Make a Difference in the Lives of Animals

Dorchester Paws Volunteer Program

Every year, Dorchester Paws takes in thousands of homeless, abused and neglected animals. Every animal that comes through our gates receives the care that they deserve, the medical attention that they require, and all the love that we have to give.

However, our mission would be impossible without the help of our community members and volunteers.

Volunteers are a vital part of our everyday operations. They help with:

Walking and socializing dogs
Caring for and socializing cats and kittens
Helping with adoption and special events
Help sort donations and food
Laundry/dishes
Grounds beautification
Non-animal cleaning
Picking up donations and supplies
Repair and maintenance
Much more!

Already a volunteer?

Click the button below to access the Volunteer Portal

Volunteer Portal

Join us on social!

Click here to join our Dorchester Paws Volunteer Connection Facebook Group and stay in the loop about upcoming activities, events, and overall needs.

Meet your Volunteer Coordinator: Clara Taylor!

As your main contact at the shelter she will be available to answer questions, address concerns, and assist with any issues during her working hours. You can reach Clara directly at volunteer@dorchesterpaws.org

Ready to Volunteer?

Fill out the volunteer application form. Minors (age 12 to 17) will need a separate application. This step helps us establish your volunteer record and volunteer portal page.

Volunteer Application Form

2. Submit a one-time, non-refundable $20 volunteer contribution. This contribution helps cover the costs of our programs that allow for us to be paperless as well as create easy communication and record keeping. It also includes a volunteer shirt that must be worn at all times. We encourage you to think of the volunteer contribution as a donation to help the volunteer program and the shelter. Minors (age 12 to 17) will need a separate volunteer contribution from their guardian.

3. Once the volunteer coordinator receives both submissions, they will email you the next steps. This will involve submitting an online volunteer agreement, completing the volunteer orientation, and reviewing the volunteering handbook.

4. Additionally, the volunteer coordinator will set a temporary password for the Volunteer Portal along with step 3. You will be prompted to create a new password upon logging in. Make sure to look around the portal, and ask the volunteer coordinator about any questions you have about using the program.

5. Lastly, you will need to schedule a time with the volunteer coordinator to complete general training at the shelter. Make sure to complete all previous steps before scheduling. This training should be done your first time at the shelter.

6. Let the fun begin!

More questions? Email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@dorchesterpaws.org

Volunteer FAQ

What volunteer opportunities are there?

Volunteers can be involved in many different duties, such as

Specialized Assignments:

Join a team!

Recruitment Team
Lost and Found Team
Marketing Team
Media Team
Tummy Team

If there is an area you are interested in that isn’t listed, let the volunteer coordinator know and we will try to get you involved!

Feel like you have other skills to offer? Contact our volunteer coordinator to discuss: volunteer@dorchesterpaws.org

What training do volunteers go through?

Volunteers orientation is virtual via Google Classroom. A brief quiz to follow. A general overview of our shelter and our volunteer program are given during orientation.

After orientation, we do a semi-private/private first shift training. During the first shift, a tour of the facility and an in-depth training of general activities will be provided.

Anyone interested in walking dogs or any specialized task is required to complete additional training before they are permitted to do so. Training must be scheduled in advance through the volunteer coordinator.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers at Dorchester Paws must be at least 12 years old. Volunteers between 12 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Minors are not permitted to walk dogs, however, they can play with them in the play yards after a parent or guardian has brought the dog out.

Volunteers may not bring a child under the age of 12 with them while volunteering.

I’m not old enough to volunteer, but I really want to help. What can I do?

There are lots of things you can do to help out Dorchester Paws even if you’re too young to volunteer at the shelter!

Hold a “wish list” or food and blanket drive (with permission) in your community, school, church, etc.
Collect empty aluminum beverage cans
Hold your birthday party in honor of the shelter animals! You could ask for donations for the pups and kitties instead of gifts.
Make toys for the dogs and cats
Volunteer with a parent in our offsite cat adoption area in PetSmart.

If you have any questions, email volunteer@dorchesterpaws.org.

I just want to come in and walk dogs.

We are so grateful for all of our volunteer dog walkers who come in to make sure the dogs are exercised!

Anyone interested in walking dogs must first complete the volunteer orientation and general training session. Dog walkers REQUIRED to complete Fear Free Shelter and a dog handling training session. You must be able to come in on a regular basis for 2 hours each week to qualify for the training. We have specific protocols that must be followed for your safety and the safety of the dogs.

You must be at least 18 years old to walk a dog.

Want to schedule a volunteer day for your organization?

Skip the volunteer application and send an email to volunteer@dorchesterpaws.org.

Groups help with large projects. These projects include ground beautification, organizing food, cleaning up storage spaces, making enrichment treats for the dogs, or whatever needs we may have at the time. We like to end the day by having everyone hand out treats and say hello to our dogs and cats, which is a great way to socialize with them!

Do you accept volunteers with court-ordered community service requirements?

Court-order community service is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Can I volunteer for community service hours for my school?

Yes, you can volunteer to get community service hours for school. However, you must follow the age requirements for volunteers.

Is there a volunteer "uniform"?

You will receive a volunteer shirt that must be worn at all times. Dog walkers have a safety vest to indicate they have completed the dog handling training. Long pants or capris are required at all times. We recommend pants with pockets so you can hold supplies! You should also wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, preferably non-slip. Hanging jewelry should not be worn. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

What’s Volgistics and the Volunteer Portal?

Our shelter relies on a program called Volgistics to track hours, schedule assignments, communicate information, etc. Volunteers will create a portal profile which is powered by Volgistics. The Volunteer Portal login button can be found on the volunteer page (above). Helpful information on how to use Voligistics and the portal can be found on their website at:

https://www.volgistics.com/ex/Help.dll?ACT=21&TOPIC=1148

Our portal may look slightly different as we are using the VicNet Beta version, not VicNet Legacy.

*Do not try to login in on the Volgistics website. Each organization has a unique URL and must be accessed through the Dorchester Paws website.

If you have any questions, email volunteer@dorchesterpaws.org.