Funniest Pets
Contributed by: Victoria Sitar, CAM, ARM. Victoria shares the following great idea for pet friendly communities who have a problem with unauthorized pets. She writes:
“Do you have a problem with unauthorized pets on your property? Do you want to earn additional revenue in pet deposits/fees, and have your residents love you at the same time? If so, I have the answer. It’s a program called Funniest Pet Picture of the Month! Note: Post these photos on your Facebook page!
I was managing a 360 unit apartment community that accepted pets up to 20 pounds at fully-grown. The pet deposit was $250 with $100 non-refundable. We conducted an inspection to identify all the unauthorized pets (we did this during our preventative maintenance inspections.) The results were overwhelming. First, we tried calling them. Then, we sent the unauthorized pet notice. We followed up with them again and again with calls, cards, and notices. We were unsuccessful at collecting any pet deposits until I came up with this great program called Funniest Pet Picture of the Month.
Here’s how it works: Invite all your residents that have a pet to submit a picture of their lovable pet in their funniest moment. The picture is entered into a drawing to be judged at the end of the month. The drawing is to be held once a month. The entry fee is no charge if the pet deposit is paid. If the pet deposit is not paid, they must pay a nominal entry fee (this fee goes toward their pet deposit, even if they don’t win) – I suggest $25-50.
A prize is awarded to the funniest pet picture. The prize is a $25-50 gift certificate to the pet store of their pet’s choice! Or, they can apply the winning funds to their unpaid pet deposit. The winner also gets announced in the monthly newsletter with a bio on the pet. The bio needs to be written as if it is the pet talking, to make it more fun. Set up a display board in the leasing office with all the pet pictures and make it a nice border display for the winner each month.
Residents absolutely love this program, and you will collect lots of pet deposits. This program really helped us in our unauthorized pet situation. It also made the residents realize that we are pet friendly. Some of the pictures you get will be so hilarious that they will brighten your day. Good luck, and have fun with this program!”
Victoria also sent in a sample letter to be used in introducing the program to your residents. The letter can be printed in your newsletter or posted on bulletin boards. It reads:
Dear Valued Residents:
Hey, all you wonderful pet owners! Here’s your chance or your pet to become a star! We are starting a new program called the “Funniest Pet Picture of the Month.” We are asking you to submit a picture of your lovable pet in their funniest moment. Each month, we will judge the pictures and award the funniest pet a $25 gift certificate to the pet shore of their choice. There is no entry fee if your pet deposit is paid in full. If your pet deposit ahs not been paid in full, there is a nominal entry fee. Please contact the office for entry fee details. Your pet’s picture will be displayed in the leasing office for everyone to see. The funniest pt will be announced in the monthly newsletter with a biography of the pet. We accept pictures of birds and fish too!
We see your pets peeking out windows and we bet they aren’t camera shy either. So get out those cameras and let’s have some fun!
Good luck to everyone!
Best Regards,
Your Pet-Friendly Management Team
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[...] The Answer for Unauthorized Pets? “Do you have a problem with unauthorized pets on your property? Do you want to earn additional revenue in pet deposits/fees, and have your residents love you at the same time? If so, I have the answer. It’s a program called Funniest Pet Picture of the Month! Note: Post these photos on your Facebook page! Residents absolutely love this program, and you will collect lots of pet deposits… ” Read More [...]