A sanctuary site is ready to launch once each resident has a name, a photo and a short honest story, and once your visiting rules are written down. Those two pieces shape everything: residents give supporters someone to sponsor, and clear rules protect the animals from surprise crowds. With a giving link tested, the site can go live quickly.
How the launch unfolds
Day 1-2: You send resident profiles, visiting rules and sponsorship details, and we plan a home page where meeting the residents comes first.
Week 1: We write the residents and visit pages, and you check every story for accuracy and every rule for safety.
Week 2: We build the sponsor and contact pages, connect giving and test the visit request form on a phone.
Launch: Once you approve, the site goes live and you can share it with supporters and volunteers.
What to gather before you start
- ✓Resident profiles — species, arrival story, personality and any special care needs, with a clear photo of each animal
- ✓Visiting rules — tour days, booking requirements, group limits, what not to feed or touch and footwear guidance
- ✓Sponsorship program — how sponsoring a resident works and what a sponsor receives, such as seasonal updates or a photo
- ✓Giving tool — the donation platform you already use, tested with a small gift before launch
- ✓Volunteer needs — chores, shift lengths, age limits and how to apply
The first month after launch
In the first month, add a short update for several residents, especially sponsored ones, and post the next open tour days. As spring and fall bring school groups, add a note on how teachers can request a visit. If a resident passes away, update or retire the profile gently and promptly, in words you choose. Thank new sponsors through your usual channels, and when the weather changes visiting hours or closes muddy paths, post the change on the visit page the same day so guests are not turned back at the gate. Fresh photos of residents in their seasonal routines keep returning supporters engaged.
Mistakes to avoid at launch
- ✓Inviting visitors without stating rules — unannounced groups stress the animals and staff end up turning people away
- ✓Listing residents by species only — nobody feels drawn to sponsor "two goats" the way they would sponsor a named goat with a history
- ✓Letting sponsored profiles go stale — supporters stop renewing when their animal’s page never changes
One example of what your site could look like
This is one sample we designed. Yours is built around your business, your photos and your words, and we have more examples if you want to compare directions.
What it costs
Websites are priced one-time by size, plus Website Care at $30/month for hosting, HTTPS, backups, weekly checks and A/B testing. Every package includes a consultation, mobile-friendly design, copy we write for you, a contact form, essential search setup and 10 revision rounds. Monthly SEO is an optional add-on when you are ready for it.
Optional add-ons, billed separately
The prices above are for your website. These two are separate monthly products you can add now or later. Neither is part of the website price.
Monthly SEO, from $50/month: new pages published on your site every month. See Monthly SEO →
Business Spotlight, from $30/month: articles about your business, labeled as paid, published on The Company Chronicle. See Business Spotlight →
How it works
1. Consultation
We learn your services, customers and goals, in English or Spanish.
2. We write and design
We draft the words and build the site around your business.
3. 10 revision rounds
You review and request changes until it is right.
4. Launch and care
We launch, then Website Care keeps it hosted, backed up, checked weekly and A/B tested.
Keep reading
Websites for animal sanctuaries · What a sanctuary website costs · What to send your designer · Plan your website
