Advertising your Pet
Your foster pet has their very own marketing team - us! Thanks for helping us advertise them to potential adopters.
Please upload descriptions, photos, and videos to a google shared album and add leadfoster@hdbnqrescue.org and hdbnqrescue@gmail.com. Caption the names of the foster pets in the comments section of the photos.
When a potential adopter reads a pet biography that resonates with them personally, matches their lifestyle, and offers a glimpse into a pet's unique personality, they’re more likely to feel motivated to move forward with adoption.
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A compelling backstory about the pet can create an emotional connection. Details about how they came to be in the shelter or rescue, their previous life experiences, and any challenges they have overcome can resonate deeply.
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Descriptions of the pet's personality are crucial. Highlighting traits such as playfulness, affection, loyalty, and intelligence can help potential adopters see how a pet might fit into their lifestyle.
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Information about what the pet enjoys—whether it's playing with toys, cuddling, or going for walks—helps adopters envision daily interactions. Conversely, mentioning any dislikes or quirks (like being shy around new people or not liking certain types of food) can also be important for finding the right match.
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Transparency about the pet’s health, any special care requirements, and temperament can help potential adopters assess whether they can meet those needs. This may include information about grooming, exercise requirements, and dietary restrictions.
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Describing the type of home that would be best for the pet (active families, quiet apartments, homes with or without children or other pets) can help adopters determine if they’re a suitable match.
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Adding light-hearted or amusing anecdotes can make a biography more engaging. Fun facts can also provide insight into the pet’s character and make them more memorable.
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Highlighting any training the pet has received or skills they possess can boost the pet’s appeal. This could include commands they know, tricks they can perform, or even special talents (like being particularly good at fetching).
Profile info
As you learn about your foster pet, please send us your notes on their behavior for their website profile. The description should include any and all information someone would want to know about the pet they’re adopting.
CAT/KITTEN QUESTIONS:
1. What makes them purr? (Seeing people, crawling up on their lap, as soon as you pet them?)
2. What are their favorite toys or ways to play? (Wrestling, climbing, batting balls, playing with
wand toys, etc.)
3. How would you describe their personalities? (Are they more shy/reserved/cautious or more
bold/adventurous/brave?)
4. Where/how do they like to sleep?( Cuddled with a sibling, in your lap, on top of your desk, in
someone's shoes, etc.)
5. What sounds do they make? (chirp, meowing, hoarse meows, very talkative, or more quiet,
etc.)
6. Do they have any especially cute antics? Things you tell friends/family that they do! (One
kitten would kiss people’s noses without fail every time he was picked up. Another always wanted
to sit on your shoulder. Another would tap your leg asking to be picked up/put in your lap.)
7. Other questions for inspiration...
a. What are their litter box habits?
b. Do they have favorite spots of the house where they like to hang out?
c. What kind of eaters are they? Delicate, voracious, etc.
8. Who have they met/interacted with? (ex: Cats, kittens, kids--and their ages, other dogs--big or small, disabled, elderly, etc.)
DOG/PUPPY QUESTIONS:
1. What’s their typical schedule? When do they potty, eat, and sleep?
2. Are they used to spending time in crates and/or being left home alone?
3. For those who can take walks – how are their manners on a leash?
4. Do they know any cues like their names or sit, stay, paw, come, down, etc.?
5. What are their favorite toys?
6. Are they more shy/reserved/cautious or more bold/adventurous/brave?
7. Where/how do they like to sleep? Cuddled with a sibling, in your lap, on top of your desk, in
someone's shoes, etc.
8. Who have they met/interacted with? (ex: Cats, kittens, kids--and their ages, other dogs--big or small, disabled, elderly, etc.)
9. Think about what things the dogs do that you tell your friends/family about and jot down
one or two of those things
Videos
Videos are also a excellent way for adopters to really get to know the pets. It gives them a peek into the real-time personality of the pet. Please upload videos into the google shared album.
Photos
Good photos help pets get adopted more quickly. We'd love your help in making these pets look great in our marketing efforts.
Here are some tips:
Use natural light (vs. flash) whenever possible. Outdoor shots are often the best.
Overhead sun can cast harsh shadows. Morning/evening sun, indirect light or even an overcast sky is more forgiving.
Sit on the floor or even lie on your belly to shoot photos at or below your pet's eye-level.
If your pet is hard to snap a pic of, have someone help you (they can hold the pet, or get their attention with treats and toys).
The higher the resolution the better. Upload your biggest file size.
Distract pet(s) with good food or kissy sounds (I have had mixed results with this)
or have someone else hold a squeaky toy behind you/over your head to get a good
look
Someone can hold the pet against their torso & you can take a picture (close up, so
your face isn't in the picture)
Multiple pets in a photo are totally fine
The pictures don't have to be perfect, but we know that folks are more interested in
meeting/applying for puppies when they can see a photo or two of them
If you need help with pictures, don't hesitate to reach out to Teeda to arrange a photo
shoot or event a video call to get screenshots for their pics!
Email leadfoster@hdbnqrescue.org to coordinate.
Start a Google Album (or similar) so that you can add all your puppies’ photos and
give the HDBnQ team access. Please add hdbnqrescue@gmail.com and
leadfoster@hdbnqrescue.org
At home, in your neighborhood
Feel free to market your dog yourself by posting them on your Facebook page, nextdoor or by telling friends and family who might be open to adding a pet to their family. Have them apply online and mention you in the comments.