Recently, there has been an increase in the number of
animals being adopted, and part of that increase is due to humane societies’ social media platforms. A lot of people like pages on Facebook for humane societies near where they live and other animal rescue groups. As a result, these people's news feeds are flooded with adorable pictures of dogs and cats searching for their "fur"ever home.
Throughout the adoption process, people are asked how they found out about the specific dog or cat they are inquiring about, and an answer that is growing in popularity is through social media. The Athens Area Humane Society constantly posts pictures of dogs and cats available for adoption on their Facebook page and Instagram account; thus, whoever is following the Athens Area Humane Society sees the posts and shares them.
I think a large part of the reason social media is helping to increase the number of animals adopted is because of how easy it is for people to share the animals up for adoption with their friends and family. If I share a picture the Athens Area Humane Society posted about a dog up for adoption, the Athens Area Humane Society's reach increases. Now, factor in 15-20 shares. The reach the Athens Area Humane Society and other pages in general have the possibility to achieve is incredible.
Before the Internet, if someone wanted to adopt an animal, he/she had to physically go to the humane society/local shelter/wherever and look at the available pets in person. A lot of the time, he/she may have gone home empty-handed. However, nowadays it's incredibly simple and convenient to look through pets that are available for adoption from the comfort of your own couch. Then, the only thing someone has to do is fill out an application online. Not only does this save a lot of time, it also enables people to share certain animals with friends and family that they otherwise couldn't. For example, I'm currently looking to adopt a dog because I recently raised a guide dog for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and I want to have a dog of my own now. My friends know this; as a result, whenever they see a dog they think I would like on the Athens Area Humane Society's Facebook page or Instagram, they comment with my name so I will see it.
Additionally, through the use of Facebook and Instagram and other social media platforms, I can look for dogs that are up for adoption outside of Georgia, which I would not be able to do unless I visited the shelters in person. I think, at times, social media can have a negative association because of cyber-bullying and the spread of fake news, but, at the same time, it can also be used for good.
If you're like me and are searching for your new best friend, consider looking at fur babies available at the Athens Area Humane Society!
I love this post so much! The digital marketing for humane societies has been a serious game changer in finding homes for these animals that may not get the attention they need otherwise. I've seen certain stories of animals in need of adoption go viral throughout social media, which ultimately results in their quick adoption. Word travels fast when there are adorable animals in need. I helped my friend find a dog to adopt from a shelter just last year through a post on Facebook. Thanks for attaching the link to the Athens Humane Society! I share new animals whenever I get a chance, and I encourage my friends to do the same!
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! I feel like many times people don't realize that non-profits and campaigns need marketing too! It is important to get the word out, and using digital platforms is the quickest way to do that. People have a conscious, and if you figure out how to market to them in the right manner (with cute little animal videos and pictures) then adoptions will continue to grow at an increasing rate!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Hannah! I agree that social media has really done a lot of good for adoption agencies. I follow multiple agencies on Facebook or Instagram and it is a fantastic platform to share cute pictures of animals to try and encourage adoption. I know multiple friends who have shared pictures on Facebook and have actually adopted animals as well after seeing a picture. It also is helpful to push for donations of newspaper or dog food, and also to get foster families for weekends. I think social media has been a great push forward for animal adoption.
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