Our organization is made up entirely of volunteers, and we could use your help in a number of ways! Whether through fostering or donating time, goods, or funds, we appreciate our volunteers and owe any success solely to their generosity.

Open Volunteer Positions

Director of Vetting

The Director of Vetting is a board‑level position responsible for overseeing all aspects of medical care, veterinary coordination, and health‑related decision making for dogs in UMGDR’s foster program. This role ensures that every dog receives timely, appropriate, and cost‑effective veterinary care, and that the rescue maintains high standards of animal welfare, risk management, and operational transparency.

Key Responsibilities

Veterinary Coordination & Medical Oversight

• Serve as the primary liaison between the rescue and veterinary clinics, ensuring strong working relationships and clear communication.

• Maintain and regularly update the list of approved veterinary clinics, including reviewing clinic performance, pricing, and availability.

• Ensure all foster dogs receive required medical care (including vaccines, spay/neuter, preventatives, and any additional treatments) prior to adoption.

• Review medical records, treatment plans, and invoices to ensure accuracy and alignment with rescue policies.

• Make informed medical decisions in collaboration with veterinarians and foster homes, prioritizing the dog’s best interest while balancing rescue resources.

• Be available for urgent or time‑sensitive communication from foster homes regarding medical concerns, emergencies, or unexpected health issues.

• Provide guidance to fosters on routine care, post‑surgical instructions, medication administration, and when to seek emergency care.

Communication & Board Collaboration

• Attend monthly board meetings and provide updates on medical trends, challenges, and needs within the foster program.

• Communicate with the board via email and text regarding issues that require a vote.

• Present non‑routine or high‑cost medical needs to the board for discussion and authorization.

• Collaborate with the Intake, Foster, and Adoption teams to ensure medical considerations are factored into placement decisions.

Documentation & Data Management

• Upload all veterinary records, invoices, and medical documents to the correct dog’s profile in Petstablished in a timely manner.

• Ensure medical records are complete and accurate before a dog is cleared for adoption.

• Track and organize medical data to support reporting, compliance, and transparency.

Budgeting & Financial Stewardship

• Monitor veterinary spending throughout the year and identify trends or areas for cost savings.

• Provide annual veterinary cost summaries and projections to the board to support budget planning.

• Assist in negotiating pricing or rescue discounts with clinics when appropriate.

Policy, Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all medical protocols, vaccination schedules, and treatment standards are followed consistently across the rescue.

• Recommend updates to medical policies based on new veterinary guidance, rescue trends, or operational needs.

• Support risk management by ensuring dogs with medical concerns receive appropriate evaluation and documentation.

• Maintain awareness of local veterinary regulations, required documentation, and best practices in rescue medicine.

Volunteer Support & Training

• Provide fosters with clear instructions, resources, and expectations regarding medical care.

• Offer training or informational materials on common medical issues, emergency procedures, and preventative care.

• Support foster retention by offering compassionate, timely guidance during stressful medical situations.

Additional Duties (as needed)

• Assist with medical aspects of intake, including reviewing medical records from shelters or owners.

• Coordinate specialty appointments, surgeries, or long‑term treatment plans for dogs with complex needs.

• Work with the Adoption team to ensure adopters receive accurate medical histories and post‑adoption care recommendations.

• Participate in strategic planning related to medical operations, partnerships, and long‑term rescue sustainability.

Please email your resume to umgdrboard@thegreatdanerescue.com to apply

Foster Mentors

Responsibilities:

• Volunteers under the direction of the Director of Foster Homes

• Educates assigned foster homes when they take a Dane into their home to explain the foster process and rules UMGDR volunteers are to abide by

• Connects assigned fosters with additional resources as needed for vetting, training, etc.

• Updates Google spreadsheet with Dane info. and foster home updates

• Understands and is empathic to the Dane’s needs and foster home concerns

• Keeps open communication and trust with foster homes at all times

• Reports discovered incidents to Director of Foster Homes

Requirements:

• Ability to check and respond to emails frequently throughout the day; consistent internet service and ability to communicate via phone, text, video chat or email

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Professional at all times when representing UMGDR

• Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines and have a sense of urgency when needed

• Gmail account requirement, moderate level experience with Google docs and Facebook

• Experience and familiarity with UMGDR’s handbook, policies and rule or the willingness to learn and educate others

• Preferred Great Dane breed and fostering experience

We are also searching for a photographer, help with our newsletter and any volunteer willing to give a few hours of work on small internal projects!

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

FOSTER

transport

Pick up the Dane and transport it to the foster home. We cover all of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North and South Dakota. Our Transport Coordinator will send information to the transport team to set up a Dane Train when needed. Our goal is to have several volunteers for the transport so no one person will be on the road for hours on end.

home visits

Each applicant must be visited by a UMGDR at home to pass a home visit before a Dane is placed with them. This entails visiting with the applicant at their home, observing the environment, both physical and emotional, and determining if this is a suitable home for the Dane. Different Danes will have different needs in what constitutes a proper home for them.