Join the Pack —Volunteer

In addition to donations, the talents of our compassionate and generous volunteers help keep our doors open. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer without a parent or guardian. Children 13 to 15 may volunteer with a parent on-site who is also a volunteer.

There are several areas in which we are always in need of volunteers. To Volunteer for any of these positions please fill out the online volunteer application, or come to one of our events and fill one out in person!

Adoption Help

​We hold off-site adoptions several weekends a month and we are always in need of extra sets of hands to make sure all of our adoptable animals are taken care of. We need help setting up our adoption tent and tables as well as taking them down at the end of the day. We also need help making sure all "accidents" are cleaned up as needed, and to take our dogs for walks so they can have their bathroom breaks away from the festivities.

Fundraising

We rely on donations to keep our programs going and there's no such thing as "too much money!" The more money we have, the more animals we can save! If you've got some great ideas, enjoy planning and speaking to people, you may be a great fit to help with funds raising!

Advertising

​We need help creating flyers, hanging flyers, passing flyers out, posting to facebook and other sites to get the word out about what we do and where we'll be.

Social Media

Social Media is a big part of how we get the word out about what we do and where we are and we could use your help to stay on top of ours.

Community Service

​We do have community service opportunities if you let us know ahead of time.

Fostering

What does fostering a pet involve?

When you foster, you agree to take a homeless dog into your home and give him or her love, care and attention, either for a predetermined period of time or until the pet is adopted. This includes taking your foster to and from medical appointments, adoption events, and potential meet and greets. Fostering an animal (including litters of puppies) is a huge commitment. Please do not apply unless you are truly committed to saving a life.

This is not normally a “foster-to-adopt” program. Fostering is intended to provide temporary care to an animal. We work hard to make sure each animal is adopted into the most compatible home and acknowledge that sometimes it is their foster home. You will be notified if an animal is available for adoption by “foster first” 14 days after it’s arrival. If you are interested in adopting your foster animal you must contact the volunteer coordinator as soon as possible since foster parents do not always have the first right to adopt. If the animal does not have any interested adopters on intake and the foster expresses interest in adopting, the foster parent may submit an adoption application to potentially adopt the animal.

We take a lot of time and pride in training our foster families how to care for each animal. Providing you with not only a pediatric foster experience but educational materials and an open forum (via Facebook) to ask questions and gather support and information from other experienced fosters families.

Our volunteer officers have over 40 years of combined experience in shelter medicine, pediatric critical care, behavioral training, veterinary technician, and professional grooming.

Our program is geared towards dedicated like-minded others.

Fostering an animal is a serious commitment. You should be committed to fostering the dog until it is adopted. While the minimum commitment would be 21 days (the length of time that most dogs are in the program before they are adopted ) the maximum commitment could be as much as 6 months or longer.

Please we urge you to think of this commitment when applying.

Fostering Handbook

Why do adoption groups need foster homes?
There are many reasons a pet might need foster care. Some of the most common include:
  • A rescue group doesn’t have a physical shelter and depends on foster homes to care for dogs until suitable homes are found.
  • A puppy is too young to be adopted and needs a safe place to stay until he or she is old enough to go to a forever home.
  • An animal is recovering from surgery, illness or injury and needs a safe place to recuperate.
  • An animal is showing signs of stress such as pacing or hiding in the shelter.
  • An animal has not lived in a home before or has not had much contact with people and needs to be socialized.
  • The shelter is running out of room for adoptable dogs.

Why should I foster?
Fostering an animal is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home you’re:
  • freeing up a spot so the shelter or rescue can take in another animal.
  • giving your foster pet the time he needs to be ready for adoption.
  • helping the shelter or rescue learn more about the dog so (s)he can end up in the best home possible.
  • socializing the animal to a home environment and possibly getting him used to being around other pets and different types of people.

How do I sign up to foster?
  • Complete a foster parent application and subsequent home visit
  • Agree to and sign the foster waiver
  • Please note that this is a significant commitment and a challenging responsibility. Those that wish to volunteer are expected to provide a safe and nurturing home with a minimum commitment of 3 weeks.

Important Rules and Reminders Regarding Your Foster Pet

Foster parents MUST abide by the following rules:
  • No off-leash park visits or interacting with other foster pets from different foster homes for the first ten days.
  • All new incoming animals must be quarantined for a minimum of ten days.
  • During said time they will have no nose to nose or bottom to nose contact with any other animal and will potty in a secure play yard, pen or small area being used just for the purpose of quarantine (concrete – linoleum, tile) NEVER PLACE PUPPIES IN SOIL OR GRASS. Any fecal matter will be picked up and the area in which it sat either bleached or properly disinfected after each bowel movement. No exceptions.
  • Foster dogs must be on leash at all times when outdoors unless in your own secured fenced yard.
  • Any aggressive behavior - to humans or other animals -must be immediately communicated to the RRR of South LA
  • All vet visits must be pre-approved by calling one of the RRR of South LA officers. Vet visits will not be reimbursed without pre-approval from an RRR of South LA officer.
  • We recommend using, and will only reimburse with prior approval:
  • For emergency veterinary care
  • Foster parents must respond within 24 hours to communications from RRR of South LA officers.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Before referring to these questions and answers, please be aware that this is fully a volunteer program, the officers who supply the needed information, vet visits, supplies, rescue needs, correspondence etc. have families and jobs outside of their volunteer positions with this organization. Please be considerate when making requests. Give plenty of notice, be patient, and keep communication open.
  1. How long are pets in foster homes?  It completely depends on the pet and the situation. The average stay in a foster home is about 2 months, but it can be as little as 2 weeks. Obviously, others, recovering from an injury, certain breeds and senior animals, may stay much longer
  2. Can I or a member of my family or friends adopt my foster?  YES! As long as they meet our requirements necessary for adoption. The pet must also be listed on petfinder.com, spay/neutered and have attended at least one adoption event before they can be adopted Also, we require they be in our care a minimum of 10 days before any adoption will be considered.
  3. What is the process for adopting a foster? Potential adopters are required to submit an adoption application for review before they can physically meet a foster animal – applications can be found here: adoption page.  Once approved, meet and greets with the foster pets can be scheduled with qualified applicants. Adoption is approved or rejected by an RRR of South LA officer or one of our Foster Coordinators – Final approval of all adoptions is at the sole discretion of the RRR of South LA officers. Once approved, the adopter pays adoption fees to the RRR of South LA and makes a spay/neuter appointment, if necessary. Foster pet then goes to its new forever home. Side note: Rescue Rehome Repeat in South Louisiana requires you to foster 3 animals prior to “foster failing” much time goes into training and preparing foster families for their first foster pet. Medical appointments are made, supplies are given and dozens of questions are asked in those first 7-10 days. We love training our foster families and look forward to helping you, help us. Our end goal is to find committed foster families willing to volunteer and save a minimum of 3 animals.
  4. How are foster pets promoted?  Photos of our adoptable pets in foster homes are posted on Petfinder.com and on the RRR of South LA Facebook page where the public can view them. Foster pets are also promoted at special events and on Facebook. Foster parents can also help promote their foster pet to their family, friends, colleagues and the general public through a variety of means including flyers, emails and even just by walking your foster dog in local pet stores with an ( Adopt me ) bandana around its neck.
  5. I live in an apartment, can I foster pets?   Yes, you can still foster a pet living in an apartment. Many of our pets need one-on-one socialization, so a small space can be beneficial. However it’s important that you select an appropriate pet for your lifestyle and are willing to commit to providing your foster pet with the needed physical and mental stimulation. And of course, you need landlord approval.
  6. What if I have children?  Fostering is a wonderful family experience. It’s important to select a pet that is “age” appropriate with your children, and as a general rule, children under 13 years old should NOT be left alone and unsupervised with any foster pet. You must also be diligent about providing guidance, instructions and rules to your children about caring for fostered animals.
  7. I don’t have a yard, or it’s not fenced, can I foster puppies/dogs?  Yes! A yard is a nice-to-have for those early morning, or late night potty breaks and for a game of ball, but is not a requirement. Moreover, foster puppies/dogs are not allowed to be left unattended in a yard. RRR of South LA will provide you with a x-pen for puppies and small dogs.
  8. If I have my own animals, can I foster pets?  Yes, but keep in mind that it’s always a health risk to expose your animal to other animals whether it’s walking at parks, vet waiting rooms or other common animal areas. The health risk is minimal if your animals are current on their vaccinations, maintains a healthy diet and lifestyle, and are not elderly or very young. If you or someone in your household is immune-compromised, consult your doctor before fostering since working or living with animals exposes humans to a group of diseases called zoonoses. A zoonotic disease (there are about 200) is defined as a disease transmitted from animals to humans and also from humans to animals. To find out more about zoonoses, talk to your doctor and/or veterinarian. Proper hygiene, preventative measures and an understanding of these illnesses can reduce the risk of disease.
  9. What supplies are needed to foster?  Foster parents provide space, basic training, exercise and love for the pet. RRR of South LA provides you with all the other supplies and equipment needed throughout your foster experience ( as requested ).
  10. Do I have to crate-train my foster dog?  No, but it is one of the most efficient and effective ways to house train a puppy or re-train an adult dog. Some dogs do not like crates, and most dogs need to be transitioned or “trained” to use a crate, so it’s up to the foster parent to decide whether to crate or not. Putting the dog in a crate while you are gone will give you peace of mind knowing that they are in a safe place, away from harm, and not doing any damage to your belongings or themselves. For many dogs, a crate can also represent a safe and comfortable place to call their own and provides them with a sense of security. Dogs actually like having a “den” to cuddle up in. Crating should never be used as punishment. RRR of South LA provides crates.
  11. Do I need to have prior medical knowledge or expertise?  No, but you may be asked to dispense medicine to your foster pet so you will have to be comfortable following veterinarian’s instructions if fostering a sick or injured pet.
  12. What if my foster pet becomes sick or is injured?  All veterinary costs are normally paid by the RRR of South LA. If a foster pet becomes sick or is injured, foster parents can call one of the RRR of South LA Veterinarians (SEE ABOVE) or Leave a message on our 24 hour hotline 225.788.6940 – RRR of South LA officers can authorize a vet visit, or advise you.  Do not take a pet to an un-authorized veterinarian – unless prepared to pay for veterinarian expenses yourself – please keep in mind that after hour and emergency vet hospitals can charge exorbitant amounts – the RRR of South LA uses only the hospitals listed here to keep our costs at a minimum.
  13. Can I return my foster pet if I am unable to foster any longer?  We prefer that foster parents continue to foster until we find a permanent home for their foster pet, however, we understand that situations change and it may become necessary to discontinue fostering a pet. We request that a dog foster parent provides as much notice as possible (minimum 3 weeks notice NO EXCEPTIONS) this will ensure we can find an alternative foster home to transfer the pet to. Of course, in an emergency a foster parent may always bring their pet to one of our previously mentioned vets offices AND PERSONALLY PAY FOR BOARDING – which allows us ample time to re-foster OR REHOME your FOSTER pet.
  14. Are foster pets ever euthanized?  Much energy, love, time and vet care is devoted to our foster pets, and we are committed to finding homes for ALL the adoptable pets in our care. Some pets are in foster care because they’re seriously ill or injured. If, after medical attention, these pets are too young or too weak to heal and are suffering, then one of the RRR of South LA vets will humanely euthanize these animals. Fortunately, most pets in foster care heal beautifully. On rare occasions, a pet in foster care may start to exhibit potentially dangerous behavior that was unknown or suppressed prior to rescue. The RRR of South LA may determine that this pet is too dangerous and will humanely euthanize the animal or seek an alternative facility for its care. Your safety is our #1 priority. You must always inform the RRR of South LA officers or your foster coordinators if your foster animal exhibits any aggressive behavior.
  15. How do I get supplies needed for my foster animal? The foster coordinator will make arrangements with you to deliver or meet for pickup for any supplies, (kennel, leash, food, etc). Upon intake of animal these will be supplied as quickly as possible. If you have been fostering an animal you must give 72 hours advance notice of need for food, newspaper, medications etc. you will not be reimbursed for any supplies you purchase without authorization because you waited until you were out and did not give proper notice.
  16. Can I feed the foster the same food I feed my current pet?  We do realize it is easier to feed all animals the same diet at the same time, please notify us of what food you are feeding your pet so we can make an informed decision. Some foods are not used by the RRR of South LA, and we prefer all dogs to be on dry food only. In addition if you have an adult dog and a puppy foster or vise verse they will not be on the same diet. Medical needs have to be taken into consideration as well. We will not supply food for your household pets if you chose to put foster on same food you do so at your expense.
  17. Can I put pictures of my fosters on my Facebook page and ask for adopters?  Yes you can, keep in mind though that applications for adoptions are not accepted on any animal until the animal is listed for adoption. So if someone JUMPS the gun and places an app before that time to hopefully get the animal first, the app will be discarded. Facebook is a good tool for networking the animals, and you know them the best so by all means!
  18. Can I change the names they were given?  Most of the time a Foster parent is able to name a puppy because they are the first to interact with them. If the animal was already given a name when you received it we prefer that the name stays with that animal due to shot records, and foster records. It gets confusing and causes errors if changes are made and original name is forgotten. Not to mention confusing for the animals because most times upon adoption the name is changed again
  19. What does securing my foster mean?  We require all foster animals to be secure at all times! Period no exceptions! This means indoors, leash walks outside unless in your secured yard with you in attendance at all times. We do encourage kennel training for when you must leave the house for periods of time, or at night to sleep, or during illness, Kennels must only be used for that purpose, never for punishment, and never for 24/7 containment of the animal, unless small or newborn. Playpens are available for puppies to be able to run and play. Never leave your door open so animal can come and go whenever it pleases. Even if an animal “stays” put in your yard most of the time it is not truly secured unless inside, or inside a fence with you in attendance.
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