This week’s episode addresses the DREADED dog adoption application. Why do we dread it so? Maybe because they can be so long, have some VERY specific questions as well as what may feel like “skill-testing” questions - we all love those, right?!?

Filling out applications is a weak spot for many but it’s also the spot where you have the most potential to improve and this can mean the difference between being considered or discounted. 

So, if you’ve ever filled out a job application or sent in your resume to a company you should know (I’m talking about you Gen Z) that it’s important to sell yourself. You’ve got to make that employer notice your talents and good qualities and you do so through selective wording and offering up pertinent experience. 

Well, the dog adoption application process is not unlike this! Think of your application as your pet ownership resume and the dog rescue as the employer. Despite many applications being mostly multiple choice or short answer, you’ve got to seize the opportunity to highlight your strengths. Any time you can write out an answer, see if it is possible to embellish is with a strength of yours. 

Of course, when I say embellish, I do NOT mean lie! Just as I would never suggest you lie on a job application you do not want to do so on a dog application. The goal is to bring your good qualities to the forefront. There’s so many adjustments you can make to your application to make it stand out in the crowd of applicants. That’s why I created the Dog Adoption Application Survival Kit. It’s an affordable digital download system filled with videos, pdfs and exercises to help you take your application to the next level. This kit is for YOU,  if you feel that applications are tedious and time-consuming and you’re never hearing back from rescues because you are always getting filtered out! Get it HERE today!

So ask yourself, what perks does a dog get when living your lifestyle?

Some strengths could be:

Big backyard

Rural property

Spending a lot of time in nature

Living near trails or water (especially for dogs that enjoy swimming)

Enjoy hiking or exercising with your dog

Work from home (permanently)

Can take your dog to work

Include dog in errands/outtings regularly

Include dog in vacation plans/camping

Own a cottage or frequent a cottage

Work with animals (vet clinic, pet store, grooming etc.)

Work schedule(s) that require dog to be alone for short periods

Plan to have a dog walker or use doggy daycare

Lots of spare time to spend with your dog

Many strengths can alternatively be seen as weaknesses with an incompatible dog. Basically this means that the rescue reads your answer and thinks “This won’t work for this dog.” That's okay though because this process is not about getting a dog as quickly as possible, it's about getting the right dog for you. However,  when your dream dog (aka the dog that is a great fit for you) is up for grabs your strengths will amplify your application!

Today’s episode takeaways seem pretty obvious since we really honed in on a more specific topic this week.

Your application needs to impress!

Brainstorm what makes you a great dog owner or your lifestyle appealing to a dog and write a list.

Highlight your strengths throughout your application, wherever possible and don’t get silly - I’m talking tasteful embellishment.

If you’re not hearing back from rescues, give my Dog Adoption Application Survival Kit a try!

I hope today’s episode drove home how important that first impression is with your dog application and gave you some helpful advice on standing out in the crowd of applicants! Leave me a comment below, if you found this tip helpful.