Volunteers are the life-blood of all animal rescue organizations and G.R.A.S.P. is no exception. A donation of your time and talents would be greatly appreciated and you choose the level of involvement you're comfortable with. There are so many ways in which you can help. The list below represents just a few areas of need. Soon we will post a document detailing ALL Volunteer Opportunities. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator to discuss further. She will point you in the right direction and help you get involved!

Fostering

Critically Needed!

G.R.A.S.P. does not have a shelter, so all cats and dogs 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.)

Attend Volunteer Meetings

This is a time when volunteers come together and discuss what's going on within GRASP. When possible there is a guest speaker. All are welcome and no registration is required. 2013 schedule: 2/12, 4/9, 6/11, 8/13, 10/8 and 12/10. Meeting runs from 7pm to 8:30pm. All are listed on the events calendar and highlighted on the homepage.

Fundraising

Critically Needed!

Fundraising generates the money needed 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! Volunteers work together to plan and coordinate a variety of short and longterm fundraisers, including a plant sale, garage sale, picnic, cook-out, golf tournament, candy sales, raffles, etc. Some volunteers and local businesses have even coordinated and hosted an event on their own and then donated the proceeds to G.R.A.S.P.

Helping at Petco Adoption Events

Adoption events are at the Petco - Greece location (2373 Ridge Rd West, Rochester NY 14626) on Thursdays 6pm to 8pm and on Saturdays 11am to 3pm. We also have an adoption event at Petco one Sunday a month, usually the second Sunday. Volunteers set-up cages, greet the public 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. 

Adoption Counselors

Involves processing applications, making phone calls and home visits.

Transporting

Those who have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle may offer to transport G.R.A.S.P. animals. It may involve pick up from Greece Animal Control, transporting to and from local vet offices, foster homes and/or Petco - Greece location. 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. Here are examples of items needed. We also created an Amazon.com Wish List! Please go to our Fundraising page for details.

• Dog and cat beds
• Dog and cat toys
• Dog and cat food - canned or dry
• Dog collars, leashes of all sizes
• Cat litter
• Scratching boxes
• Blankets / towels
• Old Bathroom rugs
• 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