PRESS TIPS TO PROMOTE THE NATIONAL AND YOUR LOCAL EVENT

It is vital that all veterinary ophthalmologists, and/or their clinics help promote the event locally even if you are not able to participate and provide exams! Increased exposure will help ensure that not only local Service Dog owners/agents hear about the event but also that local press become interested in covering it. Please do not hesitate to promote the event any way possible. Below are some ideas:

  • Customize the local press release template and send to your local written, TV and radio press.
  • Email/mail the your colleagues and referral veterinarians with an announcement of the event, invite them to tell clients and pass on the word to any other interested parties.
  • Contact your local police, fire, military agencies and invite their Service Dog handlers to participate.
  • Ask those police, fire and military handlers to forward your email to their colleagues and related associations.
  • Email an announcement of the event to friends via your regular email list, ask them to forward the email to any interested parties.
  • If you have a personal or business FaceBook or Twitter page, post the announcements and any updates.
  • 'Google' local Service Dog agencies and contact them to ask them to invite their members, and to pass on the invitation to other states.
  • Contact ACVO to request a banner ad or logo to help promote the event from your website.

Email addresses of reporters handling human-interest (e.g. human-animal bond) stories, and medical stories, are easily located by searching that press affiliate's web site. Press is in need of good stories to cover of a local nature. The information provided in the template press release will direct them back to this web site to help answer most questions.

Media will also be invited to take photos or conduct interviews during exams. As a result of our public relations efforts, the media MAY contact you directly to arrange a visit. If you prefer NOT to be contacted by the media, please contact Fetching Communications or the ACVO.

Finally....PLEASE SEND US copies of written coverage or clips of visual coverage that you may receive if at all possible!!! Email or fax this to the ACVO office.

PRESS 'TOOLKIT' BELOW

1) How to generate public awareness about the event. (pfd) Ideas for what to say and how to say it!
2) Interview Messaging and Potential Questions
3) 2011 local template press release - to be edited and used by clinic
4) 2011 ACVO national press release
5) Event Flyer to email or print and send to referring General Practice Veterinarians
6) ACVO/Merial Service Dog Eye Exam Event Public Service Announcement Video
7) ACVO Public Service Announcement
8) Short ACVO PSA
9) 2011 press captured to date
10) National press captured from the 2010 event
11) Primary care veterinarians - reasons to support the event, excerpts to solicit support via email.

Thank you to our sponsors.

Platinum Sponsor

merial logo

Silver Sponsor

Ocu-GLO Rx, Canine Vision Supplement

Bronze Sponsors

MWI Veterinary Supply (www.mwivet.com)

Welch Allyn (www.welchallyn.com)