How do I
volunteer for an Adoption Day?
First, complete
the Volunteer Profile. You will then
receive an email invitation to join our Yahoo group. Please follow the
instructions in the email to add yourself to the group. Then, at
the beginning of each week, you will receive an email stating the
location and time of the next adoption events. If you would like to
volunteer, simply respond to the email. The number of dogs that are
brought to the Adoption Day depends upon the number of volunteers who
commit to attending. The more volunteers in attendance, the greater the
number of dogs having a chance to find their forever homes. You make a
difference!
Where are
Adoption Days held?
Adoption Days are
generally held every Saturday from Noon until 3 p.m. at one or two
Northern Virginia Petcos. The exact location for these events is
provided in the weekly email and is also available on the
HART website.
When should I
arrive at Adoption Day?
We would
appreciate if all volunteers would arrive a few minutes before the
adoption is scheduled to begin -- so a bit before Noon. This will
allow you to find out information about your dog and help with any set
up necessary. We would also appreciate it if your time of
departure is flexible, but that you stay at least until 3:00.
What will I do
at Adoption Day?
When you get to
Adoption Day, please go to the HART table and let them know that you are
a new volunteer. You will then have a dog assigned to you for the
afternoon. That lovable dog is your responsibility for the Adoption
Day. Find out as much information as you can to be able to educate
prospective owners on the dog’s background. Please clean up any messes
the dog makes and make sure the dog remains safe. Keep the leash handle
around your wrist at all times. We encourage lots and lots of love to
be shared with the dogs. Most importantly….you are the dog’s advocate
for the day, so keep the dog in the dedicated HART area and make sure
your dog is visible to prospective owners. Get one of the red HART
scarves and tie around your dog’s neck.
What should I
bring with me to Adoption Day?
Wear comfortable
clothes and shoes. It is greatly appreciated if you bring with you
plastic bags and paper towels (for cleaning up after your dog).
What do I do if
someone is interested in my dog?
Tell them as much
as you know about the dog and instruct the prospective owners to
complete a HART application. The applications will be on the table.
After they complete the application, ask a volunteer who is an
interviewer to interview the prospective owner. (Again, if you are not
sure, you can ask Charlene, Charlie, Joan, Maggie, Pat or Tammy.)
How long should
I plan to be at Adoption Day?
Because there are
many dogs to transport back to the kennels, it takes some time to
coordinate getting them into cars, etc. It may take up to an hour (but
often less) after the adoption is scheduled to end, to get all the dogs
back into their transport vehicles. We appreciate your patience and
flexibility. If you must leave by a certain time, please make sure to
mention it to Charlene, Charlie, Joan, Maggie, Pat or Tammy.
(If you can stay afterwards and help clean up, we
would greatly appreciate it!!)
Remember…YOU
MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Every Adoption Day you volunteer for is a day you’ve
given a lovable dog a chance to find a forever home. Thank you for
giving up your time to help; every volunteer is very special and greatly
appreciated!
Memorials
