General Expectations for All Volunteers

• Treat all animals, volunteers, adopters, and community members with respect.

• Communicate clearly and promptly with rescue leadership.

• Follow safety and handling guidelines at all times.

• Represent Paws of the Pines positively in person and online.

• Report concerns immediately (medical, behavioral, safety-related).

• Protect confidential adopter information and internal rescue documents.

Event Volunteers play a key role in representing Paws of the Pines Rescue out in the community. These volunteers help ensure our adoption events, fundraisers, and outreach activities run smoothly, safely, and professionally. Event Volunteers are often the first friendly face people meet — and their help directly impacts our ability to find loving homes for our dogs and build community support.

Event Volunteer Responsibilities

Before the Event

• Assist with event setup, including tables, tents, signage, crates, water bowls, and displays.

• Help unload dogs safely and ensure they are secured using proper leashes, harnesses, or crates.

• Coordinate with leadership on which dogs need extra space, assistance, or monitoring.

During the Event

• Handle and supervise rescue dogs, ensuring they remain safe, comfortable, and under control.

• Answer basic questions from the public about our mission, our dogs, and our adoption/foster processes.

• Help potential adopters meet and interact with dogs safely.

• Monitor dog behavior and watch for stress signals (excess panting, trembling, growling, cowering, etc.).

• Ensure dogs have access to water, shade, and breaks.

• Assist with crowd control and spacing between dogs when needed.

• Promote responsible interactions between children, adults, and dogs.

• Maintain a clean event area, including picking up waste and wiping up spills.

After the Event

• Help reload supplies, equipment, and dogs safely.

• Assist in breakdown and cleanup.

• Communicate any concerns regarding dog behavior, injuries, equipment issues, or community interactions.

• Provide leadership with feedback about the event or needs for improvements.

Skills & Qualities Required

• Comfortable working around dogs of all sizes and temperaments

• Friendly, professional, and willing to engage with the public

• Able to remain calm in busy or high-energy environments

• Basic understanding of dog body language (training will be provided)

• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team

• Reliable and punctual

• Time Commitment

• Event volunteers can help as often or as little as they’re available. Opportunities include:

Adoption events

• Fundraisers

• Community outreach booths

• Donation drives

• Special seasonal or holiday events

Why Event Volunteers Matter

• Highlight available dogs to potential adopters

• Engage supporters and donors

• Spread awareness of our mission

• Build a positive, trustworthy community presence

• Ensure the safety and comfort of our dogs while in public

PetSmart Cat Care Volunteers represent Paws of the Pines Rescue inside the PetSmart adoption center. These volunteers ensure that the cats in our care remain healthy, clean, comfortable, and well-socialized while waiting to meet adopters. This role is essential to maintaining PetSmart partnership standards and providing our cats with the best possible experience.

Primary Responsibilities

Daily Cat Care

• Clean and refresh each cat’s kennel according to rescue and PetSmart guidelines.

• Scoop litter boxes, remove waste, and replace litter as needed.

• Provide fresh food and water every visit, following feeding instructions for each cat.

• Check for messes, tipped bowls, or accidents and address them immediately.

Cat Health & Behavior Monitoring

• Observe each cat for signs of stress, illness, or injury.

• Report any concerns immediately to rescue leadership (sneezing, coughing, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, not eating, hiding excessively, etc.).

• Make note of behavior updates (friendly, shy, playful, vocal, scared) to help with adoption promotion.

Socialization & Enrichment

• Spend time interacting with adoptable cats, offering gentle pets, playtime, and positive interaction.

• Provide enrichment items (toys, scratchers, blankets) as approved by the rescue.

• Ensure shy or nervous cats are handled calmly and respectfully.

Cleaning & Sanitation Duties

PetSmart requires clean, sanitary cat adoption rooms. Volunteers must:

• Wipe down kennel surfaces with approved cleaners.

• Replace bedding, blankets, or toys when dirty.

• Clean food/water bowls and return them neatly.

• Disinfect litter boxes when needed.

• Keep the cat room tidy, swept, and free of debris.

Adopter Interaction

Volunteers may occasionally encounter customers with questions. You are encouraged to:

• Provide friendly, basic information about the cats (age, personality, background if known).

• Explain our adoption process and direct customers to apply online.

• Avoid promising an adoption outcome or guaranteeing approval.

• Notify leadership if someone is seriously interested so follow-up can occur.

Expectations & Requirements

• Must be comfortable working around cats of all temperaments.

• Must follow PetSmart’s safety and cleaning guidelines at all times.

• Must be reliable and consistent with scheduled shifts.

• Must maintain a calm, quiet demeanor to prevent stressing the cats.

• Must represent Paws of the Pines positively and professionally.

• Must communicate promptly with leadership about concerns, schedule changes, or cat behavior updates.

Time Commitment

Most cat room shifts are:

• 30–60 minutes per visit

• Flexible based on volunteer availability

• Daily coverage preferred (shared between volunteers)

Volunteers may sign up for weekly or rotating shifts.

Why This Role Matters

Our PetSmart cats rely completely on volunteers for:

• Clean living spaces

• Regular feeding and care

• Socialization and enrichment

• Monitoring for illness or stress

• Increased chances of adoption

This role directly impacts their health, comfort, and ability to find forever homes.

Transport Volunteers are a vital part of Paws of the Pines Rescue’s lifesaving efforts. These volunteers safely move dogs between shelters, foster homes, veterinary appointments, adoption events, and partner locations. Transporting is often the very first step in a dog’s journey to safety — and your role makes it possible.

Primary Responsibilities

Picking Up Dogs

• Arrive on time at the arranged shelter, foster home, vet clinic, or meeting point.

• Verify the correct dog is being picked up using provided descriptions or paperwork.

• Ensure dogs are safely secured in crates, harnesses, or slip leads as instructed.

• Communicate with leadership when pickup is complete.

Safe Transportation

• Transport dogs in a clean, secure vehicle with appropriate ventilation.

• Crate dogs whenever possible for safety (unless instructed otherwise).

• Ensure crates are secured so they cannot tip or slide.

• Never leave dogs unattended in the vehicle.

• Maintain a calm environment — no loud music, smoke, or sudden movements.

Drop-Off Procedures

• Deliver dogs directly to the designated location or contact person.

• Confirm successful drop-off by messaging rescue leadership.

• Provide updates about behavior, condition, or any concerns noticed during transport.

Dog Handling Expectations

Transport volunteers must:

• Double-leash scared or high-risk dogs if instructed.

• Open vehicle doors carefully in case the dog attempts to dart.

• Never allow unfamiliar dogs to meet outside of controlled environments.

• Monitor for stress signals (panting, shaking, pacing, whining).

Health & Safety Considerations

Transport volunteers should:

• Watch for signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhea, heavy coughing, lethargy).

• Notify leadership immediately if anything concerning is observed.

• Disinfect crates and vehicle areas after each transport.

• Wear gloves when handling scared, dirty, or potentially ill animals if preferred.

Communication Expectations

Transport volunteers are expected to:

• Respond to scheduling messages within a reasonable timeframe.

• Provide prompt updates at pickup and drop-off.

• Communicate delays, route changes, or issues as they happen.

• Report medical or behavioral concerns to leadership immediately.

Vehicle Requirements

Volunteers must:

• Have a dependable vehicle with working heat and A/C.

• Have space for transport crates or be willing to use foldable rescue crates.

• Keep the vehicle clean and free of hazards that could injure a dog.

Time Commitment

Transport needs vary and may include:

• Local transports (15–30 minutes)

• County-to-county transports (30–90 minutes)

• Medical transports to and from vet appointments

• Event-day transports for adoptable dogs

• Emergency pickups for injured, stray, or urgent cases

Volunteers can accept transports based on their availability — no set schedule is required.

Why Transport Volunteers Matter

Transport volunteers help Paws of the Pines Rescue:

• Save dogs from overcrowded shelters

• Provide essential medical care

• Enable foster placements

• Support adoption events

• Offer immediate help in emergency situations

Every ride you provide opens the door to safety, stability, and a second chance.

Foster Support Volunteers play a crucial behind-the-scenes role at Paws of the Pines Rescue. They help ensure foster families have everything they need to care for their dogs safely, comfortably, and successfully. This role strengthens our foster network, improves communication, and directly impacts the welfare and adoptability of the dogs in our program.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist With Supplies

• Deliver needed supplies such as food, crates, leashes, bowls, medication, toys, and bedding to fosters.

• Pick up donations or supplies from partners, storage, or drop-off locations.

• Help organize or restock foster supply bins or closets if needed.

Provide In-Home Support

• Help fosters with tasks they may need extra hands for, such as:

  • Bathing or grooming assistance

  • Helping hold dogs for basic care (ear cleaning, nail trims, etc.)

  • Helping introduce new dogs into the home environment

  • Assisting with safe meet-and-greets under leadership guidance

Transport Support

• Provide rides for fosters or their dogs if the foster cannot drive:

  • Vet appointments

  • Spay/neuter and vaccination visits

  • Adoption meet-and-greets

  • Moving a foster to a temporary placement or event

(This is lighter than full “Transport Volunteer” duties but still crucial.)

Communication & Check-Ins

• Check in with assigned fosters on a weekly or biweekly basis (as directed).

• Pass along updates to rescue leadership, especially regarding medical or behavioral concerns.

• Help remind fosters about upcoming appointments, preventatives, or deadlines.

Event & Adoption Support

• Help fosters handle dogs at adoption events when needed.

• Assist in gathering updated photos or videos of the dog for social media and adoption listings.

• Provide feedback on the dog’s behavior during outings or public events.

Skills & Qualities Needed

• Friendly, calm, and patient — especially with shy, scared, or high-energy dogs

• Strong communication and people skills

• Reliable and organized

• Able to maintain confidentiality regarding foster homes and rescue cases

• Comfortable driving with supplies or crated animals

• Willing to follow rescue procedures and instructions

Safety Expectations

Foster Support Volunteers must:

• Follow all dog-handling safety guidelines

• Never introduce dogs to each other without approval

• Use slip leads or secure equipment when helping with dog handling

• Notify leadership immediately of any injury, escape risk, or safety concern

• Respect foster homes' privacy and personal boundaries

Time Commitment

This role is flexible and based on availability. Tasks may include:

• Weekly supply runs

• Occasional errand help

• Assisting with vet runs or meet-and-greets

• Event support as needed

Even one hour a week can make a major difference.

Why Foster Support Volunteers Matter

These volunteers help keep the entire foster system running smoothly by:

• Reducing stress and time constraints on foster families

• Ensuring dogs receive timely care, enrichment, and appointments

• Supporting new fosters who may need extra guidance

• Helping the rescue move quickly during emergencies or urgent intakes

Fosters are the backbone of our rescue — and Foster Support Volunteers are the hands that help hold everything together.

Administrative Volunteers play an essential role behind the scenes at Paws of the Pines Rescue. These volunteers assist with communication, organization, recordkeeping, and operational tasks that keep our rescue running smoothly. Their work ensures that every foster, adopter, donor, and partner receives timely, accurate, and professional support — helping the rescue save more lives.

Primary Responsibilities

Communication Support

• Respond to general rescue inquiries on email, social media, or messaging platforms (as assigned).

• Help send updates, reminders, or follow-up messages to fosters, adopters, and volunteers.

• Assist with coordinating event schedules, transport lists, or foster placements.

• Maintain a professional, friendly tone in all communications.

Recordkeeping & Data Entry

• Assist with logging intake information, medical records, microchip registrations, or adoption notes.

• Help update spreadsheets, adoption files, and digital records.

• Maintain accuracy when entering dates, vet information, medication logs, or owner surrender details.

• Organize and upload documents to the appropriate rescue folders.

Social Media & Marketing Assistance (if interested)

• Help draft basic posts, updates, or adoption spotlights.

• Organize photos and videos for use across platforms.

• Share pre-made content to community groups or pages.

• Assist with event promotion or fundraising announcements.

Fundraising & Donor Support

• Help track donations, update donor lists, or prepare gratitude emails.

• Assist with organizing fundraising materials, raffle items, or outreach lists.

• Support planning or organization for fundraising events.

Operational Support

• Help format or prepare rescue documents, forms, or handbooks.

• Assist with volunteer onboarding tasks (sending forms, confirming info, etc.).

• Provide support to leadership with scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups.

• Support organization of digital folders, files, and admin tools.

Skills & Qualities Needed

• Detail-oriented and organized

• Strong communication and writing skills

• Comfortable using email, messaging apps, and basic spreadsheets

• Reliable, professional, and able to maintain confidentiality

• Able to work independently with minimal supervision

• Willing to learn rescue procedures and follow guidelines

Confidentiality Requirements

Administrative Volunteers may handle sensitive information such as:

• Adopter/foster contact details

• Owner surrender information

• Medical records

• Internal rescue documents and conversations

All information must be kept confidential and not shared outside the rescue.

Time Commitment

This role is flexible and can be done from home. Examples of time involvement:

• 1–3 hours per week for general admin support

• Additional time during large events, heavy intake weeks, or fundraising campaigns

• No set schedule — tasks are assigned based on volunteer availability

Even small amounts of time make a big impact.

Why Administrative Volunteers Matter

Administrative Volunteers help Paws of the Pines Rescue:

• Stay organized and compliant

• Keep communication flowing

• Reduce the workload on fosters, leadership, and the board

• Improve response times to adopters and community members

• Strengthen professionalism and community trust

Their behind-the-scenes dedication directly supports lifesaving work and allows the rescue to operate more efficiently.

Fundraising & Outreach Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the financial health and community presence of Paws of the Pines Rescue. This team helps raise awareness, build partnerships, promote events, and secure the resources needed to save more dogs. These volunteers represent the rescue in public spaces and help strengthen our reputation, visibility, and impact.

Primary Responsibilities

Fundraising Support

• Assist with planning, preparing, and running fundraising events.

• Help collect donations, raffle items, sponsorships, and supplies.

• Set up donation tables, displays, or booths at events and community locations.

• Encourage community members to contribute through promotion, conversation, or social engagement.

• Organize or distribute marketing materials related to current campaigns.

• Assist in tracking donations (under direction of rescue leadership).

Community Outreach

• Attend local festivals, markets, pop-ups, business events, or education days representing Paws of the Pines Rescue.

• Talk with community members about the rescue’s mission, foster program, and adoptable dogs.

• Share information on volunteer opportunities and how to get involved.

• Help build relationships with local businesses, sponsors, and supporters.

• Promote upcoming events and share details with visitors.

Event Support

• Assist with event setup and teardown (tables, tents, merchandise, signage, displays).

• Help greet guests and engage with attendees in a friendly, positive way.

• Distribute flyers, brochures, and fundraising materials.

• Support adoption events, donation drives, and special fundraisers.

Social Media & Marketing Support (optional but helpful)

Volunteers with interest or skills in marketing may:

• Share rescue posts on personal or community pages.

• Help draft fundraising captions or graphics (as assigned).

• Promote events, campaigns, and urgent needs across local groups.

• Take photos or videos at events for social media use.

Skills & Qualities Needed

• Outgoing, friendly, and comfortable talking with the public

• Passionate about rescue and able to communicate the mission clearly

• Reliable and willing to help as needed during events

• Comfortable standing or walking during outreach efforts

• Organized and able to follow directions

• Bonus: experience with fundraising, marketing, or public engagement

Time Commitment

This role is flexible and varies based on event schedules. Opportunities include:

• Weekend pop-ups and markets

• Seasonal fundraising events

• Donation drives

• Community fairs or festivals

• Business partnership days

• Occasional weekday outreach as needed

Volunteers may sign up for individual events or ongoing support.

Why Fundraising & Outreach Volunteers Matter

This team helps Paws of the Pines Rescue:

• Raise vital funds for vet care, supplies, and emergency cases

• Grow our network of donors, adopters, and fosters

• Build awareness and trust in the community

• Expand partnerships with local businesses and supporters

• Increase the visibility of our mission and available animals

Every conversation, donation, and connection creates a ripple effect that leads to more lives saved.

Training & Behavior Support Volunteers provide essential guidance that helps foster dogs and adoptable dogs thrive. These volunteers assist fosters and the rescue team with basic training, behavior observations, and positive reinforcement strategies. Their work helps dogs become more confident, adoptable, and successful in their forever homes.

Primary Responsibilities

Behavior Observation

• Observe dogs for signs of stress, fear, reactivity, or confidence.

• Identify basic behavioral patterns (pulling, jumping, nervousness, leash tension, etc.).

• Provide clear feedback to fosters and leadership about what you see and recommend.

• Assist with documenting behavior notes for adoption listings.

Basic Training Support

• Teach or help reinforce basic manners such as:

  • Sit

  • Stay

  • Leash walking

  • Crate comfort

  • Recall (as safe/appropriate)

  • Polite greetings

• Offer fosters simple, positive-reinforcement training plans they can follow at home.

• Encourage consistency and patience to help build good habits.

Foster Coaching & Guidance

• Support fosters who may be new to dog behavior or nervous about specific behaviors.

• Provide tips for managing common issues like jumping, chewing, barking, or nervousness.

• Help fosters understand dog body language, triggers, and calming techniques.

• Follow up to ensure progress or identify if additional support is needed.

Safe Handling & Socialization Support

• Assist fosters with safe introductions to new environments, people, or other animals (when approved).

• Help socialize dogs in controlled, positive settings such as backyard time, walks, or low-stress outings.

• Show fosters how to reward good behavior and build confidence in shy or scared dogs.

Skills & Qualities Needed

• Strong understanding of dog body language and behavior

• Commitment to positive reinforcement only (no punishment, dominance, or aversive techniques)

• Calm, patient, and able to work with nervous or energetic dogs

• Good communication skills when coaching fosters or reporting observations

• Comfort working with dogs of various sizes and temperaments

• Reliability and willingness to follow rescue safety procedures

Safety Expectations

Training & Behavior Support Volunteers must:

• Use slip leads, martingale collars, and other approved equipment

• Never conduct introductions or group socializations without rescue approval

• Avoid off-leash work unless in a secure, enclosed space

• Maintain situational awareness—especially with nervous or reactive dogs

• Report any concerning behaviors (resource guarding, aggression, extreme fear) immediately

Time Commitment

This role is flexible and varies based on the dogs in care. Common commitments include:

• Occasional in-home or yard visits

• Helping with meet-and-greet preparations

• Behavior check-ins before adoption events

• Short training sessions with fosters or adoptable dogs

• Providing guidance via message or video review

A few hours per week can make a major difference.

Why Training & Behavior Support Volunteers Matter

These volunteers improve the rescue in countless ways by:

• Helping dogs develop good manners and gain confidence

• Supporting fosters so they don’t feel overwhelmed

• Providing valuable behavior information to adopters

• Reducing return risks due to misunderstandings or training gaps

• Improving each dog's overall wellbeing and adoptability

Training & Behavior Support Volunteers help shape the journey from rescue to forever home — making each dog’s future brighter and more secure.

Safety is our top priority — for our dogs, our volunteers, our fosters, and the community. These guidelines help keep everyone protected and ensure each animal receives the safest and most compassionate care possible.

1. General Safety Guidelines

Always prioritize safety over convenience.

If you’re ever unsure, stop and ask for guidance from rescue leadership.

Stay aware of your surroundings.

Many dogs enter rescue scared, stressed, or unsure. Always be mindful of:

• Open doors or gates

• Other dogs nearby

• Loud noises or crowds

• Children approaching

Never allow dogs off-leash unless in a fully secured, fenced area.

2. Dog Handling Safety

Approach dogs calmly and slowly.

Avoid leaning over them, grabbing suddenly, or making fast movements.

Watch for stress or warning signs:

• Freezing or stiffening

• Trembling

• Lip licking or yawning

• Growling or baring teeth

• Whale eye

• Tail tucked tightly

If you see these signs, give the dog space and inform leadership or the foster.

Do not introduce dogs to one another without approval.

Meetings must be controlled, intentional, and supervised.

Always double secure new or fearful dogs.

Use two leashes if instructed:

• Slip lead + martingale

• Slip lead + harness

Avoid face-to-face greetings and hugging dogs.

Many dogs find this threatening even if they seem friendly.

3. Transport Safety

Crate dogs for transport whenever possible.

Crates must be secured so they don’t slide.

Never open a vehicle door without securing the dog first.

Do not remove a dog from the crate in unsecured areas.

Parking lots, sidewalks, and unfenced yards are high-risk escape zones.

No dogs in open truck beds or unsecured vehicles.

Never leave a dog in a hot or cold vehicle.

4. Event Safety

Maintain space between dogs at all times.

Dog stress levels are often much higher in public environments.

Monitor children interacting with dogs.

Even gentle dogs can get overwhelmed.

Ensure dogs have water, shade, and breaks.

If any dog is showing stress signals, alert leadership immediately.

Watch for event hazards:

• Hot pavement

• Spilled water

• Crowded conditions

• Other animals (cats, small pets, wildlife)

5. Foster Home Safety

Use baby gates, crates, or tethers as needed.

Slow introductions to household pets are crucial.

Never leave new fosters unsupervised with other animals.

Secure trash, chemicals, food, and medications.

Walk dogs with approved equipment only.

Check fences for gaps before letting a dog into the yard.

6. Health & Sanitation Safety

Wash hands after handling any animal.

Especially before touching your own pets.

Clean and disinfect crates, bowls, and litter areas frequently.

Report any signs of illness immediately:

• Vomiting/diarrhea

• Coughing or sneezing

• Lethargy

• Not eating

• Seizures

• Difficulty breathing

Do not take dogs to public places if they are:

• Newly rescued

• Under-vaccinated

• Showing signs of illness

• On medical quarantine

7. Bite Prevention Guidelines

Never corner or crowd a dog.

Always allow an escape route.

Avoid reaching into crates or tight spaces.

Do not attempt to take food, toys, or chews away.

Avoid forcing interactions with nervous/shy dogs.

If a dog becomes reactive:

• Stay calm

• Back away slowly

• Do not yell or grab

• Call for help if needed

8. Emergency Procedures

If a dog gets loose:

• DO NOT chase

• Alert leadership immediately

• Keep eyes on the dog’s direction

• Use calm voice and body language

• Use food, soft calling, and non-threatening posture

For injuries or bites:

• Seek medical attention immediately if needed

• Report the incident to rescue leadership right away

• Provide a clear, honest account of what happened

For medical emergencies:

• Contact rescue leadership and the approved veterinary partner

• Transport safely if directed

9. Communication Safety

Always share concerns immediately.

The rescue cannot help fix what it does not know.

If you feel unsafe, stop and ask for help.

Never handle dogs outside your comfort level.

10. Personal Safety

Wear appropriate clothing:

• Closed-toe shoes

• Comfortable clothing

• Weather-appropriate layers

Avoid wearing:

• Dangling jewelry

• Scarves or loose fabric

• Strong fragrances

Protect your back when lifting crates or supplies.

We do not reimburse our volunteers, fosters, or adopters.

• In case of an emergency, a member from our leadership team will help you find a rescue-approved vet partner nearby

• Damage to property (to include other pets) was indicated on our foster and adoption application as being non-reimbursable.

Safety comes first for both the animal and the children involved.

• Supervision is Non-Negotiable

• Teach Respectful Interaction

  • Guide children to:

    • Avoid hugging, laying on, or grabbing the dog

    • Use gentle hands and calm voices

    • Let the dog approach first

• Watch for Warning Signs

  • Signs of stress or discomfort include:

    • Lip licking, yawning, turning away

    • Growling, freezing, backing up

    • Hiding or retreating

  • If you notice these signs, remove the child immediately and give the dog space.

• Feeding & Toys

  • Monitor closely when toys are in play—some dogs may guard their items.

  • Monitor closely when food or treats are in play—some dogs may guard their items.

Report all injuries—dog or human—within 24 hours!

• Include:

  • Your name

  • Your fosters name

  • What happened

  • When and where it happened

  • Who was involved

  • Photo(s) if applicable

  • Any additional information needing to be known

• Submit to: records@pawsofthepinesrescue.org
  AND
  contact@pawsofthepinesrescue.org