Volunteering for Bluegrass Pug Rescue, Inc.
We are excited that you are thinking about volunteering for BPR! Volunteers make up the entire organization. There are Pugs counting on them for their livelihood. Regardless of the type of commitment you are thinking about, it is important that you make an informed decision to have the best experience possible. Here are a few things to think about before you make the commitment.
What do you hope to achieve by volunteering?
Do you actually have the time?
Are you financially able to make the commitment, such as providing the gasoline for transportation?
Do you like to work with people, or prefer to work alone?
Do you like to be involved with something that is worthwhile?
Areas Needing Volunteers
Communications
This is a broad category and can include preparing mailings, writing thank you notes, making phone calls to prospective adopters, sending e-mails, and keeping others informed of activities. It may also include working on the website or monitoring the blog.
Cooking/Catering Events
Do you make dog treats or something canine special? Do you have a great recipe for chili or something to serve at one of our events? Are you not much of a cook, but love to serve? This just might be an area you would enjoy. BPR will hold a few events each year where you could be of service.
Event Organizing
BPR will hold a few events each year to raise funds, educate the public on adopting, the importance of spay/neuter, puppy mills, and adoptions. Are you an organizer or like to work on planning, setting up, finding venues, and everything else needed for the event? Do you enjoy hanging fliers or assisting with donations for our raffle baskets? This would be a great opportunity to use those skills!
Fund Raising
BPR operates entirely on donations. You can help BPR by obtaining funding needed to support the rescue. If you are interested in helping to raise funds for BPR, are knowledgeable about grant writing, soliciting donations from individuals as well as corporations, this is an opportunity for you. This would also include using your creativity to come up with new ideas for raising funds. If you do not have any experience, but would like to learn these skills, don’t hesitate to sign up!!
Give Pet Advice
Have you owned Pugs for years? Do you have experience in dealing with rescues and the special problems that might be encountered? Would you be willing to listen to a new owner and offer advice? This is not to be confused with being a veterinarian, but owners can sometimes benefit from sharing their experiences. If this sounds like you, then we can use your expertise!!
Home Checks
Prior to placing a Pug in a new home, BPR volunteers perform home checks of potential adopters going through the application process. You would make an appointment with the potential adopter at a time when all those living in the home are available. Information to perform the home check is provided by BPR. You will make a recommendation as to whether a Pug should be placed in their home. If you would like to help ensure Pugs are going to good forever homes, then this is a task for you!!!
MEET-N-GREETS
To help educate the public about Pugs and BPR, Meet-n-Greets will be held at various venues. Volunteers can help by finding places to hold these events. You won't be adopting Pugs out at a MEET-N-GREET. You can bring your own Pug or a foster Pug to meet people, answer questions about BPR, how the adoption process works, about fostering, and opportunities to help the rescue.
Newsletter/Blog
Do you like to write articles or research a subject? Do you like to take pictures or come up with new ideas? Do you like to stay up on current events and tell others about them? Are you a blogger or want to give it a try? Then this may be an area that would interest you.
Publicity/Public Relations/Social Media
Do you like to write press releases? Would you like to spread the news about BPR? Do you like to let others know about events and things happening with BPR? Then you would be excellent working in this area.
PUG LOOKOUT
Many times Pugs end up in local shelters or people advertise Pugs on Craigslist, Facebook, or in the newspaper. This is not safe for the Pug (or any dog). Can you be a Pug Lookout? Are you able to check with local shelters and look on the internet for Pugs that need BPR's help? This is very rewarding knowing that YOU helped get a Pug to a safe place where they will be taken care of for the rest of their lives.
TRANSPORTATION
Providing transportation for Pugs is an essential part of the success of BPR. You must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance. Transportation is needed for Pug surrenders, getting Pugs to or between foster homes, getting Pugs to their forever homes, to the veterinarian, and to special events. If you are willing to volunteer your vehicle and your time, then this is for you!!!
WORKING EVENTS
BPR holds several events through-out the year and none of these can be successful without the help of volunteers. This includes everything from setting up to cleaning up. Get involved in what's going on!
OTHER IDEAS
Do you want to volunteer but have an idea that you haven’t seen? Sign up and share your information with us. BPR is always looking for new ideas and better ways to do things!!!
Volunteer Expectations
Volunteers are the foundation of BPR, Inc., and represent the organization with everything they do. If you volunteer, you may be the only BPR person someone knows; therefore, you are BPR to that person. You set the reputation for the organization. For this reason, BPR takes volunteering very seriously. In order to establish a professional image, BPR has the following expectations for all volunteers:
to adhere to the BPR mission and guidelines at all times.
to report any issue that arises out of the ordinary to the volunteer coordinator.
to not receive payment or reimbursement for their work.
to be on time and wear identification information as provided.
to meet their commitment in its entirety and in a timely manner.
to refrain from speaking to the media, if contacted, asking for a comment or an opinion about BPR, Inc.
all media contacts are to be referred to a Board member.
to enjoy the work they are doing while treating others and animals with respect.
All Volunteers must complete the Liability Waiver prior to being approved as a volunteer.
Click here to complete the Bluegrass Pug Rescue Volunteer Application.
Approved volunteers click here to complete the Bluegrass Pug Rescue Liability Waiver.