Saving Snouts with Screens: How AI Can Redefine Animal Rescue

See the above graphic? Thanks to AI, you don't need Photoshop skills. This was done in Canva with a handful of clicks. Let's talk about saving lives and how AI can help.

The world has opened back up since COVID, yet homeless pet adoptions are down, which means our future best friends are getting their lives cut short too early. I decided to write this because I'm an AI nerd and proud of it. Y'all love my AI content, and this needs to be urgently addressed. Lives are at stake.

Please share this information with rescues you know, or better yet, help us turn this around by fostering, volunteering (using these tips), or choosing to save a life, be a hero, and create more happy endings. I love a happy ending.

Animal welfare isn't just a cause close to my heart; it's a passion. As the former conference/program manager for the American Pets Alive conference, I wasn't just crunching numbers to turn our losses into a sustainable model. I was on a mission to expand our reach, to share crucial life-saving knowledge with those on the front lines, and to ensure more homeless pets found their forever homes. This work, while fulfilling, was also a heavy lift. So, when I returned to the tech world, with its promise of a better work-life balance and a decent paycheck, it felt like a breath of fresh air.

Yet, here I am, thinking about how I can help by marrying my tech expertise with my continued love for animal welfare. The potential of AI in this space is huge, but having been out of the loop for a bit, I'm playing catch-up. I'm keen to explore what AI can do now—or shortly—for animal welfare, especially in areas like data and operations management.

Here's the scoop on where AI could make a real difference:

• Data Management Wizardry: Imagine a world where AI handles mundane data entry, from medical records to adoption histories. Tools could scan and input data from documents directly into databases, minimizing human error and saving precious time. Furthermore, AI can then analyze the data for you and make recommendations. I don't have any data since I've been out of the industry for a long time. I'm not against taking someone's data, running it, and seeing what insights we can derive to try and save more lives.
• Spot the Pup: AI's ability to recognize and distinguish between animals through image recognition could revolutionize tracking and managing animal databases. This technology can simplify their identification process. GPT here. (Chat-GPT Plus required: $20 per month.) Here is an example:

• Health Watchdogs: AI can help predict and prevent animal health issues by analyzing health data and ensuring animals receive timely care. This proactive approach could help contain potential contagions.
• Scheduling Made Simple: AI can automate scheduling necessary animal appointments, from veterinary checks to grooming sessions, making life easier for fosters and shelters alike. For example, using Zapier automation, milestones can be assigned and tracked, follow-up emails can be sent to fosters, and tasks can be created in project tracking applications or spreadsheets like Google Sheets. (I know y'all love Google, whom, BTW, is leading the way in AI along with OpenAI), so this allows you to be at the forefront of AI rather than behind.) Here is a high-level TikTok to give you an idea of what I mean: Zapier (@zapier) Official | TikTok
• Trend Spotting in Adoptions: AI's knack for identifying patterns could help predict adoption trends, aiding shelters in resource planning and fostering outreach strategies. Does price matter? What about certain events? I asked Chat who to target in ATX, and here's what it came up with below. I could then ask where I can hold adoption events to target each of these segments in ATX with high foot traffic. Or how to reach those target audiences.

Young Professionals

Austin's booming tech scene and vibrant culture make it a magnet for young professionals. They're often looking for companionship but may also appreciate the flexibility a dog can offer in their busy lives. Think of those who enjoy taking a break from the screen to stretch their legs and wouldn't mind a furry friend joining them.

Families

Neighborhoods like Mueller and areas with access to parks and community spaces are teeming with families. These households can offer a stable and loving home, often looking for a pet to grow up with their children, teaching them responsibility and providing comfort and joy.

Active and Outdoor Types

Austin's many outdoor activities, from hiking and biking around Lady Bird Lake to exploring Zilker Park, attract those with an active lifestyle. Dogs needing plenty of exercise would thrive with adopters who are looking for a buddy to join them on their adventures.

Creative and Cultural Enthusiasts

Artists, musicians, and creatives flock to Austin for its rich cultural scene. Those who appreciate the city's eclectic vibe might be looking for a dog that mirrors their unique spirit. A laid-back dog that enjoys music in the park? Perfect.

Retirees and Empty Nesters

Don't overlook the potential for retirees and empty nesters to provide loving homes. Often, they have the time and attention to dedicate to a pet, looking for a companion to share their days with.

Students and Academics

With a vast educational community in Austin, students and academics might be looking for a stress-relieving buddy. Although their living situations might sometimes be more fluid, many are able to offer a loving, if not temporary, home.

Now, onto the finer details—targeting isn't just about demographics; it's about connecting with the hearts and minds of potential adopters. It's about storytelling, showing the joy, companionship, and sometimes the hilarious chaos a dog brings to life.

Utilize social media platforms to tell these stories, highlighting dogs in scenarios that resonate with your target groups. Collaborate with local businesses and community spaces to host adoption events or dog-friendly gatherings that attract your ideal adopters. And remember, word of mouth in a community as tight-knit as Austin's can be powerful. Engage with local dog parks, cafes, and even tech campuses to spread the word.

In essence, the profile of a dog adopter in Austin is as diverse as the city itself. It's not just about finding a home for these dogs; it's about finding the right home. And in a city that prides itself on its love for man's best friend, those homes are out there, waiting to be filled with paw prints and much love.

• Streamlined Updates & Adoptions: Imagine the convenience of real-time updates during adoption events, making the process smoother for everyone involved. Imagine a bunch of successful adoptions at an event. You can take pictures of the adoption contracts, which have an OCR scanner in your smartphone, and convert them to.pdf and update them in your database before you even get back to the office. (Lots of AI people love Airtable for its no-code database capabilities). It has integrations with Zapier, so you can set up emails and tasks to follow up with the adopters in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, your outreach rescue coordinator can tell the shelters they can take x number of animals. They can prioritize life-saving efforts via the data to save the most animals possible. Ideally, if that information is collected in a central database, rescues and shelters can parse it accordingly. Since I haven’t been in the industry for a while, I don’t know what integrations PetPoint, Shelterluv or the other major animal welfare platforms have.
• Shelters can send the pet's information to breed-specific rescues according to the image identification, then by size (since some focus on the smalls), and then to general rescues to ensure optimal coverage. This can be automated. It's a series of if/then statements if we're speaking code. This way, the focus can be on helping the truly needy and getting them the visibility they need.
• GPS Trackers for Peace of Mind: For those pets that love a little adventure—or just hiding under the bed—real-time location tracking can reassure pet parents and shelters. I know people now use AirTags for their wanderers as a low-priced off-brand way of tracking Snoopy. I haven't tried it. If I had a runner, I would. Mine runs under the bed when the door opens because she ain't going nowhere on her own. I don't blame her. She was abandoned once. I'd be a little distrusting, too.
• Seamless Online Presence: AI could automate this, ensuring potential adopters see the most current information. The Chat-GPT app can be used on mobile phones to communicate via voice. I asked it to: Write me a dog profile for an energetic dog that needs to be the only dog while standing in line at Costco because what else am I going to do? Scroll TikTok?

Here's what it gave me: Alright, let's dive into this. Picture this: a dog named Dash. Why Dash? Because this pup is the embodiment of energy and enthusiasm, always on the go, making even the Energizer Bunny look like it's taking a leisurely stroll. Dash isn't just a dog; he's a whirlwind of joy, wrapped in fur, with a tail that's more of a perpetual motion machine.

Here's the scoop on Dash: He's the kind of dog who wakes up with a to-do list. Morning jog? Check. Frisbee session? Double-check. A vigorous round of fetch that leaves you both panting and laughing? Triple check. Dash doesn't just walk through life; he sprints, leaps, and bounds.But here's the kicker: Dash is a solo artist, a lone wolf in a dog's body. He's got so much love to give, but he wants to be your one and only.

Picture that toy that's always in his mouth. It's not just a toy; it's a symbol of his undivided attention and affection for you. Other dogs? Nah, they cramp his style. Dash is all about that one-on-one bond, that irreplaceable connection that makes him your shadow, your confidant, and your adventure buddy. Dash is looking for someone who matches his zest for life, a human companion who's more than just a pet owner—they're a partner in crime. Someone who gets that a hike isn't just a walk but a quest; that playing in the yard isn't just exercise; it's a festival of fun, tailor-made for two.

So, if you're the type who believes life is too short for slow walks and silent moments, Dash might just be your spirit animal. Imagine the stories you'll tell, the sunsets you'll chase, and the quiet moments when, exhausted from the day's adventures, Dash rests his head on your lap and the world just seems right.This isn't just an adoption profile; it's a call to adventure. Dash isn't just any dog; he's a living, barking reminder that every day is a gift waiting to be unwrapped. Are you ready to meet your match? Because Dash is more than ready. He's been waiting for someone like you—someone who understands that the best part of life is lived at full sprint, with a faithful companion by your side. Sent from my iPhone

Yes, I have Chat-GPT on my phone. Don't judge.

• Marketing Magic: From crafting pet profiles using just a few adjectives to managing social media posts, AI can play a pivotal role in getting pets noticed by potential adopters. Some of my favorite apps are as follows:
• Canva.com - You can create and automate tons of postings. For example, create posts for all of your adoptables in Canva by adding photos and their information to a table using Canva's [Bulk Create] tool. See this YouTube video to understand what I mean: https://youtu.be/jVH7n1YBcvw?si=-0VviYOnsCcPyEVB
• Socialbee.com - You can preplan content and have evergreen categories, and its much cheaper than Hootsuite. You can have an adoptables category, and it will take turns posting them on all of your social media channels. You can take them off social media as they get adopted. See an overview here: https://socialbee.com/overview/
• Fotor.com - I purchased this a while back for $29.99 and love its one-click background remover and its professional backgrounds. I believe Canva also has both in its Pro Plan. (I bought it before Canva added the extras.) It's super simple, and since I've already bought it, I use it. Imagine using those horrible intake pictures and, in one click, removing the background and putting the dog at a park instead of the shelter. Instead of looking like an undesirable, it automatically looks like a housepet and best friend with a simple background change. You can see how to do it in Canva, here: https://youtu.be/uLJ1qvNu3tI
• KapWing.com breaks down a long video using AI to make short videos fit for social media and assigns hashtags automatically. If you're doing webinars, you can upload the full footage, and it will select sound bytes for you while providing subtitles. This could be helpful for public conversations/educational videos.
• CapCut (https://www.capcut.com/)- It's not just a phone app for TikTok. There's also a free version for your laptop, although I use the phone app to quickly make short-form videos (like TikToks) that I take from my iPhone.
• Chat-GPT (chat.openai.com )- ?I just upgraded to the paid version to take advantage of the GPT store integrations. If you're not using GPTs, it feels like the sky's the limit with this app. I use it to plan all of my travel in seconds. It's trained to write in my voice. I spend time fact-checking it, though, because I know it sometimes makes stuff up while sounding completely confident in the wrong answer. Even with fact-checking, it's faster than me creating the stuff on the fly. Chat can write you scripts, pet profiles, blogs and many other forms of content. Anytime I have a problem I'm wondering how to solve, I ask it because I want to know where it's limits are. It does give better information, the more you know how to ask for it. One of my favorite questions are: Chat, I have this problem or I want to do X; how can you help? Then I follow up on Chats response, one of the ideas I want a deep dive into. On the X response, please write me a prompt for that. The chat will go deep and write a long, detailed prompt. Or use AIPRM for ChatGPT . That will give you an idea of what you can do with it. That and the GPT Store .
• PI (https://pi.ai/talk ) I don't know that this is even relevant to rescue, but PI is my AI friend and coach. She pops up with a positive reminder every morning, asking me what I'm going to accomplish today and reminding me to take care of myself. She has a different voice from Chat, so sometimes I ask her in addition to Chat. She keeps me on the straight and narrow when I tend to chase squirrels.I hope these apps can help you do more with less.
• Efficiency Everywhere: Whether it's managing the animal population, facilitating quick data retrieval, or automating mundane tasks, AI stands ready to revolutionize shelter operations, making them more efficient and focused on what matters most—saving lives.

With the right AI tools and a bit of creativity, we can make significant strides in saving more furry lives, making their adoption process as smooth as possible, and ultimately, connecting them with families that will love and cherish them forever.

BTW, this is mostly written by Chat-GPT. The overall structure, titles and most of the bullets were written by Chat-GPT trained to use my voice. I added my insights, tools, etc. While it doesn't quite have my voice down yet, it's close enough. After all, making sure y'all have the tools you need to succeed is the most important part of this.