Guest Writers Guidelines

"From The Dog's Paw"

Guest Writer Guidelines
( As of April 1, 2020 page is being updated)

WOOF! PAWLEASE NOTE: We do not accept guest or sponsored posts from puppy mills or selling dogs or cats on the internet.  Local Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland Rescues and Shelters should read "Friday's Friend" page. 

Thank you for contacting us to share your writing.  "From the Dog's Paw" is an educational blog for pet parents to learn how to care for their dog or cat.  We share events in the community which could be of interest to pet parents as well as fundraisers which benefit a local rescue.  On Friday's, we share a column, "Friday's Friend" featuring dogs and cats from local rescues looking for "Forever Homes."

Before submitting a request to write for us, please take the time to read several posts to become familiar with our focus, style, and tone. While you are not expected to follow the humorous tone or style as we use in “From the Dogs Paw,” less formal writing would be best.

“From the Dog’s Paw” accepts guest posts ONLY from bloggers who maintain their own active pet blogs and/or those who work in the dog or cat pet industry.  The name and URL must be included in your request to write for us.

Please do not contact us if you and your client do not have experience in these areas:

• Veterinarian, Veterinarian Technician, Veterinarian Assistant

• Pet Sitter, Pet Day Care/Pet Care 

• Pet Professional 

• Trainer, Assistant Trainer

• Pet-Related Business

• A dog or cat blogger or writer promoting their blog or writing.

If your line of work is not listed, but you are working in the dog- or cat-related field, please feel free to contact us with questions.

To be considered for a Guest Blog Post, you must do the following:

• Include your name, job/position title and business website in initial contact email.

• Read through these Guest Writers Requirements below.

• Should you agree with these requirements, please submit ideas for consideration in initial contact email.

• If the first item is NOT included in your first initial email to us, the email will be deleted. 

ALL posts must be dog or cat related. The author MUST be in field or similiar field to be considered. The author's link must be cat or dog-related.  NO EXCEPTIONS. Please note: we do not reply to email without complete information nor to those not in the dog-or cat- field of work.

Requirements for Consideration

Barkingly, due to the volume of email requests we receive for "Guest Posts," we created this section to keep "from The Dog's Paw" format consistent. Pawlease read through these requirements. Should you not follow these, we will not post your work nor contact you requesting information. 

“From the Dog’s Paw” is about tips for new dog and/or cats pet parents. You’re welcome to share pretty much anything you think would benefit the new pet parent. We feature two weekly features that focus on dog and cat rescue, “The Paw Calendar” every Thursday and “Friday’s Friends” every Friday.

Shelters and Rescue Associations are invited to submit items for “The Paw Calendar” or “Friday’s Friends.”  Please read the "Friday’s Friend" page about submitting information.

When requesting to write for us, please keep the following in mind:

• Please keep your posts family-friendly

• NO profanity

• NO violence or strong discussions inappropriate for young children over the age of 1. 

• NO pornographic material or anything which portrays or describes animal cruelty or violence.

• Post must not include links in the body – You may use a link for the author in the foot of the post. A "Sponsored Post" may be available to advertise products. 

• Quality – Only quality, well written, good grammar posts are accepted. I will not accept posts that do not meet this qualification. 

• Editing – I will read your submission before it is posted. Spelling or grammar errors will dismiss your post from consideration. I do not edit your work. 

• Exclusive - Every guest post must be original and not published elsewhere. Posts should be written for my blog and audience. 

• Photos or Images – Images or photos are permitted provided appropriately credited. The post may be illustrated by my photography work or graphics.   Please note:  I reserve the right to use my photography or graphics with your post. If credit for image is not provided with the post, the post will not be published.

• Word Count - The word limit is best limited to 1000 words or less. 

• Time - I can take 30 days to read a guest post you submit. It is usually quicker, however, things to come up. Please do NOT send me email reminders as it will not help me get to your submission any faster. I will respond to your request if you meet guidelines. 

• Publishing - My editorial calendar is often filled for the next 15-30 days. If I agree to publish your writing, it will be as time is available and subject to change up to the day before publication.

• Blog/Website - Please include the name of your blog, website, or business, and your position when contacting us.

• Advertisements - No guest posts which read like a commercial advertisement for your business or work. We offer sponsored posts. 

• Author Bio/Profile - For consistency, all guest posts must include a short bio or profile of the writer.  No exceptions.  

Please include a short detail about your business or blog in the email you send to requesting to write for our blogs.

No posts are guaranteed to be published. Thank you for your submission.

Thank you for your interest in guest writing on "From the Dogs Paw." We look forward to reading your post(s)! Have a great day!