Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in joining our Volunteer Program, check out our Volunteer FAQ and Becoming a Volunteer pages for more information.

 

Dog Walking

Volunteers help to provide exercise, enrichment, and socialization opportunities to the dogs in our care by taking them out on daily walks.

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 in a supervised setting. Volunteers may assist by bringing 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, one on one, Basic Obedience Dog Training Class. 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. These outings offer extra exercise, enrichment, and a chance to relax and explore new surroundings. They also help us learn more about each dog’s unique personality outside the shelter, which helps us match them with new families.

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! 

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, each year more than 2,500 community members come 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 of our dogs feel a little unsure or anxious in the shelter environment. That’s where our specially trained shy dog volunteers step in with their patience and kindness. These volunteer spend extra time, one-on-one time, helping these dogs build trust, feel safe, and slowly become more confident - so they are ready to meet adopters and find loving homes! testing 

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 mark.mann@franklincountyohio.gov to schedule your visit!

 

If you are interested in joining our Volunteer Program, check out our Volunteer FAQ and Becoming a Volunteer pages for more information.