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Volunteer

PRGP is always looking for more Pit Bull lovers to help with the day to day running of the rescue.  We need people to help with everything from transporting dogs, performing homechecks to assisting at special events.  We are 100% volunteer drive and we need help with:  transporting dogs, marketing dogs at adoption events, promoting responsible pet ownership, coordination and help at events, committee participants for events, education, fundraising, foster and website.  Click here to complete a volunteer application (MS Word)  (or here for PDF version), fill it out, and email it to PRGP's information center.

If you do not have time to give you can support PRGP by making financial donations and through the way in which you live your life. 

1)     Don’t buy a dog from a breeder or even consider breeding your dog.  Just visit an animal shelter and you will see a huge percentage of homeless Pit Bulls with no hope of finding a home.  One in 600 Pit Bulls are saved and 75% of shelters don’t even try to adopt out Pit Bulls.  Pit Rescue groups across the country have wonderful dogs seeking new and loving homes – give one a second chance.

2)     Spay or Neuter your dog.  Breeding is not a lucrative venture and you do not know where the puppies will end up… in the hands of a dog fighter, in a situation of neglect or as an unwanted dog at an animal shelter.

3)     Take the high road.  If you get negative comments from people about Pit Bulls or your dog specifically, don’t lower yourself to their level you only reinforce their misconceptions of the kind of people who own Pit Bulls. 

4)     Present your canine as a good citizen.  Properly confine and restrain your dog, make sure your fence is secure.  If your dog gets out and injuries or kills another animal, it is your fault.  We do not want any more bad press for the breed.  Abide by all leash laws and avoid the Dog Park if your dog isn’t perfect in public.

5)     Support Pit Bull Rescue groups by making a financial contribution to sponsor a dog or promote education efforts.  Every dime counts.

Foster A Needy Pit Bull

Why Foster?
Foster parents are the most important people involved in PRGP.  Imagine getting over 20 emails a day from people begging you to take their dog by having a willing and able home to take in these dogs our rescue will operate more efficiently.  Since PRGP does not have a facility all of the dogs must be cared in foster homes while we find them their permanent homes.  Without the support and presence of fosters, we would not exist.

What is the responsibility of a Foster Home?
All the things that a dog owner does, but for a shorter amount of time!  However giving you a specific amount of time is nearly impossible.   It can be anything from a couple of weeks to several months. Sometimes we get a rush of people wanting to adopt dogs from us, and they literally fly out the door, and other times it is fairly slow.  Some of our dogs have been in foster care for a year before the right home is found.  This is a huge commitment so please think it through before you volunteer.  Foster homes provide daily care, feeding, grooming, reinforcing obedience, and generally giving the dog love and affection. The reason why foster homes are so important is that is our opportunity to learn even more about the dog.  We only take in temperamentally sound dogs, and people are more likely to adopt from us because their foster parents can tell them what they are like in a home environment.

What do I need to be a Foster Parent?
The main criteria are love and patience.  We do ask that you have experience with the breed and own your own home with a secure and properly fenced yard.  It's okay if you have another dog, and even if you have a cat.  Most of the dogs that we take in are dog-friendly, and some even love cats.  Before you become a foster, you and your existing pets will be interviewed by a PRGP volunteer and then we will survey your situation to make sure that you foster a dog that is acceptable to your furry family.

Do I have to pay for everything myself?
Not at all. There will be small expenses such as dog bowls if you don't already have them, but if you need help with food expenses, we are happy to provide a bag of food for you. In the event that the dog requires medical treatment or medication, we will take care of those expenses if you go to our designated veterinarians and seek pre-approval for the appointment. We would love to be able to pay for toys and other things for them, but we are a non-profit organization, and cannot afford to reimburse you for these items. All the money is designated to pay for crates, food, boarding for vacations and medical costs of the dogs in our rescue.

How do you handle potential adopters for my Foster?
PRGP volunteer potential adoptions, we set up a time for them to come and meet the dog and then go from there.  However, many of our foster homes have told us that they would like to be more involved in the adoption process and we have listened.  We figure that the foster parent knows their foster dog much better than we ever will, and will know when the right home comes long for them.  Now, we have the foster parent interview the potential adopter with a PRGP volunteer, and you will also have the option of doing the home-check too.  If you would prefer us to handle the whole process, we can do that, but you definitely have the right to your opinion.

What if I become attached to my Foster Dog & wish to adopt?
It would be strange if you didn't!  When you meet the family that will give the dog his permanent home, though, you will be more than happy to see him go. That's why you fostered in the first place!  It is very difficult but very rewarding when your foster dog finds a loving home!  If you adopt them all then you won’t be able to continue to foster and save other dogs.  We do understand if you become attached and we offer you the first right to adopt your foster dog.

What do I need to be a Foster Parent?
If you have read all of the information above and still want to help the main criteria for our foster homes is love and patience.  We do ask that you have experience with the breed and own your own home with a secure and properly fenced yard.  It's okay if you have another dog, and even if you have a cat.  Most of the dogs that we take in are dog-friendly, and some have even been around cats.  Before you become a foster, you and your existing pets will be interviewed by a PRGP volunteer and then we will survey your situation to make sure that you foster a dog that is acceptable to your furry family.

There are so many dogs out there that need people just like you to help them find permanent and loving homes before their time in the shelter runs out.  Please consider fostering. It is one of the best things you can do for a dog in need.  Complete a foster application (MS Word) (or here for PDf version), fill it out, and email it to PRGP's information center.

Pit Rescue of the Great Plains in Southeastern South Dakota
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