PetConnect Rescue has rescued many wonderful cats and dogs since its inception in 2005. We have been able to do this through an amazing network of dedicated volunteers who perform a variety of tasks that help save the lives of animals in need. Volunteers are critical to our success and perform many vital functions at PetConnect Rescue. We could not do what we do without our wonderful volunteers!

Please note: Volunteering to work directly with animals is a huge responsibility; therefore, for these types of tasks, we are only able to accept volunteers who are at least 18 years of age or older.

Volunteer Application

You will find a number of opportunities that allow you to participate in a meaningful way with the flexibility to participate as your schedule allows:

WORKING DIRECTLY WITH ANIMALS

Fostering – Fosters play a critical role in the rescuing of animals. By providing a temporary home for a rescued animal until an adoptive home is secured you will have contributed to saving a life. If you may be interested in fostering, please check out our Foster Program. (You must be at least 21 years of age or older.)

Adoption Events – Provide support for adoption events throughout the year. We need people to interact with potential adopters at events where they can meet adoptable animals and learn more about PetConnect Rescue’s adoption process. We also need volunteers to transport a dog or cat to/from a foster’s home or boarding facility and we also need handlers to watch over an animal during the event. The events almost always take place on weekends. To volunteer at PetConnect Rescue adoption events, you must be at least 18 year old or older.  Check out some of our upcoming events by visiting our Events Calendar.

Transportation – Drive animals from our shelters partners, to and from adoption events, and take our animals to medical appointments.  Other transporting needs would include: Transports (long distance) – Drive to/from a pick up point to retrieve animals coming from shelters. The drive may be as long as 2.5/3 hours one way and usually takes place on the weekends. Transports (short distance) – Drive animals or meds/supplies to/from foster homes, to the vet, to boarding facilities, etc. This usually takes place around the DC metro area and may be needed during the week and/or weekend.

OTHER KEY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

PetConnect Rescue Kid’s Club – Teens and young children love animals too and we can provide them some ways to help out with in the rescue. PetConnect is registered with MCPS and volunteers can fulfill SSL hours with our organization. Please check out more about our Kid’s Club.

Conducting Home Visits – Ensure a potential adopter’s home provides a quality environment for our animals and answer any questions which will help the potential new adopters prepare for their new pet. Visit a prospective adopter’s home to ensure it is a safe place for a PetConnect Rescue animal to live. These take place during the week and/or weekends and volunteers generally visit homes near their own residence.

Fundraising – Help us raise needed funds to keep going! Consider an office donation drive; accept donations in lieu of gifts for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries; hold an event at your home, at your favorite bar, at your church…anywhere you enjoy spending time; hold a bake sale; create an online giving page; set up a giving page on Facebook; and more! Support organizational fundraising events. Ask us about all the different ways you can help raise needed funds for our animals.

Other – If you have an idea for volunteering, share it with us! We love new ideas. Contact us at info@petconnectrescue.org