communication now and it brings people closer together.
Social media and the oh so important ‘share‘ button have become an asset to pet shelters everywhere.
Why do shelters need as much exposure as possible?
Pet adoption shelters and the people who work or volunteer at them work tirelessly to save and protect all types of animals from cats to bunnies to dogs. These shelters end up inundated with large amounts of animals and as non-profit organisations, it’s not always easy to look after these animals. But they do.
These animals deserve to be in good, loving homes though and that’s why shelters need to get as much attention as possible. The main goal is to get these cute and cuddly bundles of fluff their furever family.
Read: 10 Helpful Tips on How to Choose Pet Insurance
How social media helps people adopt a pet
With the help of social media, shelters can post photos, spread love and share the stories of their rescues. The more information that is shared, the more likely it is that a pet will get adopted. Many shelters now use social media as their primary adoption and promotion tool. You‘ll find hundreds of photos of cute dogs and cats, successful adoption stories, adoption events or fundraisers.
It’s also a great way for people to chat and communicate with the shelter or other adoptive parents to get advice on how to adopt a pet or anything else they’re struggling with. Shelters use creative ways to attract potential adopters like posting puppies wearing bowties or sharing cute characteristics about the potential pet. As people see the posts, they encourage more likes and shares which means these posts reach more and more people. The more people the post reaches, the higher chance of it reaching the right person to give that fur-baby a home.
Reaching masses of people is so easy now that we have social media. It’s a great way to share information on the importance of sterilising your pets, the right way to look after your pets and so much more.
Pet fosters
Not only does social media assist the adoptions of pets but it also helps find fosters and pet sponsors.
Many shelters use their social media platforms to find reliable and enthusiastic to look after some of their rescues while they search for their forever homes. Sometimes, this is a great way of knowing if you’re truly ready for the full-time commitment of owning a pet.
You can become a foster for a furry friend and see the impact they have on your life before making the commitment. Be advised though, being a foster pawrent is a lot of work and we guarantee that fur baby is going to pull on a couple of heartstrings!
Looking to adopt a pet in the near future?
There is no love quite like the love of an animal. The loyalty and companionship are unmatched. Everyone deserves that love, including animals themselves. The happiness of a pet, once they’re adopted, is truly a life-changing experience. If you’re looking for your own fur-baby, think about adopting from one of these places;
KZN
Joburg
Outkittened Cat and Kitten Rescue
Purrpaws For Life Rescue Centre
Cape Town
Adopt A Pet – Cape Town Animal Shelter
These are just a few of the rescues that you can support, whether it be by adopting, donating or volunteering. Don’t forget that you can also contact the SPCA in your area too.
There are also many Facebook groups like Puppy Rescue SA that you can join. These groups share posts from shelters all over the country to promote the adoption of fur babies.
Already adopted a pet? Read this to find out are 3 compelling reasons to insure their health (like right now).
Something to remember…
While adopting a new member into your family is exciting and quite simply, adorable – it is still a massive responsibility and not something that should be taken lightly.
A pet is a commitment for a number of years to come so make sure you and your family are willing and able to take this on. The last thing anyone wants is for the pet to end up back in a shelter. Think about the costs, responsibility and time involved when you decide to adopt a pet.
Like we said though, there is no love quite like that of an animal and they will add so much value to your life!
