New to group--any ideas to attract foster homes?

[dogworksohio]

Hello,
I'm new to the group--from NWOhio (Toledo area) and also we started a new dog rescue group here in July. With all the animals needing rescue and many requests for us to help out by saving---wondering if anyone here ever fostered for a rescue and what helped you decide to do so. We are looking for different ways to get volunteer help. So far this (as with other groups) has been very difficult. We are new and pending our official nonprofit (501c3) status. Spending money to advertise locally can be costly. Early on, we placed a Sunday ad in our major local newspaper -- costing us $114. We paid out of pocket and had only 2 phone calls from this, all looking for dogs, no volunteers. Any ideas??
Thanks kris

[SalemWitchChild]

You can put up flyer's, place brochures at your local pet stores or other stores, have a donation box where people in your town visit often. There are many low cost ways to get the word out. And of course contact all the shelters in your area. I'm sure they would have lots of suggestions for you. If you don't have it already make a website.

[lakotasong]

Kris,

Do you have a website for the organization yet? Build a website, add it to search engines.

Also, you can make flyers and post them at local veterinary offices, the post office, super market, etc. Any place with a bulletin board will work.

Let the local vets, groomers and pet supply stores know about your organization. See if they'd be willing to put up a donation box for you, or maybe have a volunteer flyer at their checkout counter.

Contact your local kennel club, look there for volunteers as well.

Good luck! I'll let you know if I think of any other ideas.

[shadowfacedanes]

A website is a great idea. If you need any help, let me know.

Word of mouth is great,business cards (you can print your own from your computer/printer to cut down on costs), do some meet and greets at a local pet store or two - contact the petstores and ask if you can set up a table once or twice a month. You can bring in flyers, a donations jar, and one or two of your adoptable pets (or more depending on volunteers). This will not only generate interest in your program, but you will be able to speak to folks about the need for volunteers.

Consider starting an email list and doing an online newsletter (again, if you need help, let me know)

Put up flyers at all pet related businesses in your town. Don't be afraid to be bold and say point blank VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Make the information available to folks that unless you have adequate foster homes, you cannot take in more pets. Offer info on your rescue so people realize you're legitimate.

It takes a while, but once you get the info out there, and get people talking about it, things will start to materialize.

[dobermom]

I foster for a few rescues, and for the most part love it.

The biggest thing for foster homes is cost (Usually)
My advice is to make it your priority to reimburse for expenses the foster homes have. I have had a bad experience with that in the past.
Make very specific rules for what expenses you will cober, make fosters adhere to that.

[dogworksohio]

Thank you for quick reply -- We've placed flyers in libraries, on community bulletin boards in pet stores and other stores, coffee shops, tractor supply, local indoor ice rink, senior center. I went around to a few dog groomers, trainers & several vets offices. Sent letters to the local AKC introducing our group (we never seem to find anyone actually there at their office - phone recordings also). In Toledo--there is one large rescue group (and several smaller) whom it seems has donation boxes at every pet store -- along with the local human soc and a spay/neuter group--these boxes are actually competing with counter space. We've scheduled everyother Sunday afternoon meet & greets at a Petco--but I'm worried we won't have any dogs to take if I can't rescue any. I've personally started with 5 puppies and mom -- then added as they were adopted at one time having 7 -10wk olds. I'm getting alittle burnt out on puppy care. Thank goodness we have 4 now with one pending adoption.