Volunteer your time with the residents that call this area home

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.

• 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.