Why Volunteer with Saving Strays?

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to a cause you care about, and when you volunteer with Saving Strays, you’re doing more than just giving your time. You’re helping to change the lives of animals who have been neglected, abandoned, or abused, and giving them the chance to experience love, care, and a safe home.

Here are a few reasons why volunteering with us is so special:

1. Be a Lifeline for Animals in Need

Many of the animals we rescue have been through unimaginable hardship. Whether they’ve been abandoned on the streets, left behind in an empty house, or surrendered by owners who no longer could care for them, these animals need us more than ever. As a volunteer, you’ll directly contribute to their rehabilitation, whether by socialising shy dogs, helping them through training, or offering companionship to animals who may have never known what it’s like to feel safe and loved.

2. Gain a Sense of Purpose and Fulfilment

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing you’ve made a real difference in someone’s life — and that someone is often a furry friend who’s been given a second chance at happiness. Whether you’re fostering cats, walking dogs, or assisting with adoption events, you’ll find fulfilment in every task, knowing it’s helping animals find the forever homes they deserve.

3. Become Part of a Supportive Community

At Saving Strays, we’re more than just a rescue organisation — we’re a family. As a volunteer, you’ll join a tight-knit community of passionate, like-minded people who share your love for animals. You’ll form lasting relationships, work alongside experienced professionals, and have the opportunity to connect with others who are just as committed to making a difference.

4. Learn and Grow

Volunteering is also a fantastic opportunity for personal growth. Whether you’re interested in learning more about animal behaviour, rescue operations, or the day-to-day operations of an animal welfare organisation, volunteering provides you with hands-on experience that can help you grow in knowledge and skills. You’ll also gain insight into animal care, training, and welfare — knowledge that can be invaluable if you’re considering fostering or adopting an animal yourself.

5. Flexibility to Fit Your Schedule

We understand that life can be busy, and not everyone has a lot of time to give. That’s why we offer flexible volunteering hours. Whether you can help for just a few hours a week or you’re available more regularly, your time is invaluable. We have a range of volunteer opportunities that fit different schedules and skill sets.

How You Can Help as a Volunteer

At Saving Strays, there are many ways you can contribute to our mission. Here are just a few of the volunteer opportunities available:

1. Animal Care

You’ll be directly involved in the day-to-day care of the animals in our rescue, including feeding, cleaning, and providing enrichment to help the animals thrive. Whether you’re walking dogs, socialising cats, or helping to groom our furry residents, your work will ensure that every animal feel loved and cared for.

2. Fostering

If you’re able to open your home, becoming a foster volunteer is one of the most rewarding ways to help. Foster homes give rescued animals a safe and nurturing environment to heal, learn, and prepare for their forever homes. Fosters are essential to our rescue efforts, especially for animals who need extra care due to illness, trauma, or behaviour challenges.

3. Transporting

Many of the animals we rescue come from out of town, or require transportation to veterinary appointments or their new homes. If you have a reliable vehicle and can spare some time, becoming a transport volunteer can help us get animals where they need to go safely.

4. Fundraising & Outreach

As a non-profit organisation, we rely heavily on donations and fundraising events to support our work. Volunteers can help by organising events, seeking sponsorships, or engaging in community outreach efforts. Your creativity and enthusiasm can help spread the word about our mission and raise the funds needed to continue our life-saving work.

5. Administrative Support

If you have office skills, you can support us by helping with tasks like answering emails, filing, data entry, or organising records. Behind every successful rescue is an organised team, and your help can make a big difference in ensuring things run smoothly.

Volunteering: A Gift That Keeps on Giving

When you volunteer, you’re not only helping us achieve our mission, but you’re also making a lasting impact on the lives of animals and families. Our volunteers are essential to everything we do, and we would be lost without their dedication and support. Whether you’re an animal lover, an advocate for change, or simply someone who wants to make a difference in your community, there’s a place for you at Saving Strays.

How to Get Started

Ready to make a difference? Getting started as a volunteer with Saving Strays is easy. Here’s how:

1. Fill out an application: Email us at SavingStraysBolton@gmail.com This helps us get to know you and your interests better, so we can match you with the perfect volunteer opportunity.
2. Sign a volunteering contract
3. Start helping! After signing a contract, you can start volunteering with us — and begin making an impact right away!

Join Us and Help Save Strays

Whether you’re giving a few hours a week or dedicating more time, every moment you spend volunteering helps create a brighter future for the animals we rescue. Volunteering is a powerful way to be a part of something bigger — to help animals find their forever homes, raise awareness, and contribute to a cause that’s close to your heart.

At Saving Strays Animal Rescue, we’re saving lives one animal at a time, and we’d love for you to be a part of that journey. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of so many animals in need.

Join us today and make a difference! We can’t wait to welcome you into our volunteer family!

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Animal fostering is a deeply rewarding experience that allows you to provide a temporary haven for animals in transition. Whether you’re fostering kittens, puppies, senior dogs, or other furry friends, each placement offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact. The joy of fostering lies in the transformation you witness, from providing love and care to animals in need to helping them find their forever homes.

Benefits of Animal Fostering

Saving Lives: Animal shelters often face overcrowding, especially during certain seasons. By fostering, you directly contribute to saving lives by providing a safe space for animals

Behavioral Rehabilitation: Fostering allows you to work closely with animals that may have experienced trauma or neglect. Your love and care can help rehabilitate them, making them more adoptable and improving their chances of finding a permanent home.

Test Run for Adoption: Fostering provides a unique opportunity for potential adopters to experience life with a pet without a long-term commitment. This trial period helps both the fosterer and the animal find the perfect match.

Key Fostering information

Animal Welfare: As we take animal welfare very seriously, we have a dedicated Animal Welfare Manager who in her full-time job is a Vet Nurse. She supports all fosterers with any medical advice or queries that you might have. She will be available to contact in our dedicated Foster Group Chat on Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

Food, Supplies, Litter, etc: All the food, litter, and supplies for every animal are provided by Saving Strays Animal Rescue. We have a central drop-off and collection point for you to pick up anything you may need to care for your animal(s). If you can’t get to the collection point to pick up supplies, let us know and we will have one of our transport team deliver some for you, or get it sent to you directly. If you would like to support the rescue further by purchasing your food/supplies this is truly appreciated.

Vet Appointments: Fosterers are responsible for taking their foster animal(s) to vet appointments and these appointments will be given out by the Foster Manager. In instances where fosterers can’t get to a vet appointment, we have a Transport Team on hand to support with vet visits.

For more information about the fostering process or to start the process of becoming a fosterer please fill in the form on our fostering process page. If this blog has inspired you to help Saving Strays Animal Rescue but you are unable to foster please visit Ways to Help to see how you could assist us.

Becoming an animal fosterer for the New Year is a resolution that not only brings joy to your life but also positively impacts the lives of animals in need. As you open your heart and home to furry companions, you become a crucial part of their journey towards a brighter future. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and savor the moments of connection as you embark on this fulfilling adventure. In 2024, let your resolution make a lasting difference – be the bridge that leads animals from uncertainty to the warmth of a loving home.

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Benefits of hosting a Pet-friendly event

Inclusivity: Pet-friendly events promote inclusivity by providing a platform where people from all walks of life can come together to share their love for animals. These events are open to everyone, regardless of whether they own a pet or not, making them an excellent opportunity for diverse interactions.

Socialization: Pets are natural conversation starters, breaking down barriers and making it easier for people to engage in conversations. Pet-friendly events encourage people to mingle, share stories about their pets, and form new connections.

Community Bonding: When pet owners gather, a strong sense of community forms as people exchange advice, stories, and tips on pet care. This shared interest creates a foundation for lasting relationships beyond the event.

Health and Wellness: Pet-friendly events often involve physical activities like walks or runs for pets. These activities promote both human and animal fitness, contributing to overall health and well-being

Education: These events can also be educational, offering seminars on responsible pet ownership, training techniques, and pet health. This not only benefits pet owners but also raises awareness about the responsibilities that come with owning a pet.

Planning a Pet-friendly event

Choose the Right Venue: Consider the size of the venue, its accessibility, and whether it has adequate facilities for both humans and pets. Parks, open spaces, and community centers are popular choices.

Legal and Safety Considerations: Check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits for hosting a pet-friendly event. Ensure that the venue is safe for all pets, taking into account potential hazards.

Activities for Pets: Plan activities that cater to pets, such as obstacle courses, games, or pet-friendly competitions. Consider including a designated off-leash area for dogs to socialize and play freely.

Human-Friendly Activities: While pets are the stars of the show, don’t forget about the human attendees. Organize food stalls, live music, or art exhibitions to keep everyone entertained.

Pet Services: Collaborate with local pet businesses, such as groomers, trainers, and veterinarians, to offer their services or information to attendees.

Promotion and Outreach: Spread the word about the event through social media, local newspapers, community bulletin boards, and pet-related organizations. Engage with pet influencers or bloggers who can help promote the event to a wider audience.

Rules and Etiquette: Clearly communicate event rules and etiquette to attendees. This may include requirements like up-to-date vaccinations, leashing policies, and waste disposal regulations.

With this advice, you are one step closer to bringing your community together and creating an enriching experience for the local animals. These events can also be a great opportunity to raise money for charities such as Saving Strays Animal Rescue which rely purely on the generous donations of the local community. Check out our Ways to Help page to learn how you can contribute. If you are planning an event and would like to help raise money for Saving Strays Animal Rescue please feel free to Contact Us as any help is greatly appreciated.

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The day was a great success with numerous businesses generously giving up their time and products to help support our charity and raise money for the animals in our care and in need. The day was packed with fun, friendly activities such as: meeting the goats, partaking in the raffle, games and activities, market stalls, live music, and food provided kindly by Carrs Pasties. 

Our Raffle of prizes that were generously supplied by the local community

Throughout the day, the atmosphere was fantastic and all those that attended were extremely generous. Everyone here at Saving Strays Animal Rescue is extremely grateful for all those that attended and contributed to the amazing funds raised which was calculated at a WHOPPING £1496.44! 

Saving Strays Animal Rescue would also like to express their gratitude to Caitlyn, who impressively organised the whole event, and will potentially be working closer with Saving Strays Animal Rescue in the future to help facilitate or assist in organising upcoming fundraising events. 

If you would like to donate to Saving Strays Animal Rescue, please visit our donation page where you can support our GoFundMe campaign or donate using our bank details, any support with fund raising is greatly appreciated by all of us at Saving Strays Animal Rescue, especially our beloved animals.

Saving Strays Animal Rescue is looking forward to hosting future fundraising events locally and will keep you informed across our social media platforms.

To everyone who participated at the event, we hope you had a great day and thank you so much for your support!

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The experience-seeking group was informed of the voluntary positions by Marketing Manager for Saving Strays Animal Rescue, Jorden Parton, fellow Edge Hill MA Marketing, Communications, and Branding student. Jorden strongly believes that gaining as much experience as you can outside of your course, will allow you to grow, develop and help you set yourself apart from competing candidates.  

“When students graduate or come to the end of their course, there is this fear and anxiety about entering the workplace, which is due to a lack of continuous practice of skills and knowledge and often a lack of confidence in ability. I firmly believe that by volunteering, not only are you helping a worthy cause like Saving Strays Animal Rescue, but you are giving yourself the best chance at gaining an interview or being offered a role. Experience is detrimental to improvement and definitely helps develop professionalism which will help you in the future.” 

Jorden Parton, Marketing Manager at Saving Strays Animal Rescue  

(Pictured left to right: Sam Colson, Jorden Parton, William Baker, Ayran Hayworth.)

Volunteering is a crucial stepping stone for students to transition from the educational to the practical world. Volunteering Advisers at Edge Hill University highlight why they think gaining experience is important for students.  

“Volunteering whilst at Edge Hill University can open the door to new opportunities and inspire students’ future career choices. Volunteering is a great way to gain the skills graduate employers are looking for, whilst building a network of contacts. It helps you connect with others who are making a difference within the community, whilst doing something you enjoy. Volunteering Advisers within Careers are there to support students in sourcing volunteering, and the university recognises the importance of volunteering through the Extra Edge Award, Careers Awards, and Scholarships.”  

Helen Rimmer and Lynn Anderton (Volunteering Advisers at Edge Hill University).  

Saving Strays Animal Rescue is proud to adopt these students and hope that the experience provides knowledge, passion, and practical skill. To volunteer at Saving Strays Animal Rescue please visit volunteer for us. 

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By adopting an animal from Saving Strays Animal Rescue, you provide a loving and secure home to an animal that is in desperate need of shelter and a family. You offer them a fresh start and the opportunity to experience love and care. Adopting helps combat the issue of pet overpopulation and reduces the strain on overcrowded facilities such as SSAR. By choosing adoption, you actively contribute to breaking this cycle of overpopulation and make a positive impact on animal welfare. Adopting animals from shelters is a responsible and ethical choice as it promotes responsible pet ownership and supports the invaluable work of animal rescue organisations. By choosing adoption, you become an advocate for animal welfare and inspire others to follow suit, creating a more compassionate and caring society.

We need your help

Saving Strays Animal Rescue is currently facing an urgent need for people to adopt the animals in their care. The rescue is reaching full capacity and new animals are constantly in need of help, leaving limited space for the fluffy companions. By adopting from SSAR, you can directly save a life and create room for another animal in need. The dedicated staff, volunteers, and fosterers are doing everything they can to provide love and care, but they need your help. Every adoption makes a huge difference, giving these animals a chance at a better life filled with love and happiness. Please adopt from the rescue and be a hero to an animal in desperate need of a loving home.

Who you will be saving

We have many pets in urgent need of your care, for example, the dynamic duo Pinto and Maestro. These beautiful boys are good pals who love playing and chasing each other before cuddling up to sleep. They are gentle and good-natured and talk to each other making the most charming purring noises. They have not been adopted yet and are in desperate need of a loving, caring family, brothers such as Pinto and Maestro are prime examples of why adoption is such a necessary and beneficial cause.

Left to Right: Pinto and Maestro

How to adopt 

1. Online form 

To start your process of adopting your new family member a short form must first be filled out, this includes general details such as your name and address. Please use the following links to find the right form for you.

Cat adoption form: https://bit.ly/3MRtVJq

Dog adoption form: https://bit.ly/45oUGw4

Rabbit adoption form: https://bit.ly/3Mu4Q62

2. House check

At Saving Strays Animal Rescue, the welfare of animals is of the utmost importance, this means that when an animal is adopted, we make certain that they are given a loving, caring home. House checks are required to make sure the environment is safe for the animals. For example, it is important that the cats that are taken in do not live near a main road for the safety of the animal. 

Due to these safety concerns, there are some restrictions on who can adopt based on age and location but many of these can be determined on a case-by-case basis, for more information on restrictions please visit the adoption process.

3. Adoption fees 

A fee is required for adoption, however, compared to other organisations such as puppy farms, it still works out cheaper as the fee includes: 

• 1st and 2nd vaccinations
• Microchipping to the new owner
• Neutering
• Flea treatment for 1 month and worm treatment for 3 months
•  Free pet insurance for 5 weeks

These features are necessary for the health of your animal and can save you more money in the long run. For more information on fees please refer to the adoption application forms linked previously. 

A big thank you from Saving Strays Animal Rescue!

By adopting, you are benefiting numerous animals such as Pinto and Maestro who desperately need your help. From all of us at Saving Strays Animal Rescue, thank you to our heroes who rescue our pets in need. And to those who are considering adoption, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask our wonderful volunteers any questions; for more information visit our adoption process, and to start your journey of finding your new family member visit pets for adoption. Don’t forget to share this blog with your friends and loved ones so that we can find our animals in need their forever homes.

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A foster home offers a pet a safe place, away from the kennels or bad past experiences. It’s a chance to chill and relax in a comforting environment. We want you to join our fostering network, and here is all the reasons why:

1. Our fosterers are part of our network and we are on hand for any questions.
   
   We understand that fostering a pet can come with all types of questions, so we’ve set up a relationship with all our fosterers. Our team is on hand to answer any and all questions you may have.
2. Experienced guidance and advice will be given to all our fosterers
   
   Before any pet comes into your care we will give you experience guidance and advice which you should adhere to at all times. This ensures you know all you need to about your specific pet.
3. You receive all the perks of a pet owner, without the long-term commitment
   
   We know that many people would love to have a pet in their home that they can love and cherish, but sometimes circumstances mean this isn’t possible. Fostering a pet via Saving Strays means you can still experience the love of a pet, without having to commitment to anything permanently.
   
   We’re always on the lookout for new fosterers, so please get in touch with us via this form if you are interested in joining our network.

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