Pet Parade: Ways to Showcase Furry and Feathered Friends in Your Newsletter
There’s just something about pets that instantly warms hearts and brings people together. Whether it’s a purring cat, a playful and energetic puppy, or a charming parrot that sasses back, animals have a way of lifting spirits.
If you are looking for ways to use your organization’s newsletter to create community, a great avenue to explore is including pet-related content. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to spark conversation and create joy. At LPi, we are no stranger to newsletters that occasionally feature pets. We can help you get started with an ad-supported free-to-you newsletter to build community today!
Incorporating Animals into Your Organization’s Newsletter
Whether your newsletter is for a senior center, neighborhood association, or local organization, here are some creative ways to bring pets into the spotlight — one paw or feather — at a time!
- “Pet of the Month” Feature
Sure to become a newsletter favorite, spotlight a different pet each month, whether they belong to a staff member, volunteer, or community member. Include a photo or two, the pet’s name and their owner’s, breed (if known), age, and a few facts, special talents, or funny stories about them.
You might even be able to get a local veterinary clinic or pet store to donate a basket of goodies for each monthly winner. Then, with permission, acknowledge their generosity in your newsletter and on social media. If you run this column all year long, you can ask residents to vote on their favorite pet of the year in December!
Here are some examples from recent newsletters we’ve worked on with a few partnering organizations:
- Seasonal Pet Safety Tips
Collaborate with a local veterinarian to share timely, relevant pet care advice based on the season. These short tips can educate readers and promote animal wellness throughout the year. Come up with a fun name for the column, such as “Healthy Pets, Happy People” or “Paws-itive Pet Care Tips.”
A few seasonal topics the vet can offer advice on might be:
- Summer: Keeping water bowls full and avoiding hot patios and sidewalks — dogs and cats can burn their paws!
- Winter: Wiping your pet’s paws after walks to remove salt or ice-melting chemicals.
- Holidays: A reminder to keep holiday treats out of reach! Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats.
If your vet works with more unusual pets, such as snakes or iguanas, ask them for interesting tips on these animals, too.
- Seasonal Pet Photo Gallery
You can really have fun with this one! Encourage the public to submit photos of their pets for a rotating gallery section with a different theme for each issue. Ideas include pets in costumes for Halloween or snow-day snuggles in January.
- Pet-Friendly Places
Highlight pet-friendly restaurants, parks, shops, or cafes in the area. You could feature lists of parks that have shaded trails and dog-waste stations. Off-leash parks are also great to include.
Remember to mention details such as stores that offer a water bowl near the front door, or patio restaurants with a separate menu for dogs. This helps pet owners plan more inclusive outings and discover local gems.
- Pet Care Resources and Local Services
Another idea is a guide with information on nearby animal care services, including:
- Veterinarians and 24/7 animal hospitals
- Pet grooming salons
- Mobile pet services (vaccinations, grooming, nail trimming)
- Adoption events and animal shelters
This makes your newsletter both fun and practical, offering valuable tools for responsible pet ownership.
- Stories of Pet Adoption or Rescue
Feature short stories submitted by residents or staff about how they met their furry companions — especially rescue animals. These heartwarming tales promote the value of adoption and often resonate deeply with readers.
- Celebrate Pet Holidays
Dozens of fun pet-related holidays can inspire content, such as:
- National Pet Day: April 11
- Take Your Dog to Work Day: Friday after Father’s Day
- National Cat Day: October 29
- Responsible Pet Owners Month: February
Create themed issues, host small events, or include a festive message and photo feature.
Building Community by Sharing the Joy of Animals
Pets bring laughter, comfort, and unconditional love. By weaving pet-themed content into your newsletter — from “Pet of the Month” spotlights to practical pet care tips — you offer lightness, connection, and a sense of shared joy. Your readers are sure to appreciate and enjoy your efforts.
Find Support for Your Newsletter
Many community-based organizations operate on a small budget with a limited number of staff. This can make important communication tasks like newsletter production more challenging. One of the best solutions out there is LPi’s Newsletter Service. Watch our quick video, download a brochure, and view sample newsletters to learn more about how we can easily bring your messaging to life!
For more community newsletter inspiration, visit the “Newsletter Tools” section of our blog.
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