"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart."
|
Being a volunteer is an amazing way to give a part of you to those who can’t help themselves. It is an incredible experience, to look into the eyes of an animal that was just adopted and watch his/her new, forever family smile from ear to ear. There is nothing more gratifying than knowing you played a part in this union and helped save a life. You then move on to assist another lost kitten or puppy in finding his/her own forever family. We have many opportunities for volunteers to choose from.
|
There are many different ways to volunteer (shown below), and we hope you will find one that suits your schedule.
If you are ready to volunteer, click the button below to fill out the volunteer form. It will help us determine how you can best help.
If you are ready to volunteer, click the button below to fill out the volunteer form. It will help us determine how you can best help.
Information on how you can help!
(Buttonss go to specifics about that volunteer opportunity)
More Information on being a Volunteer
Volunteer Reviews
Find out why our volunteers and supporters love working with us. Read their stories.
Already a volunteer? Write about your volunteer experience on Great Nonprofits.
Thank you for wanting to do something to help us save homeless pets. Our organization is devoted to saving animals. We are a growing animal rescue and our strength lies in determination, hard work and the devotion of our volunteers. It is amazing to watch perfect strangers bond together in a common cause. We have all been touched, in some way, by the unconditional love of an animal. It is easy to give back to a dog, cat, bird or other pet. All it takes is a few hours, here and there.
Your time and generosity is greatly appreciated. Our current puppies, kittens and other pets, as well as those we will be able to save in the future, are forever grateful for the time that volunteers, like you, donate. Volunteers are the mainstay of our concept and no amount of time is too small and every dollar donated is a blessing.
Your time and generosity is greatly appreciated. Our current puppies, kittens and other pets, as well as those we will be able to save in the future, are forever grateful for the time that volunteers, like you, donate. Volunteers are the mainstay of our concept and no amount of time is too small and every dollar donated is a blessing.
Hands-on Volunteering
Adoption/Information Events
We hold adoption/information events that are crucial to our future. At the events, some of our cats/kittens and dogs/puppies are available and potential adopters and supporters can visit with them. If an adopter bonds with an animal, and wishes to pursue adoption, we will have them complete an adoption application and proceed from there. As we do not have a shelter, where people can visit, this is our main way to introduce available pets to the public. While we can talk about how great the animals are, it is usually the animal itself that attracts his/her new adopter. There is something magical that happens when you hold the kitten or puppy that is right for you.
During these events, we introduce Chicago Pet Rescue to future supporters and volunteers. Simply talking to people can spread the word about the rescue, faster than you think. Word of mouth is the oldest way of communicating services. This is why these events are so important and it is essential to have volunteers available at each and every one.
If you haven’t already signed up to volunteer for an upcoming event, please look through the news and events information and let us know which ones you are available to attend. We have many upcoming adoption/information events and we’d love to have you join us!
We hold adoption/information events that are crucial to our future. At the events, some of our cats/kittens and dogs/puppies are available and potential adopters and supporters can visit with them. If an adopter bonds with an animal, and wishes to pursue adoption, we will have them complete an adoption application and proceed from there. As we do not have a shelter, where people can visit, this is our main way to introduce available pets to the public. While we can talk about how great the animals are, it is usually the animal itself that attracts his/her new adopter. There is something magical that happens when you hold the kitten or puppy that is right for you.
During these events, we introduce Chicago Pet Rescue to future supporters and volunteers. Simply talking to people can spread the word about the rescue, faster than you think. Word of mouth is the oldest way of communicating services. This is why these events are so important and it is essential to have volunteers available at each and every one.
If you haven’t already signed up to volunteer for an upcoming event, please look through the news and events information and let us know which ones you are available to attend. We have many upcoming adoption/information events and we’d love to have you join us!
|
Cat Socialization
Some of our felines are fostered by either Petsmart in Skokie, at Village Crossings, Norridge Petco or Pet Supplies Plus on Harlem in Chicago. We offer opportunities for volunteers to spend time at the Adoption Center, loving and playing with our available cats. Many of them come from foster homes and are quite friendly. Once in a while, however, we do run across a kitty that needs more one-on-one attention. Socialization helps them to learn trust and the rewards of human companionship. Even the ones that are sweet and cuddly to begin with can benefit from the time that you spend with them. A well-socialized cat will be adopted more quickly. You will need to attend a cat-handling training class and feel comfortable with handling cats of all ages. Once you've submitted the Volunteer Sign-up Form, please make sure the Pet Socialization coordinator knows when you are available. We want to make sure that every volunteer gets time to visit the kitties at the various adoption center stores. Read more about the Cat Socialization Guidelines. |
|
Fundraisers
Throughout the year, we host various fundraisers. We need to have a steady source of funds available, to cover our expenses, including veterinary bills (both planned and emergency) and foster care costs. These events raise the operating funds necessary to keep us in business. The events are hard work, but well worth it. We all have fun at the events. Please visit our events page, to see what is already planned for this year (cosmic bowling, mini-golf, etc), but keep checking back, as you never know when we will add new events. Volunteers are needed to make all these events successful. We need volunteers to help set-up before and take down after. We also need people with computer skills, to produce videos and soundtracks. These are just a few skills that we need. The list is open-ended! If you have a particular skill, please let us know.
Throughout the year, we host various fundraisers. We need to have a steady source of funds available, to cover our expenses, including veterinary bills (both planned and emergency) and foster care costs. These events raise the operating funds necessary to keep us in business. The events are hard work, but well worth it. We all have fun at the events. Please visit our events page, to see what is already planned for this year (cosmic bowling, mini-golf, etc), but keep checking back, as you never know when we will add new events. Volunteers are needed to make all these events successful. We need volunteers to help set-up before and take down after. We also need people with computer skills, to produce videos and soundtracks. These are just a few skills that we need. The list is open-ended! If you have a particular skill, please let us know.
Foster Home Search Project (Group Friendly)
Every day, we are faced with the heartbreaking reality of having to turn away homeless animals due to a shortage of foster homes. These homes serve as sanctuaries for our rescued animals, offering not just shelter but also love and socialization until they find their forever families. Your group can make a significant impact by participating in our Foster Home Search Project.
Here's how you can help:
Create Flyers: Design visually appealing flyers to attract potential foster homes. Click on picture for example and what should be included on flyer.
Print Flyers: Utilize your resources to print the flyers in preparation for distribution.
Distribute Flyers: Secure permission from businesses to distribute flyers on their premises or post them in mailboxes within ½ hour of the vicinity of 60631 zipcode.
Document Coverage: After the event, provide us with a list of areas and businesses covered to avoid duplication of efforts.
You have the flexibility to either create your own flyers (design approval prior to printing is required) or we can email you with a current flyer.
Every day, we are faced with the heartbreaking reality of having to turn away homeless animals due to a shortage of foster homes. These homes serve as sanctuaries for our rescued animals, offering not just shelter but also love and socialization until they find their forever families. Your group can make a significant impact by participating in our Foster Home Search Project.
Here's how you can help:
Create Flyers: Design visually appealing flyers to attract potential foster homes. Click on picture for example and what should be included on flyer.
Print Flyers: Utilize your resources to print the flyers in preparation for distribution.
Distribute Flyers: Secure permission from businesses to distribute flyers on their premises or post them in mailboxes within ½ hour of the vicinity of 60631 zipcode.
Document Coverage: After the event, provide us with a list of areas and businesses covered to avoid duplication of efforts.
You have the flexibility to either create your own flyers (design approval prior to printing is required) or we can email you with a current flyer.
Handling Dogs at Adoption Event
Every dog we rescue is placed in a foster home, and, until they are adopted and they come out to adoption events. We are always in need of people who are versed in working with different type of dogs and comfortable handling them at adoption events.
Every dog we rescue is placed in a foster home, and, until they are adopted and they come out to adoption events. We are always in need of people who are versed in working with different type of dogs and comfortable handling them at adoption events.
|
Animal Transport
Transport Pets to/from
|
|
Volunteer Staff Positions - 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 [email protected] if you'd like to help.
1) Grant/Donation Research Volunteer: Position searches for Grant and In-Kind/Corporate donations proposals for CPR.
2) Animal Profile Volunteer: Position entails marketing and being creative.
3) Animal Transport Volunteer: Position entails transporting pets.
4) Marketing Media Volunteer: Position entails marketing and being creative.
5) Foster Coordinator: Position coordinates foster pets and their families.
6) Make a Difference Coordinator: Position coordinates Make a Difference fundraiser events.
Please email [email protected] if you'd like to help.
1) Grant/Donation Research Volunteer: Position searches for Grant and In-Kind/Corporate donations proposals for CPR.
- Research and report Grants and In-Kind/Corporate Donations that support our mission
- Coordinate the Grant budget after receipt
- Work together with Executive Director
2) Animal Profile Volunteer: Position entails marketing and being creative.
- Post pet profiles on Adopt-a-Pet and Petfinder websites
- Take/Acquire Pictures of Pets
- Create informative/creative pet profile
- Email weekly report to Executive Director
3) Animal Transport Volunteer: Position entails transporting pets.
- Transport pets to and from local places (vets, Skokie Petsmart, adoption events, training)
- All transport are within half hour of 60631 zipcode
- Email or text after transport to Animal Director
4) Marketing Media Volunteer: Position entails marketing and being creative.
- Create social media and event flyers
- Email weekly report to PR Coordinator
5) Foster Coordinator: Position coordinates foster pets and their families.
- Request weekly foster report of how animal is doing and post (via facebook group)
- Coordinate the transport of foster animals to/ from Adoption Events, Meet & Greets, Vet appt.
- Track training/supplies the foster families need
- Attend Staff Meetings (usually 3 times a year)
6) Make a Difference Coordinator: Position coordinates Make a Difference fundraiser events.
- Confirm fundraiser event location/date with business
- Coordinate pick up or delivery of donation after event
- Create and post marketing flyer for event
- Attend Staff Meetings (usually 3 times a year)
Become a Pet Safe House
A short-term commitment with lasting benefits.
What is a Safe House?
A safe house is a transition home where a pet can rest for a weekend or week before going to their foster home. Since we are a foster-home-based rescue, we do to have a holding facility where an animal can stay while they are waiting to see a veterinarian or find a foster home.
What is a Safe House?
A safe house is a transition home where a pet can rest for a weekend or week before going to their foster home. Since we are a foster-home-based rescue, we do to have a holding facility where an animal can stay while they are waiting to see a veterinarian or find a foster home.
|
How to Become a Safe House:
There are a few requirements. We ask that you - don't have any other pets - are able to care for an animal for a short period of time - are willing to inform us of any behavioral or medical issues that you notice in the pet - are will to love and care for the animal What are the benefits of being a Safe House? You can enjoy the company of an animal for a short time without the cost or long-term commitment. You'll also feel good knowing that you're helping save an animal's life. If you meet the above requirements and would like to help, please email us at [email protected] |
|
Other ways you can help:
Please contact us at [email protected] if you can volunteer at a future event or have other ideas. All volunteer opportunities are listed on our events calendar. |
|
Young people can make a difference!
|
Youth age 16-18 kids can ONLY volunteer with animals IF their parent is the one actually volunteering (i.e. the parent signs the volunteer waiver form and the parent accompanies the child.)
Please email [email protected] for more info. |
|
Because of insurance considerations and state regulations, we are restricted in our ability to provide hands-on animal projects for children. Kids 15 and under can support the shelter in other ways such as:
- Distribute the CPR Brochures or Foster Program Flyer
- Assist with donation requests during events
- Create holiday cards for us to sell at our events
- Host an Adoption or Volunteer Party
- Have a bake sale and donate the money to a homeless animal
- Offer your service for donations (shovel snow, pick up leaves, wash cars, walk a dog, pick up poop, baby or pet sit)
- Collect aluminum cans, take them to recycling center and then bring the funds raised to our next event
- Organize a school fundraiser or supply drive (email us about doing a supply drive or fundraiser)
- Read to our pets at Petsmart Skokie (See program details below)
- Make blankets for the dogs (See below to learn how!)
- Make toys for the dogs and cats (See below to learn how!)
Perfect Book Buddies Reading Program - Chicago Pet Rescue
Children reading to Pets
|
Program Goal and Objective:
The main objective of this program is to provide a relaxed and pet-friendly atmosphere, which allows a student to practice the skill of reading. Many children have difficulties reading aloud as a result of being self-conscious when reading aloud in from of other classmates. By sitting and reading to a pet, all threats of being judged are put aside. The child relaxes and focuses on the reading. Reading improves because the child is practicing the skill of reading, building self-esteem and associating reading with something pleasant. The Perfect Book Buddies Program was designed to help our foster pets become more adoptable. Reading to caged pets help bring comfort to the pets and reduce their anxiety, and it also nurtures empathy in children. Participants sit just outside the pet's cage and read aloud to them. |
|
PROGRAM DETAILS
Who: Kind kids ages 8-15
Where: Adoption Room in the back of the Skokie Petsmart store
5485 Touhy Avenue, Skokie, IL (847) 674-4654
When: Dates & times to be scheduled with our Volunteer Director,
during regular adoption hours - Adoption Hours: Mon-Sat – 9am-5pm, Sun, noon-5pm
or as scheduled by the store
Cost: A one-time donation of $5 per child, paid at the required orientation, which goes to help CPR homeless animals.
PLEASE NOTE: One parent is required to attend orientation training and must accompany child every time they go to read to the pets.
Both child and parent must sign the volunteer waiver form once a year.
Please bring one or more favorite books, as there are no books available at
the store. Children can choose to read to any pet in the adoption room.
Sometimes there are pets from other rescues.
If a pet is out of the cage for an adoption or meeting with a prospective adopter, you must wait outside until all animals are back in their cages before you start your reading session.
For everyone’s safety, please do NOT reach inside the cages at any time.
To schedule a session, please contact the Volunteer Director at [email protected].
Cancellations: Please notify [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled session if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Who: Kind kids ages 8-15
Where: Adoption Room in the back of the Skokie Petsmart store
5485 Touhy Avenue, Skokie, IL (847) 674-4654
When: Dates & times to be scheduled with our Volunteer Director,
during regular adoption hours - Adoption Hours: Mon-Sat – 9am-5pm, Sun, noon-5pm
or as scheduled by the store
Cost: A one-time donation of $5 per child, paid at the required orientation, which goes to help CPR homeless animals.
PLEASE NOTE: One parent is required to attend orientation training and must accompany child every time they go to read to the pets.
Both child and parent must sign the volunteer waiver form once a year.
Please bring one or more favorite books, as there are no books available at
the store. Children can choose to read to any pet in the adoption room.
Sometimes there are pets from other rescues.
If a pet is out of the cage for an adoption or meeting with a prospective adopter, you must wait outside until all animals are back in their cages before you start your reading session.
For everyone’s safety, please do NOT reach inside the cages at any time.
To schedule a session, please contact the Volunteer Director at [email protected].
Cancellations: Please notify [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled session if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Instructions for homemade pet blankets and toys
No-Sew Fleece Blanket
Materials
Fleece – 2 yards each of two different colors/patterns Scissors or rotary cutter and mat Ruler Instructions 1. Layer the two pieces of fleece and cut a 56"x70" rectangle. 2. Cut a 7" square out of each corner of both pieces of fleece. 3. Make fringe around all sides of both pieces by cutting 7" into fleece at 1" intervals. 4. Place fleece rectangles wrong sides together. 5. Knot fringe pieces together using one strand from the top and one from the bottom to tie each knot. Tie together along all four sides. |
| ||
Cat Calming Toy "Ghosts"
Materials
One new washcloth One new fabric hair tie One fistful of fiberfill Instructions
|
Towel Rope Toys for Dogs
Materials
Old bath towels, multiple colors Scissors Masking tape Instructions
| ||||
How much time can you Volunteer?
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:
Help in one hour by:
Help in two hours by:
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 to 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 form as well.
If you aren't sure where to get started, email us at [email protected]. We will help you find a way to use your time to help a pet who needs you.
But as a volunteer, what can you do? Here are some ideas:
Help in 15 minutes by:
- posting an event on your Facebook timeline
- 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
- transport a pet to and from vet or adoption event
Help in two hours by:
- volunteering at an event
- hosting a fundraiser at your house or business
- socialize animals at pet stores that CPR partner with
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 to 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 form as well.
If you aren't sure where to get started, email us at [email protected]. We will help you find a way to use your time to help a pet who needs you.
Volunteer Incentives / Recognition
It is important for volunteers to be recognized for all that they do. Whether it be fostering, fundraising, adoption counseling, attending adoption events, socializing animals or just spreading the word about Chicago Pet Rescue, the hard work and dedication that volunteers put in is invaluable. Which is why we take the time to recognize all of our volunteers one way or another.
Perks for being a volunteer
Whether they are nominated for VIP status, given a recognition gift or special acknowledgement card; we try to make each volunteer feel special and appreciated.
Perks for being a volunteer
- Recognition gifts (pet related items or non pet related gift cards)
- VIP Nomination (quarterly gift card winners)
- Offer new pet name suggestions
- Thank you card and social media publication
- Discount or free tickets to CPR events
Whether they are nominated for VIP status, given a recognition gift or special acknowledgement card; we try to make each volunteer feel special and appreciated.
Get involved! Be that SOMEBODY who makes a difference.
