Volunteer

Our Volunteers Make a Difference!

Fetchin’ Retrievers Rescue is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization and we depend on your help to succeed. Whether you have an hour to give once a month, or several hours a week, there are many ways for your contribution to matter. Below are some of the many volunteer opportunities we have. Submit your Volunteer Application today.

Transport

With our large geographic area (Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties) we often need to move dogs from one location to another. We may need to bring a dog to his or her new foster home, to the vet or even to a prospective adopter.

Home Visits

Home visit volunteers will meet with prospective adopters to answer questions, evaluate the house and yard environments and manage expectations. The home visit volunteer will submit a report of the visit, which our adoption team will use to help make an appropriate placement.

Do I need a large SUV to transport?

No! You simply need a vehicle that can accommodate either a crate or a way to tether a dog for transport.

Does FRR provide training?

Yes! We provide written instructions and requirements, and also a training phone call. If available, an experienced transport volunteer will accompany you on your first transport.

Do dogs have to be transported in a crate?

No. Although preferable, as long as the dog is secure in your vehicle (with a tether or seat belt harness,) you don’t need to use a crate. We do have crates available to lend if needed.

Does FRR reimburse for gas and expenses?

No, we do not reimburse for gas or expenses. However, you should keep track of your mileage and expenses as they may be tax deductible. Contact your tax professional for more information.

What is involved in conducting a home visit?

After arranging a mutually convenient time to visit, you’ll spend time with the family to answer questions and observe the environment to assess suitability for placement of an FRR dog. We ask that you bring a friendly dog with you to help in your assessment. After the visit, you’ll complete a report on your findings.

Does FRR provide training?

Yes! An experienced home visit volunteer will accompany you on your first several visits and assist you in completing the report. We also periodically hold formal in-person training for our volunteers.

How much time does it take?

Most home visits last approximately an hour. There may be travel time and you should plan on approximately 30 minutes to complete the report.

Am I required to do a certain number of home visits?

No. Any help you can provide is appreciated. Our home visit coordinator will contact you when there is an applicant located in your geographic area. You are free to accept or decline the request.

Fundraising and Grant Writing

As a nonprofit supported by donations, FRR needs volunteers that can help us fundraise so we can continue to rescue and re-home our dogs. We can use help with organizing events, crowd funding and promoting campaigns. Grant writing volunteers will identify potential private and corporate grants and help to write the applications.

Foster Care

Foster care allows us to place a rescued dog in a home environment and learn as much as possible in order to determine what the dog needs in his or her forever home. Click for more information on our foster program. Submit your Foster Inquiry today.

Community and Outreach Events

Representing Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue local community events and pet fairs is a fun way to get the word out about our rescue and promote our cause. We need volunteers willing to staff these events, as well as help with set-up and take-down of a booth. Additionally, you would be working on building relationships with area vets, groomers, trainers and other rescues.

Shelter Scout

We need volunteers to check area animal shelters to identify retrievers in need. This is usually done online by monitoring “Lost and Found” sections of shelter websites. The ability to build a collaborative working relationship with the shelter staff is crucial.

Marketing/PR/Newsletter

Getting the word out about our new rescue is vital. We need volunteers to find ways to market our rescue and/or to write articles for our newsletter.

Dog Walking/Puppy Socialization

Occasionally we need help walking dogs who are boarded at one of our vets. We may also have litters of puppies that need socialization before adoption.

Administrative Support

There are plenty of behind-the-scenes jobs that need to be done to keep the rescue running smoothly. These include sending out donation thank you letters, following up with adopters, registering microchips, checking rescue voicemail, database upkeep, etc.

Other Volunteer Needs

Photographer
Graphic Designer
Web Design/maintenance
Social Media