Talking Pets
97% of pet-mad Brits talk to their pets
Now pets talk back with new viral campaign
We all know that the British are crazy about their pets and 97% of pet owners in a new survey by The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity, even admitted to talking to them. Today (28 July), the charity launches an innovative online viral campaign which, for the first time, allows the pets to talk back.
The viral (www.talkingpets.org) uses U.S. technology, as seen in other popular virals like ‘Elf Yourself’, to create virtual pets that can be made to speak. Users can choose from a selection of cats and dogs and personalize them with different accessories and backgrounds. Or they can upload a picture of their own pet. Users can then pick a voice for their pet and type in a message for them to say, which they can send on to friends or add to their Facebook profile.
In a ground-breaking world-first, the viral will be promoted using a ‘virtual newshound’ – an interactive online advert featuring a talking dog that comes to life by reading the news headline from its host website in real time! This ad will run exclusively on AOL, while a simpler version on MySpace will encourage viewers to type in messages for the talking dog to say.
The online campaign aims to raise awareness of www.allaboutpets.org.uk, a new online community for pet lovers, run by The Blue Cross. It is hoped that the viral will help drive traffic to the site and boost sign-ups prior to its official launch next month.
Debbie Curtis, The Blue Cross Head of Communications said: “If you want to tell someone they’re in the doghouse but the cat’s got your tongue, using a talking pet is the perfect solution. This viral is fun, entertaining and a perfect way to reach pet owners who will enjoy being part of our new online community, All About Pets.”
www.talkingpets.org, www.allaboutpets.org.uk
See the viral in action at www.youtube.com/petsthattalk
All About Pets is a new social network site for pet lovers, run by The Blue Cross and designed and created by digital media agency DVA. Over 5,000 members have signed up since its beta launch in March 2008 and an official launch is planned for August 2008. For more information, visit www.allaboutpets.org.uk. The Blue Cross provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners across the UK. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centers it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets’ fees. For more information, visit www.bluecross.org.uk.
What a fun way to help spread the word about a great site!
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Wow. . . .