VOLUNTEER & FOSTER
Want to Help?
Western Border Collie Rescue is run entirely by volunteers. We always need and appreciate volunteers who can work on the front lines or behind the scenes. Read through the roles and let us know how you can help. We also post urgent needs on our social media, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop!
Volunteer Opportunities
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Virtual Home Visits
Work with our Application Coordinator to complete Virtual Home Visits as part of our application process. This role interacts 1:1 with our applicant and requires a computer and online video-conference software (Zoom, Facetime, Skype, Google Meet, etc).
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Writing & Design
Grant Writing:
Research, collect data for, and write grants to support various operations and initiatives.Graphic Design:
Create graphics to be used on our merchandise, and yearly newsletters.Creative Writing:
Author our yearly newsletter, creative bios for new dogs, and social media content. -
Fundraising
Work with the Fundraising Coordinator to help research untapped donation-granting organizations, implement online fundraisers via email and social media blasts, or help man the booth at local events.
Foster Opportunities
Fostering is the core to how WBCR saves lives! We can only rescue a dog if we have an open foster home available, so the more foster homes we have, the more lives we can save! And every foster home actually saves two lives: the dog being rescued from a shelter, and another dog for whom space opens up in the shelter.
At WBCR, foster families are very involved in deciding who adopts their foster dog, so when it comes time to let them go, you can be confident that it’s a great match, and that your foster dog will thrive in their new forever home.
It’s our goal to make sure every dog we rescue never needs rescue again. We take the time to ensure every dog is placed in a loving, forever home that is well matched to their new family’s lifestyle, activity level and environment. WBCR relies on its foster homes to provide information on their foster dog’s temperament, likes/dislikes, special needs, issues and more to ensure the dog’s proper placement into a forever home.
As a foster, you can help save many more dogs than you ever could as an adopter. In the end, the gift is in the goodbye, to send your foster dog off to a loving forever home and to help the next one in need. Ready to foster? Fill out our foster application!
Foster FAQs
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On your Foster Application we will ask many questions to gauge what age, sex, and other characteristics of the dog you are comfortable accepting. We also allow our fosters to say “no” and/or take breaks between foster placements. We want this to be an enjoyable and successful partnership.
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It varies. Some fosters (typically adorable puppies or issue-free dogs) may be adopted within a month or less. Other dogs, especially those that are older, have special needs or behavioral issues, may take several months to be matched to their perfect forever homes.
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Must be 21 yrs of age or older
Live in Colorado, Wyoming or immediately surrounding states
Have knowledge and consent of your landlord and roommates
Never been convicted of animal abuse
Provide a safe, indoor place for the dog to live and feel comfortable
Make time for exercise and training to help make the dog learn important life skills
Be available to transport to vetting and potential adoption meets
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WBCR pays for vet expenses and some of the basic care expenses for the dogs in its care. If you need crates, leashes, collars, toys, training, behavior recommendations, etc we will work with you to provide them. If you choose to purchase supplies for your foster pet, what you pay can be a tax-deductible donation. Fosters are asked to use their own vehicle and gas to transport their foster dog to the vet as needed and to meet potential adopters.
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We will assist you throughout the entire fostering process, from the day your foster arrives until their adoption day. We have a private Facebook group for Volunteers/Fosters. We also provide behavioral support to help guide you through any questions or issues you may have.
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Of course! The foster parents always have the first choice to adopt their foster dog. We welcome “foster fails.” But remember, you can help many more dogs as a foster than you will as an adopter.
Think you can help? Still have questions?
Reach out with your questions and we’ll get back in touch with you ASAP.