How does your shelter advertise/market their animals successfully?

[Annie]

Mine doesn't, and it is frustrating.

They try, but the management is far from creative. Photos in the newspapers, that's about it.

They don't open holidays, sundays, and are only open evenings one day per week. They miss so many, many possible homes by not making it easy to come by.

They don't post a "bio" on the kennel.

They don't let you take a dog out and walk or play with him. Who in their right mind would adopt a dog by only touching a nose through chain link?

Dogs are not evaluated in any way -- its simply take your chances. But if a dog is returned -- for any reason -- they are put down.

The kicker is they have plenty of volunteers who would love to do things, but stand around helping with administrative paperwork. These volunteers could be put to good use marketing the dogs, taking photos, writing up bios, getting to know the dogs, doing basic training, doing simple grooming. But no, they stand around in the front office. Not by choice I'm sure.

It's in the dark ages. And they wonder why they kill a high percentage of dogs surrendered....