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Sponsor a Pug

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Volunteer FAQs

Pug Nation volunteers provide care and compassion to our pugs, assist staff, introduce adoptable dogs to the public, help at community adoption events, and contribute in many other meaningful ways to support every aspect of our organization.

If you love Pugs and want to make a difference in the lives of homeless pugs, we invite you to join our volunteer team.

Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding volunteering at Pug Nation Rescue of Los Angeles. Please read through these FAQs before submitting a volunteer application.

How can I get started volunteering at Pug Nation Rescue of LA?

Complete the volunteer application.
Attend the mandatory orientation. After your application has been reviewed, you’ll be contacted via email to register for our new volunteer orientation.
Start volunteering! After orientation, you will receive access to our online volunteer signup page where you can begin to schedule volunteer shifts.

Where do you host your new volunteer orientations?

Volunteer orientations are held at our facility in Gardena, CA, on a Sunday afternoon and last approximately 90 minutes. We typically schedule one orientation session each month.

I heard you have a new volunteer orientation scheduled this week. Can I just show up?

Participants at a new volunteer orientation must be registered to attend. After you submit your volunteer application, you will be provided with information and a link to register for an upcoming orientation. Our sessions often reach capacity and we are not able to accept walk-ins.

I have extensive experience with pugs and have volunteered at other animal organizations. Do I still need to attend a new volunteer orientation?

Yes. We require all applicants to attend a new volunteer orientation prior to volunteering at Pug Nation. At the orientation, you will learn about our mission, programs and various volunteer opportunities, including operations and procedures required to be carried out for the safety of our pugs.

Do you have an age requirement for volunteers?

Yes. Due to the nature of the work and safety of our pugs, all volunteers must be at least 16 years old and able to work independently.

Can I fill out a paper application form?

To ensure efficiency, we do not offer or process paper applications. We require all volunteer applications to be submitted electronically via our website.

Do I need to have prior experience to volunteer at Pug Nation?

You do not need to have any formal experience with another animal rescue or even have had a pug of your own, but we do make the assumption that you are comfortable being around dogs and have a general understanding of the pug breed.

I need to fulfill a community or school service requirement by volunteering. Who can help me with that?

We do not verify or sign off on any required service hours as our goal is to train and retain long-term committed volunteers.

After I attend the new volunteer orientation, can I drop in at the facility anytime I want to volunteer?

Volunteers must sign up in advance on our online portal when they want to volunteer at the facility. We welcome a limited number of volunteers daily between 12pm and 4pm. Unless otherwise requested, we do not allow volunteers at the facility before 12pm or after 4pm.

Can I bring a friend or family member with me when I volunteer at the facility?

All volunteers must be signed up to be at the facility. Your friend or family member must also be a registered volunteer (submitted an application and attended orientation) and have signed up to be there as well. Please do not bring any guests with you.

Besides volunteering at the Gardena facility, are there other opportunities for which I can volunteer?

Yes! We host regular adoption fairs at Tailwaggers in West Hollywood and also participate in many other community events throughout the year (see calendar for upcoming dates) where we especially need volunteer help.

How will I find out about volunteer needs or activities?

We post all volunteer needs for the current month on our online signup page. We ask volunteers to regularly check the online volunteer portal and self-schedule into an open volunteer shift.

Do I need to download an app or pay a fee to use the online volunteer signup page once I’ve attended the new volunteer orientation?

No. Using the desktop or mobile signup website is free. You do not need to download the pay-to-use mobile app.

My corporate or school group participates in community outreach and we would like to volunteer one-time at Pug Nation. How can we arrange this?

We are not often able to accommodate one-time volunteer groups but do review requests on a case-by-case basis depending on our current projects and the work the volunteer group is able to assist with. Please email info@pugnationla.org if you have a special request or able to offer project assistance.

Honor Your Pug

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Your Name*
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Upload up to four pictures and a short tribute to your Pug.

We reserve the right to edit or remove content or images as needed.
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Suggested donation: $25
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Honorary Gifts

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Enter name of person you are honoring*
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Suggested gift: $25
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Memorial Gifts

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Pass Home Inspection

Once we receive your application, we will call you to arrange a home visit. If you are out of area we can visit via Skype or FaceTime. If you rent we need landlord permission. For a $25 fee, we inspect your home for safety issues and we will chat to get to know you and how you plan to care for your Pug. After inspection, we will contact you to let you know if you are approved and the $25 fee will go towards adoption.

Take Home Your Pug

Once you choose your Pug and he/she is ready to go, you will be sent home with everything you need to get started including any necessary medicines, transition food and all available records. No Pug goes home until they are spayed or neutered, shots are up-to-date and they are microchipped. Bring a leash and harness on pick up day or you can purchase ours here.

Attend Event / Visit our Facility

Once approved, an appointment to visit our facility is necessary to pick out your Pug. We are generally open from 12-4pm Monday through Friday; for weekend adoptions we ask that you attend one of our Adoption Fairs or Events to adopt. We will make special arrangements for adopters coming from out of town.

Attend an Event

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