Volunteer your time with the residents that call this area home
Volunteer shifts must be scheduled as far in advance as possible. Each animal area has a maximum number of volunteers it can accommodate during each shift. To get started, please visit volunteers.bestfriends.org or contact the Sanctuary Volunteer Department at volunteers@bestfriends.org or 435-644-2001, ext. 4119.
We truly appreciate the wonderful work our volunteers do towards making a difference in the animals’ lives and would love to welcome you as a volunteer.
Dogtown Volunteer Projects
There are many ways you can make a difference in helping our dogs find their forever home. While volunteering you might be asked to help with any of the following tasks:
- Sweeping or mopping the floors in buildings, runs, or patios
- Raking the runs and filling in holes
- Taking dogs on walks (weather dependent)
- Feeding, along with a caregiver (some dogs have special diets so a caregiver must be present during all feedings)
- Socializing (first ask the caregiver if the dog is toy-aggressive)
- Brushing
- Poop scooping
- Cleaning doggie door flaps
- Clearing walking trails of rocks, sticks, or poop
- Cleaning and refilling water pails
- Cleaning and refilling pools in the summer
- Taking dogs on an outing (special considerations apply)
- Walking the fencing to make sure no holes are being created
- Doing other general cleaning and special projects (ask the caregiver)
- Wrapping whistles
- Making treat pouches for outings and sleepover bags
- General office work if you cannot be out in the elements
- Washing dishes
- Helping with laundry
- Weeding runs
- Helping out with Dogtown Maintenance
Dogtown Safety Guidelines
To keep you and our animal friends safe, here are a few things that you should be aware of before volunteering:
Closed-toe shoes are required for volunteering in all animal areas. Sneakers or hiking shoes are the preferred footwear and shoes must have a heel strap at minimum. Clog type shoes are not permitted as shoes could fall off while walking or working with animals, climbing ladders or performing other volunteer tasks.
- You must be at least 10 years of age to volunteer in Dogtown.
- Children under 14 cannot walk dogs by themselves.
- Parking and driving are permitted only in designated areas.
- You must have your own transportation to the area in which you’re volunteering.
- It is very important to clip all gates closed when entering or leaving a dog run.
- Please be aware that dogs like to jump up on people, which could cause or exacerbate injuries.
- Be careful not to place your face close to a dog’s face in case a biting reaction occurs.
- If you see a dog fight starting, blow your whistle until a staff member arrives. Please don’t try to break up a fight yourself.
- Dogtown trails are for walking only; running with the dogs is not allowed.
- While we welcome your questions about our dog-training procedures, we ask that you please refrain from trying to train them on your own.
- Please do not bring your personal pets to Dogtown.
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Please do not use cell phones or cameras when you are supervising a dog. This includes walking a dog on or off Sanctuary proper during your volunteer shift or while on an outing or sleepover.
Are you interested in volunteering at Dogtown? Click here to get started.