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Foster A Pet

We are in 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. Sign up to foster below by submitting a foster profile. 
Submit a Foster Profile
Donate - Foster A Pet - Image
BENEFITS FOR PETS
Cats and dogs who live in foster care learn so many basic skills and typically transition easier into their adoptive homes. Animals living in foster care instead of a kennel envrioment helps reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, fostering allows our adoption team to learn more about the animals. This helps us find the perfect adoptive match for each animal.
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. 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 submit a profile to be a foster parent today!

ENGAGED & MOTIVATED

VOCAL Youth Council

The VOCAL Youth Council is a dedicated group of motivated middle school and high school students who contribute their time and service to support VOCAL's mission and the community. Founded in 2018, the Youth Council provides teens with a platform to educate both the young and old about responsible pet ownership, animal empathy, and the significance of spaying and neutering pets.

The Youth Council is open to students from Marion County in middle and high school. Similar to other school clubs,we encourage students with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and a good record of discipline and attendance.
Our Youth Council actively participates in adoption events, fundraising, puppy and dog socialization, dog washing, kennel cleaning, cat and kitten socialization, preparing meals for VOCAL's dogs and cats, helping out in our clinic, and various other impactful projects and events throughout the year.
  • Group of youth council volunteers at the shelter
  • Group of youth council volunteers with bowls by the building - Photo 2 of 2
  • Youth volunteer sitting with small dog
  • Youth council volunteers with pet carriers
  • Youth council volunteers at VOCAL's Furball
  • Two youth council volunteers with a small dog
  • Youth volunteers helping at VOCAL's tent
  • Youth volunteer with puppy
  • Youth volunteers in veterinary clinic
  • Three youth volunteers holding puppies
  • Line of youth volunteers by the building, some holding dogs
  • Youth volunteer holding a puppy by the front door
  • Youth council volunteers at donation event in VOCAL's tent
  • Twin youth council volunteers with two dogs
  • Group of youth council volunteers sitting in a circle with cats
  • Youth council volunteer with cats
  • Group of youth volunteers by Angel's Memorial Park with pet bowls
  • Youth volunteer holding puppy in a towel
  • Two youth volunteers at fundraising event
  • Youth council volunteers on the way to feed the shelter animals
  • Four of the youth volunteers at a fundraising event in front of the VOCAL tent
  • Four of the youth volunteers at a fundraising event at the VOCAL tent
  • Youth volunteer cradling a cat
  • Youth council volunteer holding puppy
  • Group of youth volunteers by Angel's Memorial Park
  • Youth volunteers at donation event
  • Youth volunteer holding a happy puppy
  • Two youth volunteers holding puppies
  • Two youth volunteers with kittens

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!
VOCAL Youth Council Logo

OUR APPLICATION PERIOD FOR THE YOUTH COUNCIL CLASS OF 2025 IS CURRENTLY OPEN AND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH. PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SIGN-UP!

YOUTH COUNCIL APPLICATION
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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
SERVICE PAYMENT

Youth Council Activity 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.
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
Donate - Volunteer Opportunities - Cat

CONSIDER ANY OF THE FOLLOWING VOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Donate - Volunteer Opportunities - Dog

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

Help is needed with trapping cats and feeding feral colonies.

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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