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: mgriffin@dorchesterpaws.org

Before volunteering, volunteers must attend orientation held the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. A general overview of our shelter and our volunteer program are given during orientation, as well as a tour of our campus.

After attending orientation, you MUST schedule your first volunteer shift with the volunteer coordinator. During the first shift, each person will receive more guided training.

Anyone interested in walking dogs is required to attend a dog handling session before they are permitted to walk dogs. This training is 2 hours.

If you cannot attend the orientation, please email mgriffin@dorchesterpaws.org.

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.

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

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

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.

We do not accept volunteers who need court ordered community service hours.

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

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.