Volunteering

 

The backbone of our organization is our volunteers.  Volunteering is a fun and rewarding experience and a thoughtful way to give back to the community.  Our volunteer activities include care of the kennel dogs, fundraising to offset the costs of the adoptable greyhounds, education and community presence.  You don’t have to own a greyhound and experience is not necessary.  An experienced GPAC volunteer will provide you with any required training in any area.  

Kennel shifts – From the day they are taken off the transporter at our kennel in Musquodoboit Harbour, NS until they go into a home, our kennel volunteers care for the dogs.  They are turned out every 4 hours to do their business, socialize and play.  They are fed, groomed, walked and of course loved!  Maybe you’re thinking of adopting or fostering a dog, but not sure if this is the right breed for you or you want some experience before taking the plunge … this is the perfect solution!  You are given a full orientation with a knowledgeable volunteer in the handling and care of our greyhounds.

Meet & Greets – are important functions for GPAC exposure.  They are a chance for the public to meet a greyhound (galgo or podenco) and get information about our organization and the breeds from knowledgeable volunteers.  We regularly provide these opportunities throughout Atlantic Canada at various pet stores and at events such as Saltscapes and PetSmart Adoption week-ends.  We have volunteers who bring their dog to these events and we also have volunteers who don’t have a dog comfortable in that setting or haven’t adopted one.

Special Events – are critical for GPAC fundraising.  You don’t have to have a dog to help at these affairs!  We need people to assist with the planning, setting up and answering questions from the public at functions such as the GPAC sponsored all-breed Doggie Expo (and other pet expos in Atlantic Canada),  the all-breed Christmas in July, Spring Fling and our Fall Event.

Home Visit Representatives – are the people who start the process for those interested in fostering or adopting.  If you have a hound who would be comfortable in an unfamiliar home setting for an hour or 2 and would like to assess a home for compatibility with a greyhound, galgo or podenco, then this is for you.  Full training is provided.

Kennel Benefit store (HoundMart) shifts – are a great way to meet adopters and their hounds and help them select just the right clothing, grooming aids and food.  There are even some items for the humans too.  The store, located on the kennel property in Musquodoboit Harbour, is open every Saturday afternoon. Just one shift a month is a huge help!  All proceeds directly benefit our dogs.  Retail training is provided.

Chase The Ace ticket sales – This is an ongoing event at Brewsters Bar & Grill, 961 Bedford Highway every Thursday evening from 6 – 8 pm.  This fundraiser is in partnership with 3 other pet shelters.  It’s a fun activity where you get to meet and chat with folks and sell tickets for the draw of that elusive ace!  Just one shift every 4 – 8 weeks is a huge help.