What is Social PETworking Month? 3 Ways To Make An Impact

You're just a tap away from helping a pet find their forever home.

These days, more and more pet parents are finding love at first click. Social media has had an incredibly powerful impact for pets in need, especially those shared via adoption listings in search of a forever family.
Even so, there are still thousands of adoptable pets waiting for the internet to work its magic. That's why June marks Social PETworking Month, an open invitation to pet lovers to use social media to spread the word about dogs and cats in need.
Here are three impactful ways you can help animals with a quick “Like” or “Share.”

1. Help Adoptable Pets Find Homes

Do you follow local animal shelters, humane societies, and rescues in your area? These organizations all rely on volunteers and staff with limited resources to promote adoptable pets.

Some organizations use their social media to spotlight adoptable pets. You can like, share, and comment on their posts to help boost their reach. Not only will your friends and connections see more pets in their feed, increased engagement can help those posts reach more people overall.

Not all pets at an organization get a chance to be featured on social media. You can help even more pets by browsing local listings on the ASPCA Adoption Directory, AdoptAPet, or PetFinder and sharing adoptable pet profiles with your followers.

When you find an interesting pet adoption listing, share it with your friends and comment on what makes them so special - like how a female orange tabby is a rare anomaly, how a funny name made you laugh, or why a dog's touching rescue story deserves. more recognition.

2. Spread the Word About Pet Rescue Fundraisers

Many shelters and rescues set up fun events like dinners, fashion shows, photos with Santa, flea markets, 5ks runs, and more to raise money to take care of pets in need. Using social media is a great way to sell tickets, and with your help, they can reach even more pet lovers.

What's more, many of these events can always use extra volunteers to help out. If you have time to lend a hand, fundraisers can be great opportunities to do some real, in-person petworking.

Another type of fundraiser to look out for: crowdfunding for pet causes. These online fundraisers are usually created to benefit a specific pet, especially those with medical needs, but they can also be used on an ongoing basis to fund the organization, or used to repair damages after storms and other natural disasters. Share and donate what you can - even small donations can inspire others to contribute.

3. Share Your Local Shelter's Wish List

Your local shelter or rescue most likely has an online wishlist that you can shop from. In just a few clicks, you can have much needed supplies sent directly to the organization. Share your shelter's wishlist to inspire your friends to help out too - because who doesn't love an excuse to do a little online retail therapy?

You can also see if your shelter has posted a list of needed supplies that many people have on hand. Most shelters can always use old, clean towels and blankets, cleaning supplies, buckets, medical pads, ziploc bags, containers, and other household staples. Clean, gently used pet supplies are usually welcome too, especially extra leashes, collars, toys, and unopened food and treats.

Does Social Media Really Help Pets?

According to research from the ASPCA, over 85% of shelters and animal rescue organizations have seen a rise in awareness and adoptions by using social media.

While you might not have any connections who are ready to adopt or donate, and not every post will go viral, your ongoing support is still impactful. And with every like or share, those interactions really make a difference both for pets and those who love them.

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.