Pics for Pets

Dosomething.org's new campaign, Pics for Pets, is an issue SAVMA can get behind. Read on for how to get more involved.

Henri is a Pics for Pets featured pet, learn about their stories at pics.dosomething.org/featured 

I. THE ISSUE

Every year, approximately 3-4 million animals are euthanized in shelters - that's 60% of the dogs and 70% of the cats that are taken in.

One reason these pets don't get adopted? Their online photos don't do them justice. There are plenty of great companions in shelters, but their photos are often taken when they first arrive, scared and confused. Pair that with harsh lighting and sterile surroundings and it's tough to compete with the puppy in the store window. 

II. BIG IDEA AND CALL TO ACTION

Dosomething.org is launching a nationwide campaign to increase adoption rates in shelters through young people and their cameras. Elsa is a Pics for Pets featured pet, learn about their stories at pics.dosomething.org/featured There's two ways that young people can take action with us through the campaign. The first level mobilizes young people to visit their local shelters and to take irresistible photos of adoptable pets. They'll upload these photos to our website for everyone to see. Every time someone submits a photo, they will be entered to win a $4,000 scholarship (5 photos is 5 entries, etc.). 

The second level of involvement involves sharing the photos online. Once the photos of adoptable pets on the website, there will be the option to share the photo and the animal with a friend who might adopt them! Once a photo gets 400 shares, dosomething.org will donate needed pet supplies to the shelter.

Dosomething.org would love it if readers of the Vet Gazette could help in either visiting shelters to take photos or take action online through sharing the pets. Last year, 91,000 teens joined the effort, help the campaign and be part of it today.