Volunteer with Us

Points to consider before applying.

Time

We will ask you about your availability. Anyone can apply for casual dog walking, but regular attendance is better for the charity and more fulfilling for the volunteer, as you can build skills and become part of a team. From time to time there may be specific requirements for certain hours, days and levels of commitment.

Emotional Endurance

Many dogs in shelter situations have had difficult lives and sad stories. Working with these dogs is incredibly rewarding, but there are times when our volunteers and staff will come across situations which they may find upsetting.

Physical Ability

Walking is a very exciting time in a dog’s day. They are eager to go, and will probably jump and pull. Very few of the dogs will trot nicely at heel. We do not expect anyone to walk a dog they are not physically suited to, however walking any of dogs requires a certain amount of stamina and energy, and we hope you will be able to walk several dogs whilst here. The ground under foot is, in places, stony, bumpy and muddy.

Transport, Location

Public transport is limited to the homes and there is no railway station nearby. Have you visited the Home you are applying to? as we expect applicants to know where the Home is and how they would get there.

Individual Circumstances

We strive to be as inclusive as possible. If you are concerned that there maybe barriers to your volunteering, please let us know your circumstances. We will take everything into consideration and do what we can to find a role for you if feasible, though our primary duty as a charity is care of dogs, and safety is always our priority.

Age

Our insurance does not cover anyone under the age

of 18. Volunteers must be 18 years of age and over.

MDH will consider applications from a parent or guardian who wishes to have a junior under 18 attending alongside them, for whom they take responsibility.

Expected Activities

Dog Walking and Care would be your primary role.

Taking our dogs for walks, on the lead, in the public greenspace near our site Playing with the dogs off-lead in our secure compounds. Brushing, socialising, training, just spending quality time with the dogs. Most volunteers join because they wish to interact directly with the dogs, and we hope to get all healthy dogs out daily with the volunteers’ help. Dog walking is available 7 days a week, generally between 9 am and 3.30 pm at MDH.

Other Roles

Please note that these more specific volunteering roles need further discussion with management or staff to review the new volunteer’s suitability for the desired role, and to make arrangements for training or supervision provided by staff or by experienced volunteers.

You are also welcome to talk to us about any ideas, skills or experience you have which are not listed.

Doggie Housekeeping

Every dog has a bed and a bowl every day, and we need to ensure a clean supply. Volunteers can sometimes help with this.

MAINTENANCE & GARDENING

Keeping the site clean and tidy. Helping to ensure everything is in its proper place.

We need help with maintaining open areas, grounds & car parks. Maintenance can also include packing, shifting, raking and sweeping!

Fundraising

There are various different roles within fundraising, for example: Checking and replacing collecting boxes and emptying food donation bins in shops and supermarkets. Collecting and encouraging donations of items for sale in our charity shops.

Fundraising at your workplace. Organising or taking part in sponsored dog walks. Making items for sale – if you like knitting, cardmaking, sewing, baking cakes or other creative crafts, you can help the Dogs’ Home even if you would find it hard to come regularly to the site.