ABOUT CHICAGO CANINE RESCUE


Ever wonder what happens to the millions of dogs who have been overlooked, passed over, and forgotten?

 

Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation exists to give many of these animals a chance at a forever family. We are committed to finding each of our dogs the right home. 

CCR was founded in 2001 to help find lifelong, loving homes for homeless dogs in Chicagoland and beyond. To date, we have proudly saved the lives of over 8,000 dogs and puppies.  The dogs in our care come to us from open-intake animal shelter facilities, from a handful of rural partners who lack the resources for adoptions, and from families who can no longer care for them. Our team provides medical treatment, emotional and behavioral support, and adoption services to each animal that comes into our care.

 

We provide a safe landing place for dogs of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds, and we work tirelessly to match them with their family.

 

You can help even if you can’t adopt. Donors, volunteers, fosters, and advocates all make our mission possible!



THE VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Volunteering with Chicago Canine Rescue is a powerful way to give back to your community while making a difference in the lives of animals in need. By offering your time and care, whether through one-on-one interaction with the dogs, assisting at events, or supporting other efforts, you're not only helping these animals feel loved but also contributing to the well-being of your local community. The team at Chicago Canine Rescue, along with the animals, are incredibly grateful for your support. We hope your volunteer journey is rewarding, fulfilling, and brings positive change to both you and the animals you help.

To get the most out of your experience and learn more about volunteering, please take a moment to explore this guide.


GETTING STARTED


Scheduling: When you volunteer at CCR, you can self-schedule your own shifts online

at https://chicagocaninerescue.galaxydigital.com. This self-scheduling process includes completing a volunteer profile that has four steps: (1) filling out your personal information, (2) reading and signing the CCR liability waiver, (3) signing off on the volunteer code of conduct, (4) watching the CCR orientation videos based on the program you are interested in.



OVERVIEW OF VOLUNTEER POSITIONS


Dog Walking Volunteers: Dog walking volunteers play a vital role in providing exercise and mental stimulation for the dogs at Chicago Canine Rescue. Volunteers typically walk 3 to 4 dogs per session, for about 2 hours, though this can vary depending on factors like weather and the number of available dogs. When weather conditions aren't ideal, volunteers can engage the dogs in indoor playtime. Training is provided to ensure you and the dogs have a safe, enjoyable walk together.


In-Shelter Volunteering / “Animal Care”: In-shelter volunteers are essential in keeping the heart of Chicago Canine Rescue running smoothly. You'll assist with a variety of tasks including laundry, mopping, dishes, cleaning kennels, and preparing enrichment activities for the dogs. Your hard work behind the scenes ensures that the shelter stays clean, organized, and a safe, comfortable space for the animals.


Adoption Volunteers: Adoption volunteers play a key role in helping Chicago Canine Rescue find forever homes for our dogs. You'll assist with meet-and-greet sessions between prospective adopters and our animals, finalize adoption paperwork, and ensure that our public-facing areas remain clean and welcoming. Your support helps create a positive experience for both the animals and their future families.


Community Outreach: Community outreach volunteers help spread the word about Chicago Canine Rescue and our mission by participating in offsite events. You'll assist with tabling at local festivals, farmers markets, doggy yoga sessions, and various fundraising events to recruit volunteers, foster families, and adopters. Your efforts are crucial in raising awareness and building connections within the community to support our rescue work.


Transport Volunteers: Transport volunteers play a crucial role in getting dogs where they need to go. You’ll assist by driving dogs to and from appointments, such as grooming or veterinary visits, as well as picking up dogs from transport drop-offs and safely delivering them to Chicago Canine Rescue. Your help ensures that the dogs receive the care and attention they need as they transition to their new lives.



POLICIES AND PROCEDURES


Chicago Canine Rescue (CCR) is committed to observing ethical and legal standards, and the principles of respect, compassion, fairness and dignity in all its sheltering interactions as well as in its interactions with volunteers, employees and the public. Volunteers are needed to help the shelter staff at CCR by walking dogs, transporting dogs, socializing dogs, cleaning, and helping the public’s interactions with dogs. Volunteers are also needed to assist CCR with off-site activities like fundraisers and other events. Dedicated volunteers are essential for helping CCR uphold its commitments and CCR is grateful for each dedicated volunteer.


Emotional Preparedness: The nature of animal rescue can bring emotionally charged situations, and volunteers should be able to effectively cope with these moments. This includes understanding that many of the animals we care for have experienced homelessness, neglect, or abandonment, and accepting that, in some cases, euthanasia may be necessary. However, volunteers are not involved in euthanasia or the decisions surrounding it. Additionally, volunteers must be able to recognize and respect emotional and physical boundaries within the shelter environment.


Volunteer Attire: Volunteers are advised to cover as much skin as possible to avoid scratches and exposure to illness. Long pants and close- toe shoes are required. Do not wear: Crocs, flip flops, skirts, dresses, hats that obscure your identity or accessories that can be inadvertently caught or pulled. When in doubt, use common sense when dressing for the shelter.


Time Commitment: While there is no formal time commitment for volunteering at Chicago Canine Rescue, we recommend volunteering 2 to 3 shifts per month. This helps you stay connected with the dogs in our care and keeps you informed about their needs and progress. Regular shifts also allow you to make a greater impact on their lives and our rescue efforts.


Shift Cancellations: We understand that life happens and you may not always be able to make it to your volunteer shift. If you are not available to complete the volunteer shift(s) for which you have registered, please log into the volunteer website and cancel your shift(s) or contact the general email (info@chicagocaninerescue.org) as soon as possible. By doing so, this will make the shift available to other volunteers. 


Age Requirements: Age requirements for volunteering at Chicago Canine Rescue vary by role. Dog walking volunteers must be 18 or older to hold the leash. Younger volunteers can participate in walks if accompanied by a parent or guardian who is holding the leash. In-shelter volunteers must be 18 or older to work in the back areas of the shelter. Volunteers under 18 can assist with off-site events if accompanied by a parent or guardian.


Incident Reporting: If a volunteer or an animal the volunteer is handling experiences any exposure, including bites, scratches, or any break in the skin, while at the shelter or during an off-site event or program, it is required to notify a CCR staff member IMMEDIATELY. Exposure can include abrasions, bites, scratches, or breaks in the skin. Failure to notify a staff member may result in permanent removal from the volunteer program. Volunteers who experience any exposure should wash the wound thoroughly with antibacterial soap for at least five minutes and seek medical attention. If urgent medical care is needed, an ambulance will be called, and the animal will be placed in quarantine as per state law. Any volunteer involved in an incident may also be required to attend additional training before returning to volunteer.



CODE OF CONDUCT

All volunteers agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct:

  • I will follow all rules, policies, and procedures outlined in the CCR Volunteer Policy.

  • I will treat CCR staff members, fellow volunteers, and members of the public with respect and dignity.

  • I will treat all animals with compassion and respect, and I will never intentionally harm an animal.

  • I will not disrupt or interfere with the daily work of CCR employees, except in emergencies, nor will I engage in confrontational, discourteous, or harassing behavior.

  • I will refrain from entering restricted areas of the facility unless I have requested and obtained permission.

  • I will not speak on behalf of CCR to any representative of the media.

  • I will adhere to CCR’s policies regarding photography, videotaping, and the promotion of animals.

  • If I am ever unsure about an answer, policy, or procedure, I will seek clarification from my volunteer coordinator or a CCR staff member.

  • I will report any health, behavioral, or kennel-condition concerns about animals in the facility to a staff member.

  • I will follow all CCR policies and procedures regarding the treatment, training, and care of animals in the facility, in foster care, at special events, and in programs.

  • Should I have a concern or complaint about staff or another volunteer, I will address it with CCR’s Shelter Manager.

  • I understand that violating any of CCR’s volunteer policies or its Code of Conduct may result in my removal from the volunteer program and prohibition from volunteering with CCR.

  • I understand that examples of actions while volunteering at CCR that may result in my removal include, but are not limited to:

    • Careless, negligent performance of volunteer duties.

    • Reporting for volunteer work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

    • Interfering with staff duties.

    • Discourtesy to or harassment of a staff member, visitor, another or volunteer.

    • Abuse, neglect, or disregard of animals and/or their care.

    • Not reporting an animal exposure incident to a Supervisor immediately.

    • Violations of any other provision of the Volunteer Policies and Code of Conduct


HARASSMENT POLICY


Chicago Canine Rescue is firmly committed to providing its volunteers with an environment free of harassment based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. 


CCR’s harassment policy includes a strong commitment to keeping the shelter free of sexual harassment of all sorts. Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment as a volunteer, unreasonably interferes with an individual's volunteer performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive  environment. CCR neither condones nor permits any type of sexual harassment within the workplace or among its employees or volunteers. 


Any behavior that violates CCR’s harassment policy is grounds for disciplinary action, including immediate termination from the volunteer program. 


If you believe that you have experienced any sort of harassment, sexual or otherwise, you are asked to report the situation to the CCR Shelter Manager with your situation. CCR’s policy strictly prohibits any retaliatory action against those filing a report of harassment, and all such reports will be dealt with promptly and seriously. 



CCR CONTACT INFORMATION


As a volunteer at Chicago Canine Rescue, it's important to know who to contact for various needs or concerns. Whether you have questions about your volunteer duties, need assistance with an animal, or have any other inquiries, the shelter staff is here to help. Below are the key staff contacts you may need to know during your volunteer experience.


Rosie Solano, Volunteer Coordinator: rosie@chicagocaninerescue.org

Abby Matzke, Shelter Manager:abby@chicagocaninerescue.org

General Inquiries: info@chicagocaninerescue.org



THANK YOU! 


Volunteers like you are one of the keys to helping to save the lives of countless pets in Chicago. Thank you so much for caring about the animals and for giving them your time, energy and affection. We wish you a long, happy and rewarding relationship with Chicago Canine Rescue!