Need ideas for Animal Hospital Open House

[Bearvet]

DH and I own an animal hospital and this year it's been in business for 60 years (the gentleman we bought it from started it, so only 2 owners!). We're planning an Open House in May and the practice manager asked if I'd help her come up with some ideas. So, I thought I'd post here and get some feedback. All proceeds from any raffles, contests, etc. will be donated to local animal shelters.

Some ideas include:
Invite a local photographer to come to take portraits of your pet. They would handle all details, we would simply provide the venue.

Photo contest - people could submit their own photos of their pets for a fee (maybe $2). People would vote for their favorite picture by putting money in a corresponding container. Container with the most money wins. All money donated to local shelter. Photos would be mounted and displayed so would be fun to look at.

Tours of our facility.

Table set up with technicians doing nail trims and ear cleanings for nominal fee (maybe $2). Again, all money donated.

Raffles - ask our distributors for donations and make up baskets.

Free giveaways - frisbees, bandanas, etc.

Contests - not sure how we could judge these? Costumes? Or keep it simple like cutest pet, best trick, smallest, biggest, etc? Any ideas?

What kinds of things would you like to see? If you've attended an event like this or dog shows, etc. what have you seen there?

I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!!!

 

[luvwinnie]

I think having an artist do pet caricatures for a small fee would be great!

 

[TurboKitty]

Honestly what would bring me there with my pet would be a low cost vaccination. Any chance you could offer those?

Since it's in May, you also might want to arrange some kind of pet parade in the parking lot or a dog wash?

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

Honestly what would bring me there with my pet would be a low cost vaccination. Any chance you could offer those?

I second this idea! Vaccinations are so expensive - especially if you have more than one pet.

What I would love to see is a raffle for a free annual visit. I would pay a higher raffle fee ($25-$30) for this prize, especially if the proceeds were going to a local animal shelter.

 

[CEDmom]

Our local vet had an open house and had some things for the kids to draw in families. I remember Clifford the big red dog was there, they had a table with animal tatoos for the kids, there were some animals the kids could see and pet, there was a table set up with animal coloring pages. I think there was more but I can't remember.

 

[hiwaygal]

You might consider having some crafty types (who make collars, afghans, gourmet pet treats, etc) rent space to sell some of these things. Their table rental fees could raise some $$$.

You could have a "drop off/recycle" station. People could put in coupons for dog food, or even small bags/cans of dog food and treats they have that they can no longer use or they can "trade" for raffle tickets (these can be donated to the shelters too). We had crates and igloo dog houses that our dogs no longer used, so those were donated to the local shelter. Old towels and blankets can be donated to the shelters too.

Maybe invite a reputable trainer to come and give some quick lessons in basic obedience. They might be able to offer a couple of private lessons for a raffle item.

 

[diznygirl]

We have a Posh Pooch Festival in town every year. PetSmart and Eukanuba have booths and hand out free stuff.

There is a pet psychic - just for fun.

Sometimes there is a wedding - between the dogs. That's a hoot!

There is a beauty contest for the dogs - male and female. And a pet/owner look-a-like contest.

Osceola deputies put on a K-9 demonstration. And the frisbee dogs put on a show.


Cats just sit back and wonder what all the fuss is about!

 

[Sherri]

You can have a owner pet look alike contest.
I think 50/50 raffles go over big.
Can you maybe have volunteers do pet baths for a donation. I know we raised a lot of money for the spay club when we did that.
It was a lot of fun. You can get family and friends help with that.
I think its great that you are doing this and raising money for local shelters.

 

[chyam]

I think the dog wash idea is a good one, not only could you donate to a shelter perhaps start a fund for lower cost spay/neuter or for people to bring in feral cats to be fixed and released.
you could also have the shelter bring in some animals for adoption.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I like all your ideas!

What about low cost microchipping? That is usually offered at dog events I go to.

Last dog event I went to had the caricatures and it was a huge hit - really long line so we didn't get to do it.

If you have the space, you could invite a local agility group to come out and show off. They usually enjoy doing that and raising awareness.

I also love see the booths of cool pet supplies - esp from local people. Clothing, collars, toys, etc. That wouldn't cost your hospital anything and local businesses would appreciate the space to sell.