Best Friends Animal Society’s Post

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Tamsen Kingry, CEO of the Richmond SPCA, remembers the exact moment she questioned everything she thought she knew about who makes a good adopter. It was during a staff training session about open adoptions. "I will never forget that the facilitator asked the room to stand up, then she proceeded to ask us a series of questions: ✅ 'If you've ever lived in an apartment where you weren't permitted to have a pet, but you did, sit down.' ✅ 'If you've ever had a pet who had not been kept up to date on vaccinations, sit down.' The facilitator needed to ask three questions before the entire room was seated, and of course these were animal welfare professionals, and there wasn't a single one of us that were still standing. It was at that precise moment that we all looked at each other and said, 'If we would not adopt to ourselves, then who is it that we think we're adopting to?'" Need to take a look at what barriers you might have in the way of potential adopters saving lives? Check out this Client Service & Barrier-Free Adoptions training module: https://lnkd.in/e8vCnbqM

  • Tamsen Kingry, CEO of the Richmond SPCA, adopts a dog
Lynda Lewis, MA

Marketing Executive l Salesforce Administrator l Pardot Specialist

1mo

Had an experience with this. I tried to rescue a golden retriever after mine had died. I had two other living rescues at the time. Had never given up a pet before for any reason. The Rescue would not let me adopt because my youngest (I had three babies and never gave up a pet) daughter was 5 years old, not over 6 as required by their rules. They felt people with kids under 6 would give their pets up! I went to the shelter and adopted!

Berautiful puppies and friends!

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Heather (Bialy) Powell

VP of Human Resources at PA Adult & Teen Challenge

1mo

I got turned down by 2 rescues to adopt pitties, because my indoor only cats were not UTD on vaccines. I explained they didn't go outside and I didn't believe in unnecessary vaccination. I could show that they saw the vet for any health issues also. On top of that I used to run an animal shelter and was the HSUS Shelter Services Director for 2 years. I still got turned down.

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Stephanie Colb

Certified Digital Marketing & Social Media Manager

1mo

I loved working at the Richmond SPCA as an Adoption Counselor…it was my favorite job and the best job I’ve ever had. It also helped me confirm my passion in life. I hope I’m able to pursue that passion and work in the animal welfare industry again one day soon! Thanks for doing what you do, Richmond SPCA Best Friends Animal Society Tamsen Kingry !

Karen Sanders

Writer | Visual Storyteller | Animal Welfare Advocate

1mo

Absolutely true and what a great story to get that point across!

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