Foster Dog Sitting Coordinator (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:

We are looking for dedicated volunteer to help manage our foster dog sitting program. You will be responsible for placing dogs with our temporary fosters and dog sitters while their regular foster family is away.

You will match the dog to the foster based on the dog’s needs and the foster homes available, working with the Foster Coordinator as needed.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and keep track of incoming in care foster dog sitting requests
• Draft detailed, compelling posts highlighting dogs on the Facebook Foster group, WhatsApp Chat and request posting to our Instagram Dogsitting account to find potential dog sitters
• Work closely with Foster Management team to help with matching dogs to potential dog sitters and/or fosters
• Connect dog sitters with foster families and facilitate a smooth transition
• Help ensure dog sitter families are well versed in and comply with our foster program policies. i.e. lost dog prevention.
• Provide support to Assistant Foster Manager in matching and placing foster dogs coming into Fetch + Releash’s care (due to owner surrender, emergencies, foster rehome, intake).

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Number of direct reports: 0

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

As part of the Foster Dog sitting team and under the guidance and direction of the Assistant Foster Manager, works independently as well as part of a team.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• 1.5 hours of training
• Type of training; a computer with a camera is required.
• The ability to volunteer 2-3 min. hours per week (increases at peak holiday season i.e. Winter, Summer Holidays)

QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

• Exceptional Communication Skills Capable of crafting engaging social media posts and communicating clearly with fosters, dog sitters, and the team.
• Highly Organized and Detail-Oriented Tracks incoming dog sitting requests, waiver collection, and placement notes with accuracy and reliability.
• Professional and Reliable Handles sensitive transitions and fee collection with discretion and consistency.
• Team-Oriented Collaborates smoothly with Foster Manager and Assistant Foster Manager to facilitate effective matches and placements.
• Strong Social Media Literacy Experienced with platforms like Facebook and able to create compelling content to attract potential volunteers.
• Knowledge of Foster Program Policies Understands and can enforce guidelines including safety practices like lost dog prevention.
• Leadership and Initiative Proactively supports placement efforts and takes ownership of the dog sitting coordination process.
• Empathetic and Personable Builds rapport with foster families and dog sitters to support positive and successful experiences for all parties.

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

Due to the training and involvement of the position, we ask that only those who can make a serious commitment to volunteering 1yr+ with Fetch + Releash apply for this role.