An old real estate adage says that what really determines how successful a real estate investment will be is, “Location, location, location.” In the animal rescue world, it’s “presentation, presentation, presentation.” Taking care to present our adoptable pets in tip-top shape is extremely important.
A groomed, cute, cuddly, clean, relaxed pet is 200% more likely to be noticed or even adopted than a pet rushed to the event without any preparation. I know this not just as Vice President of H.A.R.P.(Homeless Animals Response Program), but especially as the groomer that preps our adoptees for adoption events.
Here’s a bit of advice for other rescue groups: Build a relationship with one or more local groomers, depending on your needs. Purchase or request for donation some general grooming tools. You might also invest in your own equipment. Our Dog Program Manager has installed a small wash tub and has a variety of grooming tools to get the job done when she can’t get dogs to the groomer before an event.
Unfortunately, not all pets have the coat condition that allows for a beautifully groomed mane. Due to circumstances such as mats, foxtails, and sheer neglect, sometimes the only option available is… a smoothie! Mats, sores, and skin conditions can go unnoticed unless the coat is removed completely. This does not usually make for a desirable look when dogs are taken out to meet potential adopters, but explaining what the pet’s coat condition was before receiving treatment and proper care can help people understand how well the animal is doing now. In some cases, when coats are trimmed short, there is a chance for the skin to rejuvenate and begin growing a beautiful new coat that then can be well maintained.
Here are some suggestions for successful presentation of dogs that I have seen work over the past few years.
Bring pets freshly bathed, brushed, and clipped (if needed). Be proud of your excellent grooming care.
Be sure pets smell fresh. You want to present those looking for “forever” homes in the most desirable way possible. A little girl covering her nose and saying how stinky a dog is definitely doesn’t accomplish that goal.
Arrive at the event early so the dogs have a chance to relax and adapt to the surroundings before all the interaction begins. Adoption events are too chaotic for some, so don’t force shyer pets to have a bad showing. Make a separate appointment with potential adopters for dogs that don’t feel comfortable at public events.
Don’t transport more than one pet in a single carrier. If one has an “accident” then the other gets messy also, which leads us back to #2 (stinky pets) and more laborious clean-up. Also, dogs crowded into the same carrier can become agitated and may even be aggressive.
Providing for the beautification of pets has also become one of our most popular fundraising events over the past four years. My staff and I donate an entire day to providing bathing services to the general public for a discounted price, with all proceeds going directly to H.A.R.P. This one-day event usually brings in $1500 to $2500. If other organizations partnered with local groomers to put on events such as this, they could raise meaningful funds and provide a great community service at the same time.
My staff enjoys this event so much, working hard and happily to groom as many animals as possible over the course of the day. Clients are also very generous, usually paying far more than the discounted price offered because they know it is a fundraiser, plus their donations for grooming are tax deductible.
We use staff members, organization volunteers, and those needing community service hours to help with events like this. A dog wash is loads of work, yet very satisfying and fun. You need someone with organization skills to lead the brigade and all will fall into place.
H.A.R.P. will be the beneficiary of an event in Brentwood on Saturday July 16th called “Pets are Family Too!” — an all outdoor pet expo, you might say. There will be a dog wash, adoptathon, other pet related business vendors, and fun for the whole family, whether they have four legs or two.
Randae Bither is Vice President and Fundraising Manager for Homeless Animals Response Program. (H.A.R.P.), an all-volunteer animal welfare organization serving far East Contra Costa County. To learn how your organization can put on a dog wash fundraiser or for info on participating at the July 16th event, contact her at harpvp@comcast.net or 925-516-7224.
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