Want to help?  Not sure what is needed?

All rescues are powered by volunteer love for the animals.  What does that mean in realspeak?

It means that every single task that needs doing needs somebody to do it!.  

There are everyday tasks:

• transporting pets ... sometimes for short drives to the vets, sometimes for longer journeys to their new homes

• somebody has to do home visits for prospective adopters

• someone has to answer the emails and phone calls

• adoption references have to be checked

• food has to be delivered to the foster parents

• dogs need to be walked and groomed

• cats need to be brushed and cuddled

• cages need to be cleaned

Foster parents are the life blood of animal rescue.  Senior pets can need:

• "Regular" fosters who open their hearts and provide the love until the pet is adopted.   Not sure if thats for you?  Click here to read the Best Friends Fostering Handbook.

• Not ready to foster full time?  Rescues can always use someone who can step in for a couple of weeks while their regular fosters go on vacation!

• Palliative Care Fostering ... see below for more details on this

• Emergency short term fosters... sometimes when senior pets become 'orphaned' they can be at real risk if there isn't a temporary safe berth for them immediately until more permanent foster space can be sorted out.

Palliative Care Fosters

Not all senior pets are in good health when they are rescued.   Sometimes they have had a hard life.  In other cases, their caregivers have been too ill to notice the pet's health issues.  And sometimes existing conditions are amplified by the grief of losing their caregiver

At one time, this automatically meant an Unhappy Tail.   Things are changing and some rescues now recognize that all rescued pets are entitled to live their remaining days in peace and dignity.

It takes a very special heart to be a Palliative Care Foster.  At this time, there is a formal program in place at the Metro Shelter where one could volunteer.

East Coast German Shepherd Rescue is now recruiting Palliative Care Fosters.

Beagle Paws is always looking for Angels as well for their senior beagles that will stay with permanent fosters.

Rescues who do not have Palliative Care programs may occasionally have a requirement on a case by case basis.  Please contact the individual rescue groups or shelters in your area if you are interested in volunteering

AND OF COURSE .... WHEN MIRACLES ARE ALWAYS MADE ON A SHOESTRING ... IF ONE IS UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO VOLUNTEER, ALL RESCUES CAN USE DONATIONS OF SUPPLIES OR MONEY!