Pet Adoption Activities

Adopting a pet is a gracious act of charity, but do not take the decision lightly. Eve Adamson, author of the book "Adopting a Pet for Dummies" explains that local animal shelters have strict rules about adoption: They try to get to know families beforehand by asking a series of questions. Shelters can ensure a good match between owners and their canine companion by holding pet adoption activities. During such activities, families can get to know the personalities of the animals available for adoption, too.

  1. Ancestry Activity

    • In advance of the adoption day, find the ancestral roots of the breed of pets available and create a booklet outlining the pet's genealogy. Next to each pet, shelters can place a sign that states the breed (or mix of breeds). On the sign, write, "Learn more about me and my genes!" Then, instruct the families to read about the origin of the breeds in the booklet and what type of personality to expect. Provide sheets of paper with the name of the pets for adoption and have potential families fill in the blanks about things like temperament and other traits of each animal. Creating this sheet will give them a reference guide about each pet. Decorate the shelter with paper trees everywhere and on them, write, "Discover the family tree of our pets!" Hang butcher paper in the lobby stating ancestry facts like, "Great Danes are found on Egyptian monuments dating from 3000 B.C."

    Training Classes

    • Many new pet owners would be grateful for tips on raising a pet. Make a pet adoption activity by providing an hour of basic training. Once the paperwork is complete, take the new owners and pets outside. Teach the dogs how to sit or shake hands. Also, give dog owners advice on how to handle home-alone anxiety, which their new pet may experience.

    Picnic and Playtime

    • Walking through a shelter can be depressing for people looking to adopt. Convincing families to adopt might be easier if they see the animals in a happier environment. Rent a park for a day, and have the dogs stay in playpens. Encourage the families to play or walk the dogs by providing leashes and chew toys. Hold a mini-fundraiser by selling animal treats that families can give to the dogs waiting for adoption.

    Make a Birth Certificate

    • Many families would appreciate a keepsake of their adoption experience. You can create such a souvenir using a basic certificate template and perhaps a photo of the owner with her new pet. Many websites offer such blank certificates that the shelter and owner can print and sign. Or, instead of using a template, kids can make their own by drawing pictures of them with their new pet.