Paws Ground Rescue Committee

We are a foster‑based, 100% volunteer‑run dog rescue based in Los Angeles. Running a dog rescue takes a team of volunteers to venture to city animal shelters to rescue dogs or meet up with families looking to surrender their dogs so they don’t enter the shelter system.

Becoming a member of the Paws on the Ground Rescue Committee is a great way to be hands‑on and a part of saving lives at risk at each deployment
. This volunteer position requires very little time monthly because we’re a small organization. Typically 1 day on the weekend once a month.

Key areas we are seeking assistance in:

• Email and/or call with our executive director and local shelter staff liaisons regarding dogs we are looking to rescue or rehome
• Depending on the situation, transport the rescue dog to our partner veterinarian on the west side for their initial exam then to their foster home to get acclimated
• Relay your field notes, pictures and videos to our remote volunteers to update the dog’s information and assessment

We use these regularly, so comfort with these tools is essential:

• Proficiency in emails and calendar functioning

Requirements:

• Must be able to bend, stoop, hike, walk, kneel, and lift
• Must be able to lift an average of 15-30 pounds if needed (ex: large dog food bags, crates, sometimes small dogs)
• Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license
• Consent to a background check for this volunteer position

Training / shadowing for your first rescue missions will be provided to learn how to assess situations upon arrival and determine what is in the dog’s best interest. Then you’ll be autonomous and set up the missions on your schedule hand in hand with the rescues that need our help that weekend. You determine your own comfort level regarding the rescue and transport.

You will not be financially responsible for the dog. POLAR covers all expenses and supplies during the rescue mission.

We are a 501(c)3 foster‑based dog rescue saving neglected and abandoned dogs, mending their broken hearts and finding their forever homes.
As a 100% volunteer nonprofit, we rely on the compassion of other rescue dog lovers in the community to help us make a greater impact.