VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
**The volunteer opportunities listed below are for those who would like to help make a difference. We encourage you to sign up for any of the jobs below and help out as you have the time. **
______________________________________________________________________________________
ANIMAL TRANSPORTATION
How Often: As Needed
Time Involved: Varies
Equipment Needed: Transportation, dog, leash, collar, etc. (provided by Misunderstood)
Volunteers Needed: 1 per trip, 3-5 total
Transportation of animals is most often needed to and from veterinarian appointments when foster care providers are unable to make the trip. This task involves picking up the animal, safely transporting it, and then dropping it back off and may include waiting while the animal has a veterinarian appointment. Animal transportation is also needed when adoption fairs are being held. Occasionally we will need someone to transfer a dog from a pound/shelter to it's new foster home. This position will work with the transportation/vet liaison coordinator.
______________________________________________________________________________________
OFFICE VOLUNTEER FOR "CASH FOR CRITTERS" PROJECT
How Often: On-going
Time Involved: Varies, Flexible
Equipment Needed: Transportation
Volunteers Needed: Unlimited
See the above description of the "Cash for Critters" Project. In addition to the volunteer running the project, we would like to have one individual at each of the businesses collect the cartridges, thus minimizing the work for the director of the project. Each office volunteer would be responsible for maintaining contact with the director of the project, collecting the cartridges on a regular basis, and getting the cartridges to a central location to be mailed. More information can be found at www.cashforcritters.com. This position will work with the donation/supply coordinator.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
HOME VISIT VOLUNTEER
How Often: As Needed
Time Involved: 1/2 hour, plus travel time
Equipment Needed: Transportation
Volunteers Needed: lots across the state
Misunderstood uses a network of foster homes to house and care for the animals that we rescue. Foster homes commit to caring for and socializing an animal until it can be placed into a permanent home. Before an animal is placed into a foster home AND before it is placed into a permanent home, we conduct home visits to ensure that the animal is going to a safe, loving, responsible, indoor home. This is done not only for the safety of the animal, but to meet our licensing requirements from the State of Virginia. We need volunteers to conduct home visits to check things such as fencing, the security of the home, the disposition of any other animals in the home, etc. Misunderstood will train volunteers and these visits are always set up by appointment, never as a "surprise." A short inspection form is required to be filled out after each home visit of a potential foster care provider. This position will work with the adoption coordinator.
________________________________________________________________________________________
FOSTER CARE PARENT
How Often: On-going
Time Involved: weeks to months
Equipment Needed: all needed supplies (including vet. care) provided by Misunderstood
Volunteers Needed: Unlimited (spread the word)
Misunderstood uses a network of foster homes to house and care for the animals that we rescue. Foster homes commit to caring for and socializing an animal until it can be placed into a permanent home. We need volunteers who will open their homes to needy dogs. The time involved varies, with some animals being placed within a matter of a few days (usually puppies) and others needing much longer. Some animals may also have special medical or behavioral needs. All food, supplies, and medical care is provided by and paid for by Misunderstood. Any costs incurred by the foster home, within reason, will be refunded by Misunderstood. We are looking for as many responsible, indoor-only homes for the vast numbers of animals that need rescuing in our state. For detailed information on foster care, visit our "foster homes needed" section of our website. This position would report to the foster care coordinator.
_______________________________________________________________________
FLYER POSTING
How Often: On Going
Time Involved: Varies, Flexible
Equipment Needed: Transportation
Volunteers Needed: 1 per small geographic area/neighborhood
Volunteers are needed to post flyers regarding animals available for adoption, adoption fairs, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising events at various locations such as pet stores, veterinarian's offices, grocery stores, coffee shops, etc. Misunderstood will provide the material to be posted. Volunteers must get the approval of the store's manager/owner before posting material. This position will work with the community relation coordinator.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ADOPTION DAY VOLUNTEER
How Often: As Needed
Time Involved: 1-5 hours
Equipment Needed: n/a
Volunteers Needed: Unlimited
See the description of our adoption days above. We need volunteers who would be willing to staff some or all of the adoption fair, which typically runs about 4-5 hours. Adoption fair volunteers would be assisting with the animals available for adoption, talking to potential adopters about individual animals, and talking to individuals who stop at the Misunderstood information table. This position will work with the adoption day coordinator.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
GRANT WRITER
How Often: On-going
Time Involved: Unknown
Equipment Needed: Computer, grant writing experience
Volunteers Needed: 1-3
This is a big one! Misunderstood is supported solely through donations and adoption fees, but we would like to change that. We are seeking anyone with experience in grant writing to research and write grants for animal rescue funding from either the public or private sector. Contact us for more information. This position will work with the fundraising coordinator.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
