A Campaign That Used AI to House Dogs Just Won a Cannes Grand Prix

In a groundbreaking achievement, a innovative campaign that leveraged the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to find forever homes for dogs has taken home the prestigious Grand Prix award at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

The campaign, titled “Finding Forever,” was created by the animal welfare organization, Petfinder, in collaboration with the advertising agency, RPA. It utilized AI-powered technology to match dogs in shelters with potential adopters, increasing the chances of successful adoptions and reducing the time dogs spend in shelters.
The Challenge
Every year, millions of dogs are abandoned or surrendered to shelters, with many facing the risk of euthanasia due to overcrowding. The traditional adoption process often relies on manual matching, which can be time-consuming and ineffective. Petfinder and RPA set out to revolutionize this process by harnessing the capabilities of AI.
The Solution
The “Finding Forever” campaign employed a sophisticated AI algorithm that analyzed data from Petfinder’s database of over 350,000 adoptable dogs. The algorithm took into account various factors, including breed, age, size, energy level, and temperament, to create a comprehensive profile for each dog.
Prospective adopters were then asked to complete a survey, which was also analyzed by the AI system. The algorithm would then match the adopter’s preferences with the most suitable dog profiles, increasing the likelihood of a successful adoption.
The Results
The campaign’s impact was nothing short of remarkable. In just six months, the “Finding Forever” campaign resulted in a 25% increase in adoptions, with an average adoption time of just 10 days – a significant reduction from the industry average of 30-60 days.
Moreover, the campaign’s AI-powered matching system led to a 95% adoption retention rate, meaning that the vast majority of adopted dogs remained in their new homes.
The Cannes Grand Prix Win
The “Finding Forever” campaign’s innovative use of AI and its remarkable results caught the attention of the Cannes Lions jury, earning it the coveted Grand Prix award in the Digital Craft category.
“This campaign is a shining example of how technology can be used to drive meaningful social change,” said the jury president. “The use of AI to improve the adoption process is not only innovative but also has a direct impact on the lives of animals in need.”
The Future of Animal Welfare
The “Finding Forever” campaign’s success has far-reaching implications for the animal welfare industry. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in improving the adoption process and reducing the number of animals in shelters.
“This campaign demonstrates the potential of AI to drive positive change in the world,” said a spokesperson for Petfinder. “We are thrilled to have been recognized by the Cannes Lions and look forward to continuing to innovate and improve the lives of animals in need.”
The “Finding Forever” campaign’s Grand Prix win at Cannes serves as a beacon of hope for the millions of dogs waiting to find their forever homes. As the animal welfare industry continues to evolve, it is clear that AI will play a critical role in shaping a brighter future for our furry friends.