Advertising Your Stray
Now that your stray has been to the vet and treated for any health issues, it’s time for the limelight! You’ll want to create a flyer and/or online listing to show the kitty off.
What to Include in Your Adoption Ad
Your adoption ad should be clear and concise. Multiple fonts and fancy borders might detract from the star of your ad-the cat! In our experience, nothing is more effective than a couple of high-quality, flattering pictures of your adoptable kitty. Color prints will help, too. Some pertinent things to include:
- A cute, original name to set your stray apart
- Approximate age
- Spay/neuter, FIV/FeLV, and vaccination status
- Any flea or fecal treatments provided
- A quality picture or two really helps!
- Story (where you found it, what kind of life it had before, etc.)
- Likes/dislikes and personality
- Adoption application & fee requirement
- Your contact information
Where to Advertise
You can list your stray in all the typical places: coffee shops, veterinary offices, book shops, and other friendly local stores. Online listings may get as many (or more) views. Websites like Craigslist.org, if used appropriately and cautiously, can also be a great resource. You can also post a free classified on Petfinder.com. However, use these websites with CAUTION. Do not post your stray as “free to a good home.” City Kitties recommends an adoption fee, even if it is as small as $25. Message boards like Freecycle are nice for old couches, but not for living creatures. Make it clear in your advertisement that adopters will be screened and what that process will include. For more information on screening, continue below.
Next: Screening Potential Adopters
