Model Volunteering Program
NOTICE: The online grant-application system does not apply to the Model Volunteering Program at this time.
The PetSmart Charities® Model Volunteering Program (MVP) is an exciting opportunity that rewards agencies for innovative volunteer programs that best utilize the time, skills and passion of their volunteers for outstanding results.
The goal: We’re looking for creative solutions to maximize volunteer contributions in animal-welfare agencies. We want to share these model volunteering programs with other agencies across North America. Your volunteers are your greatest resource, and your success in utilizing that resource can inspire others.
Each quarter, PetSmart Charities will select one winning agency from those who submit their MVP. The winning agency will receive a $1,000 award check, be featured on our website and in Quarterly, the newsletter for and about our animal-welfare partners.
All you need to do is tell us about your agency's stellar programs, showcasing the smart ways your agency utilizes volunteers.
- How do you challenge volunteers to work smarter, not just harder?
- Does your agency demonstrate the leadership to guide your volunteers into strong programs that impact adoptions, fundraising and day-to-day operations?
Examples:
- Recruited college students interested in videos to make weekly “special pet for adoption” website postings
- Utilized skills of retired office manager to set up and monitor system for post-adoption follow-up tracking
- Encouraged hobby photographers to take pet photos for website and teach others how to best capture pet personalities
- Organized people who can’t, or don't want to, come to shelter to work from home sending e-mails and making calls for adoption follow-ups
- Developed a system of transport drivers to take pets to the veterinarian or other appointments
As we gather these submissions on outstanding volunteer management and the programs that result, we will compile best practices to help all agencies to best utilize their volunteers and avoid the ruts that stifle creativity and inhibit the overall value of what each volunteer offers.
Submit a Model Volunteering Program
Model Volunteering Programs
- Model Volunteering Program: Virginia Beach SPCA Foster-Lite for Community Service
January 3, 2012Format: Case Study
Virginia Beach SPCA's Foster-Lite for Community Service program addressed several challenges for the agency, from expanding their foster care program and saving the lives of more kittens to addressing community hours for young people.
- Model Volunteering Program: Chicago Pet Rescue
September 22, 2011Format: Case Study
Less than a year old, this young agency created a solution to training more volunteers for expanded roles while at the same time rewarding experienced volunteers for their service.
- Model Volunteering Program: Ventura County Animal Services in Camarillo, Calif., and the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter in Divide, Colo.
November 1, 2010Format: Case Study
Both agencies utilize volunteer teams to care for – and advocate for – specific breeds or types of pets.
- Model Volunteering Program: Pet Photography Volunteer Team at SPCA of Monterey County in Monterey, Calif.
July 1, 2010Format: Case Study
Taking photos of shelter pets is a challenge, indeed. And so is finding capable photographers with top-notch equipment who not only care about pets, but also know how to handle them safely and humanely – and, who have the time and patience to capture the best and most inviting photos of pets who need homes.
- Model Volunteering Program: “Animals for Over-Achievement” Program at Butler County Humane Society in Renfrew, Penn.
February 1, 2010Format: Case Study
We’re proud to announce our first MVP winner – The Butler County Humane Society in Renfrew, Penn. We selected the Butler County Humane Society’s
“Animals for Over-Achievement” program.
