BOSTON, MA - July 12, 2023 - GoodPup, a positive reinforcement dog training service available over one-on-one video chat at your home and on your own schedule, today introduced the GoodPup Advantage Program for shelter partners around the United States. The program is designed to proactively address issues plaguing shelters across the country, including high return rate, long lengths of stay, and lower than desired live release rates, by making four weeks of personalized training available to all adopted dogs—at no cost to new pet parents.
“Shelters are currently experiencing both an increase in animal intake and a decrease in adoptions, pushing many organizations over capacity, and this problem is intensified when previously adopted dogs are returned—leading to increased costs to the shelter and a decreased probability of a positive outcome,” said Micah Adler, Co-Founder and General Manager of GoodPup. “By providing access to free training immediately following adoption via our Advantage Program, the return rate of dogs significantly decreases, sometimes by over 50 percent. These improvements are driven by a strengthened human-animal bond from the start of the relationship, foundational work that helps prevent behavioral problems before they begin, and access to immediate support to address issues or concerns as they arise.”
To help make the program affordable to shelters, the GoodPup Advantage Program provides training at more economically-friendly bulk discount rates, ensuring all dogs and their people have support during the transition from the shelter. Each Advantage Program pet parent participant receives weekly one-on-one training over video chat from a certified trainer, access to 24/7 chat with GoodPup’s training and veterinary team, and interactive educational material tailored to new pet parents.
To test and demonstrate the impact early training can have on return rates, GoodPup partnered with several shelters, including the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, providing all adopters with a beta version of the GoodPup Advantage Program. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay decreased its average return rate by 45 percent, while returns for behavioral reasons were reduced by 59 percent.
“We all know the unconditional love and value that dogs bring into our lives, but the initial stage after adoption can be challenging for many pet parents, so providing support to every dog and person from the moment they bring their new pet home is so immensely critical,” said Sherry Silk, CEO of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. “Building that foundation and bond from the start can have profound results. In fact, during the beta period where we tested the Advantage Program, zero dogs that actively participated in GoodPup training sessions were returned.”
"Requests for behavior and training assistance have increased exponentially for the Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation, and through our partnership with GoodPup, we can provide positive reinforcement training opportunities with certified trainers, allowing us to help over 1,000 foster parents and new pet owners with scholarships," said two-time Super Bowl Champion and co-founder of Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation, Logan Ryan. "The feedback we have received and the data collected show that these scholarships are helping when it comes to return rates and providing support for foster homes; collectively, we're making a difference."
For more information on GoodPup, getting started with behavior and training support, or learning more about GoodPup’s Advantage Program for shelters, visit www.goodpup.com.
About GoodPup
Founded in 2017, GoodPup, a member of the Rover Group Inc. family, is the leading provider of one-on-one video chat dog training services. GoodPup’s mission is to help every dog and dog parent live their best lives together through training that is effective, affordable, and rewarding. GoodPup’s positive reinforced training is one-on-one, at-home, and conveniently scheduled with trainers ready to help 24/7. GoodPup has helped more than 70,000 dog parents across the U.S. and Canada. The company currently has over 850 participating shelter partners in the U.S. Visit www.goodpup.com for more information.
Press Contact:
Jeff Pecor
Tailwind Public Relations
206.948.1482
