No Such Thing as Failure

When it comes to Pet Chance, failure is not an option. This isn’t meant in the usual sense of not allowing something to fail by trying harder or going at it from different angles; it is meant in the sense that every Chance provided with donations and medical treatment is a success.

Some concerned clients have mentioned to us that it is heartbreaking to see animals in the success stories section that have received treatment thanks to Pet Chance donors, but have still passed away. They say that it makes the Chance seem like a “failure” even though donors did everything they could to save the animal.

In cases such as these, it is important to remember that passing on is sometimes unavoidable. It can bring animals to a better place, far away from the pain or suffering they may have experienced toward the end of their lives.

What should comfort donors and clients in these times of trial is the fact that Pet Chance donors gave these deceased pets a chance at life. The contributions they made ensured that every possible measure was taken for the pet’s wellbeing and that the animal did not pass on from a lack of access to medical care, but because it was his or her time.

We are so grateful for our generous donors and we can’t wait to help more animals on the road to success.

My Chance was closed. What gives?

Pet Chance is proud to be different (and hopefully better somehow) from most other crowdfunding sites in a number of ways.  One thing we do very differently is allowing clients to keep Chances open indefinitely - IF there is activity with the Chance.  Activity can be demonstrated with donations, updates from the client, or proof that the client is actively spreading the word.

We have this policy at the risk of leaving unproductive Chances open for a long time.  But we strongly believe that if there's an opportunity to help a pet, we don't want the Chance to close.



Having said all that, we're putting in more processes to close inactive Chances more regularly so our donors can find and contribute to Chances that are likely to succeed.  This doesn't mean we don't want to help.  In fact, if a Chance is closed due to inactivity, it can quickly be re-opened if the client shows us that she/he will re-engage.

And of course, if a Chance closes, any donations that were made will be refunded if the donor so chooses.

We hope fewer and fewer Chances will close in the future.  But in the meantime, we hope our flexible-but-formal policies are helpful to both clients (pet owners) and donors alike!

YOUR TURN:  What ideas do you have for clients who are having trouble getting activity with their Chances?

People Want To Be Asked

            

We often find that our clients are reluctant to ask friends, family and acquaintances for donations on behalf of their pets. This stems from the false belief that others don’t want to be asked for help because they find it irritating or distasteful. In fact, the opposite it true.

In a study conducted at Babson University, research showed that a number of people didn’t donate a second time on PetChance.org simply because, “I wasn’t asked.” Many agreed that had they been given the opportunity to help again, they would’ve gladly taken it. This shows the importance of reaching out to request assistance – people do want to help, but they also appreciate being ASKED for help.

A request for help can feel much more comfortable if you present a donation to your chance page as an “opportunity” rather than a “favor.” By offering it as an opportunity to participate in the restoration of your animal’s health, you are drawing donors in and making them want to be a part of the journey that will lead to a better life for your animal. This presentation will allow donors to feel satisfied that they’ve help your pet take a few paw-steps forward.

Example

Favor: “I need help paying for Fluffy’s treatment.”

Opportunity: “If you and a few other people help out with $20 or so, Fluffy will be well in no time!”

What other suggestions do you have for converting “favors” into “opportunities?”