Become a Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in joining the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center’s Volunteer Program! We are always honored and humbled by those who give their time freely to help us provide the best possible care for the dogs housed at the shelter.
 
In order to make sure that our Volunteer Program is a good fit for you, and that you are able to make the required time commitment, we recommend that you review the information found on our Volunteer Opportunities and Volunteer FAQ pages.
 

Volunteer Onboarding Process

All individuals wanting to join our Volunteer Program must be at least 18 years old and go through our Volunteer Onboarding Process, which includes both online and in-person trainings. As such, you will need to have access to an internet-capable computer, an active email account, and reliable transportation to the shelter in order to complete our Volunteer Onboarding Process. 
 
Please note that our Volunteer Program has limited availability/capacity and that your eligibility to join our Volunteer Program is ultimately determined by our Volunteer Coordinator. Starting/completing the Volunteer Onboarding Process does not guarantee your acceptance into our Volunteer Program. 
 

Getting Started

The first step to joining our Volunteer Program is to watch the online Volunteer Information Presentation and complete the corresponding Quiz during one of our available Enrollment Weeks (refer to the table below for dates).
 
Anyone, aged 18 years or older, can access the online Volunteer Information Presentation and complete the corresponding Quiz during one of our Enrollment Weeks. Please note that your quiz results must be submitted during one of the available Enrollment Weeks in order to be eligible for consideration.
 
Upon your submission of the Volunteer Information Presentation Quiz, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you via email regarding your next step in the Volunteer Onboarding Process.

 

Volunteer Onboarding Process Summary

Find a summary of our Volunteer Onboarding Process below. This process includes both online and in-person trainings. You must be able to commit to spending 25 – 35 hours in order to complete the Volunteer Onboarding Process.
 

1. Watch the online Volunteer Information Presentation and complete the quiz during an available Enrollment Week.
2. Watch the online Maddie’s Fund Canine Body Language in the Shelter Webinar.
3. Complete the online Fear Free Shelter Program Core Module.
4. Watch the Defensive Handling and Catch Pole Control video.
5. Submit your online FCDSAC Volunteer Program Application.
6. Attend an in-person New Volunteer Orientation.
7. Complete the online Instinct Dog Behavior & Training Leash Reactive Dog Course.
8. Complete your in-person One-on-One Training Session #1.
9. Return to the shelter to independently practice and reinforce your dog-handling skills.
10. Complete your in-person One-on-One Training Session #2.
11. Watch the online ASPCA Canine Communication Series and complete the quizzes.