How we tell the TailsPal story in the media 🧡 🐾

Why media storytelling matters for TailsPal

Sharing our work in the media raises awareness, attracts volunteers and adopters, and helps gather support for animal care. Stories build empathy and invite people to act — but they must be honest and solution-focused to build trust.

Core messages and tone

What to emphasize

• Our mission and values.
• The people behind the work: volunteers and vets.
• Recovery and resilience stories of animals.
• Clear calls to action: how people can help.

Keep the tone warm, practical, and non-sensational. Overdramatizing can backfire and reduce trust.

Formats that work well

• Short human-interest pieces about one animal's journey.
• Photo essays showing daily volunteer work.
• Interviews with volunteers or veterinary staff.
• Short videos showing socialization or a successful adoption.

Match the format to the outlet: local papers like personal stories, online outlets value video and visuals, radio needs strong voices and concise narratives.

Practical steps to work with media

1. Create a media kit: project description, contacts, 3–5 ready stories with photos, FAQ.
2. Provide ready-to-use assets: press release, high/low-res photos, pull quotes, suggested headlines.
3. Build a contact list of local outlets, beat reporters, bloggers, and podcasters.
4. Personalize pitches: explain why a story suits that outlet’s audience.
5. Be responsive and flexible with interviews and filming.

Visuals and storytelling

Strong images and short videos are essential. Show animals in progress — playful, curious, improving — not just suffering. Visuals should convey dignity and hope while explaining how people can help.

Community engagement and partnerships

Encourage volunteers and foster families to share and tag content. Partner with local businesses and clinics for joint stories and events. Small community events often generate local media interest.

Handling negative situations

Prepare templated responses for incidents. Fast, transparent communication and clear action plans help calm public concern. Avoid concealment — explain what happened and what steps are being taken.

Measuring impact and planning ahead

Track mentions, social responses, and changes in volunteer inquiries or adoption interest after coverage. Repurpose media materials into monthly updates, social posts, and newsletters. Building long-term relationships with editors is more valuable than one-off features.

Final thought

Telling the TailsPal story is about connecting people to animals and to each other. Honest, small stories with clear ways to help create lasting results.