May 1, 2019

Audience: Executive Leadership, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary Team

Organization: Regents of the University of Minnesota
Investigator(s): Caitlyn Rize, Susan J. Spence
Grant Amount: $5,500.00
Project Type: Summer Scholar
Project Status: Research Complete

Project Summary

This Summer Scholar research project assessed the foster program at Midwest Animal Rescue and Services (MARS), with the aim of understanding how to improve volunteer foster compliance and retention, develop effective training programs, and improve resources for volunteer fosters. Results showed 79% of foster caregivers felt that the training session helped them to feel better prepared; the majority thought it should take 24-48 hours to hear back via email or phone; and 36% of fosters missing prevention doses (36%) and rechecks (18%) among other findings.