Anyone who really knows me knows I am a huge animal lover. All of my pets, like Dolly (above) and Brownie, Pogo and Mojo (from left to right below) are rescued as are any I will get in the future. They were all abandoned by someone else but have found a happy home living with me, my husband and our tabby cat Darby who is too shy to have her picture made.
Anyway, February is National Spay and Neuter Month. If you are an animal lover like me, why not join forces with a local or chain pet store or boutique for a fun indoor or outdoor event to raise money for the Humane Society or your local animal shelter. You can team up to offer dog washes or pet massages at the pet-related business while pet owners receive makeovers or chair massages. The services you offer can be free in exchange for a donation for the charity of choice or you can charge regular prices but donate part or all of the proceeds to the pet-friendly cause you select.
Do what you can to involve other pet-oriented businesses such as local vets, groomers, pet photographers, kennels and others. Give them a sponsorship status in exchange for free offers or certificates for clients that attend…and permission to market the event in their businesses and to their client lists.
At the event, have gift bags ready with treats for Kitty or Fido, offers and coupons from your sponsors, bandanas for all the clean pets…and a paw shaped coupon for all the owners to try your spa out on their own. Who knows, you may even end up adding pet spa and massage products to your own retail offerings to keep those fur ball fanatics coming in your door. Woof!
How to get started: Talk to your clients and staff to see what pet-stores, vets or groomers they frequent. Once you get your list and narrow it down to a few targeted partners and sponsors, set up a meeting or phone call to discuss the “paw-motion.” I'd love to hear how it turns out and to see pictures of your events!
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