How to Volunteer at Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover all you need to know about volunteering at Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue—from application requirements to making a difference in rescued animals’ lives.
Volunteering at Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue
Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue, a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Plainfield, IL, offers meaningful opportunities for individuals seeking to help homeless, abused, and abandoned animals. As a volunteer-driven organization, Wags 2 Wishes relies on passionate community members to support rescue missions, daily care, and the adoption process. This guide details everything you need to know about joining as a volunteer—from application requirements to the roles you can fill and the transformative impact you can make.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering at Wags 2 Wishes is more than just a charitable act—it’s a chance to foster real change in animals’ lives, contribute to a local cause, learn new skills, and join a compassionate team. By offering your time and support, you help ensure rescued animals receive safe, responsible care and find their forever families.
No previous experience is necessary, as complete training and mentoring are provided for all new volunteers.
Who Can Volunteer?
- Minimum Age: Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.
- Location: Applicants must reside in or near Plainfield, IL, or be willing to travel to the area regularly.
- Application & Approval: All applications must be submitted and approved in advance. Walk-ins are not permitted—do not just show up to volunteer.
Application Process
- Download and complete the official Volunteer Application.
- Submit your application for review; only approved applicants will be notified.
- Upon approval, all volunteers are required to read and sign the Volunteer Handbook and bring the signed copy on their first day.
Applicants are reminded that volunteering is a commitment. Following the rules and guidelines set forth by Wags 2 Wishes ensures the safety of both animals and people.
Non-compliance results in immediate removal from the premises and termination of volunteer opportunities.
What Volunteers Do
There are various ways volunteers contribute to the rescue:
- Animal Care: Feeding, cleaning, and basic care for dogs and other rescued animals.
- Fostering: Providing temporary homes for animals until adoption.
- Event Support: Assisting at adoption events, fundraisers, and awareness drives.
- Transportation: Helping move animals to vet appointments, foster homes, or adoption events.
- Fundraising & Awareness: Promoting the rescue’s mission on social media or distributing flyers.
Each contribution is vital to the rescue’s operation and allows Wags 2 Wishes to save hundreds of animals every year.
Volunteer Roles and Experiences
Wags 2 Wishes is led and supported by a team of over 100+ volunteers at any given time. Each brings unique skills and backgrounds, yet all share a singular dedication to animal welfare. Here are examples of contributions from key team members:
| Name | Role | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Barb B. | Volunteer Coordinator | Oversees training & mentoring for all volunteers |
| Jennifer | Application Specialist / Shift Leader / Trainer | Helps new volunteers acclimate and runs shifts at the rescue center |
| Alyssa | Manager Northern Division / Board Member | Assists in strategic decisions and coordinates rescue efforts |
| Kerri O. | Foster Coordinator | Supports foster families and intake coordination |
| Laurie G. | Shift Lead / Adoption Specialist | Guides animal meets and adoption processes |
| Kim | Volunteer Coordinator & Petfinder Admin | Coordinates onboarding, vetting, and online outreach |
Volunteers from diverse backgrounds work side by side, whether in direct animal care, administrative roles, or helping with events. Each role is supported with mentoring and hands-on experience for new arrivals, creating a welcoming and educational environment.
Volunteer Stories
- Stephanie: Began volunteering as part of community service hours in 2018; now assists in adoptions, transports, and fundraising events. “Wags has a special place in my heart. While helping to save lives, ‘wags saved me.’”
- Kam: Organized school donations and became a uniquely dedicated volunteer under a special age permit. From fostering to training, Kam actively contributes to every aspect of the rescue.
- Kim: Adopted two dogs from Wags, then decided to give back as a volunteer coordinator. “It’s amazing to see how many people give their time. The volunteers are all great people sharing the same goal.”
Training and Support
No experience is required to join. New volunteers receive comprehensive training and mentoring designed to ensure they’re comfortable and knowledgeable about their responsibilities. The Volunteer Handbook details guidelines, best practices, and safety procedures—essential reading that sets clear expectations for everyone.
Regular feedback, shift leading, and continued guidance mean volunteers grow in skill and confidence as part of the rescue team.
Ways to Make a Difference
- Direct Care: Spend time with animals, providing food, exercise, and comfort.
- Fostering: Support through opening your home to a rescue animal in transition.
- Special Events: Help plan or work at adoption, fundraising, and outreach events.
- Transport: Safely move animals to vet visits, foster care, or adoption meets.
- Social Media & Awareness: Share posts and stories to help lost animals reunite with families or support fundraising.
Important Guidelines for Volunteers
- Respect the application process: Submit and receive approval before volunteering.
- Follow safety protocols: Adhere to instructions in the Volunteer Handbook and from staff.
- Minimum age limit: Must be 16 or older.
- Be proactive: Communication and commitment are key to the rescue’s smooth operation.
- Support and inclusion: Wags 2 Wishes fosters a positive, team-oriented volunteer culture where everyone’s contribution matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the minimum age to volunteer?
A: Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate in most activities.
Q: Do I need experience working with animals?
A: No previous experience is needed. Training and mentoring are provided to all recruits.
Q: Can I just show up to volunteer?
A: No. You must submit your application and be approved before beginning volunteering.
Q: Where is Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue located?
A: 23907 W Industrial Drive N, Plainfield IL 60585.
Q: I’m not from Plainfield, IL. Can I still volunteer?
A: Volunteers must be from the surrounding area or willing to travel regularly.
Q: What types of roles are available?
A: Roles include animal care, fostering, event support, fundraising, transportation, and online outreach.
Q: What if I cannot foster or physically attend?
A: Support is possible through remote advocacy and fundraising, sharing social posts, and helping with events when available.
Impact and Community
As a volunteer, you join a team that rescues nearly 500 animals every year, providing food, shelter, and a second chance for countless pets in need. The transformative stories witnessed by volunteers—such as seeing dogs move from scared and neglected to joyful and adopted—make every effort worthwhile. Wags 2 Wishes underscores that it’s “100% volunteer run”, and each individual’s time, compassion, and ability shapes the rescue’s success.
Getting Started: Step-by-step
- Review Wags 2 Wishes’ mission and values.
- Download and read the Volunteer Handbook.
- Complete and submit the Volunteer Application.
- Await approval and orientation details.
- Begin your first shift and join a network of committed animal advocates!
Contact and Location Information
Address: 23907 W Industrial Drive N, Plainfield IL 60585
Phone: 815-254-3110
SEO Optimized Quick Facts
- Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving Plainfield, IL.
- All volunteers must be aged 16-plus and approved in advance.
- No experience is required—training and guidance are part of onboarding.
- Roles include animal care, fostering, event help, transportation, and advocacy.
- Every volunteer’s effort helps rescue, rehome, and care for hundreds of animals each year.
Join Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue
Ready to make a difference? Submit your application today and discover how rewarding volunteering in animal rescue can be. Whether you’re offering hands-on support, fostering, fundraising, or simply spreading awareness, you’re contributing to a mission that saves lives and inspires hope every day.
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