Instructions
Get specific information on the animal. If possible, assess the animal's health, age and temperament. Uncover if the animal is vaccinated and neutered.
The overall health and age could hurt or hinder an animal's chances of adoption, but such information should be revealed to potential families.
Make a poster outline. Open a word processor and dedicate the top half to pictures and the bottom half to a short bio. Include your phone number and create a clever email account to receive queries, like "helpsavesparky" or "rescuefido."
Print copies, ideally in color, to post in the city. Save a copy to paste for internet postings.
In the poster, highlight his best features. Determine the personality of the animal and mention it in the poster. If he has an affinity for Frisbees, mention it in the poster. Highlight his patient attitude towards children, gentle demeanor or energetic personality.
Use the pet's voice. Consider making the bio from the animal's perspective on the poster. For example, write, "I am a young black lab mix who loves car rides and young kids. I have all of my shots and can't wait to join your family on walks and camping trips. I promise to behave around strangers and other dogs, too, though sometimes I get excited around new people."
Place importance on the reader. Elizabeth Doyle of Bestfriends.org suggests using a "reverse salesman" approach: explain how the animal would be so lucky to be a part of the reader's home. Subtly imply that few people are interested in taking the dog and the reader needs to take action.
For example, write, "Three-year-old Zoey has been waiting a long time for her forever home. She is convinced she can offer just as much love as a puppy, and hopes others believe her, too."
Post pictures. Take plenty of pictures that show the face of the pet. Get down to his level to take the picture. In the flier, write "more pictures available upon request" and save a few on your hard drive.
Be vigilant. Online sources, like craiglist.org, fill up quickly with new posts. Repost your adoption listing every other day to maintain interest. Ensure your physical fliers around town are still visible and post new fliers after any bad weather.
In addition to posting on free online sources like petfinder.com, ask to post your flier in veterinary offices, churches, schools, grocery stores, coffee houses and restaurants.
How to Advertise a Pet for Adoption
The American Humane Association reports that 3.7 million animals were euthanized in 2008. Effective advertising for pet adoption is one small way to put a dent in this staggering figure. Though the decision to adopt an animal should never be made lightly, several advertising techniques can help a pet get adopted faster.