Since 1997 when the first of social media has begun, it has only grown in leaps and bonds. It’s just like that lovable little puppy running in the field and in the blink of an eye they become a big boisterous dog. Just like that little puppy, social media has become one of the biggest tools for reaching out to animal shelters and rescue agencies alike.
In this technological day-and-age it is important to embrace the times and the changes that come with it. Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society’s (AARCS) realizes that everything is on computers and the internet these days. Social media is big and it comes with many benefits that helps AARCS to spread the message of the mission. These benefits are:
Saves More Lives: Thanks to the efficiency and speed of internet communications, the support from the public have increased due to postings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram platforms. To get more support you have to reach more people. What better way to do that than social media? On AARCS’ Facebook page alone, we find that we get about 5,000 more followers a year.
Consistently Growing: Every year, the use of social media grows larger and, in this year alone it is up by 70%. This means that general awareness for pet adoption and rescue is increasing in huge amounts (86% to be exact). This leads to animal adoption being up thanks to this awareness. Animal adoption is up by 66% and 55% of that is for harder to place animals such as seniors and medical-issue pets. Our YouTube channel had nearly 100,000 views in 2021 which grows little by little each month.
Better Education: Education is essential when it comes to having a pet. Certain animals need specific care. Before social media, this kind of knowledge wasn’t as easy to come by. Now we have training videos, pet manuals, and online chats to help us learn more about pets and their care. When people have a better access to knowledge the more likely pets will be adopted.
Keeping Informed: “Knowledge and wisdom is power.” This is a quote that has stuck with me ever since I have heard it. Social media keeps us up-to-date on any and all changes that happens whether it is with applications, conditions of the animals, and what goes on in the shelters. Public knowledge becomes more accessible and quickly thanks to social media. Things like our occasional cash lotteries or 50/50 bonus is a good thing to keep informed with.
Finding a Match: Applications for pets and their owners have become simpler to find based on animal profiles, pictures, and even some fun quizzes that many sites offer. It is important to make sure that you are ready to adopt and if a certain animal is meant for you. This does tie in with better education and keeping informed but you have to search your heart and use your head too. Is this a responsibility that you are ready to take? Contacting us will help you answer that question.
Creating Events: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Is one of the easiest and best ways to find out what kind of events are going to go on in a shelter. Whether it is a fundraising party, shelter tour, or a viewing, it’s good to keep posted and spreading the word. These parties are pretty fun and everything from them goes straight to helping out those sweet homeless animals. Our Twitter account is full of events and news. The best way to keep on top of things is to tweet about it. And we like to tweet regularly, so stay tuned.
Inexpensive…Mostly: When starting a profile for a business on any platform, that comes for free. You can post anything and everything that you would want the world to know. It’s a great way to connect with other people and businesses. The only thing that will start to be costly is if you boost the post. One is not so bad but when you add more to that one post boost, it does add up. That’s another reason why we appreciate any donations that we can get from the public.
As you can see, there are so many reasons why AARCS and several other shelters use social media. The only downfall of it is that it is addicting especially when you are admiring those uber cute animal pictures and videos. That said, it is still an amazing cause. These earthly sweethearts need a home so gaze on our Instagram or any of our other platforms and get social! We want to hear from you.
Erika Ravnsborg
Blog and Website Content Creator
Got ideas for our next blog? Email me at [email protected]!