Assistant Foster Manager, Emergency Dog Placement Team(Volunteer)

Established in 2016, Fetch + Releash is a volunteer run dog rescue dedicated to saving dogs in need. Our foster dogs come from a variety of different backgrounds such as pounds and shelters, strays and surrendered pets, both locally and abroad. Through our network of volunteers, foster homes, trainers and veterinarians, we strive to give every dog the loving forever family they deserve. As a foster-based dog rescue, our foster dogs live in private homes across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) where they receive the love and attention they need to prepare them for adoption.

Our Mission

Adoption
By collaborating with local and international communities, our mission is to save dogs in danger of homelessness, abuse, neglect or euthanasia. Once in our care, we match each dog with the loving forever family they deserve.

Advocacy
In addition to re-homing dogs, we are passionate about advocating for animal rights and educating the public on relevant issues such as:

• Backyard breeding
• Overpopulation and the importance of spay & neuter
• Chained animals

Dogs are sentient beings with the right to nutritious food, a life enriched with adequate exercise and mental stimulation, veterinary care and love.

Education
A dog is a lifetime commitment and not to be discarded due to health, lifestyle change or inconvenience. Some of the top reasons dogs end up in shelters are lack of training, lifestyle changes (i.e. new baby, marriage), relocation, cost of dog ownership, not enough time for pet etc. Our goal is to ensure our adoptive families are well versed in the realities of dog ownership and ready to make a lifetime commitment.

Volunteer Commitment
Fetch + Releash is powered by dedicated volunteers. Communication, accountability, commitment, and reliability are key to our success in finding dogs their forever homes.
Before applying, please ensure volunteering fits into your current commitments.

Your support makes a difference!

Position Summary:
As the Assistant Foster Manager for Emergency Dog Placement, you’ll play a vital role in managing time-sensitive foster placements for dogs in urgent need. This volunteer position ensures that emergency foster requests are triaged effectively, the team remains responsive, and all case records are accurate and up-to-date.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Triage Requests: Assess and direct urgent foster placement requests to the emergency placement team.
• Support Team: Guide volunteers, monitor workload, and promote collaboration.
• Ensure Timely Response: Track requests to ensure responses occur within 12 hours.
• Maintain Records: Keep placement documentation accurate and up to date.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Number of direct reports: 2

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
As part of Foster Team and under the guidance and direction of the Foster Manager, works independently as well as part of a team.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Remote
• Training provided; a computer with a camera is required.
• The ability to volunteer 5 hours min. per week

QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

• Extensive Dog Experience: Hands-on experience with dogs is essential. A strong understanding of dog behavior, training techniques, and positive reinforcement methods is required.
• Management & Leadership Expertise: Minimum of 2 years of management experience, proven ability to guide teams.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal abilities to engage effectively with foster families, volunteers, and team members.
• Reliability & Accountability: Consistently follows through on responsibilities, showing dedication and dependability in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound Judgment & Decision-Making: Ability to assess applications and interview screenings with a keen eye for selecting high-quality foster candidates.
• Empathy & Compassion: Demonstrates care and sensitivity toward foster families and rescue dogs, ensuring a positive experience for all involved.
• Multitasking & Adaptability: Capable of managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously in a high-energy, rescue setting.
• Resilience & Composure: Maintains a calm, positive, and solution-focused approach, even in challenging or high-stress situations.
• Passion for Rescue Work: Brings enthusiasm and commitment to the mission, inspiring others to actively support dog rescue efforts.
• Strong Organizational Abilities: Highly detail-oriented with excellent coordination skills to keep on boarding processes streamlined and efficient.
• Team-Oriented Mindset: Works collaboratively with a supportive, proactive attitude, ensuring a strong and cohesive foster program.
• Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution: Skilled in handling sensitive conversations, asking the right questions, and providing clear guidance.
• Technical Proficiency: Comfortable using Google Suite (Google Meet, Google Sheets/Docs, Gmail) to manage communications and documentation.
• Relationship-Building & Professionalism: Proven ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships within the rescue network.

What Fetch + Releash offers:

• Join a community of supportive dog lovers.
• Training, resources, and guidance.
• Flexible volunteering that fits your schedule and lifestyle.
• Rewarding experience of fulfilling our mission to helping dogs find their forever homes.
• Exclusive virtual and in-person events for active volunteers only.

We ask that only those who can make a serious long term commitment 1yr+ to volunteering with Fetch +Releash apply for this role.