Volunteer opportunities
Volunteer Drivers
Duties include driving dogs to or from vet appointments and fosters. Anyone who is interested in applying for the role as a volunteer would need to have their own transport. We would also require you to have a car large enough to fit a “collie sized crate” into the back. Unfortunately this is a must as we will only transport dogs in suitable sized crates which are placed securely in the back of the vehicle. We do not allow the transport of an animal without a crate. We would also require you to hold a valid drivers licence.
Training will be required for the Volunteer Driver role and we would appreciate that drivers follow through with commitments once confirmed as a driver for a particular trip. Cancelling at short notice will likely put our small team under additional pressure.
Shop Volunteers
Our two retail outlets welcome any time you may have. Our shop manager will be able to guide you through our process when dealing with our stock. It is a great way to meet people in your area and make a difference.
Fundraising
Team MADRA are a busy and diverse crew and we always benefit from a fresh viewpoint. Running fundraisers is a lifeline for our finances so that we can care for the dogs at our shelter. Your expertise may just have a huge difference to us.
Blue Tagger
We run a Blue Tag dog walking and care programme at our shelter.
Duties include cleaning kennels, walking and socialising dogs, washing dishes, doing laundry, sorting donations or a number of other tasks needed to keep the kennels running (although we do make sure that everyone gets doggy time on their shift). You will need to be able to work as part of the kennel team and follow staff guidance.
Kennels are open to Blue Taggers from 9am-4pm Monday to Sunday. There are two shifts: 9am-12pm (morning shift) and 1pm-4pm (afternoon shift). Bluetags are generally scheduled to come on the same day each week and we ask for a commitment of 3 volunteer shifts per month, with each shift lasting at least 3 hours.
Please note for the first month we would require you to attend training and commit to coming out once every week for the first 4 weeks, thereafter we would ask for a commitment of 3 volunteer shifts per month. We ask for this commitment as we are constantly adapting to the needs of dogs in our care and regular attendance at kennels is needed to ensure you are up-to-date on kennel protocols. This will help ensure the safety and welfare of the dogs and volunteers! Additionally, we are increasingly working with dogs in need of rehabilitation and it is hugely important that the kennel staff have regular volunteers, on whom we can rely, so that they have time to dedicate to these dogs. Having your own transport is also essential to volunteering as the kennels are not on a public transport route. You must be must be over 18 to become a blue tag volunteer.
