Are you ready to target new adopters instead of the same crowd? Try these three tips!

Do you ever feel like you're asking the same people for support all the time? Do you have pets who you just haven't been able to place, despite repeated promotions? Here are some easy tips:

1. Hold events at unexpected places. Have you ever seen a pet adoption event at the local nursery right at spring planting time? How about a school or community center? Brainstorm locations in your community where people aren't used to seeing pets available for adoption. You'll have the element of surprise, and both your organization and the venue will benefit from increased traffic and mutual promotion.

2. Use non-pet-related social media tags and categories. Even if you are new to a social media platform like Tumblr, Instagram or Pinterest, you can still get connected with hundreds of thousands of potential adopters by using tags and categories where active conversations are currently taking place. Find out how to do it here.

3. Get beyond your current supporters with a direct request for help in finding new adopters. Sure, your current supporters already know about that special pet you're trying to find a home for. Instead of hoping they'll adopt, or that they'll think of forwarding or sharing your adoption plea on their own, ask them. Use a subject line like, "Do you have 60 seconds to find a home for Susie?" In the body of the email, tell them a little about the pet, then ask them to take 30 seconds to think about all their friends, family members, colleagues and acquaintances who might really love a pet like her — then forward the email to them!

All these tips work for fundraising and volunteer recruitment, too!