Thinking of volunteering?.......

[Inthepotty]

If anyone is thinking of volunteering for a rescue, wether that be as a foster home, homechecker, or even just helping to transort dogs, can I just add this short note to maybe explain how rewarding it is?

A rescue contact of mine sent an urgent plea via email at the beginning of the week- a 4 yr old dog had suddenly had to be rehomed due to the ill-health of his owner. Rescue were looking for an urgent foster home/forever home for him.

A couple based ooop north had applied to take this boy. Rescue organiser rang me and asked if I could go up and do homecheck, ASAP. They were desperate to get him into a new home.

So this morning I set off and got lost for 2 hours and arrived to meet new possible home at lunchtime. I took my pup with me, and he spent an hour charging round the garden with resident dog whilst I asked a few questions, and basically checked the garden and dogs sleeping area. which was bigger than mine Easy peasy.

Rescue have just sent me an email to say the couple were perfect on paper and after passing homecheck, would be able to collect their new boy tommorow of the meet goes well.

That's it really- if anyone is thinking of helping a rescue out (and bloody hell, they chuffing need it) please do, it is incredibly rewarding and I feel great knowing Ive helped, even if it's teeny bit. I also got a lovely tour of the Yorkshire Dales and a cracking brew when I got there.

[RedwingWinter]

What a lovely post and thank you for cheering me up when there are so many sad stories in the doghouse at the moment! Well done for volunteering. I recently started volunteering with my local rescue (with cats), and I would also thoroughly recommend it. It is very rewarding. Also, as you highlighted, there are volunteer positions with direct contact with animals, and those without, depending what is of interest.

[TheCunnyFunt]

I recently donated a greyhound sized piece of vetbed, a dog cushion and some old quilt covers to my local greyhound rescue, found out that they take the vetbed around with this particular dog to meet and greets for him to stand on as he has bad paws. I felt really chuffed I'd helped make this hounds life a little bit easier :)

I'd love to volunteer for them but I just don't have the time :(

[Vanfurgstan]

I wanted to volunteer as I have some free time in the next few months. However, I have no experience with dogs, will I be laughed out of a rescue if I offered?

[Scuttlebutter]

Absolutely not, Vanfurgstan. You can do all kinds of things. If you want to be directly involved with the dogs, you can often start by walking them. Charities often also need help with transporting dogs, from pounds to rescue places, or onto foster homes. Many charities run lots of nice events, for instance our all breed local rescue has a regular tea party where people can go along and meet some of the dogs needing homes and have a piece of cake - perfect combo! These sorts of events need folk to help with baking, maybe holding a few dogs, and generally chatting to people who may be interested in adoption - a nice way to spend an afternoon.


Don't forget that many charities are also desperate for other skills. Fundraising, baking, making, website, writing newsletters, helping at stalls, rattling a tin, stewarding at a doggy event, the list goes on. These days, lots of charities have forums where they can post details of forthcoming events, what help is needed, roles for volunteers etc. Facebook is also quite useful too for appeals. For a longer commitment, you could even commit to becoming a charity trustee. This is immensely rewarding, though more of a responsibility - you will be helping to steer the overall strategic direction of the charity, making policy and being responsible for resources. Can be a lot of work but it's very enjoyable, interesting and satisfying - great if you have special skills, like management, finance, law etc.

Good luck!