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Contributed by:
No More Homeless Pets in Utah
324 S. 400 W., Suite C
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
http://www.utahpets.org/
In an effort to reach out to a specific area in need of spay/neuter
surgeries, the Big Fix mobile van will visit a target area and offer a
$9.99 blitz event for a day. They have found that people respond to the
discounts, especially at $9.99 rather than $10.00. It sounds small but
it makes a difference! They set their mobile clinic up in a location
that also has a stationary surgery clinic, allowing them to maximize
their efforts. These promotions have produced spectacular numbers
fixing between 125 and 160 cats each day! They often target a certain
city or neighborhood and advertise it as a special "one day only $9.99
special for Salt Lake City residents". Offering the special for a
limited time creates a sense of urgency for people to call immediately
to book an appointment.
What You'll Need
- A solid plan think in advance about how you'll choose a
neighborhood for your event, the location you'll use, what your
staffing needs will be, and how you'll successfully market the
promotion
- Four or five volunteers for intake and discharge
- Two veterinarians (one for females and one for males) and four vet techs to assist them
- Organization is critical labels for cats and carriers are vital
- A mobile unit working in conjunction with a fixed clinic is best
- Creative juices for promotion! NMHP Utah has also done fun
"Beat the Heat" promotions targeting females and "wild without child"
feral promotions.
What You'll Do
- Set the number of surgeries you can complete and stick to it. NMHP
Utah does not put a cap on males, but all females are pre-scheduled and
pre-paid.
- Develop your marketing/PR plan.
- Set your price and keep it consistent.
What You'll Want to Know
- NMHP in Utah does not do any cryptorchid males (where they have to
open up the male as they would a female surgery which takes longer),
because they are not using gas during these blitzes.
- Expect long lines. It's important to determine in advance
how many surgeries you will do and whether or not you plan to limit the
number.
- It's a good idea to survey participants to find out how best to advertise in the future.
- It's recommended that feral cats not participate because they
are more difficult and will prevent you from completing as many
surgeries.
- You can count on a lot of "word of mouth" advertising people will begin to look forward to your Super Cat Fix.
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