Current Volunteer Opportunities
All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age for insurance reasons.
BFPA is an all-volunteer organization and we could not exist without the volunteer efforts of professionals, college students, pet parents, and community members like you. BFPA is an all-foster home network meaning we have no facility, so volunteering does not always mean regular direct contact with animals, but every volunteer role is vital to helping our animals find their forever families.
We are typically most in need of volunteers who have leadership, planning and organizational skills to help with the run the ‘business’ part of the organization over time. These roles are so critical to our success and yet, often the ones that are hardest to fill, because everyone wants to volunteer with the animals, but these roles are very much FOR the animals.
Please see below for our current volunteer opportunities. For more information, please contact our Director of Volunteers.
Cat Laundry and Dishes Cleaner
We are looking for volunteers to help ensure we have clean cat blankets, toys, and dishes every week at the Cat Adoption Center in Petsmart in Cary (Walnut St – Crossroads). You simply pick up the dirties on Sunday, take it all home and launder/clean it that week and drop it off the following Sunday. We currently need someone for the 2nd and 4th weeks of the month but this may be flexible.
Key functions include:
- Pick up dirty cat cage items on Sunday at 4pm or later (but before closing).
- Launder (wash and dry) cat blankets and toys (~4 loads depending on washer size); wash the cat dishes (dishwasher is fine).
- Drop off clean items no later than 2pm the following Sunday.
- Ideally for a 6 month+ commitment
This is an easy, non time-consuming role but the timeframes for pick up and especially drop off, are time sensitive and not flexible, however we can work around occasional travel/vacation plans.
Dog Adoption Event Coordinator
Are you organized and creative? We are searching for a volunteer to spend 3-5 hours a month helping coordinate dogs & humans for our adoption events. Key functions include:
- Being the point of contact for people and businesses reaching out to schedule adoption event
- Run canned report to determine available dogs and their fosters
- Securing event hosts and available dogs to attend event
- Coordinating with our webmaster and social media coordinator to publicize events.
- This position also works with the BFPA Event Planning Team to showcase dogs at fundraising events, when requested.
The Dog Adoption Event Coordinator does NOT have to attend the adoption events unless they want to. The Event Hosts take care of the logistics AT the event.
EVENT PLANNING TEAM LEAD
Planning and holding events for purposes such as Public Relations, Fundraising, etc. is essential to helping BFPA meet the needs of the animals in our care! If you have a knack for event planning, organizing, or coming up with creative ideas, please consider joining our Event and Fundraising Committee. This team works to create, organize, and staff BFPA’s events throughout the year. If you enjoy working on a team and are looking for a way to meet new people, this is a great way to get involved. Below is a summary job description
- Lead (virtual) meetings, 6 – 8 meetings throughout the year; track action items and ensure key events are covered. We hold about 6 events each year, 3 of them are recurring events.
- Plan and help out at events – Most team team members will chair 1-2 events per year and help out for 1-2 others. New members usually wait a bit to chair an event but it’s up to you how much you want to participate.
- Work with other BFPA members to advertise events and coordinate with the Dog Event Coordinator to plan joint fundraiser adoption events.
Past events include online T-shirt sales, calendar sales, online auction, and fundraising events at area businesses (raffles, etc.). We are also open to ideas if you have some!
director of volunteers (BOD position)
BFPA is a small, fully-volunteer led organization. We are looking for a Director of Volunteers to join our Board of Directors. Experience is nice, but not necessary. If you are a people person, have good organizational and communication skills – we are looking for you! Key functions include:
- Review incoming applications, talk to applicants and match them to current needs.
- Maintain regular communication with other board members and our event team regarding volunteer needs.
- Recruit volunteers for one-time needs using our private Facebook page, email, etc.
- Work with our website developer to keep our Volunteer page up-to-date with current needs.
- Annual recognition of volunteers.
Event Hosts
Do you love furry friends and want to make a difference? We’re seeking passionate volunteers to be Event Hosts at our pet adoption events, held at welcoming businesses like pet stores. These events allow the public to meet our adoptable dogs and cats and learn more about BFPA.
Your responsibilities will include
- Setting up a welcoming display table with informative materials.
- Welcoming fosters and their adorable adoptable companions
- Greeting the public with a warm smile and answering questions about BFPA and the adoption process.
- Sharing your experience with the Events Coordinator to help us improve future events.
The Events Coordinator schedules the events, so you can choose shifts that fit your busy life.
FOSTER (Dog or Cat)
There are no more important volunteers to our rescue group than those who open their homes to our animals. These wonderful souls give these formerly abused or abandoned cats and dogs love, gentle care, and a safe haven, something most of them have never known. If you would like more details on what it takes to be a cat or dog foster, go to Foster an Animal.