New and Improved Adoption Registration!
Muddy Paws Pack - we've heard you. Our adoption process has been giving y'all the 'waiting woes', so...we've overhauled it. Say hello to our new registration process!
WHY THE CHANGE?
You know us, we are always looking for ways to improve our processes, and if we see an opportunity to make something better, we're going to take it. We recognized that the ‘old way’ of doing things just wasn’t working up to our standards, and we never want to be the organization that sticks to things just because it’s ‘the way we’ve always done it.’
The previous application process was creating a bottleneck - potential adopters were applying at a rate that our trained volunteers just couldn’t keep up with, creating a wait time of 3+ weeks and a lot of frustrated folks. This new registration process will be quicker, more efficient, comprehensive, and accessible. This means a greater capacity for lifesaving.
While brainstorming ways to improve the application process, we had a lightbulb moment. The terminology that we took for granted - “application” - was part of the problem. The reality is that language matters. At Muddy Paws Rescue, we've made a commitment to keeping Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion top of mind, and a significant part of that is a commitment to using inclusive language. By asking potential adopters to "register" to adopt rather than "apply," we remove the unspoken implication that we are the gatekeepers of our animals, and instead show that we are advocates for both the animals and for the humans looking to add a pet to their family.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME, AS A POTENTIAL ADOPTER?
With our new process, we estimate that you can complete your registration - from start to finish - in under a week! You’ll start with a short and informal registration form, and once we’ve collected vet records for any current dogs in the home, we’ll ask you to tell us a bit more utilizing our user-friendly, conversational Matchmaking Details form. (This used to be where that long wait occurred to snag an open spot for a call with our volunteers.) Now, we’ll let you tell us in your own words what you’re looking for in a dog and what life might be like for the dog you adopt. And the best part? This can all be done on your own time.
BRINGING IT ALL BACK TO OUR GOALS
To us, this new process is even more aligned with our strategic goals than it was before. It is innovative in its use of technology, keeping it conversational while removing a major bottleneck. It promotes community and shows you, our adopters, that we trust you to know yourself and what you’re looking for, rather than "interpreting" this for you through one of our volunteers. We will continue to use our training and experience to help guide you through the process, educating by providing dynamic, bookmarkable resources along the way and explaining the why of our process to you directly.
Ultimately, this new process will result in even more lifesaving, and bring us closer to achieving our ultimate mission of building and supporting a thriving community of dog-loving humans!
