Be Their Advocate
Hello FWACC Volunteers,
Both of our shelters are full.
Every kennel represents an animal waiting for their next opportunity. Some are waiting for adoption. Some are waiting for a foster home. Others are waiting for a rescue partner to see their potential.
The challenge is that we cannot advocate for animals if we don't know who they are beyond the kennel.
That's where volunteers make an incredible impact.
Every walk, photo, observation, and interaction helps us tell an animal's story. Those stories help us connect pets with adopters, fosters, and rescue partners while providing valuable information to our online community.
This week, we're highlighting three volunteer opportunities that directly impact lifesaving efforts every single day.
A walk does much more than provide exercise.
When volunteers spend time with dogs outside their kennels, we learn valuable information about their personalities, energy levels, leash manners, favorite activities, and how they interact with the world around them.
Many dogs appear very differently outside the shelter environment. The notes volunteers provide help us create better adoption profiles, advocate for placement, and make better matches with potential adopters and fosters.
Dog Walker Program <-- Click for More Information
Photos save lives.
For many community members, the first interaction they have with a shelter pet is through a photograph online.
A great photo helps potential adopters stop scrolling and start paying attention.
Our volunteer photographers help showcase each animal's personality while providing updated content that can be used across social media, adoption websites, foster outreach, and rescue networking.
One great photo can be the reason an animal gets noticed.
Pet Photography Team <-- Click for More Information
Some animals need a little extra help getting seen.
Urgent Pet Advocates assist by spending time with animals, gathering observations, taking photos and videos, and helping us share information with the community.
These efforts help us highlight pets who may be at risk due to length of stay, medical needs, kennel stress, or capacity concerns.
Advocacy creates visibility, and visibility creates opportunities.
Urgent Pet Advocate Program <-- Click for More Information
Temperatures are climbing, and summer weather can create risks for both people and pets.
A few reminders as you volunteer:
• Bring water and stay hydrated during outdoor activities.
• Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
• Watch for signs of heat stress in pets, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or difficulty recovering after activity.
• Remember that pavement heats up quickly and can become uncomfortable for paws.
• Morning and evening activities are often safest during extreme heat.
If you ever have concerns about a pet during an outing or volunteer activity, please notify staff immediately.
We have several adoption events and volunteer opportunities scheduled throughout June. These events help increase visibility for shelter pets and connect them with potential adopters.
Upcoming Events & Sign-Ups <-- Click for More Information
Thank you for being advocates for the animals in our care.
Whether you're walking a dog, taking a photograph, writing observations, or helping share a pet's story, you are providing information that helps us create opportunities for animals who need them most.
Every interaction matters.
Every story matters.
And every opportunity starts with someone taking the time to see the animal behind the kennel door.
FWACC Volunteer Team