top of page

Volunteer

If you’re interested in volunteering with us, please fill out the application. Our volunteers are essential to our mission, and we provide all necessary training and support. After reviewing your application, we will contact you to discuss how you can help make a difference.

What Will I be doing?

Volunteering at 4Paws can easily be broken down into two different categories of incredibly important duties:  Cleaning and Socializing 

​

Cleaning:

Twice a day Monday through Saturday and once a day on Sunday, we clean their pens and yards to keep them clean and healthy.  

The process is as follows:

  1. We scoop the poop from the yards and pens.

  2. We disinfect the pens with disinfectant spray.

  3. We empty water bowls.

  4. We wash the pens out with a hose so the dogs aren't stepping in disinfectant spray.

  5. We squeegee the pens of water to help dry them quickly so the dogs aren't stepping in water.  

  6. We then finish up the pen by refilling water bowls and refilling food.  During this time, we check if the food bowls need cleaning and will do so if needed.  Water bowls are sprayed out each time.  

​

And that's it!  Each pen has it's own unique process and differences, but this is the general guideline for each.  

​

​

Socializing:

Also very important is just spending time with the dogs.  When we're low on help at the park, we barely have enough time to clean all the dogs' pens to keep things hygienic. 

But spending time with them and socializing them is incredibly important!  It helps the dogs become more friendly towards humans -- Dogs who aren't happy to see people have an incredibly hard time getting adopted!

​

What this includes:

​

The most basic thing is simply just...  Being in their pen with them.

The pups also love going out to our dog park.  Having someone out there running around with them and throwing them them tennis balls and other toys brings them tons of joy.

There are some dogs we have that are very wary of people and need patience and understanding before they trust people.  This is simultaneously very tough and very easy.  All you'd have to do is exist around them and be a peaceful presence.  It helps them realize that people aren't all bad and can be trusted. Over time, they'll let you get closer, feed them from your hand, and then hopefully pet them.  It's very easy because you just simply exist, but at the same time very hard because you're likely volunteering because you love animals and would love to interact with them -- But dogs like this will come to you on their own terms.  

​

​

Guidelines and Precautions

Working with Puppies
​

We have adorable puppies who are full of energy and curiosity. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which means they love to bite and nibble. While they don’t mean any harm, it’s part of their natural behavior and learning process. Be prepared for:

  • Biting and Nibbling: Puppies might nip at your fingers, toes, and even hair and beards.

  • Playful Pulling: They enjoy tugging on clothes and especially love playing with shoelaces.

It's all in good fun, but please be aware of this behavior when interacting with our playful pups.

​

Interacting with Larger and Older Dogs
​

Our larger and older dogs are just as loving but come with their own set of behaviors:

  • Excitement: These dogs can be very excited to see new people and may jump up to greet you. This can sometimes result in them knocking you over.

  • Affectionate Play: Expect lots of kisses and enthusiastic play. They are strong and heavy, and their joyful greetings can be a bit overwhelming at first.

These dogs are very friendly and just want to show their love, but please be cautious and prepared for their exuberant welcomes.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a safe environment for both our volunteers and dogs. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm in helping us care for these wonderful animals!

​

For Children under 16

We are thrilled to have volunteers of all ages, including children under 16, join us in caring for our dogs. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we require that children under 16 be accompanied by an adult or guardian due to the precautions above

​

Children ages 16 and 17 do not require a guardian, but do require a parental signature in the form below

​

Volunteer Release Form 

Liability Release and Waiver: I, the undersigned, understand that my participation with 4 Paws Rescue Inc. is strictly on a volunteer basis. I understand that there are inherent risks associated with my volunteering activities, including the risk of personal injury resulting from animal bites and other animal behavior. In exchange for 4 Paws Rescue Inc. agreement allowing me to participate in its volunteering program, I hereby release 4 Paws Rescue Inc. including its officers, agents, and employees, from any and all claims of liability of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to claims of negligence and/or injury to me arising out of my participation in the 4 Paws Rescue Inc. volunteering program. I understand that by signing below, I am waiving any and all claims against 4 Paws Rescue Inc, its officers, agents, and employees of any kind whatsoever arising from the handling of the animals by 4 Paws Rescue Inc., including but not limited to claims of negligence, veterinary malpractice, conversion, breach of contract, and/or personal injury. I also expressly warrant and represent that no other person, including my spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or domestic partner, has any ownership rights or interests of any kind in any of the animals; and that I have no right or exclusive authority to place the animals of 4 Paws Rescue Inc. under the terms of this Agreement. As further consideration for 4 Paws Rescue Inc., I agree to defend indemnify, and hold harmless 4 Paws Rescue Inc., including its officers, agents, and employees, including veterinary staff, from any claims or demands by anyone who may assert ownership rights or an interest in the animal. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a Parent’s or Guardian’s signature.

Available Times to Volunteer | Sunday Afternoon 2PM-4PM Shift Only

Morning Shift (CST)
Afternoon Shift (CST)

By entering your name below, you are effectively providing your signature, indicating that all the information on this form is true and accurate, to the best of your knowledge.  You will also be agreeing to the above release form in its entirety.  

Parental Endorsement (if under 18): By entering your name on the below, you are effectively providing your signature, indicating that all the information on this form is true and accurate, to the best of your knowledge.

Thank you for your application! We will review your application and reach out.

bottom of page