Volunteer with Canines for Change

Volunteers are at the heart of our mission. Whether you're brushing dogs, lending a hand on weekends, or supporting day-to-day operations, your time helps us care for dogs in training and prepare them for the people who need them most.

By giving just 1–2 shifts a month, you help keep things running smoothly—for our dogs, our staff, and the entire community we serve.

Ways to Help

  • Kennel Support

    Assist with daily care routines in the kennel, helping ensure dogs are comfortable, safe, and well cared for. Tasks may include supporting feeding routines, light organization, and assisting staff as needed.

  • Dog Enrichment

    Spend quality time with dogs in training through brushing, calm interaction, walks, and enrichment activities like toys and puzzles. These activities support confidence, focus, and overall well-being.

  • Cleaning & Sanitation

    Help maintain a clean, healthy training center by assisting with kennel cleaning, laundry, dishes, disinfecting surfaces, and organizing supplies. These behind-the-scenes tasks are essential to the safety of dogs, staff, and volunteers.

  • Events & Community Outreach

    Assist with fundraising events, community appearances, and outreach efforts. Volunteers help with setup, breakdown, and engaging with the public to share our mission.

  • Creative & Administrative Help

    Support the program behind the scenes by helping with photos, social media content, organizing files, preparing materials, or other light administrative tasks—on-site or remotely.

  • Special Projects

    Pitch in on one-time or seasonal projects such as deep cleaning days, organizing storage areas, facility improvements, enrichment preparation, or supply drives. Projects vary based on current needs.

  • Group Volunteering

    Bring a group of 5–10 people for a scheduled volunteer experience. We’ll help coordinate a hands-on project—such as cleaning days or enrichment prep—that fits your group’s size and availability.

  • Have Another Idea?

    Got a unique skill or way you'd like to help? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out and let’s see how you can get involved.

How to Become a Volunteer

Choose the option below that fits your age to see how to get started.

    1. Apply to volunteer.

      Tell us a little about yourself, your interests, and your availability.

    2. We review your application

      Our volunteer leadership team takes a look and follows up by email.

    3. Sign up for orientation.

      If approved, you’ll receive an email with details on registering for orientation.

    4. Attend volunteer orientation (about 1 hour)

      Meet the team, learn safety basics, and get ready to jump in. At sign-up, you’ll be charged a one-time $25 fee to cover your volunteer shirt and help support our work. If the fee presents a financial barrier, please email volunteerforc4c@gmail.com

    5. Start volunteering

      Once orientation is complete, you’re ready to volunteer independently.

    1. Submit a volunteer application

      This helps us learn more about your interests and schedule. If you do not have your own transportation, a supervising adult will also need to apply and attend orientation with you. 

    2. Application review

      Our volunteer leadership team reviews each application. 

    3. Sign up for orientation

      If approved, you’ll receive an email with details on registering for orientation.

    4. Attend volunteer orientation (about 1 hour)

      Meet the team, learn safety basics, and get ready to jump in. At sign-up, you’ll be charged a one-time $15 fee to cover your volunteer shirt and help support our work. If needed, your supervising adult will also need to attend orientation and pay a $25 fee. If the fee presents a financial barrier, please email volunteerforc4c@gmail.com

    5. Begin volunteering

      You’ll volunteer independently or with your supervising adult, depending on your situation.

    1. Start with a youth interest form

      This helps us learn more before moving forward.

    2. Have a quick phone check-in

      A brief call with a member of our volunteer leadership team.

    3. Apply with a supervising adult (18+)

      Both the youth and supervising adult complete volunteer applications.

    4. Application review

      Our volunteer leadership team reviews each application. 

    5. Sign up for orientation.

      Once both applications are approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions to sign up for orientation.

    6. Attend volunteer orientation (about 1 hour)

      Meet the team, learn safety basics, and get ready to jump in. Youth volunteers and supervising adults attend orientation at the same time. A one-time fee of $15 for the youth volunteer and $25 for the supervising adult will be charged to cover your volunteer shirt and help support our work. If the fee presents a financial barrier, please email volunteerforc4c@gmail.com

    7. Volunteer together

      All volunteer shifts are completed with the supervising adult present.

Current Volunteers

Already part of the team? If you've completed orientation and your first shift, you're all set to schedule future shifts—just make sure you're signed up before arriving.

NOTE: If it’s been over a year since your last shift (and fewer than 10 hours logged), you’ll need to attend orientation again before volunteering. Please email volunteerforc4c@gmail.com to schedule your orientation.

SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SHIFT