Positive Pet Power

A fun way to bring homeless animals to the public--and ultimately--into new homes

By Beth Bates

Let's face it--animal shelters are sad. A lot of folks avoid shelters because they stir up emotions about the animals that are housed there. Emotions like sadness and guilt. You think about how many dogs there are in need--in their cages--and you can't bring them all home. We've brought home two shelter dogs and although we love our dogs dearly, the experience was draining. I could only adopt one--and I wanted them all.

Best Friends Animal Society has brought a new option for pet adoption to shelters and rescue organizations--the super pet adoption event. And no, the dogs don't exhibit super-human powers. This fantastic organization has perfected the plan to bring hundreds of animals to the public in a fun-filled, positive environment.

The concept of the super pet adoption is this: get a whole bunch of rescue groups and shelters with their animals in a large public place--invite the public--then find these animals new forever homes. By bringing dogs out of shelters and to the public, they've found that it's much easier for families to meet many dogs, choose the best dog for their household, and adopt in a fun-filled, positive, low-stress atmosphere. And it works! 

Every year, GoodDogz.org hosts two super pet adoption events--one in the spring and one in the fall. We just wrapped up our spring event on May 3rd called the Reston Pet Fiesta. Due to the timing, we link the event to Cinco de Mayo and hold it at a large, outdoor shopping plaza. Along with 30+ rescue organizations, we invite retail pet vendors, face painters, caricature artists and a guy that makes animals out of balloons. We feature entertainment on the main stage consisting of musical acts, a rescue doggie fashion show and pet contests. Each year the event grows and we estimate that this year we had about 10,000 attendees. And each year we estimate that 75-100 dogs find a new home by the end of the day. The event is also a fundraiser supported by the Tails on Trails dog walk, which always draws 100+ walkers and their four-legged friends. This year the event raised about $12,000.

Best Friends provides an online guide on how to organize your own super pet adoption event in your community. It's very comprehensive and easy-to-use. We used it as a basis for our events. 

If you love animals and want to start a super adoption event it your community, please let me know. I'd love to share what we've learned and support your efforts. Its fun, worthwhile and a great way to bring your community together to help homeless animals.

And if you're in the Washington DC area, I'd love to meet you at our next event--Home 4 the Holidays--on November 1, 2008 at the Reston Town Center!