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.

Volunteers at Dorchester Paws must be at least 12 years old. Volunteers between 12 and 17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while volunteering. Volunteers are not permitted to walk, handle or take any animal out of their kennel without completing the required dog handling training. Minors are not permitted to handle, leash walk, or take any animal out of their kennels.

Volunteers may not bring a child under the age of 12 with them while they are 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 “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.

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.

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.

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!

At this time Dorchester Paws is unable to accommodate court order community service requests.

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/help/vicnet-portal/volunteer-guide-for-vicnet/

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.