Volunteers are  crucial  to successful rescue  programs.   They assist in coordinating rescue, fostering, evaluating temperament, and making sure that  the dog  in the shelter really is  an  elkhound.  They also assist with transportation of dogs to new homes and, most importantly, do home checks.  

Fostering:  We have foster homes scattered throughout the country and are always in need of more. If you are interested in becoming a foster family or are interested in adopting any of the pets listed here, please complete an adoption application on our website.  We will contact you as soon as possible.  If you do not hear from us or have other questions, please follow up with another e-mail to rescue@jnmrf.org.

Transporting dogs:  Some dogs may need to travel several hundred miles to get help.  We are always looking for people who are willing to drive a dog an hour or two to reach another volunteer and help get the dog to a new home.  To register as a transport volunteer, email our transport coordinator for more information.

Doing home visits:

Home checks are done to insure that information on an application is correct, to meet any other pets in the applicant's home, and to assess which of our dogs might best work in the applicant's home situation.  Home checks help insure a smooth transition for a rescue dog going to a new home.  All members living in the home of the potential adopter must meet the volunteer and the person or persons primarily responsible for the care of the dog must be present during the entire home visit.  A form will be provided to guide you when conducting a home visit.