Our volunteers come from many different walks of life and professions and are very much a vital part of our family!
PawPADs offers several volunteer opportunities for those passionate about making a difference:
- K9 Kare Team Volunteer
- Puppy Raiser Volunteer
- "Done-In-Day " Volunteers
All these contribute significantly to PawPADs’ mission of empowering individuals with disabilities through the power of canine companionship.
You don’t need prior dog experience—we’ll provide all the training and support you need. Let’s make a difference together!
K9 Kare Teams
These dedicated K9 Kare Team volunteers commit to one shift per week for 6 months (longer if they choose) to come to our training center and supervise our dogs during play and socialization time. Both weekend and weeknight shifts are available. This volunteer position is a great way to get your weekly dog fix!
K9 Kare Volunteer Requirements:
K9 Kare Team Volunteer requirements:
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Children over the age of 14 may volunteer with a family member who is over the age of 18.
• Must be able to come to our training center for at least one shift per week.
• Must love dogs!
Puppy Raisers:
These folks take on the rewarding responsibility of welcoming one of our service dogs in-training into their home. They provide love, guidance, and early training, setting the foundation for future assistance dogs. They teach them basic cues, take them in public, and provide a supporting and loving environment. PawPADs covers all the dog’s expenses.They nurture and train our little furballs, setting them up for success as future assistance dogs.
Puppy Raiser Volunteer Requirements:
- Minimum of 18 years of age
- Must be able to take dog in public at least twice per week.
- In general, dog must not be left home alone for more than 3 hours at a time.
- Must submit weekly reports on the dog’s behavior and training.
- Provide a supporting, loving environment for the dog to learn and grow in!
Done-In-A-Day Volunteers
If you’re short on time but big on heart, this is perfect. You can help out with specific tasks or events—no long-term commitment required!
PawPADs occasionally offers "Done-In-A-Day" volunteer opportunities to individuals and groups (such as employee groups, service organizations, and youth groups) to work on specific projects at our training center. In the past this has involved fence building, painting, kennel cleaning and repair, and other property maintenance.
The activities provide the opportunity to learn about and meet some of our service dog in-training while making a difference!
Drop us an email and let us know if you or your group has an idea or wants to participate.
