Retriever Rescue of Colorado

Welcome to RROC's Volunteer FAQ's & Info page!

1. What is the process for becoming a volunteer?

Excellent question. With the internet as a prime search tool for those soliciting volunteer work, RROC is most commonly found through search engines.

In the event that our special organization interests you, the first step includes filling out an online application for submission to our RROC volunteer coordinator. Once your application is received you will be contacted via telephone for a short interview. This short interview is conducted by our assistant coordinators who are ultimately responsible for narrowing down what specific opportunities you may be interested in taking advantage of within RROC.

RROC strives to achieve a solid flow of volunteer support that helps you establish a connection with the animals and helps us establish a connection with you. Volunteering is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

The 1,2,3 Process

1- Submit your application online (5-10 minutes)

2- A RROC representative contacts you

3- Your interview is submitted to the board to determine whether RROC is a good fit for your specific areas and desires to contribute.

In the event that RROC fits you:

You will receive a phone call on your approval and will be immediately added to our email list. The representatives in relationship to your specific area of interest will be your main contact.

In the event that RROC is not a fit for you:

RROC will contact you following your interview and review by board. We will supply you with a list of local shelters or rescues in your area and opportunities to utilize your specific area of interest! We hope that you will continue to check back with us for our latest updates on events and news.

2. It was determined by committee that RROC is not a good fit for me, how can RROC not be a good fit if I am a willing to volunteer?

As an experienced non-profit organization, our volunteer flow has been both positive and challenging. Often volunteers may be eager to help, but may not have a full understanding of the structure of our organization.

Our goal is to provide our rescue dogs with foster homes and have them adopted out to forever homes. RROC is fully aware that volunteer hours and interest can vary on an individual basis. As a result, RROC is committed to appointing and approving those individuals who are truly interested in both educating the public and assisting the animals in finding their forever homes. Due to the fact that our organization is strictly volunteer based, we want everyone to know that we value your time as much as our own. Our volunteer application process is not to exclude, but to assist all of our willing applicants into finding avenues that best fit their desires and schedules.

3. I previously volunteered at a shelter or served as a kennel assistant at an animal boarding/shelter facility, RROC has opportunities for me to help in this fashion right?

Frequently we receive applications based on interest for "hand-on" opportunities with the organization's rescue dogs. Requests are submitted based on interest in dog walking, socializing and exercising. While all three of these opportunities are abundant at your local shelters and rescue organizations, the vast majority of RROC work deals in educating the public and communicating with prospective adopters who are interested in making one of our retrievers part of their family.

We urge you to keep in mind that your contribution and support in other forms are just as vital in contributing to the animal's well-being and survival as some of the more prevalent "hands-on" volunteer work available within other rescue organizations.

4. So, the "hands-on" or stuff is not available at RROC?

Actually, RROC views EVERYTHING in our organization as "hands-on"! Our events are prime opportunities for you to handle our retrievers . Each event features a few foster dogs who are eligible for adoption. Our events allow for exposure to the prospective adoption pool and also allow a chance for RROC to exercise and extend our visibility to the public.

The most "hands-on" experience available includes becoming a foster parent for our retrievers. Here at RROC, we understand that the probability that every volunteer will be able to foster is low. Therefore, RROC's operations include an array of areas of interest and opportunity for volunteers, there is something for everyone.

5. "I am not a people person, I am really just wanting to help with the dogs"

Much of our interaction with the public involves getting to know people and and exposing them to our wonderful available dogs. Tasks such as applicant screening, events, volunteer coordinating, home visits, phone interviews and even transports all involve the "people and communication element". In our line of rescue, people are a key resource and everything behind the scenes involves the flow of a solid volunteer engine.

The opportunities are vast here at RROC but may not be for you if "dog interaction" only is the central element of your motivation for involvement. Rescue work can be challenging, yet rewarding.

In the event that you are interested in helping to educate the public, and assist our RROC dogs in finding their forever home, please fill out one of our online volunteer applications.