Are you in the market for a delightful three-bedroom, two-bathroom home adorned with beautiful granite countertops and a cozy finished basement? Perhaps you're dreaming of a spacious fenced-in yard, where the joyful sounds of puppy paws echo on polished hardwood floors.
For realtor DJ Soucy, based in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida, the journey of selling homes transcends merely finding the right property; it’s about nurturing families and creating opportunities for love and companionship.
Since October 2020, DJ Soucy has embraced a heartwarming initiative that adds an extra layer of happiness to each home sale. With every house sold, he generously covers the adoption fee for a dog from a local shelter, fostering the bond between families and furry friends.
Every sign bearing the DJ Soucy name carries an inspiring message: “Free dog with every home sold.” This wonderful partnership with Pet Pal Animal Shelter connects homebuyers with pets in search of loving homes, while also alleviating overcrowding in the shelter.
The inspiration for this initiative struck Soucy while he was working, as he received a photo of his own beloved dog, lazily gazing out the window, waiting for his return. He shared, “It just got me thinking, I spend all this time trying to help people find the perfect home. Wouldn't it be cool if I could help animals, dogs, in particular, find a way home?”
This heartfelt idea led him to collaborate with Scott Daly, the executive director of Pet Pal. Since the launch of this initiative, they have joyfully managed to donate over $50,000 and facilitate countless adoptions.
Once a home purchase is finalized, Soucy's team reaches out to clients to discuss the opportunity to adopt a cat or dog from Pet Pal. Buyers have a generous six-month window after closing to visit the shelter and complete the adoption application process. While the shelter retains final approval on pet placements, the DJ Soucy Group takes care of any adoption fees, ensuring a smooth transition to pet parenthood.
For those who may not be ready to adopt, Soucy has a loving alternative. In such cases, he donates the adoption fee as a $200 contribution to the shelter in the client's name. As Scott Daly remarked, “Either way, the animals win.”
Every month, DJ Soucy personally visits the shelter to deliver donations from clients who chose not to adopt. He appreciates seeing firsthand how the contributions positively impact the shelter's operations. “They always like to show me exactly where that money’s gone and how it’s helped,” Soucy said.
These donations predominantly support medical and operational costs, ensuring the no-kill shelter continues to thrive. Moreover, clients have embraced this initiative wholeheartedly. Soucy shared, “I've yet to have anybody who wasn't interested in it, who didn't think it was fantastic and a great cause.”
With such remarkable success, both in philanthropy and business, Soucy is now collaborating with real estate agents nationwide to incorporate similar charitable components into their practices, even providing them with a marketing playbook.
“At the DJ Soucy Group, we believe everyone deserves a perfect home,” reads a post from the realty group, “including our four-legged friends.” This mission not only enhances the community but also brings joy to families and their furry companions alike.