It’s almost September 19th! Are you ready to celebrate Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week? Although that might not sound like a great reason to party it up, all those not-so-perfect pets are counting on you to spread the word far and wide. So, with that in mind, it’s time to sing their praises from the rooftops while letting everyone know about this attention-worthy annual event. Ready to get started? Here’s how you can help.
What is Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week?
When it comes to getting adopted, not all pets get homes as fast as the others. The youngest, flashiest, and best-behaved pets typically fly out the doors first, leaving the rest hoping for a good Samaritan.
As the largest online pet adoption site, Petfinder knows this all too well. After years of watching the same types of dogs, cats, and other pets fail to get adopted, they decided to do something about it – and Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week was born. Now in its 13th year, their event always runs through the third week in September, starting on the 19th for 2022.
During this event, Petfinder promotes less adoptable pets only, helping potential adopters see just why they should bring these animals into their lives. You’re encouraged to participate as well, of course, in any way you see fit. Through that collaboration, it’s possible to get more of these forgotten pets placed in loving homes than ever before.
What Pets Fall in the Less Adoptable Category?
On average, pets stay up for adoption for about 12 weeks before finding a home. Less adoptable pets, on the other hand, wait patiently for 48 weeks or more – if an adopter ever comes. As time ticks on, their prospects grow ever worse, especially if their behaviors backslide while sitting in a shelter.
But what lands these pets in the less-adoptable category anyway? It doesn’t take much, really. Sometimes, they’re the wrong color. All black pets get passed up for their lighter counterparts despite being just as cute. Other times, they’re just plain too big, overly excitable, or just not yet well trained enough to earn a spot on the couch. In some cases, it just comes down to breed discrimination.
Senior pets struggle to find homes, too, due to adopters thinking far too much about the end rather than the joy they’ll gain in the years between. The same goes for disabled pets and those diagnosed with serious illnesses, like FIV+, heartworms, or diabetes. Obese pets also get the short end of the stick.
How You Can Celebrate Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week
If you’re ready to help less-adoptable pets find their perfect homes, it’s time to start creating your plan of action. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Share, Share, and Share Some More
To kick off their Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week, Petfinder rolls out their Featured Pet Module. Using that module, they highlight all the less-adoptable pets on their site one by one.
Each time you refresh the page, a new pet appears on the module, allowing you to click through to their full profile. On that page, you’ll learn all about the pet, plus have an opportunity to add them as your favorite or even sponsor their journey.
The best part? You can share their link directly on Facebook, Instagram, and all your other social media platforms. Want to add the module to your website? You can do that, too.
Change the Narrative About These Pets
Preconceived notions can go a long way toward preventing perfectly cute and loveable pets from getting their dream homes. So, as you share away, do all you can to change the narrative and help people see common less-adoptable pets in a brand new light.
Senior dogs have mellowed out with age, for example, reducing the risk of chewed shoes, surfed counters, and knocked-over garbage cans. Black cats dress up the place beautifully while allowing you to show off your void-kitty to the internet. Pets with behavioral issues give you a goal to work toward together, strengthening your bond from the very start.
Host Your Own Less Adoptable Pets Event
If you really want to go all out in celebrating this annual event, consider hosting your very own adoption event. You’ll need to collaborate with a local rescue (or two!) to find pets that fall in the less-adoptable category.
Fortunately, Petfinder makes that easy to do through their website. Just look for pets in the typically ignored categories, and then reach out to the rescues in charge of their care. After that, you just need a place for everyone to meet up, and then you can get to advertising your big event.
By the end of this journey, you might want to think about adopting a less-adoptable pet of your very own. As long as you have the room, time, and funds, these pets promise to brighten up your life in every way imaginable.
If you do go that route, remember that Jiminy's is here to help with all the quality insect-based foods and treats you need to warmly welcome your new pet home.