Adopt-A-Dog Month®

Super Tips for Promoting
Adopt-A-Dog Month

Celebrate American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month® at your organization and in your community with these marketing and public relations tips:

Spread the word -- Download the customizable Adopt-A-Dog Month press release in American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month Shelter Kit to publicize your Adopt-A-Dog Month activities. Fill in your information and send it to local newspapers, TV stations and radio stations. Also, use the public service announcements to produce short radio spots, or ask your local radio station personalities to read the spots “live.”

Take it to the streets -- Set up a mobile adoption booth at fall festivals and community events or on a Saturday in a high-traffic area.

Release the competitive spirit -- Hold a community photo or coloring contest depicting all the great ways dogs enrich lives. Post the winners at your shelter and on your shelter’s website. Or collaborate with teachers, scout troops or youth group leaders to host an essay or short story contest. Arrange a public reading of the winning entries or publish them in a special anthology.

Give it away -- Ask for donations of collars, tags, treats or toys from local shops and give them away with every dog adoption during October. Or ask local veterinarians to donate vouchers for free exams or spay and neuter procedures.

Educate, educate, educate -- Host bite prevention, obedience and other trainings at your shelter or arrange to teach school programs.

Make it official -- Ask an elected official such as your mayor or city council representative to issue a proclamation explaining the importance of dog adoption in your community. Set the date and invite the media!

Use your resources -- Browse American Humane’s store for resources to help new adopters during October and year-round. As an American Humane member, you’ll save 15 percent on the brochure Humane Solutions to Common Pet Problems and Care of Dogs and the booklet Guide to Humane Dog Training. Not a member? Join today.