DONATE YOUR TIME

VOLUNTEER

SHARE YOUR TIME

Foster A Pet

We are in desperate need of foster homes for dogs and cats. If you always wanted to have a pet or a dog but are unable to own them for long periods of time, the opportunity to foster a pet is just what you need! Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience for both foster parents and the animals whose lives are saved and changed forever.

Foster Application

BENEFITS FOR PETS

BENEFITS FOR HUMANS

Pet fostering allows people to experience various kinds or breeds of pets, which can help in making an informed decision about adopting a pet. Those who foster a pet also experience the joy of knowing they're helping pets find a loving home. This is one of the most direct ways you can help an animal.

HERE IS HOW VOCAL'S PET FOSTERING PROGRAM WORKS

You provide a temporary but caring home for a dog or cat, puppy or kitten.
You choose the type of animal you’d like to foster in your home. We can help you select a pet that’s right for you and your family.
VOCAL provides all veterinary care, food and supplies needed to make your foster experience enjoyable and worthwhile.
VOCAL puts your foster pet’s photo and information on our website to help with its adoption.

VOCAL works with animals exclusively from Marion County for our pet fostering program. Whether the animals are owner surrenders or transfers from Marion County Animal Services, all of our animals come from our local community. Please consider making a positive difference in the life of a foster pet today. Check out our dogs or cats available for foster care or apply to be a foster parent today!

ENGAGED & MOTIVATED

VOCAL Youth Council

Our Youth Council is a group of engaged, motivated middle and high school students that support VOCAL's mission by donating their time and service to VOCAL and to the community. The youth council is open to middle and high school age students from Marion County. As with many school and other clubs, we would prefer students with a 2.0 minimum grade point average, and a good discipline and attendance record.

The VOCAL Youth Council was formed in 2018 with only one member, Madeline Eller, a high school student with a love for the dogs and cats in Marion County. It quickly grew giving these teens a platform to speak and educate the young and old on responsible pet ownership, animal empathy, and the importance of spaying and neutering your pet.

Our Youth Council assists with adoption events, puppy kindergarten classes, teen dog walking, art projects, bake sales, fundraising, and other projects and events throughout the year.

BY JOINING THE VOCAL YOUTH COUNCIL YOU CAN:

Have the opportunity to demonstrate your strong commitment to community service and volunteering.
Make a difference for the homeless pets in our community.
Meet others with similar interests and make more friends.
Get volunteer hours.
Have fun!

OUR APPLICATION PERIOD FOR THE YOUTH COUNCIL CLASS OF 2024 IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. WE WILL REOPEN THE APPLICATION IN THE SUMMER OF 2024. CHECK BACK WITH US THEN!

IN THE MEANTIME, YOU CAN SEND US AN EMAIL AT YOUTHCOUNCIL@VOCALFORPETS.ORG WITH ANY QUESTIONS

VISIT VOCAL'S FACEBOOK
YOUTH COUNCIL PAGE

VISIT VOCAL'S INSTAGRAM
YOUTH COUNCIL PAGE

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead

SERVICE PAYMENT

Youth Council Service Fee

This activity fee is required for anyone who would like to participate in the Youth Council. The fee covers the cost of your t-shirt and helps cover other expenses for activities done throughout the year.

Pay Activity Fee

OPPORTUNITIES

Want to Volunteer to Help Animals?

VOCAL is a nonprofit animal welfare organization, is dedicated to ending the homeless pet problem in Marion County. But, we could never be successful without our volunteers.

If you are passionate about helping animals and pets in need in Ocala and Marion County, we invite you to volunteer with us at VOCAL.

We have a variety of volunteer positions available, which you can select when you fill out our VOCAL volunteer application. From animal transporting and adoption events, to administrative, computer skills and fundraising, VOCAL needs your help to make an impact in our community.

Volunteer Application

CONSIDER ANY OF THE FOLLOWING VOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

DOG WALKER

The mental health of our animals is as important as their physical health. The dogs have wonderful runs and get plenty of exercise so, he primary purpose of a dog walker is to provide human companionship and mental stimulation, as well as socialization.

SHELTER BUDDY

This is a program that is essential for our shelter dogs, especially our longer term residents. You will be matched with one animal that you want to spend time with. You can go for long walks, sit in the kennel and read a book to provide companionship, take the animal on errands and car rides, or even on overnight sleep overs.

OFFICE BUDDY

This program is closely related to the shelter buddy concept. Taking a shelter dog to work gets the dog out of the kennels and out into the public eye where they can interact and have a fun day. This also helps them get adopted.

FACILITY MAINTENANCE

We utilize volunteers to mow, weed, and spray the yards. Also, kennel upkeep is important to keep the kennels and runs safe for the animals.

ADOPTION TEAM MEMBER

These volunteers are trained to ask relevant questions of potential adopters in a friendly manner. We work hard to match out animals with the right home and it is not necessarily first come, first serve. In fact, we often take multiple adoption applications for the same animal.

DOGGIE DIPLOMAT

These volunteers visit nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and a children’s home with VOCAL animals.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

These volunteers help with various office tasks including, but not limited to, answering the phone, assisting with the newsletter, and keeping up with social media posts.

PHOTOGRAPHY

VOCAL is “internet based” so the first time a potential adopter sees an animal is going to be through a picture. An animal’s picture can make it or break it when it comes to catching an adopter’s attention so, having just the right picture is so important!

ANIMAL TRANSPORT

We need people to take animals to and from adoption events and veterinary appointments.

EVENTS

We need people willing to work fundraising events, including raising sponsorships, coordinating silent auction items, checking in people at events, selling tickets, and collecting money.

TRAP, NEUTER, AND RETURN (TNR)

Help is needed with trapping cats and feeding feral colonies.

FOOD WAREHOUSE

We get food deliveries every two weeks from Chewy. They supply us with enough food to feed our animals, to help those in need, and to distribute to other organizations. We need people who will sort and stack food, and other items, at our warehouse. Volunteers should be able to lift a 50 lb. bag.

When you fill out the VOCAL volunteer application, please remember to list which days you are available during the week and whether you would prefer working with cats or dogs. Once you have submitted the application, our volunteer coordinator will be in touch to set up a time to meet. Applications may be submitted online or mailed to the address listed on the form.

Because all of our staff and board members are volunteers, each of us knows the importance of the various volunteer duties available at VOCAL. We look forward to working with you to make a difference in the lives of homeless pets in Ocala and Marion County. Volunteer to help animals in our community today!

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