We always need volunteers throughout the Northeast to help out with various tasks. Below is a list of some of the ways you can help out, and we're always open to suggestions if you have other talents to share
with NEARR! To learn more, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator for details.
If you are interested in understanding how your help makes a difference, please check out the
placement and A NEARR Dog's Tale pages. It takes many, many volunteers to save a dog!
To apply at be a NEARR volunteer, please fill out the volunteer form.
Unfortunately we cannot accept volunteers under the age of 18. If you are a
minor and wish to volunteer, we recommend that you use
Petfinder to find a local shelter and ask them if you can help. Shelters often need help with dog walking,
socialization, cage cleaning, etc.
There are literally hundreds of ways to help. If none of
the ideas below strikes your fancy, check out 102 ways to help rescue. Any assistance, at any level, would be greatly
appreciated.
Foster a Retriever/Retriever Mix
NEARR is always looking for qualified, committed foster homes. The more foster families we have available, the more dogs we are able to save. If you are interested in fostering a rescued retriever, please review our foster information. Apply using the foster application form.
Home Visits
Once a potential match between an applicant and a dog has been made, a
NEARR volunteer visits the home of the applicant. A home visit form is
provided along with specific instructions.
Transport Retrievers
We get most of our dogs from overcrowded shelters in the Northeast or
from owners that are no longer able to keep their dogs. We are desperately
in need of people to transport these dogs from the shelter/owner to their
foster home. Transports usually involve several "legs" and often involve
volunteers from more than one state. Sometimes there is little warning
before the dogs are to be put to sleep - if we cannot get the dog
transported to its foster home, we cannot save them.
Volunteer at Adoption Days/Events
Adoption days are arranged and run by a NEARR board member and are
usually held at local pet stores. NEARR is also invited to participate in
many regional events hosted by other rescues or shelters. Volunteers are
needed to handle dogs at these events, answer questions from potential
adopters, and occasionally transport dogs from foster homes to adoption
day/event.
Fundraising/Donations
Help out with fundraising, soliciting donations, and planning events!
If you wish to volunteer with your wallet, please visit our donations page.
Become a NEARR Member
Membership provides us with a committed group of volunteers, retriever
lovers, adoptive homes, all coming together to save dogs. The membership dues help us with medical care, communication tools, and foster resources.
For more information on becoming a member, go to our membership page.
