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
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
FAQ
What volunteer opportunities are there?
You can be involved in many different duties, such as
- Socializing dogs and cats
- Laundry/dishes
- Helping with enrichments
- Donation sorting
- Clean and put away mobile kennels
- Grounds beautification
- Non-animal cleaning
- Repair and maintenance
- Running errands
- Administrative work
Specialized Assignments:
- Dog Walking and Playgroups
- Cat Pawsitivity
- Adoption and Specialized Events
- Spay and Neuter Clinic
- Weekly cat care shifts at PetSmart
- Kennel cleaning
- Trap and Release
Join a team!
- Recruitment Team
- Lost and Found Team
- Marketing Team
- Media 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 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 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 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 are REQUIRED to complete Fear Free Shelter and a dog handling training session. 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.
Is there a "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.
Want to schedule a volunteer day for your organization?
Skip the 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!
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. Please skip the form and email the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@dorchesterpaws.org to sign up.
Do you accept volunteers with court-ordered community service requirements?
Court-order community service is considered on a case-by-case basis.
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.
Ready to Volunteer?
1. Fill out the volunteer application form. Minors (age 12 to 17) will need a separate application from their guardian, please submit both at the same time. This step helps us establish your record and volunteer portal page.
2. Submit a one-time, non-refundable $20 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 contribution as a donation to help the volunteer program and the shelter. Minors (age 12 to 17) will need a separate contribution from their guardian.
3. Once the volunteer coordinator receives both submissions, the volunteer coordinator will email you the next steps. This will involve submitting an online volunteer agreement, reviewing the volunteering handbook, and scheduling a time for orientation. Want to get a jump start? Submit the online agreement here.
4. Once orientation is complete, you will coordinate with the volunteer coordinator a few times for training sessions so they can help you get going.
5. Let the fun begin!
More questions? Email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@dorchesterpaws.org
Community Partners
