Reduced adoption fees, special cat events and humor

We all know it’s easy to find a free cat on Craigslist, in the classifieds or even just by asking enough people.

In order to compete with this, animal shelters must also look for ways to offer free cat adoptions.

The cats don’t have to be free all the time, but offering reduced adoption fees every now and then can go a long way as far as attracting potential adopters.

It’s not enough to just sit back and hope more people will visit the shelter – they won’t. Not unless there’s a reason to visit, such as a fun community event or a special adoption event.

People generally don’t want to visit shelters because they view them as depressing and unwelcoming. Plus, it’s cheaper and easier to get a cat somewhere else.

Shelters need to work hard to attract adopters, and the following are some excellent ideas various shelters are already using. These would be very easy for any shelter or rescue group to replicate.

10 ways shelters are promoting cat adoptions

1. Austin Pets Alive’s “Single and Loving It”
$14 adoptions on cats that would do best as the only pet in the house. A creative way to bring more attention to these more “challenging” cats.

2. SPCA of Wake County’s “Almost Home”
(also see very top photo) Free adoptions on long-term cats that have been at the shelter a bit longer than some of the others.

3. Nevada Humane Society’s “Super Pets”
Reduced fees on all adult dogs ($18) and adult cats ($3) just in time for the Super Bowl.

4. Nevada Humane Society’s “Furry Speed Dating”
Obviously a fun way to attract new people to the shelter. And holding the event on Valentine’s Day will encourage couples to visit the shelter together.

5. The Cat Adoption Team’s “Catzilla versus Diva”
Adopters can pay whatever they choose to adopt one of the more “feisty” cats.

6. Nevada Humane Society’s “Great Orange Cat Rescue”
This was a promo from a few years ago when the shelter took in several orange cats from an alleged hoarding situation.

7. Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s “Better with a Buddy” program
An ongoing special to encourage people to adopt two cats. The second cat is always $25 off.

8. Norfolk Animal Care Center’s “Black Fur-iday”
Half off adoption fees on black and mostly black animals.

9. Montgomery County Animal Shelter’s “2-for-1 Kittens”
This shelter also offers $25 adoptions on long-term cats as well as free adoptions through its “seniors for seniors” program. Adopters 55 years and older can adopt a senior animal at no cost.

10. Houston SPCA – $5 cat adoptions
Just a simple way to attract new adopters.

What are some ways your local shelter is promoting cat adoptions?