Network & Share

Why Networking Matters

Here's what happens when you share a shelter dog's photo - and why it matters more than you might think:

Real impact: According to shelter studies, social media networking has become the single most effective tool for increasing adoptions and rescue pulls. Dogs with good photos and wide social media exposure get adopted significantly faster than those without. The data is clear: sharing saves lives. Your thumb is powerful. Your network is valuable. You are part of the rescue ecosystem even if you've never set foot in a shelter.

You are a networker. Maybe you didn't know you could be one. Maybe you thought you had to do "more" to matter. But networking IS more. It's everything. It's the difference between a dog being invisible and being seen. Between time running out and time stopping just long enough for help to arrive.

How to Create Effective Posts

You don't need to be a professional photographer or a copywriter. But a few simple techniques can dramatically increase the chances that your post saves a life. Think of it this way: you're not just posting a photo. You're creating the first impression that could lead to a forever home.

Photos That Get Results

The photo is the most important part of any networking post. A bad photo can make an adorable dog look scary or sad. A good photo can make any dog irresistible. The difference between a dog scrolled past and a dog saved often comes down to lighting, angle, and timing.

• Get down to their level - Eye-level photos are more engaging than shots looking down at the dog. Crouch, sit, or lie down. Meet their gaze.
• Natural light is best - Outdoor photos or near windows look best. Avoid harsh flash that creates red-eye and washes out features.
• Show their personality - A playful dog should look playful. A calm dog should look peaceful. Capture who they actually are.
• Avoid kennel bars - Photos outside the kennel perform significantly better. Even a photo in a hallway beats bars across their face.
• Use props - Bandanas, toys, or human interaction makes dogs more relatable. A person smiling next to a dog signals "this dog is loved."
• Multiple angles - Front face, profile, and full body shots help potential adopters visualize the dog. Show them the whole picture.

Pro tip: If you can only get one good photo, choose a clear face shot with the dog looking at the camera. This creates an emotional connection. Eyes save lives. When someone looks into a dog's eyes through a photo, something shifts. They stop scrolling. They start caring. That's what you're creating.

Writing Compelling Descriptions

A good description helps people connect emotionally with the dog and understand if they might be a good match. You're not just listing facts. You're telling a story. You're creating a character someone can root for. Here's what to include:

• Lead with the hook - Start with something attention-grabbing: "Max has been waiting 6 months..." or "This sweet boy saved himself by crawling into a kind stranger's car..."
• Include basics - Name, approximate age, size/weight, breed (if known), gender. Make it easy for people to know what they're looking at.
• Describe personality - Is the dog playful? Calm? Cuddly? Does well with other dogs? Kids? Paint a picture of life with this dog.
• Be honest - Don't hide important info. A dog who needs a home without cats should say so. Honesty prevents returns and saves everyone heartbreak.
• End with action - Clear next steps: who to contact, what's needed (rescue, foster, adopter). Make it easy to help.

Remember: You're not just describing a dog. You're introducing someone to their potential new family member. Write like you're telling a friend about someone special. Because you are.

Essential Information to Include

Post Templates You Can Use

Copy and customize these templates for different situations. You don't need to reinvent the wheel every time. These proven formats work because they include all the essential information while creating urgency and emotional connection.

Urgent/Time-Sensitive Post

General Adoption Post

Foster Plea

Networking Etiquette & Best Practices

Effective networking is about more than just volume. It's about building trust, respecting communities, and maintaining the relationships that make rescue work. When you network responsibly, you become known as someone people can count on - and that reputation saves more dogs.

✅ DO

• Verify information is current - Check that the dog is still available before sharing
• Credit original sources - Tag the shelter or original networker when sharing
• Update your posts - Add comments or edit when dogs are adopted/rescued
• Share success stories - Celebrate when dogs find homes! It encourages others.
• Be responsive - If someone comments with questions, try to help or direct them
• Follow group rules - Respect posting guidelines in each group you join
• Stay positive - Focus on the dog's potential, not just the urgency

❌ DON'T

• Spam groups - Don't post the same dog to 20 groups in 5 minutes
• Guilt or shame - Avoid aggressive language that makes people feel bad
• Make promises you can't keep - Don't claim "perfect family dog" if you don't know the dog
• Attack others - Don't bash shelters, rescues, or other networkers publicly
• Share without info - A photo without location/contact info is hard to act on
• Leave outdated posts up - Remove or mark as adopted when dogs are no longer available
• Burn out - This work can be emotional. Take breaks when needed.

Getting Started Today

Ready to start networking? You don't need training. You don't need approval. You just need to start. Here's your action plan:

1. Follow your local shelters - Find their Facebook and Instagram pages. LA County, Orange County, San Diego - wherever you are, follow them.
2. Join 2-3 rescue networking groups - Start with regional groups for your area. Observe how others post before jumping in. Learn the rhythm.
3. Share your first dog - Find a dog whose story moves you. Write a thoughtful post using the templates above. Share to your profile and one relevant group. You just became a networker.
4. Follow up - Check back on dogs you've shared. Update posts when they're adopted. Celebrate the wins! This is the fuel that keeps you going.
5. Build your routine - Find a rhythm that works for you. Maybe it's sharing one dog each morning with your coffee. Maybe it's a weekly round-up. Make it sustainable.

Remember: Every share matters. The dog you share today might find their forever home because of you. Your phone is a rescue tool - use it. Your network is valuable - leverage it. Your willingness to care is powerful - trust it.

You are a networker now. You don't need permission. You don't need credentials. You just needed to know that this role exists, that it matters, and that you can do it. Now you know. So go. Share. Save lives.