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Michelle Fournier
The success of a Shelter’s Foster Program is dictated by one simple factor, finding the best foster parents available. From overcoming objections to matchmaking and lifestyle fit, we are sharing some helpful tips designed to recruit and commit the best foster parents for the pets at your shelter. (For more tips make sure to read Part 2)
First steps first, finding capable, committed, enthusiastic pet foster parents. How do we circle the wagons around the most qualified potential pet foster audience? We utilize the best communications platforms available to us:
Social Media
- The best part of social media is that you can attract followers who may not have any affiliation to your shelter (as of yet), but are simply passionate about pets and rescue. Jackpot. By conducting a smart, direct, effective recruiting campaign on your Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and even LinkedIn, you can draw viable pet foster parents from an already engaged audience. Provide links to informative blog posts, an email address for questions, and even host a Q&A webinar for potential fosters.
Email Campaign
- This method is generally a slam dunk. The primary challenge with Foster is educating people on what it takes to be a foster. Create an email funnel with informative content starting at high level of defining what it means to be a foster, offer educational webinars, testimonials and video trainings. Through your email program, become a reliable information resource to your foster network.
Volunteers
- Your inner network is your greatest asset and largest pool of advocates. Invite your volunteers to be constant advocates for your Shelter’s foster program by sharing pets available for foster on social media and through word of mouth. Incentives work as well, set up a program designed to bring in potential Fosters via your volunteer network, offer contests, swag, and shout outs on social media and in newsletters.
Website
- Create a dedicated page on your Shelter’s website for information on how foster works and what the expectations are of a foster parent. As well as testimonials and success stories. Be sure this page is capable of hosting video, and offers a CTA to "Learn More" about becoming a pet foster parent.
For more helpful tips on how to recruit and commit the best foster parents for your shelter, be sure to read Part 2.
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