Tabling is a GREAT activity, and it’s one that Best Friends in Utah used to get their rescue efforts started! Bonney Brown has mentioned many times that in the beginning, they rarely had enough gas money to get home, but they received so many names and addresses for their mailing list, and soon the donations started to flow! This could be you!
Why should you table??

• It’s a great opportunity to spread the word about your group and its mission!
• You can bring in some immediate donations, both monetary and through wish lists in front of stores.
• It’s a great chance to educate people on local animal issues, such as overpopulation, shelter needs, keeping pets sheltered in all kinds of weather, and more.
• It’s a great way to add more/ new names to your mailing list.
• You can meet new community members who are interested in helping animals… and bring them into your group as volunteers and fosters!
• You can meet community members who may be able to donate their services or items, such as business owners (and home party consultants), landscapers, hair stylists, accountants, lawyers… or even the parents of some of these busy professionals! I knew a lady who volunteered her sweet lawyer son to do pro bono work regularly for organizations. :) 

HOW and WHERE do you table?
Get permission from local stores (grocery chains, Walmart, Target, PetSmart or other pet supply store, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, etc). Talk with the manager and ask if you can sign up to have an informational table in front of their location. Set firm hours that you will be there, state that you will not harrass the customers or put graphic imagery on your tables. (This is a concern for some managers, that you will scare customers with pics of starved animals or abuse cases.)
Some groups have even hosted tables at local churches after the services where a second collection was taken for the group. This could work well for St. Francis’ Blessing of the Pet’s Day in October, or another time when the sermon will be on kindness to animals/ all creatures. Other locations include Farmer’s Markets, Flea Markets (may cost a small bit), dog parks, dog bakeries, grooming shops, public libraries, and any other location in your area where lots of people will pass through! You know your area best, so just remember to “think outside the kennel” on this one and get your group seen and heard!
 
What should you bring?
Table!
Chairs
2 or 3 volunteers
1 pet available for adoption, or photo album/ scrapbook of adoptable animals (could also be a tri-panel with pics, similar to those used for science fair projects)
Signage (vinyl banner, printed signs in plexiglass sign holder, neatly printed poster board)– Make them both legible and able to be read from a distance!
Some handouts!!! Include your last newsletter, brochure, your biz card (on a magnet!), your wish list, bookmarks, seasonal fliers about pets and holidays or keeping pets cool in summer, disaster prep and evacuation tips for pets. Bring a sign stating the handouts are free, please take one! Bring candies with slogans attached for the kids!
Other papers– your volunteer application, memberships, cat-alogs for sponsorships, foster home application
Donation Canister- Could be a food bowl, fish bowl, upside down umbrella, empty pickle jar, or other container. LABEL IT! Start the jar off with some coins, some bills and possibly a check!
Items to Sell- ONLY if you are allowed to sell items in front of the store, then bring those items, along with a lockbox for cash, proper signage for the items so people know the price!
 

Why don’t more groups table?

Many times, it can be a problem with the stores where groups are tabling. In my area, it takes months to get a Walmart date, and you’re only allowed one every 6 months. Ask the store manager if you need insurance for this type of event. It can also be a problem with having enough volunteers to man the tables. But, a good schedule of rotating volunteers every 3rd time or so should keep them from burning out!

I hope this helps spark some interest in the fine art of tabling.

Purrs and woofs,
~Danielle