Pug Nation volunteers provide care and compassion to our pugs, assist staff, introduce adoptable dogs to the public, help at community adoption events, and contribute in many other meaningful ways to support every aspect of our organization.
If you love Pugs and want to make a difference in the lives of homeless pugs, we invite you to join our volunteer team.
Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding volunteering at Pug Nation Rescue of Los Angeles. Please read through these FAQs before submitting a volunteer application.
How can I get started volunteering at Pug Nation Rescue of LA?
- Complete the volunteer application.
- Attend the mandatory orientation.After your application has been reviewed, you’ll be contacted via email to register for our new volunteer orientation.
- Start volunteering!After orientation, you will receive access to our online volunteer signup page where you can begin to schedule volunteer shifts.
Where do you host your new volunteer orientations?
Volunteer orientations are held at our facility in Gardena, CA, on a Sunday afternoon and last approximately 90 minutes. We typically schedule one orientation session each month.
I heard you have a new volunteer orientation scheduled this week. Can I just show up?
Participants at a new volunteer orientation must be registered to attend. After you submit your volunteer application, you will be provided with information and a link to register for an upcoming orientation. Our sessions often reach capacity and we are not able to accept walk-ins.
I have extensive experience with pugs and have volunteered at other animal organizations. Do I still need to attend a new volunteer orientation?
Yes. We require all applicants to attend a new volunteer orientation prior to volunteering at Pug Nation. At the orientation, you will learn about our mission, programs and various volunteer opportunities, including operations and procedures required to be carried out for the safety of our pugs.
Do you have an age requirement for volunteers?
Yes. Due to the nature of the work and safety of our pugs, all volunteers must be at least 16 years old and able to work independently.
Can I fill out a paper application form?
To ensure efficiency, we do not offer or process paper applications. We require all volunteer applications to be submitted electronically via our website.
Do I need to have prior experience to volunteer at Pug Nation?
You do not need to have any formal experience with another animal rescue or even have had a pug of your own, but we do make the assumption that you are comfortable being around dogs and have a general understanding of the pug breed.
I need to fulfill a community or school service requirement by volunteering. Who can help me with that?
We do not verify or sign off on any required service hours as our goal is to train and retain long-term committed volunteers.
After I attend the new volunteer orientation, can I drop in at the facility anytime I want to volunteer?
Volunteers must sign up in advance on our online portal when they want to volunteer at the facility. We welcome a limited number of volunteers daily between 12pm and 4pm. Unless otherwise requested, we do not allow volunteers at the facility before 12pm or after 4pm.
Can I bring a friend or family member with me when I volunteer at the facility?
All volunteers must be signed up to be at the facility. Your friend or family member must also be a registered volunteer (submitted an application and attended orientation) and have signed up to be there as well. Please do not bring any guests with you.
Besides volunteering at the Gardena facility, are there other opportunities for which I can volunteer?
Yes! We host regular adoption fairs at Tailwaggers in West Hollywood and also participate in many other community events throughout the year (see calendar for upcoming dates) where we especially need volunteer help.
How will I find out about volunteer needs or activities?
We post all volunteer needs for the current month on our online signup page. We ask volunteers to regularly check the online volunteer portal and self-schedule into an open volunteer shift.
Do I need to download an app or pay a fee to use the online volunteer signup page once I’ve attended the new volunteer orientation?
No. Using the desktop or mobile signup website is free. You do not need to download the pay-to-use mobile app.
My corporate or school group participates in community outreach and we would like to volunteer one-time at Pug Nation. How can we arrange this?
We are not often able to accommodate one-time volunteer groups but do review requests on a case-by-case basis depending on our current projects and the work the volunteer group is able to assist with. Please email info@pugnationla.org if you have a special request or able to offer project assistance.
FAQs
Pink pugs have a blonde fur coat with a pink nose and paws. They will also have blue eyes. With albinism, they have health issues such as skin and eye irritations, sensitive to sunlight, higher risk for cancer, and prone to severe arthritis. They are very rare, there are only a hundred or so worldwide.
What two breeds make a Pug? ›
There are many theories as to the Pug's origin—one theory states that the breed is a descendant of the short-haired Pekingese; another theory postulates that the Pug is a cross of a small Bulldog; and, a third theory speculates it is a miniature form of the French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux).
What do vets think of pugs? ›
Pugs' health issues are so intense that they can no longer be considered “typical” dogs, according to the Royal Veterinary College.
What age is a Pug fully grown? ›
At what age is a Pug fully grown? Like many small dog breeds, Pugs reach their full size faster than medium to large-sized dogs. Pugs reach their adult size around nine months of age but may continue to put on a small amount of muscle until they are a year old.
What is the sad truth about Pugs? ›
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)* was the disorder with the highest risk in Pugs, with the breed almost 54 times more likely to have the condition. This reflects the common respiratory difficulties experienced by flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds due to their extreme flat faces.
What are 4 Pugs called? ›
Grumbling Pugs
We know the collective noun for a group of dogs is called a “pack.” Did you know a group of three pugs or more is called a “grumble”?
How can you tell a good quality Pug? ›
Look for quality over quantity. Choose pugs with deep-set eyes, be sure that they breathe clearly when active and a walk with a normal gait. Be aware that some health problems won't show up until they become adults.
What did pugs used to be called? ›
The ancestor of the Pug was a dog called the Lo-Chiang-Sze, or Lo-Sze in its shortened form. That name explicitly refers to a short-legged, short-mouthed and, most importantly, short-coated dog, potentially as a way to distinguish it from the Pekingese, which was of similar build.
What are three pugs called? ›
3. A group of pugs is called a "grumble." mentalfloss.com. 12 Fun Facts About Pugs. These adorably wrinkly-faced dogs have a rich history.
What is Pug weakness? ›
Also known as Weak Rears: Pug Ataxia-Paralysis
Pug Myelopathy is a recently recognized spinal condition called by a number of terms. The most recent terminology seems to have settled on “Pug Myelopathy” to describe a complex of lesions that can progress to paralysis of the rear limbs over a period of one to four years.
Cancer is the most common cause of death of pugs in their golden years, and younger pugs are especially prone to mast cell tumors and oral melanoma (skin cancer of the mouth). Half of all cancers are cured by surgically removing them, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy.
What are the downfalls of pugs? ›
Common health problems in Pugs
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) – this can cause severe breathing problems and is caused by their squished noses.
- A range of eye problems including dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca), eye infections, corneal ulcers or eye trauma due to shallow eye sockets.
And just like us, as dogs get older, the pigment cells responsible for color (specifically, melanin) stop being produced; this causes the strands to come out at a lighter shade, like gray or white. The average dog starts to go gray—typically around the muzzle—around 5 years old.
At what age do pugs calm down? ›
Pugs as a breed can be playful, however once they reach approximately two years of age, they will usually begin to calm down. This does not mean they will not be playful or get the zoomies at all, but this will start to happen less as they age.
What is the lifespan of a Pug? ›
One of the most commonly asked questions about this breed is “How long do Pugs live?” The average Pug lifespan is between 12 to 15 years. They are considered to be puppies up until they reach maturity around the age of one and become a senior dog around the age of nine.
What is the rare breed pug? ›
Brindle. Brindle Pugs are quite rare and boast a coat that features stripes of dark brown or black mixed with lighter colors like fawn or silver. This tiger-stripe pattern is unique in each Pug and does not follow a specific set rule in terms of design, making each brindle Pug distinctly one-of-a-kind.
What is the highest price of pug dog? ›
The prices range from INR 18,000 to INR 80, 000. However, remember, prices aren't the only factor. Always ensure you buy a puppy from a responsible source. That's the first step in ensuring your Pug lives a long and healthy life.
Who is the most famous pug? ›
Doug the Pug | About Doug. Doug loves the simple things in life. A good nose boop, a long nap. And, if we're being honest… he also likes the perks of being the world's most famous pug.
