New Program:
"Rescue Guardian"
Our new volunteer system "Rescue Guardians" is a Champion-Model that gives volunteers the opportunity to support a single dog, either locally or remote, as their dedicated project. The goal with this program is to create an easier to manage volunteer system for low-volume organizations while increasing adoption rates with dogs in need. This program can easily grow and shrink without feeling overwhelmed or penalized.
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This program is currently in a testing stage. Please be patient as we make adjustments. If the program is successful - it will become an open resource for shelters/rescues in need.
Tasks within the Program
Volunteers can pick and choose or handle the full list of tasks for a given dog.
Get to Know Them
You'll coordinate with the foster family to learn your dog's personality, quirks, preferences, and needs. If you're local to the Willoughby area, you'll spend time with your dog in person. If you're remote, you'll connect via video calls with the foster to observe and ask questions. Your goal is to become the expert on what makes your dog special and what kind of home would be the perfect fit for their unique personality and needs.
Celebrate
When your dog finds their forever home, you'll coordinate adoption day to help make it special to the potential adopters. Create a "Happy Tail" success story for social media. This is the most rewarding part of being a Rescue Guardian—seeing your dog thrive in their new home.
Create Content
Take high-quality photos and videos that showcase your dog's personality and write an engaging adoption bio that goes beyond stats to tell their story. As your dog settles into foster care and learns new skills, you'll create social media posts highlighting their daily life, progress, and milestones. This content helps potential adopters fall in love with your dog and understand what makes them special.
Foster Family Support
As the foster's main point of contact for questions and support, you'll check in regularly to see how your dog and the foster are doing. You'll help troubleshoot challenges and connect the foster with training resources when needed. Local volunteers may also coordinate vet appointments or provide transport support. Most importantly, you'll provide encouragement and appreciation for the foster's hard work in caring for your dog
Advocate and Events
If adoption is taking longer than expected, you'll brainstorm creative ways to increase your dog's visibility and network with breed-specific groups or rescue communities. You'll identify if your dog needs additional training, medical care, or behavioral support, and coordinate fundraising efforts if your dog has special medical needs. Your advocacy ensures your dog gets everything they need to find their perfect match.
FAQ
How much time does it take?
Approximately 5-8 hours per week, broken down as:
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Content creation: 1-2 hours (social media posts, photos, videos)
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Application management: 1-2 hours (reviewing applications, reference checks, screening calls)
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Foster support: 30 min - 1 hour (weekly check-ins)
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Advocacy: 30 min - 1 hour (networking, brainstorming visibility strategies)
The workload varies depending on how many applications your dog receives and how active you are on social media.
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Can I do this remotely, or do I need to be local?
Both! Remote volunteers can handle most tasks (application review, reference checks, social media content, phone screenings). Local volunteers can also attend meet-and-greets in person and provide hands-on support. We welcome volunteers from anywhere.
Do I need previous rescue or animal experience?
No! We provide all the training and templates you need. What matters most is dedication, good communication skills, and a passion for helping animals. We'll teach you everything else.
What if I've never used social media for advocacy before?
That's okay! We provide templates for every type of post (introduction, progress update, adoption announcement). You'll have examples to follow and support from the team. If you're comfortable posting on Facebook, you can do this.
Can I choose which dog I advocate for?
We'll do our best to match you with a dog that fits your interests, skills, and availability. You can express preferences (breed, energy level, special needs), but assignments are ultimately based on the rescue's current needs and what's best for each dog. However, if there are enough dogs in need, you can choose from a list.
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What if I'm not good at writing or taking photos?
You don't have to be! The foster family will provide photos and videos. You can use our fill-in-the-blank templates for captions. If you need help, the team is there to support you. Many volunteers improve these skills over time.
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What if the foster family and I don't get along?
Communication is key. Most issues can be resolved with clear expectations and regular check-ins. If there's a conflict you can't resolve, reach out to Heather immediately. We'll work together to find a solution.
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Can I volunteer for multiple dogs at once?
Not initially. We want you to focus on one dog and do it well. Experienced volunteers who've successfully placed 2-3 dogs may have the option to take on a second dog if they have the capacity.
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How long will I be advocating for one dog?
It varies. Some dogs are adopted within 2-4 weeks, while others may take 2-3 months depending on breed, age, behavior, and other factors. Our goal is placement within 3 months, but we never rush the process to ensure the right match.