Top tips for moving big dogs through the shelter in the shortest time to the best outcome

1. Make “Available” Happen Sooner

   Most animals spend more time waiting to be made available than waiting for an adopter. Use “pre-adoption” status–even during stray hold—and let the public fall in love early. (We promise this does not add more work.) . Kennel card can say “Available as of…” instead of “Not available."

2. Lost Dogs Already Have Homes

   The majority of animals in your shelter already have homes. Route all lost/found inquiries to Petco LoveLost (three easy steps are found here), watch your RTO soar and your intake fall. Crush all redemption barriers (yes, even fees) and help pets return to the couches they came from.

3. Hold Adoption & Foster Events Monthly, at Minimum

   Host at least one public event every month. Ask for fosters twice a week. Let people help. The ask matters.

4. Ditch the Dealbreakers

   Skip required meet-and-greets, vet record checks, landlord calls, and ID hurdles and reimagine your application process. If you’re wondering if it's necessary to protect animals, the data tells us it’s profoundly hurting the animals we’re advocating for.

5. Don’t Wait to Market Slow Trackers

   Start urgent marketing before dogs hit long-stay status. A great name helps too—just ask Mark Wahlberg… oh wait, he’s been adopted.

6. Rounds = Results

   Hold regular rounds that include staff members from intake, care, AND outcome teams. Everyone has a role in moving dogs forward. Keep your marketing/communications team in the loop.

7. No Naked Dogs!

   Tag a friend! Put a collar and visible ID on every pet. If you need collars, ask your community—they’ll deliver. A recent study showed that only 1% of animals entering shelters are wearing tags. Over 80% of people believe their pet needs identification, but less than 35% of people put tags on their pets. Personally place a collar and visible identification on every animal you see. Visible identification allows neighbors to help neighbors. Do not let a naked dog leave your shelter, whether through adoption or redemption. Don't use naked animals in your advertisements or on your website. WE are the model our community looks to.

8. Skip the Shelter Ride

   Most lost dogs are found less than a mile from home. Invest in finder-foster programs and keep pets close to where they belong.

9. Rock the Kennel Card

   Say fun, positive things. Think marketing, not counseling. "Couch-ready cuddle monster" works better than "reactive to strangers." Consider icons for kennel cards that share important information (link to Pima picture).

10. Connection > Commitment

    Don’t ask if someone’s “serious” before they even meet the dog. No one likes paperwork before kisses.