Volunteer for Us

We typically take new volunteers four times a year; January 1, March 1, May 1, and September 1.

If you have applied to volunteer and have not heard from us within a week of applying, please email volunteer@helpinghoundsny.com to check on the status of your application.

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 14 years old

  • Must attend training and orientation

  • Required hours are 6 hours per month for 6 months

Volunteers are needed for the following positions:

Fund Development Committee Member

Volunteer Position:  Fund Development Committee

Overview:  If you have experience with Fund Development planning, Grant Writing, Donor Relations or Capital Campaigns we are looking for new members to join our Fund Development Committee.  This committee is responsible for helping guide Helping Hounds in building our donor/fund development program.       

Description of Duties:

  • Attend meetings and come prepared to discuss Agenda

  • Contribute ideas and suggestions

  • Take an active role in making ideas reality

Requirements:

  • Experience with Fund Development

  • Follow through with program commitments

  • Good Communication skills

  • Connections within Community a plus

 Time Commitment:

  • Available to meet, as needed, with Coordinator or other key members

  • Committee meets once or twice a quarter for 2 hours

  • Additional time may be needed to work on projects that arise from meetings or subcommittees

Dog Walker

Volunteer Position:  Dog Walker

Overview:  This volunteer role is the heart of our organization.  Dog walkers not only take HHDR dogs for walks in designated areas for exercise and socialization, but they interact with potential adopters, general public and provide help with cleaning. 

Description of Duties:

  • Safely takes dogs out of crates and enclosures.

  • Follow safety protocols while walking dogs in designated areas and within the building.

  • Clean up after dogs at all times.

  • Complete minimum walk distance with each dog.

  • Check crate bedding before returning dog to make sure it is dry.

  • Assist with cleaning dog dishes, doing laundry and other cleaning tasks in/around HHDR building.

  • Take time to pet and interact with each dog taken out. Spend time playing or cuddling (if time permits).

  • May need to answer basic questions from general public or potential adopters

Requirements:

  • Experience working with dogs

  • Able to make quick decisions during unexpected situations

  • Able to handle dogs of ALL sizes and strengths

  • Must be able to walk without limitations

  • Willing to follow directives by staff

  • Must attend initial orientation, facility tour orientation and dog handling training.

  • Must sign liability waivers

Time Commitment:

  • Minimum of 6 hours per month. Can be broken into several 1-hour shifts.

I Speak Doggie Presenter A program in partnership with Safe Kids Upstate NY led by Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital

Volunteer Position:  I Speak Doggie Presenter

Overview:  If you love kids and teaching, this is the role for you.  Our I Speak Doggie Presenters go into schools to teach young children the keys ways they can stay safe around dogs.    

Description of Duties:

  • Present to children in preschool/school setting

  • Follow outlined program and script

  • Work with a partner at all presentations

  • Present materials in a fun way to engage children, but also teach them to respect dogs

Requirements:

  • Experience with kids a plus

  • Comfortable speaking to groups of children

  • Attend trainings and periodic meetings

  • Work with partner to practice prior to presentations

Time Commitment:

  • Available at least once a month to present.

  • Presentation time varies depending on class size.

Our Commitment to Volunteers:

  • We will answer questions and provide guidance to aid in the learning process.

  • We will endeavor to provide on-going training and opportunity for increased responsibility.

  • We will do our best to show gratitude.