Volunteering... Your Gift of Gab

If you enjoy talking with people and don't mind being on the telephone, there can be a place for you in volunteer work that makes the most of your skills. There are several telephone positions that only require a certain amount of hours per week or month, unless of course you have more time to give. A basic knowledge of dogs or the breed you're working with is necessary. A lot of patience also comes in handy for these positions as well.

Don't underestimate the value of telephone work. These duties often serve as the connection between a dog in need and a prospective new owner. People are needed to field calls and questions from individuals interested in adopting a dog. Often they are responsible for approving or denying people for the animal they are interested in. Included in this type of work would be discussions about animal ownership, questions about the prospective owner's past history with animals, their current situation, etc... . Since it is usually this person's responsibility to place the right animal in the right home, you can see why you would need experience and knowledge of the dogs involved.

This position could also possibly require follow up contact to help the new owner. And you may be the one to set up appointments if a person is approved to meet a dog.

People are often needed to take "calls of surrender", too. People call when for whatever reason they can no longer keep their dog, or if a stray is found. These can be difficult phone calls at times - even stressful, for both parties involved. You would be responsible for gathering information, such as age, sex, medical history, and whether or not they are spayed or neutered.

Then there are coordinators that act as connections between foster care homes and the rescue group. When a dog comes in needing foster care, it would be your responsibility to contact Foster Care homes to see who can take the dog for the necessary time. Telephone work is also needed for fundraising and organization awareness. These duties vary with each group.

Some organizations offer training for telephone positions, especially if you will be involved in matching dogs to new owners. You can almost always do this job from your home, and are often required to make follow up calls.

Knowing what really makes for a great home is usually more important that screening experience; you will need good judgement skills. Sometimes there will be additional paperwork to fill out or mail to prospective owners. Some groups request a commitment for a certain number of days per month, or for a minimum length of time.

Again, if you have some time available and enjoy the telephone, you could become an invaluable liaison between a dog in need and its new, loving home and chance for a better life. So why not pick up that telephone and see how you can help?