volunteering

Become a volunteer and help the cause!  Help with transportation, help plan fundraisers, do home visits for potential adopters, or become a foster home are just a few ways you can lend a hand.

Fill out the form below to let us know that you're interested in volunteering and we'll be in touch!  Thanks so much.

FOSTERING:  FAQ

Thank you for thinking about fostering a rescued Italian Greyhound.  Below are the most frequently asked questions about being a foster home.  You may think of more questions once you’ve read through this basic information.  Please ask!!

IGs come into rescue for a variety of reasons, most commonly because their owners are unable to house train, no longer have time for them because of growing families, or because they have fallen on hard times.

What’s Involved?

Time Commitment
All dogs that come into foster care are placed in foster homes with people like you, who already have an IG (or two) until they are assessed (at least 2 weeks), vetted, and a suitable home is found.  The time commitment might be relatively short—say 3 or 4 weeks, or sometimes longer.  Longest time commitments generally occur if the dog is difficult to place as is the case with senior dogs and dogs with medical problems.

Assess the Dog
While in your care, we ask you to assess your foster dog’s behavior and personality.  Does he play well with other dogs?  Does he like people?  How are his potty habits?  Does he dislike cats?  Kids?  Does he walk well on a leash?  Does she know any commands (like “sit”)?  Any unusual behavior?  Unusually smart?  Is he a snuggler or is he more independent?  What does she like to eat?  These are pretty typical things that you will notice—along with lots of other things.  This information is helpful in finding him or her just the right home.

Vetting
Foster homes can help out in the vetting process by taking the dog to the vet, picking them up, giving medication if needed, etc.  Rescue pays for basic veterinary care such as exam, vaccines, spay/neuter, and dentals.  Other medical needs are taken care of on a case-by-case basis.  If you live in the Seattle area, we have an arrangement with Dr. Robert Price at Northeast Veterinary Clinic (Wedgwood area) who bills us directly.  If NE Veterinary isn’t convenient, we will give you a copy of the rescue guidelines.  You may then work with your own vet and be reimbursed for the charges outlined in the guidelines (reimbursement happens quickly as Alice writes the reimbursement checks).  If you aren’t able to help with the vetting process, other volunteers can usually provide transportation, etc. 

Most of all, we count on foster homes to provide a safe and loving environment for foster IGs.