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- Apr 1, 2010
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Make the connection: how to adopt a tortoise from a rescue
The following is an opinion piece based on the knowledge and interactions I’ve had running Northwest Tortoise. I’ve been working with tortoises for 20 years and took Northwest Tortoise to the public to spread the mission of education, rescue and captive breeding three years ago. Recently, Northwest Tortoise has become a 501 (c)3 nonprofit. The opinions are my own.
I receive so many emails that start with ‘I want to adopt a tortoise. Call me.’ Or ‘I have big yard’ or ‘what do you got?’ I see posts on forums that state ‘looking for any kind of tortoise. Had them before. Call me.’ As a rescuer, and the person that determines who is approved to adopt, I can say confidently that this approach does not work.
Tips to interact with a rescue:
1. Research the rescue: do they have a webpage? Facebook? Pamphlet, flyer, etc? Look at it, be familiar with it. There is nothing worse than being contacted through my webpage from a person asking what’s available and the information is posted on the same webpage under a different heading! It shows the potential adopter has no interest in doing the work or investing the time to search a simple website. If they can’t take the time to look at a webpage how will they take care of a tortoise.
2. Follow the instructions: if the rescue has a fill-in form or instructions to start the process, follow them completely. If they ask for pictures of the enclosure, provide them. Fill out everything to the best of your ability. If you have questions or cannot fill out a section state why. Use correct written English to the best of your ability. Text-speak and emoticons are unacceptable in business communications.
3. Give the rescue time to process your application. Most rescues will acknowledge a form was submitted. Don’t pester them with status requests! Remember rescues are busy.
4. Don’t balk at the price of a rescue. If you can’t afford it, you probably can’t afford to keep the tortoise. I experience a public perception that if someone is willing to adopt an animal they should get it for next to nothing or free. I’d like to collectively ask all these people with this view to estimate the costs housing, feeding, paying vet bills, shipping or transporting the animal and how much time I’ve spent and then have them bulk at the price! I guarantee the price of the adoption is cheaper than the resources put forth.
Examples of contacts that will get you a second look:
Hi (start with a greeting),
I noticed on your webpage, FB, chat forum, so-and-so referred me, whatever method, give some context, remember the reader (rescuer) has no idea who you are, MAKE A CONNECTION you have tortoises for adoption.
I am interested in _________________. I’m interested because I currently have, had, or want to have a tortoise. If you state you had a tortoise, provide a brief explanation of why you don’t have them any longer. Remember, the rescue is trying to place the animal for life. Immediately seeing someone ‘had’ one sends up red flags: what happened to it? Regardless if it’s a good or bad story, be honest, even if someone killed their tortoise for whatever reason, they are still potential adopters. Demonstrate the ability to learn from the tragedy.
If you are a new potential owner: I am a new at tortoises but have been reading about them and think I’m ready. I really liked the section of your website with all the books listed acknowledge you read something or liked a picture on the website, FB, chat forum, whatever, make the connection, the information published is a resource provided for the potential adopter: USE IT. I am interested in _____ species.
I have submitted the form and look forward to hearing from you. Additionally, I would like your advice or to ask you a question on __________. Can we talk when it’s convenient for you?
Remember: rescues WANT to adopt their animals to responsible, forever homes. Making contact is your first impression. Do it right. Be courteous, be knowledgeable of the rescue you are contacting, know the species you are looking for ask relevant questions and if you are new to tortoise ownership show your willingness to learn and seek advice.
The following is an opinion piece based on the knowledge and interactions I’ve had running Northwest Tortoise. I’ve been working with tortoises for 20 years and took Northwest Tortoise to the public to spread the mission of education, rescue and captive breeding three years ago. Recently, Northwest Tortoise has become a 501 (c)3 nonprofit. The opinions are my own.
I receive so many emails that start with ‘I want to adopt a tortoise. Call me.’ Or ‘I have big yard’ or ‘what do you got?’ I see posts on forums that state ‘looking for any kind of tortoise. Had them before. Call me.’ As a rescuer, and the person that determines who is approved to adopt, I can say confidently that this approach does not work.
Tips to interact with a rescue:
1. Research the rescue: do they have a webpage? Facebook? Pamphlet, flyer, etc? Look at it, be familiar with it. There is nothing worse than being contacted through my webpage from a person asking what’s available and the information is posted on the same webpage under a different heading! It shows the potential adopter has no interest in doing the work or investing the time to search a simple website. If they can’t take the time to look at a webpage how will they take care of a tortoise.
2. Follow the instructions: if the rescue has a fill-in form or instructions to start the process, follow them completely. If they ask for pictures of the enclosure, provide them. Fill out everything to the best of your ability. If you have questions or cannot fill out a section state why. Use correct written English to the best of your ability. Text-speak and emoticons are unacceptable in business communications.
3. Give the rescue time to process your application. Most rescues will acknowledge a form was submitted. Don’t pester them with status requests! Remember rescues are busy.
4. Don’t balk at the price of a rescue. If you can’t afford it, you probably can’t afford to keep the tortoise. I experience a public perception that if someone is willing to adopt an animal they should get it for next to nothing or free. I’d like to collectively ask all these people with this view to estimate the costs housing, feeding, paying vet bills, shipping or transporting the animal and how much time I’ve spent and then have them bulk at the price! I guarantee the price of the adoption is cheaper than the resources put forth.
Examples of contacts that will get you a second look:
Hi (start with a greeting),
I noticed on your webpage, FB, chat forum, so-and-so referred me, whatever method, give some context, remember the reader (rescuer) has no idea who you are, MAKE A CONNECTION you have tortoises for adoption.
I am interested in _________________. I’m interested because I currently have, had, or want to have a tortoise. If you state you had a tortoise, provide a brief explanation of why you don’t have them any longer. Remember, the rescue is trying to place the animal for life. Immediately seeing someone ‘had’ one sends up red flags: what happened to it? Regardless if it’s a good or bad story, be honest, even if someone killed their tortoise for whatever reason, they are still potential adopters. Demonstrate the ability to learn from the tragedy.
If you are a new potential owner: I am a new at tortoises but have been reading about them and think I’m ready. I really liked the section of your website with all the books listed acknowledge you read something or liked a picture on the website, FB, chat forum, whatever, make the connection, the information published is a resource provided for the potential adopter: USE IT. I am interested in _____ species.
I have submitted the form and look forward to hearing from you. Additionally, I would like your advice or to ask you a question on __________. Can we talk when it’s convenient for you?
Remember: rescues WANT to adopt their animals to responsible, forever homes. Making contact is your first impression. Do it right. Be courteous, be knowledgeable of the rescue you are contacting, know the species you are looking for ask relevant questions and if you are new to tortoise ownership show your willingness to learn and seek advice.
