Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Animal Rescue Relay do?
Animal Rescue Relay is a network of people and organizations who love animals and want to help them get out of shelters and into homes. We mainly do transport from the shelter or rescue group to a new home (either foster or forever). Occasionally, when there is an urgent need, we do some fostering. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

2. How can I help?
What we need most are drivers, but there are other ways to help out: Transport Coordinator in your area; foster animals until forever homes can be found; photographing pets in need of adoption for our website. Animal Rescue Relay also needs people experienced in Graphic Design, Photography, Videography, Social Media, Web Design, PR and E-Marketing. Visit our volunteer page to learn more.

3. What is the level of commitment if I want to volunteer?
That is completely up to you. You tell us how many hours you want to donate to Animal Rescue Relay. We will always respect your time. Required: a vehicle that you can get a stiff old dog into, a cell phone, a current driver’s license, health and vehicle insurance.

4. What distance will I have to drive if I become a transporter?
Again, you tell us what you want to commit to. For a local transport, we might need a driver to drive 2-3 towns away to retrieve a pet and deliver it to its forever/foster home. For interstate transports, we might need drivers to travel up to two hours, one way. But it all comes down to what you are able to do. We appreciate every effort to get these animals to safe, loving homes. And, the more drivers we have in one area, the more people we can add to the relay, making everyone’s trip as short as possible.

5. Will I be paid for my time?
Animal Rescue Relay is a network of volunteers. Everyone participating does so knowing that there is no payment, other than the immense satisfaction of knowing that you have helped save a life. We are, however, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and any cost you incur during transport may be tax deductible.  We encourage you to consult your financial advisor.

6. Will I be reimbursed for my gas and/or time?
Animal Rescue Relay is a network of volunteers. Everyone participating does so knowing that there is no reimbursement, other than the immense satisfaction of knowing that you have helped save a life. We are, however, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and any cost you incur during transport may be tax deductible.  We encourage you to consult your financial advisor.

7. How can I donate?
You can make a donation here. We accept and appreciate donations of any amount. 100% of your donations go toward helping us save more animals.

8. What can I donate besides time?
In addition to drivers and coordinators, we occasionally need crates, collars, and leashes. Cats and some breeds of dogs need to be crated during transport.

9. What if I have a car accident or am somehow injured during the transport?
Animal Rescue Relay is an LLC and is not responsible for any costs associated with the transporting or fostering of any animals.  We require our volunteers to have both auto and medical insurance in order to work with us.