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 cats and kittens
- Helping with adoptions and special events
- Providing post-surgical care in our spay/neuter clinic.
- Grounds beautification
- Laundry/dishes
- Weekly cat care shifts at PetSmart
- Grounds beautification
- Repair and maintenance
Already a Volunteer? Click here to join our Volunteer Connection Facebook Group
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
- Cat and dog care
- Kennel cleaning
- Donation sorting
- Grounds beautification
- Laundry/dishes
- Dog walking
- Weekly cat care shifts at PetSmart
- Events
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 held every Wednesday and the second Sunday of each month. To schedule orientation please email volunteer@dorchesterpaws.org. A general overview of our shelter and our volunteer program are given during orientation, as well as a tour of our campus. If you are unable to attend that time, we can schedule an alternative time for you.
After orientation, we do a semi-private/private first shift training. During the first shift an in-depth training will be provided.
Anyone interested in walking dogs is required to attend a dog handling session before they are permitted to walk dogs.
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 “wishlist” 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 attend a volunteer orientation and is REQUIRED to attend a dog handling session. We have specific protocol 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.
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"?
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.
Meet our Volunteer Coordinator: Janet Heer
Janet Heer has been volunteering at Dorchester Paws for 4 years. She got stated with our organization as a foster during Hurricane Irma. Her favorite part about volunteering is watching how the staff and volunteers come together to turn the lives of the animals around. She enjoys meeting new people which makes her perfect to be our volunteer coordinator. She would be happy to give you a tour around campus or show where you can make the most impact with your volunteer hours. She is a mother of three kids and countless fur-babies. You can reach her at Volunteer@dorchesterpaws.org. She hopes to connect with you soon!