Interested in Volunteering?
There are lots of ways to help out the animals. Volunteers are the life-blood of all animal rescue organizations and G.R.A.S.P. is no exception. Donating your time is easy and you can choose your own involvement from the list of volunteer opportunities below. Please take a moment to see if there is some way that you can help. If you are interested, please call our voice mail at (585) 234-1953 and leave a message as to the type of volunteer activity you might be interested in helping with. We appreciate any help you can provide!
Fostering
G.R.A.S.P. does not have a shelter, so all animals waiting for adoption are placed in volunteer foster homes. The number of animals we can help is directly linked to how many G.R.A.S.P. foster homes are available. Some of our fosters own very large homes, while many have quite small ones. The majority of our fosters already have pets of their own, but all have found a little extra room in their homes and hearts to foster a homeless pet for G.R.A.S.P.
G.R.A.S.P. covers the costs of all veterinary care for foster pets. In addition to compassion and room in their home, fosters usually provide quality food, water, toys, and other basics. (If finances are tight, G.R.A.S.P. can provide help for these essentials.)If you can take in a dog / cat please contact either the Cat Foster Coordinator or Dog Foster Coordinator.
Fundraising
Fundraising generates the money we need to provide veterinary care for the dogs and cats in our rescue system. It also gives us the opportunity to "get out there" and let the public know about the important work G.R.A.S.P. is doing! Fundraising volunteers work together to plan and coordinate a variety of events including garage sales, Sam's Club cook-outs, plant sales, raffles, etc. New volunteers and fresh, new fundraising ideas are always welcome.
Helping at Adoption Events
Adoption events are held at the Greece Petco on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Volunteers set-up cages, greet people coming to see the pets, answer questions, take completed adoption forms, and clean up after the event. An experienced volunteer is always on hand to show new-comers the ropes. Sign-up to help at adoption events by leaving a message at (585) 234-1953
Transporting
Volunteers who have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle may offer to transport G.R.A.S.P. animals to and from adoption events, foster homes, and veterinary appointments. Transporters may be needed for daytime, early evening, week day, or weekend runs.
Educating the Public
An important part of G.R.A.S.P.'s mission involves educating the public about our rescue efforts, responsible pet care, and the pet overpopulation problem. Volunteers are needed to visit with community, school, and scout groups at various times throughout the year to address such topics. Any volunteer with an interest in public speaking is invited to inquire.
Collecting and Donating Supplies
Individuals and groups can make a vital contribution by collecting and donating supplies. If you've got something you think we might like but you're not sure... email and ask!
Here are some examples of things on our "Wish List":
- Dog and cat beds
- Dog and cat toys
- Dog and cat food - canned or dry
- Dog collars, leashes of all sizes
- Cat litter
- Blankets / towels
- Grooming supplies (combs, brushes, nail clippers)
- Postage stamps
- Gently-used, vinyl-backed bathroom rugs
- Pet carriers and crates
- Pet store gift certificates in any denomination
