shel
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Posts posted by shel
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PetRescue has announced this week that the Matchmaker Project's "bulk messaging" feature has been turned on (https://bit.ly/2H5zxPI).
Rescue groups - of course - contact every successful adopter. But this new feature is designed to require rescue groups also respond to unsuccessful applicants. It is presented as a way for groups to speed up their communications processes; with a few clicks groups can respond to the public with a (PetRescue branded) message declining their application and inviting them to apply for other pets.
But here's the real kicker. This new feature is actually a trojan horse for another, much more insidious addition;
PetRescue want you to tell them who adopted your pet.
After the bulk emails are sent to the unsuccessful adopters, rescue groups are invited to choose which applicant did in fact adopt the pet.
RESCUE GROUPS - DO NOT DO THIS!
We've seen in the past that not only are adopters contacted on the regular to have their stories used for PetRescue's self-promotions and fundraisers (https://bit.ly/2J1Frmz) but that by clicking this link and identifying these successful applicants, you are giving PetRescue a beautifully washed contact list of donor targets that they can then put through their automated on-boarding process to start soliciting for a donation for themselves.
You are giving PetRescue your rescue group's supporters on a metaphorical platter.
PetRescue does not need to know the confidential details of how your group operates and who it adopts to. Rescue groups SHOULD NOT GIVE PETRESCUE INFORMATION ON WHO ADOPTS THEIR PETS - EVER.
PetRescue is now by far and away the biggest threat to the financial sustainability of rescue groups I've seen in nearly two decades of researching animal rescue in this country. The potential harm to groups from this new feature cannot be overstated.
If you're a rescue group volunteer or foster carer talk to your group's president as a matter of priority to ensure that they are aware of this issue. Share this post in your rescue group channels. Rescue groups have to stop this resource suck before it gets started.
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7 hours ago, tdierikx said:
For all groups with a donate button, we will be implementing a pop-up on your pet listings. This pop-up calls on website visitors to make a donation direct to your group via the love-coloured magenta donation button on your pet listing, to help cover the costs of desexing, vet work and general care.
If anyone signs up for a new platform allowing PetRescue to process your group's donors, for the purpose of a week-long campaign of PetRescue self-championing their contribution to the rescue economy... then you're a chump.
They truly seem to think rescue groups are that stupid. -
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Massive, double-page spread in WA's major weekend newspaper, featuring rescue groups discussing the impact of PetRescue's predatory fundraising techniques on their sustainability.
(Will hopefully have an online link to share soon)
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But luckily their fundraising popup will still be quietly stealing donations from the hardworking rescue groups who don't get to have holidays in December.
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"The 2018 tax time gift matching campaign achieved a record-breaking return on investment of 2,946% (raising almost $360,000).
... the annual revenue rose from $380,000 to $1.4 million, while PetRescue's monthly giving program grew from 298 to almost 1,500 donors."
*Source: Internal document from PetRescuePetRescue had a massive windfall for their 2018 'Tax Time' fundraiser, with $360,000 entering their coffers. But the truly staggering thing? They achieved it using the story of a pet who wasn't adopted through their website at all.
Luna was the case-study dog for the fundraiser. PetRescue paid nothing towards the care of Luna. They did not consult the rescue group who cared for her to ask whether they were ok with them using her as a fundraising ambassador, with all funds being banked to PetRescue.
PetRescue had never even met this dog. Yet they used her as a national fundraising centrepiece... and made hundreds of thousands of dollars for themselves.
When the rescue group complained about their treatment, PetRescue doubled-down and told the rescue that PetRescue was equally important to the process of this adoption, as the rescue group was.
"... Noeleen reached out to PetRescue to thank us personally for helping her find Luna. We chose to publish her lovely story because it beautifully illustrates the value that PetRescue brings to every human who needs to make their lives feel whole again...."
The rescue group rescues the pet, saves the pet, treats the pet, cares for the pet, and then rallies like crazy to find the pet a home. Sometimes PetRescue gets a whiff of involvement and then they work to turn this into a financial return for themselves.
And it works. To the tune of $360,000.
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17 hours ago, mita said:
We google both 'Tibetan Spaniel PetRescue' and 'Tibetan Spaniel x PetRescue' to find profiles of out breed for Tibetan Spaniel Rescue Australia FB page. Not perfect, but picks up most.
Just to add, I would add an extra step and not link to the PetRescue listing, but track down the listing on the rescue group's own website (if they have one) or social media page and use that link. Applications made via the PetRescue website go into the PetRescue bucket for soliciting donations and the rescue group caring for the pet misses out on support.
This is good advice for all groups really. If you can't quite bring yourself to leave the site and establish your own networks like many groups are already doing, at least don't share PetRescue links. Use links to your own site, or social media and then any adoption leads you generate remain your own and aren't co-opted by PetRescue's (now fifteen strong!) fundraising team capturing all enquiries for their own use.Or just stop feeding the beast entirely and run - don't walk - away before the silly season gets into full swing and you lose supporters to PetRescue over the christmas giving season.
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46 minutes ago, stellnme said:
@shel Because we all know how easy it is to identify what breeds are in a particular dog! I would say a lot more research does and should go into finding the right pet for a household, rather than a guess at a mix of breeds.
The whole premise of having no breed searching on the site is that - as rescues know - breed is a poor predictor of behaviour, and has little to do with an individual dog's suitability to join any individual family. Now they're claiming dogs that look sorta the same, they're THE SAME YOU GUYS.
PetRescue claims that it's working to help rescue groups, but quietly behind the scenes they're cementing a relationship with your supporters, current donors, adoption applicants and adopters, that you're likely struggling to match. PetRescue is an enemy to the healthy functioning of the rescue movement. It is time for rescues to pull the plug.
SAVINGPETS.COM.AUEvery enquiry and adoption application made through the website formed the mailing list PetRescue uses to solicit donations for themselves. PetRescue claims that it's working to help rescue groups, but quietly behind the scenes they're cementing a relationship with your supporters, current donors, a...-
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I guess we know where the 'Desexmas' money went now...
Promotional video:
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On 28/10/2018 at 10:10 AM, stellnme said:
How can this possibly be a charity?
PetRescue takes your rescue group's animal care donations and turns them into.... whatever this is.
Quote"Meet the world’s first AI that understands dogs. It’s here to help more of them get adopted by recognizing faces, breeds and characteristics of any pup images on Instagram to find a similar type available for adoption."
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Wow. Just wow.
General Manager
Company Name PetRescue LtdCompany Location Perth, Australia
Job description
PetRescue is seeking a strong people manager to lead the team, drive the organisation and execute on our mission to ensure every pet is safe, respected and loved.
Your job will be to MAKE IT HAPPEN... For the most successful rescue pet adoption platform in Australia... For Australia's most visited charity website... For thousands of rescue pets in need, every day... And for our 900+ member rescue groups, shelters and pounds who care for those pets.
So, if you’re the type that's passionate about social impact and innovation, then this would be an incredible fit for you.
You will be expected to provide or contribute to the following:- Overarching strategic plan for the whole amazing company!
- Networking - proactively meet with people and organisations that can help PetRescue grow, build relationships with peers and potential sponsors and people that we think can have a positive impact on PetRescue
- Champion PetRescue - purpose-driven championing of PetRescue
Tasks are likely to include:
- Team building and development of the awesome positive and giving culture in our business
- Day to day people management
- Work closely and positively with the PetRescue founders
- Hiring new team members
- Induction of key staff
- Training for culture and roles
- HR management for our team of 15 and particularly your 4 direct reports
- Reviews of staff throughout the business
- KPIs to achieve financial and operational goals
About the business
PetRescue is a national animal welfare charity with a vision of a future where every pet is safe, respected and loved. We run a raft of innovative programs and provide the most successful rescue pet adoption platform in Australia - and we reckon, the world!
PetRescue is Australia’s most highly trafficked charity website, connecting more than 8,000 rescue pets with over 20,000 potential adopters every single day. For the geek in you, that's over 600,000 unique visitors and more than 8.3 million page views each month!
We are funded by our corporate and philanthropic partners, supported by millions of pet adopters, and valued by hundreds of rescue groups, shelters and pounds for the innovative free adoption services and programs we provide.
We're also some of the nicest, most talented, dynamic, cool, good looking and humble people you're ever likely to meet!
Essential skills and experience- Several years working in a people and project management role
- Great communication and customer service skills
- Excellent written English
- Good problem solving skills and attention to detail
- Good team player who’s also able to work autonomously
- Owning a rescue pet is not a prerequisite, but you may well acquire one as part of the job!
Benefits
- Work for Australia's most visited charity website
- Create positive change for homeless pets
- Work with a supportive, friendly and uber-cool team
- Competitive rates for the nonprofit sector
- Based in a funky office in the heart of Northbridge
- You get to look at cute pets as part of your job!
Apply with CV and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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Announcing a “record breaking” donation haul for 2018. And they don’t need to spend, or even work hard, generating donation leads, because they just skim contacts generated by rescue groups...
... and tell donors giving to PetRescue is the same as - or even superior to - a donation to the rescue group.
$10 (the amount they say it costs them to “save” a pet) x 36,000 = $360,000.
PetRescue: separating rescue groups from their donations more efficiently than ever before.
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They heard you.
Quote"What’s more, we have no intention of ever stopping - in fact we are intent on becoming bigger and better so that more and more pets in need can find love, and in turn more Australian animal lovers can find their new family member via the PetRescue site."
2Quote"Our rescue family continues to grow"
https://www.petrescue.com.au/library/articles/our-rescue-family-continues-to-grow
Everything is fine. Nothing to see here.
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Celebrating themselves in a professional fundraising mag. No mention of the rescue groups out of pocket for Christmas donations earmarked for desexing - or the donors who gave $50,000 for this button to be "built".
http://www.fpmagazine.com.au/petrescue-to-the-rescue-363213/
Image: made the front page!
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The initiative has been launched in response to PetRescue’s 2017 members survey, which revealed that a lack of funding was the biggest single issue facing hundreds of animal rescue groups across Australia.
This grinds my gears. It would be different if everyone was thriving under this model. But if PetRescue know rescue groups are struggling for funds, how can they justify absorbing more and more financial resources away from these same groups. PetRescue took tens of thousands of dollars in donations from the public for "desexing", with the fine print that it wasn't for desexing at all but to build a "platform"...
... then didn't build the "platform" at all, but added a link to a third-party site that seems to have been available for little to no cost.
How is that "supporting rescue groups"?
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In December of last year, PetRescue ran a Christmas fundraising campaign called ‘Desexmas’
"Simply make a donation to our “Happy Desexmas” fundraiser and your kind gift will help rescue pets get the vital vet work they need to start a new life including desexing!" (ref)
Holiday adopters being told that a donation to PetRescue is the same as a donation to rescue groups.
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The campaigned featured cute images of pets in cones, clearly having just had surgery. It claimed a gift to the campaign would be helping “grassroots community rescue groups”. But the campaign also includes this fine print:
"Christmas 2017 donations will go to funding the development of the new directed donation system and launch is planned for spring 2018. (ref)
So rather than donations to this campaign being for desexing, these funds were being directed into PetRescue’s web development and staffing costs. Their pitch video described how much money they needed;
"... there's a heap of development work to do, to make sure we build a secure and effective donation platform."
The organisation was seeking up to $100,000 to build a new platform for donations, and none of the money was going towards desexing pets (despite the graphics indicating otherwise).
When rescue groups expressed their dismay at the fundraiser, PetRescue was quick to defend the solicitation and blame haters and "Christmas grinches" for the negative feedback.
"There’s hundreds of hours of planning and web development to do behind the scenes to make it all work effectively and securely. We know that if we engaged external resources, the development work is likely to cost well in excess of $50,000, but we’ll be doing the vast majority of development work in house to keep costs to a minimum. And, as announced in our previous email, we aim to have this direct donation functionality live on the PetRescue website by Spring 2018.
So be sure to look out for any Christmas grinches this time of year, and if you ever have any concerns or questions always feel free to get in touch... "
~ A Christmas grinch is trying to stir up trouble (e-newsletter 12/15/2017)
The campaign would raise just shy of $50,000...
... meaning we didn't have to see a "tasteful" video of JB (John Bishop) dunking his testicles in ice water. And the newly financially employed brother of PetRescue's Director (Michael Bishop) would be sent to pitch the new platform to rescue groups;
"..... Hi, it’s PetRescue CFO Michael Bishop and my adopted sidekick, Chief Furry Officer Milo, here! Soon, PetRescue members will have a way to really make the most of the millions of pet-loving people visiting PetRescue.com.au each year, through direct donation functionality on pet listings..." (ref)
Fast forward six months since the fundraiser and...
.. PetRescue announced their program late last week, making absolutely no mention that $50,000 of the community's desexing money from donors made the platform possible.
PetRescue supports rescue groups to save more lives
To coincide with its 14th birthday, Australia’s most visited charity website - PetRescue.com.au - is helping to increase the funding available to rescue organisations across Australia, so they can save more lives.
The launch of a new ‘Donate’ button on pet listings on the PetRescue website will enable animal lovers to donate directly to help any furry face they fall in love with when they’re browsing the site.
The initiative has been launched in response to PetRescue’s 2017 members survey, which revealed that a lack of funding was the biggest single issue facing hundreds of animal rescue groups across Australia.
“When it became clear to us that funding was the overriding issue for our members, we came up with a first-of-its-kind digital solution for grassroots rescue organisations to generate direct donations from their pet listings,” says PetRescue co-founder, John Bishop.
“And thanks to the team at Shout For Good, who have provided the best secure and mobile-friendly third party payment platform, we're now making it happen.
.....
“As we celebrate our 14th birthday and the massive milestone of over half a million listed pets adopted, the entire PetRescue team is thrilled to be able to support rescue pets in this way,” adds Mr Bishop.Hangon - what was that again?
“And thanks to the team at Shout For Good, who have provided the best secure and mobile-friendly third party payment platform, we're now making it happen.
A third party payment platform? Just what is Shout For Good and what does it cost?
We are a fundraising platform that integrates giving into our everyday.... Shout provides a suite of online fundraising options to suit both our Shouter and charities.
So this free third party platform was installed on PetRescue via a button. Signups are handled by Shout, donations are processed by Shout, and receipts are issued by Shout.
Exactly how much it cost to build this "button" has not been specified, but it certainly isn't the $100,000 "hundreds of hours of planning and web development" used by PetRescue to justify this campaign.
If it cost even $10,000 - which is a hella lot of money for a button, when whole websites get built for less - that's still $40,000 unaccounted for.
Donors to this campaign should be asking PetRescue exactly how much of their money when towards their stated project and where the rest of the money went.
While PetRescue is asking rescue groups to trust its judgement and hand their financial donors over to them and their new partner, the Shout for Good platform via the ANZ Bank. Which for groups, looks like this (lots of data being collected from your donors for uses you'll have no control over; so while the platform is "free", it's not without cost).
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On 10/08/2018 at 7:44 PM, Knightrogue said:
If you have adopted (or busy going through this now) I'd love to hear about you experienced this.
- How did you go about finding your companion?
- Any good mobile apps or websites to find the perfect pet?
- What was the most important information you needed to make a final decision?
- What do you wish you knew after you went through this process.
I'd really appreciate any insight into your experience.
PetRescue is that you?
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On 04/07/2018 at 8:01 PM, Her Majesty Dogmad said:
I was in a Facebook thread this week where a dog needed rescue. Someone came on and said contact Petrescue for help. I replied that Petrescue isn't a rescue group but it provides a platform for all the rescue groups to rehome their dogs. Person answers "they have foster carers".
Did you see the post about PetRescue's "helpdesk".
The idea is, that they take some enquiries, redirect to rescue to do the heavy lifting, then claim the results as their own for the purposes of fundraising.
"When pet owners and carers are in crisis, PetRescue is often their lifeline....Our amazing team got on the case, networked amongst our contacts, and found two wonderful foster carers for her little dog."You all work for PetRescue now.
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'The Adoptables' is PetRescue's major fundraiser for the year. It features the stories of special needs pets who are without a home.
In 2016 no donations went to the rescue groups who were caring for the featured pets.
In 2017 thanks to community criticism of a campaign collecting donations for pets who did not receive any of those donations, 19 groups received about $3,000 each ($55,000) for participating.
Rescue groups who did not allow their animals to be used for the purpose of fundraising for PetRescue, received no financial support.
While PetRescue banked over $180,000 in donations for themselves.
Recently, PetRescue has;
- Promoted pets as PetRescue 'success stories' which they played no part in rehoming, including Sandrino, Sketch and Steve.
- Built and launched a new, custom made portal to help them manage their donors.
- Given their two Executive Directors generous pay raises and wages of $140,000 each per annum.
- Won a fundraising award for their efficient donation acquisition efforts.
- Run a donation solicitation at Christmas asking for donations for desexing, while not giving any of the monies ($50,000) raised, to desex animals.
- Boosted their team to 15 full-time and part-time paid staff.
- Run a national media campaign based on a dare that the Executive Director would put his testicles in ice-water.
- Joined a corporate campaign featuring Dr Harry Cooper, a well-known commercial breeding advocate and patron of the Pet Industry Association of Australia.
- Claimed a donation to PetRescue was superior to a donation directly to rescue groups.
- Moved to a new office with an annual rental and expenses bill in excess of $60,000 a year.
- Changed their website's privacy policy so all adoption applications are automatically captured and put on a heavy donation solicitation schedule.
- Hired the Executive Director’s brother as their CFO and Bequest Officer.
- Emailed all rescue group members (on the eve of the Easter public holiday) detailing a list of complaints about their performance.
- Captured over $300,000 in animal care donations and redirected them into web development.
- And banked over $1 million dollars in revenue; while being over 50% donation funded.
Allowing PetRescue to continue to swindle the public into believing that a donation to them helps save and care for pets, using your rescue group's animal stories for 'The Adoptables' campaign, is harming all rescue groups; you, your peers and the sustainability of rescue into the future.
How will rescue groups continue to save the lives of pets, when donations are primarily going to PetRescue?-
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15 hours ago, tdierikx said:
PetRescue's Annual Report submitted to ACNC said the two directors ("Key Management Personnel") - one full time, one part time - earned between them, $255,609 in 2016/17. (Probably) making their base pay rate $140k pa.
We also know that in February of this year, JB hired his brother into the role of Chief Financial Officer/Major donor, bequest officer - which we can only assume is a senior management role with a similar pay grade.
PetRescue is now over 50% donation funded. Meaning rescue groups are the ones losing the animal care donations which are now funding PetRescue's generous self-reward programs.
But if you ask them, they'll tell you that the only problem here is that I keep talking about it.
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At Tax Time (June) 2016 PetRescue pitched to build themselves a new website and to add a bunch of new features to the site; "The Matchmakers Project".
Rescue might have asked themselves if PetRescue even needed a new website, but for this discussion, we'll play along. PetRescue rebuilt their site and it was launched in May 2017.
In Tax Time (June) 2017, PetRescue's pitch was again for the "new features" on their website. They banked nearly $180,000 for this project, same as the last project.
In December 2017 another "new feature" pitch (Desexmas) was made and the organisation banked another $50,000.
It's now the end of March in 2018 and regardless of our feelings about these new features, they're banked and paid for. So where are they?
Over $300,000 is a huge amount of money for a web project. So far, I think most rescues would struggle to identify a new benefit to their experience. The next big solicitation - Tax Time (June) 2018 - is rapidly approaching. Will the current projects be finalised before PetRescue again puts their hand out for more of the community's resources?
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If you want to make an impact, work for the best - Daily Telegraph (January 25, 2018)
... Last week, national animal welfare organisation Pet Rescue came under fire on their social media, after celebrating raising $25,000 on a commercial funding campaign for critical website redevelopments.
Social media commenters claimed the charity should be ashamed of their actions and should give the funds to rescue groups.
Pet Rescue’s response was swift and powerful.
“We are fundraising to create a secure, online platform that will allow every rescue group to use their individual pet profile listings as a way of attracting direct donations for vital vet work,” the response read.
“We want to build a long-term, and most importantly, sustainable source of funding, that will give more financial support to every single rescue group member, regardless of their size or whether or not they have their own website.
“We’re not fundraising to create a slush fund for pet desexing but if we were there would be less than $52 donated to each rescue group. That doesn’t add a lot of value, and isn’t sustainable either.”
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/if-you-want-to-make-an-impact-work-for-the-best/news-story/160114281ec51baf8a471f9f8227cee6The final fundraising total was just shy of $50,000, meaning we didn't have to see a "tasteful" video of JB dunking his nuts in ice-water.
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PetRescue's new "bulk messaging" feature
in Dog Rescue (General Rescue Discussion)
Posted
Please download this alert and email it to anyone who rescues, and uses the PetRescue website. They're likely too busy doing *actual rescuing* to be aware that this is going on behind the scenes and that they are at serious financial risk. Especially if they have limited resources or are under-resourced with their technology.