Volunteer Opportunities

Individuals that have completed our Volunteer Onboarding Process and have officially been accepted into our Volunteer Program are eligible to participate in the volunteering opportunities outlined below.
 
If you are interested in joining our Volunteer Program, check out our Volunteer FAQ and Becoming a Volunteer pages for more information. 

Volunteer opporTunities

Dog Walking
Volunteers provide exercise, enrichment, and socialization opportunities to the dogs in our care by taking them out on a walk. Volunteers also work on basic obedience and leash manners with the dogs. This is both to provide mental stimulation and enrichment and help them find their forever home!
 
We are very fortunate to have almost 3 acres of enclosed outdoor space where Volunteers can walk dogs early in the day before the shelter opens, throughout the day and early evening hours. Our dedicated Volunteers are at the shelter every single day of the year (including all federal holidays) walking dogs.

Playgroup Runner
We have a daily 3-hour playgroup where the dogs can play, interact, and socialize with each other. Volunteers assist by running the dogs to and from this playgroup.
 
Dog Bathing
Volunteers can pair up and help us keep the dogs at the shelter nice and clean!
 
Dog Grooming
If you have professional dog grooming experience, you can volunteer at the shelter and help us groom the dogs that need it!
 
Basic Obedience Training Class
Anyone who has adopted a dog from the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center is eligible to participate in our free Basic Obedience Dog Training Class on Monday evenings. This class was formed by Volunteers and is completely Volunteer run. 
 
 
Field Trips & Overnights
Volunteers can take dogs out of the shelter for either a short “Field Trip” or for an “Overnight” stay at their house. This provides much needed respite from the shelter for the dogs, provides additional exercise, enrichment, and socialization opportunities in novel environments, and helps us learn about the dog’s behavior outside of the shelter.
 
New Volunteer Trainer
If you have a teaching and/or training background, or you simply enjoy teaching and mentoring others, then we need your help to train our incoming Volunteers!
 
Photography Runner
If you have looked at our website, you have seen the amazing pictures that our staff take of the dogs! Volunteers help with this process by running the dogs to and from their photo shoot.
 
Running Club
Volunteers can provide additional exercise opportunities (both for the dogs and themselves!) by taking our dogs out on runs!
 
On-Site Events
Did you know that in 2023, more than 1,900 community members came to the shelter for one-time volunteer events!? These individuals help make enrichment items for the dogs, help with cleaning, and sometimes even walk dogs. These events are run by Staff and Volunteers to make sure they are productive and run smoothly and safely.
 
Off-Site Community Events
Our Community Relations Team schedules lots of community events, where we take dogs out into the community to promote dog adoptions and volunteering at the shelter. Volunteers assist with these events by handling dogs and talking to the public about the shelter.
 
Shy Dog Program
Some dogs are very fearful, anxious, or stressed during their stay at the shelter. A group of specially trained Volunteers spend a lot of time with these dogs to comfort them and help them come out of their shell and be more confident and comfortable around humans.
 

One-time volunteer opportunities

The Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center partners with the non-profit organization Besa to provide one-time volunteer opportunities to the community. Check out Besa's website for more information on available dates and how to sign up.
 

Group Volunteer opportunities

The Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center welcomes your corporate or community group to spend part of your day volunteering with us! There are many tasks we need help with, from laundry to distributing donations to making treats for the dogs (and tossing them in the kennels!) to walking the dogs! Contact Volunteer Coordinator Mark Mann at [email protected]
to schedule your visit!