my name is cici… although some people call me the polka dot princess. Am a sweetheart with spots who gives lots of kisses and cuddles, loves to show off my belly to humans and canines, alike. . love to run and play with other dogs and enjoyed meeting some farm animals. Am not a big fan of cats, skateboards or baths. My favorite treats are pizza, cheese, turkey jerky and bones. Am very gentle with children and people in wheelchairs. Am always on board for new adventures, traveling by car or long walks, swimming, surfing or hanging out with motorcyclists! If your family wants a best friend to join in on the fun, from strolling the mall to pet friendly wineries, you might be the perfect match for sweet, goofy Cici!
If I were writing about my sweetness to get her adopted from a shelter, I might write her bio like the one above.
Doesn’t this dog look like my girl Cici???
What catches a potential adopter’s eye as they search for a new pet online? Fabulous photos and the bios that go along with them! A well written bio, complete with details that are specific to that individual dog, sends a message to the public that your organization knows your dogs and can help them find the right match for their family.
Always remember that looking for a pet is a family project for many households. Keep the information you share kid-friendly by skipping scary and graphic details at this stage of the game. Instead focus on each dog’s individual pet qualities and help readers envision the dogs as part of their families. To help make this important task easier for busy shelter staff and volunteers, we’ve got two different fill-in-the-blank formulas that you can use for your bios!
LOVE __________ (ex: some dogs, walks, people)
I HAVE __________ (ex: a gentle disposition, a snoring problem)
I GET ALONG WITH __________ (ex: people but I am selective about my dog friends)
I WOULD RATHER NOT __________ (ex: ever be in the shelter again, as I am struggling here)
I NEED __________ (ex: attention, some basic obedience training, a warm bed to sleep in)
Want more tips for writing bios and another formula to get you going? Check out our website: http://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/pages/Writing-Bios
example:
I’m Ducky. I love people; especially ones that give me massages, peanut butter, and let me snooze in the sun. I have a favorite spot, right behind my ears, that I like to get rubbed. When that happens, I make a funny sound, because it feels so good! I get along with the dogs and people I have met here, including respectful children of all ages. I would rather not spend my time jogging or wrestling with energetic dogs since I’m a really mellow guy. I need a house full of soft beds, people who like snuggles, and yummy treats!
Here’s one more option:
MEET __________ (name).
HE/SHE IS __________ (what are the best things about this dog? ex: a friend to everyone, an amazing athlete)
A PERFECT DAY FOR (NAME) INCLUDES __________ (ex: playing ball with you, learning a new trick, sleeping at your feet)
(NAME) PREFERS NOT TO __________ (ex: be left home alone all day, share his home with other pets)
IF YOUR FAMILY __________ (ex: loves the outdoors, enjoys quiet time, wants a travel buddy)
THEN YOU MIGHT BE THE PERFECT MATCH FOR __________.
Example:
Meet Cindy Lou! She is a ball-catching superstar who loves sports and spending time with friends of all ages, especially if they like to teach her new games. A perfect day for smart Cindy Lou includes going for a jog or playing ball, stopping by a training class, then snuggling up for a nap on your lap. Cindy Lou prefers not share her home with other dogs, but has lived with cats in the past. If your family loves going on adventures and wants a best friend to join in on the fun, from hiking to drive-in movies to Frisbee tournaments, you might be the perfect match for sweet, silly Cindy Lou!
Formulas are helpful, but not necessary as long as you remember to include important information AND help potential adopters envision the dog as part of their families.
Here’s an example of a freestyle bio:
Peaches and Cream: This 2 year old spunky, good time girl is looking for a family that loves to have fun! Peaches is intelligent, focused, and enjoys her training sessions here because she learns new tricks quickly. She’s quite the smarty pants and loves to show off her new skills for an audience of friends! Plus, her fun-loving play style has made Peaches popular in the play yard with other dogs. She may love other dogs, but this sweetheart really enjoys the company of people too! Her favorite activities include car rides and long walks (she’s already mastered loose-leash walking). But at the end of the day, Peaches loves nothing more than cuddling with the people that love her. Want to make Peaches a part of your family? Fill out an application!
Instead of saying “Scooter is a nice boy who loves people,” say “Scooter knows how to work a crowd! At a recent adoption event, he showed off his training by sitting and giving highfives to everyone he met!”
Adopt a pet at your local shelter….
Is your local shelter no kill? If not, why not? Help the No Kill Revolution…
visit nokill.org