Ways to Volunteer
Become a Foster
Foster homes provide a solid base for finding a wonderful forever home. Having our pets in foster homes gives us a true view of how the animal will react in their forever home. Most of the pets we take into our program would otherwise be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding, so if you foster, you are truly making a difference.
Foster homes provide their foster pet with nutritious food, water, exercise, enrichment, basic training, and love. Underdog Pet Rescue will be here for you to provide you with educational materials, guidance, and support.
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As a first-time foster, you will receive a one-on-one training and introduction into our program. We want you to have all the resources and knowledge that you need to feel confident in your fostering adventure!
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Questions? Contact us.
Other Volunteer Opportunities​
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Events/Tabling - Underdog staffs tables at Underdog events (ie: Pints for Pups) and local events (Wisconsin Dog Fair, Fromm Pet Fest, etc). Volunteers are available to answer questions, provide information, and sell merchandise to people who stop by. We ask for volunteers to serve for a few hours whenever one of these events come up. Volunteers are responsible for set up and take down of the table. Supplies and training are provided.
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Transports - many of our adoptable pets come from far away - usually from the South! We rely on volunteers to drive the animals (in crates). These drives, also called "freedom rides," are done in legs, like a relay race. Underdog typically picks up pets in Beloit, Waukesha, or DeForest. Drivers are need to load crates into their vehicles and drive them back to Madison. Underdog provides crates and leashes. Drivers need a vehicle large enough for at least one crate. Assistants are also needed, as they can help the loading and unloading of crates go much more quickly. Milage for transports is tax deductible. Volunteers must be 18 years of age, with a good driving record and their own reliable vehicle.
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Social media - Our team of social media volunteers keep our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok channels going strong by promoting our adoptable animals, celebrating volunteers and adopters, and growing our reach.
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Marketing/advertising - Help spread the word about Underdog Pet Rescue by supporting marketing and advertising efforts, or offer your expertise as we build our brand and community awareness.
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Fundraising - Our fundraising committee helps new donors and current donors alike support Underdog financially through unique fundraisers and development activities.
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Event planning - Are you a natural party planner? Help us plan our signature event, Wags & Whiskers, along with other fun events that get our adoptable animals out in the community and bring in fundraising support.
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IT/Tech - There are a lot of systems in place to keep our organization going. Help us fine-tune what we're doing so we can best serve our animals and our community.
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Community building - bring our team of volunteers, adopters, and the rest of the Madison area together around a common goal of rescuing and adopting out more animals in need.
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Grant writing - put your flair for persuasive writing to good use by helping us write compelling grant applications.