Rocket Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer organization. That means everything we do relies on a dedicated team of everyday people just like you. We’re all here to save as many animals as we can, and we’d love for you to join us.
The simple truth is, the more volunteers we have, the more dogs we can save. YOUR involvement is the key to our ongoing success. No matter what your background, level of experience, specific interests, or schedule and availability, there’s a place for you at Rocket Dog Rescue. Take a look at our ongoing volunteer opportunities below.
Sanctuary Volunteers ~6-16hrs/week – Learn to care for dogs at our sanctuary in Oakland. If you want lots of hands-on time with dogs, and want to make a huge impact on the lives of the dogs we save from shelters right when they come to us, this is the role for you. There are three shifts every day: 9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm, and 5-8pm. Morning and evening shift duties include cleaning kennels, feeding animals, ensuring each dog gets exercise and socialization, and helping with laundry and dishes. The mid-afternoon shift volunteers predominantly focus on dog socialization, deep-cleaning, and/or special projects at the sanctuary. Sanctuary volunteers must be 18 years or older (16 or older with written permission from a parent or guardian). Volunteers under 16 are always welcome to help out at our adoption events!
To volunteer at our sanctuary in Oakland, please fill out our Sanctuary Volunteer Application. For all other types of volunteering, please complete our Non-Sanctuary Volunteer Application.
Transport Crew~2-5hrs/week – Do you have a van, truck, or SUV and a willingness to transport supplies and/or dogs? We need people to take dogs to and from vet appointments, adoption events, etc. Please be aware, your car might get messy; we’re happy to provide you with crates or protective blankets for your trunk or back seat!
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Dog Socialization/Hikes
(*any time) – Come spend time at the sanctuary sitting with our older dogs in the garden, or take a dog for a hike or neighborhood walk. Socialization volunteers can also work with our younger dogs on leash training and basic commands. Please see updated note below:
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Foster Homes – Our foster families make a huge difference in getting our dogs ready for adoption. Fosters provide temporary housing for animals awaiting their forever homes, as well as care and training to prepare them for adoption.
For more information on fostering, visit our Fostering Basics page and then fill out a Foster Application.
RAD Advocates ~5-10hr/week – Rocket Dog Advocates are key to getting every dog into a forever home. This group of volunteers works with each dog, screening and interviewing adoption applicants, making home visits (in-person or over FaceTime) and matching dogs and families.
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Foster Coordinators ~5-10hrs/week – We rely on fosters to take our dogs into their homes and need volunteers to respond to foster applicants and screen them for what type of dogs they might be suited for. Fosters help us saves lives, and we depend on our coordinators to cultivate and support our network of fosters. If you’ve got good knowledge of both dog and human behavior, we need you!
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Youth Volunteers~2-4hrs/week – Younger volunteers who are at least 16 years old can volunteer after school helping with various tasks at the sanctuary (with written permission from a parent or guardian). At the sanctuary, they can learn basic dog-handling techniques and lots of other important life skills. Another great way for them to get involved is to volunteer at adoption events. Volunteers under the age of 16 are always welcome to help out at our adoption events!
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Handy? We need people who know how to use tools and can help with projects around the sanctuary small and large.
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Adoption Event Leads ~5-10 hrs/month – Do you have a background or interest in coordinating events? Do you love to meet new people? Come take the lead on setting up and breaking down adoption events around the Bay Area, helping cultivate event volunteers, wrangling dogs, and talking to potential adopters (with a great team to back you up!).
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Dog handler for Adoption Events ~ 5-10 hrs/month – We host pop-up and neighborhood adoption events all over the Bay Area and need volunteers to help us handle dogs on-site and answer questions for potential adopters.
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Fund-Raising Team (various projects) – Do you have a background or interest in fundraising or development? We need you. We are a volunteer-run organization that relies entirely on donations to save the lives of dogs every day. Come help us cultivate and expand our base of donors small and large.
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Administrative Volunteers~5-10hrs/week- We need volunteers for a variety of administrative and organizational roles. Much of our administrative work can be done remotely, so this is a great option for those who can’t easily travel to our sanctuary in Oakland.
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Veterinary Wellness Team – Consider donating your time to help us with vaccinations, nail trims, and overall wellness at our sanctuary in Oakland. We also love vets, vet techs, nurses, groomers, and more who can volunteer their time and expertise.
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Doggie Photography – Got a good eye and a good camera? Come treat our dogs to the photoshoots they deserve! Great photography on our website and social media helps our dogs get adopted faster.
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Video Filming & Editing – Put your filming and editing skills to use for a great cause. We’re always looking for help with videos for our website, social media, fundraising efforts, and so much more!
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Dog Training – It’s no surprise that dogs with some training get adopted much more quickly than dogs without. Whether you’re a dog trainer, a dog walker, or you just have solid experience teaching dogs good behavior, we’d love for you to come work with our dogs!
For more information, contact volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Got something else in mind? Drop us a line at volunteer@rocketdogrescue.org
Looking for group, CSR, or one-time volunteer opportunities? E-mail info@rocketdogrescue.org