Together, we can get them back home
Thank you for taking the leap to get beloved dogs home in the Return to Home Challenge* this September.
Challenge materials & resources
- Downloadable Guide: Return to Home Challenge Marketing and Communications
- Creative Templates: Return to Home Challenge
- Return to Home (Owner) Training Playbook
- Field Return to Home (Owner) Training Playbook
- “Beyond the Scanner: Advanced Return to Home (Owner) in the Field Techniques” (video)
Reminder of the requirements
- Be a Best Friends Network Partner
- Have a Shelter Pet Data Alliance account with current data through the last completed month of 2024
- Try 2 new operational practices from September 1-30 (see details)
- Share community education resources in English and Spanish languages (or other languages based on your community) on the topics of lost/found pets and microchipping a minimum of 4 times on all social media and website
- Distribute pet tags provided by Best Friends in partnership with PetHub
- Demonstrate a year-over-year increase in animals Returned to Home (Owner) or Returned to Home (Owner) in Field in September**
Make sure to track your data from September 1-30 and report how it went, starting October 1, to be eligible for the following grants!
Every organization that meets the requirements above will receive a $1,000 grant! The top two organizations with the most year-over-year increase in animals Returned to Home (Owner) or Returned to Home (Owner) in Field in September will receive $10,000. The top two organizations with the most creative solutions for Return to Home (Owner) practices will receive $10,000. The top organization with the greatest number of Return to Home (Owner) who did not practice Return to Home (Owner) in 2023 will receive $10,000.
Frequently asked questions
What animals are tracked in the Return to Home Challenge?
The Return to Home Challenge is specifically focused on tracking lost/stray dogs in response to the new finding that there has been a 26% regression in dog Return to Home (Owner) since 2019. We encourage organizations to continue tracking the return of cats to their homes and communities, and we plan to provide future challenges that focus on cats only.
How are animals tracked in the Return to Home Challenge?
In the Return to Home Challenge, animals will be tracked by reclaim instance rather than by unique animal. This means that each time an animal is reclaimed, that instance is recorded and tracked separately.
How do I sign my organization up for the Return to Home Challenge?
When registering, identify if your organization has a Foundant account. If you applied for a grant with us between 2019-2024, you should have an account and can email networkgrants@bestfriends.org for your organization’s login information. If not, create a new account to complete your registration.
Where do we need to post on social media to meet the challenge requirements?
To meet the Return to Home Challenge requirement and be eligible for any of the grants, organizations will need to share a minimum of four posts across all their social media channels, using either the challenge-specific templates provided or creating their own educational materials focused on Return to Home. Organizations will also need to share the same information on their website.
How many PetHub tags will my organization receive as a challenge participant?
50 PetHub tags will be distributed to each of the participating organizations, shipped directly from PetHub.
How can my organization become eligible for the Creative Solutions $10,000 grant?
To become eligible for one of these two $10,000 grants for creative solutions, organizations must choose and implement two Return to Home practices from the provided list and identify a unique, self-devised Return to Home practice that goes above and beyond. On your challenge report, we'll ask you to describe this creative solution in a free-text field.
*If your organization is already implementing all of the Return to Home Challenge practices, please contact us.
How should my organization use Petco Love Lost?
Use Petco Love Lost for lost and found pet reports, so all lost and found pets go into one central database. Petco Love Lost is a free national service that uses photo-matching technology to reunite lost pets. It can make matches between pets in your care and multiple platforms, including Nextdoor and Neighbors by Ring, giving folks the best chance to find or help lost pets before they enter your shelter. Email lost@petcolove.org and they’ll get you set up.
We’re here to support you
Together, we can help countless lost/stray dogs find their way back to their loving homes.
We welcome questions! Please reach out to our team if you have any questions on the challenge.
*The Return to Home Challenge is specifically focused on tracking lost/stray dogs in response to the new finding that there has been a 26% regression in dog Return to Home (Owner) since 2019. We encourage organizations to continue tracking the return of cats to their homes and communities, and we plan to provide future challenges that focus on cats only.
**If your organization did not handle Return to Home (Owner) in 2023 but does now, you can still participate. Please contact us directly to learn more.