DOGGIE PROTECTIVE SERVICES

How can I help?

• Thanks for asking! Our organization is powered by volunteers like you! We ask that folks have a heart for dogs and a willingness to work with a group of people. Our volunteer opportunities include assisting at adoptions events, transporting dogs, fundraising, and fostering homeless dogs so we can save more. We say if you love dogs and have a talent then let's find a place for you to use it.
  
  
  If you have computer skills we have lots of opportunities to have you help us on the computer. If you like to talk, we always need people to call potential adopters. If are crafty, you can sew blankets, crochet sweaters for the dogs, or make little outfits that make the dogs more appealing. If you have marketing skills, we are always in need of folks who want to help market our dogs to potential adopters and who have new and inventive ways to appeal to adopters. There is not a talent that can't be used to help save the lives of dogs. You have it? We need it!

Fostering

• DPS is a network of foster homes. Every dog in a foster home means that we can rescue another dog from a shelter.
  
  
  We will provide food and vet services for all foster dogs. Foster families will be responsible for taking care of the dog, transporting to/from adoption events, and talking to potential adopters.
  
  
  Because DPS is based in Southern California, you must commit to keeping the foster dog for periods between adoption events. On adoption weekends, you may choose to foster a different dog, foster the same dog (if no adopted), or take a break from fostering.
  Please fill out our foster application if you are interested in fostering.

Volunteering at Events

• How do I get started?
  We'd love to have you! Enter your email address below to be added to our volunteer email list and our volunteer coordinator will reach out to you. Read the rest of this page so you know what to expect.

  Get started volunteering with DPS Rescue!

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• What will I be doing?
  Before adoptions start, all of the dogs get walked and we set up things like signs, tables, and chairs. Puppies are carried in and will need to be cleaned up after. During adoptions, we need people to talk to potential adopters, walk dogs, clean up, play with puppies, make copies, etc. Once adoptions are over, everything gets loaded back into the van and we need to make sure the store is as clean as when we got there.
  
  
  If you can't stay for an entire event, we'd still love to have you. Volunteers are most needed at the beginning and at the end of events for set up and tear down.
  
  
  Make sure to read our FAQ so you will be able to speak about our organization. It covers topics like our adoption fee, fostering, and vaccinations
• Dog walking
  Only our adult dogs walk on leash; the puppies are too young. When you are given a dog to walk, make sure you put your hand through the loop of the leash and hang on tight--some of our dogs are strong! Walk them around and make sure they pee and poop before you put them into the adult dog pen. We will give you bags so make sure you pick up their poop (not only is it illegal to leave it, we want to make sure the stores and their neighbors want us to come back!
• The adult pen
  Once an adult dog has been walked, it goes into the adult pen. Volunteers in this area will generally be talking to adopters, walking dogs, and cleaning up after them.
  
  
  We welcome potential adopters to pet the dogs and take them for walks, but we ask for a driver's license from all people asking to walk a dog unless they already have a contract for a specific dog. We need to be able to find the person if they walk off with one of our dogs. Be sure to give the license back when they return.
• Puppies
  Puppies do not go for walks since they have not had all their shots so are not protected from deadly diseases like parvo. They go straight from the van into the puppy pens and should only be handled by people who have WASHED THEIR HANDS.
  
  
  Puppies are grouped by litter. Before you go into a puppy pen you must wash your hands. You should only touch one set of puppies. If you are going to touch another litter you must wash your hands again. No adult dogs are allowed in the puppy area and only potential adopters who have approved applications may handle the puppies.
• Ew, I don't want to clean up pee/poo!
  Unfortunately, it comes with the territory. You may not want to clean it up, but think about the poor dog who has to sit in it and the people who have to make the long drive in the van. We will provide gloves, cleaning supplies, and aprons.
• Is there a minimum age for volunteers?
  We prefer kids be of an age that they are independent, can follow directions and are self-sufficient when given tasks if they are assisting at our adoptions. It's unfortunately not an appropriate time to bring little kids to play with puppies.
• Will you sign my form for school credit?
  Yes! We will gladly sign for any hours you have volunteered with us. Please make sure the form is filled out before you ask us to sign. If you enjoyed your experience, tell your friends--we'll sign their forms too!
• Is that everything I need to know?
  Probably not. One of the most fun things about our events is you never know what will come up! If you have a questions at an event, or need to report something, find Courtney, Jen, Tera, Donna, John, Bernie, Emily, or Cindy. They can help you or find someone who can.