How to obtain and develop fosters and a volunteer base
Credit Rusty and Furriends Facebook
Most rescues probably start by asking friends and family to foster or volunteer. The thing to keep in mind is “attrition.” Most individuals like the way volunteering or fostering sounds, but when it comes time to do it or to honor their commitments you will be amazed at the plethora of excuses. “A family member has allergies. We are going on vacation. This just doesnt work for me. “ Blah, blah, blah. In fairness, volunteer attrition is to be expected, so plan for it and develop options and train your team well. Be appreciative, offer gear & supplies. Don’t burn people out by taking advantage, having unrealistic expectations like: burdening them with the cost of pellets, hay or worse, vet visits. Yes, I have seen it over and over in Bunny rescue, with the organization not being able to provide the basics to set the fosters up for success.
As you start to build a team for your rescue, understand that you may retain only a few regular, committed team members or consistent foster homes. You may also look for or ask that new fosters try a short term arrangement of 6 weeks or no less than one month. It's not ideal for bunnies in foster to keep getting moved or bounced from environment to environment.
Explain that short term fosters are actually saving 2 lives. One that they foster in their home and perhaps a second bunny that the rescue may now intake, in the space created by the short term foster arrangement.
Use Facebook Marketplace, local area auction sites online & Craigslist to accumulate used gear for foster set ups. Make sure to clean and disinfect used carriers, litter boxes, x-pens for RHDV2. With each foster bunny provide a basic set up for housing, a carrier for vet trips, good quality pellets,toys, flooring like fleece, carpet protection & hay to start. If your fosters have their own bunnies they may offer to share hay or pellets and you can provide the other. Ideally, fosters are only asked to provide a safe indoor set up, daily salad, love and socialization to help their foster bunny become a good candidate for a Forever Home.
To retain your volunteers and fosters, set clear expectations, be appreciative & communicate on a regular basis. Ask that they provide regular photo updates and messages about their foster(s). Keep your team involved. Invite them to come out and help wrangle bunnies, host annual appreciation events and set an example by providing as much support as you can.
Credit Rusty and Furriends Facebook