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How do I get started?
We'd love to have you! Enter your email address below to be added to our volunteer email list and Courtney,
our volunteer coordinator, will reach out to you. Read the rest of this page so you know what to expect.
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What will I be doing?
Before adoptions start, all of the dogs get walked and we set up things like signs, tables, and chairs.
Puppies are carried in and will need to be cleaned up after. During adoptions, we need people to talk to potential
adopters, walk dogs, clean up, play with puppies, make copies, etc. Once adoptions are over, everything gets
loaded back into the van and we need to make sure the store is as clean as when we got there.
If you can't stay for an entire event, we'd still love to have you. Volunteers
are most needed at the beginning and at the end of events for set up and tear down.
Make sure to read our
FAQ
so you will be able to speak about our organization. It covers topics like our adoption fee,
fostering, and vaccinations
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Dog walking
Only our adult dogs walk on leash; the puppies are too young.
When you are given a dog to walk, make sure you put your hand through the loop of the leash
and hang on tight--some of our dogs are strong! Walk them around and make sure they pee and poop before you
put them into the adult dog pen. We will give you bags so make sure you pick up their poop (not only is it illegal
to leave it, we want to make sure the stores and their neighbors want us to come back!
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The adult pen
Once an adult dog has been walked, it goes into the adult pen. Volunteers in this
area will generally be talking to adopters, walking dogs, and cleaning up after them.
We welcome potential adopters to pet the dogs and take them for walks, but we ask for a driver's
license from all people asking to walk a dog unless they already have a contract for a specific dog.
We need to be able to find the person if they walk off with one of our dogs. Be sure to give the license back
when they return.
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Puppies
Puppies do not go for walks since they have not had all their shots so are not
protected from deadly diseases like parvo. They go straight from the van into the puppy pens and
should only be handled by people who have WASHED THEIR HANDS.
Puppies are grouped by litter. Before you go into a puppy pen you must wash your hands.
You should only touch one set of puppies. If you are going to touch another litter
you must wash your hands again. No adult dogs are allowed in the puppy area and only potential
adopters who have approved applications may handle the puppies.
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Ew, I don't want to clean up pee/poo!
Unfortunately, it comes with the territory. You may not want to clean it up,
but think about the poor dog who has to sit in it and the people who have to make the long drive
in the van. We will provide gloves, cleaning supplies, and aprons.
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Is there a minimum age for volunteers?
We prefer kids be of an age that they are independent, can follow directions and are self-sufficient
when given tasks if they are assisting at our adoptions. It's unfortunately not an appropriate time to
bring little kids to play with puppies.
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Will you sign my form for school credit?
Yes! We will gladly sign for any hours you have volunteered with us. Please make sure
the form is filled out before you ask us to sign. If you enjoyed your experience, tell your friends--we'll
sign their forms too!
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Is that everything I need to know?
Probably not. One of the most fun things about our events is you never
know what will come up! If you have a questions at an event, or need to report something,
find Courtney, Jen, Tera, Donna, John, Bernie, Emily, or Cindy. They can help you or find
someone who can.