Chicago Pet Rescue - Volunteer - Chicago Pet Rescue

"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart."

All non-profit organizations rely on their volunteers. Our missions are often overwhelming, and we often don't have enough staff (or in CPR's current situation, no paid staff at all). Volunteers are the foundation of what we do, and we need all of you.

But as a volunteer, what can you do? Here are some ideas:

Help in 15 minutes by:

posting an event on your Facebook
hanging an event day flyer on your office bulletin board or local coffee shop
writing a review about our rescue at greatnonprofits.org.

Help in one hour by:

asking a local business to donate a gift card for CPR
setting up pet supply donation box in your office break room

Help in two hours by:

volunteering at an event
hosting a fundraiser at your house

These are just a few ideas. Please see the list of available volunteer staff positions below. There are so many ways we need you, and so many ways you can help. Besides helping the animals, there are other perks for being a volunteer! You might even be named as "Volunteer of the Month". Every minute that you volunteer makes a difference in the live of a pet who is waiting for a new home.

If you aren't already on our volunteer list, fill out our online volunteer sign-up form. Please note that all volunteers must sign this waiver as well. (The waiver will open as a Microsoft Word doc.)

If you aren't sure where to get started, email us at volunteer@chicagopetrescue.org. We will help you find a way to use your time to help a pet who needs you.

Join us!

Chicago Pet Rescue is looking to fill the following volunteer staff positions. Some of the benefits of joining the CPR staff include: helping to make decisions that will better the animals that we all care about; discounts on CPR events and items; advanced notice of rescue happenings; and other perks!

Please email volunteer@chicagopetrescue.org if you'd like to help.

1) Event Coordinator: Position entails planning and being creative.

Set up Special Events and Fundraisers -working with a committee (Bowling, Halloween Party, Social Networking Event, etc)
Schedule Make a Difference Events
Add events to CPR shared calendar
Attend Staff Meetings (usually 3 times a year)
Email weekly report to Public Relations Coordinator

2) Foster Pet Coordinator: Position coordinates foster pets and their families.

Scheduling introduction of new animal to foster family
Keeping track of Foster animals' training schedule
Request weekly foster family report of how animal is doing (via form)
Coordinate the transport of animals to/ from Adoption Event
Keeping track of what supplies the Foster families need and when they need more
Schedule showing animals to potential adopter
Attend Staff Meetings (usually 3 times a year)
Email weekly report of what is happening with foster animals to Animal Program Director

3) Vet Coordinator: Position coordinates medical needs for CPR Pets.

Keeping track of Foster animals' medical records (via PetPoints and CPR shared Calendar)
Scheduling Foster animals’ vet appointments
Coordinate the transport of animals to/ from vet
Attend Staff Meetings (usually 3 times a year)
Work together with Animal Coordinator

4) Website Content Manager: Position involves editing the website, email newsletter and some graphic design.

Update the CPR website (add new animals for adoption, update Happy Tails, etc.)
Prepare and send the CPR monthly newsletter
Create other marketing materials as needed
Basic Photoshop, copywriting & web editing experience helpful.
Attention to detail and an eye for design is a must.

Other ways you can help:

Sponsor an animal
Foster an animal
Provide computer and website help
Generate publicity, ads or articles
Solicit prizes for events
Join a fundraising committee
Become a fundraising coordinator
Become an adoption or special event coordinator
Become a grant writer
Host an event or gift drive
Spread the word about CPR by sharing/posting/printing our brochure

Please contact us at volunteer@chicagopetrescue.org if you can volunteer at a future event or have other ideas. All volunteer opportunities are listed on our events calendar.