🐾 Join our volunteer dog team 🐾

 

Turn your dog’s love into life-changing moments. As a volunteer dog team, you and your trained dog will bring comfort, joy and connection to people in your community through meaningful, animal-assisted activities. Whether it’s a calm walk with someone living with dementia, a visit to a local care home, or simply offering a friendly face to someone feeling isolated — your time makes a real difference.

 

What the role involves

You’ll work alongside your dog to support others through a variety of wellbeing-focused activities, such as:

  • wellbeing walks with small groups
  • befriending visits to people in their homes
  • outreach to schools, care homes and community spaces
  • group “Dog Days” with other volunteer teams

You’ll be supported every step of the way with training, guidance and regular check-ins to make sure both you and your dog are happy and confident in your role.

 

What you’ll need

  • a trained dog who enjoys being around people
  • experience in dog handling and a good understanding of dog welfare
  • a kind, compassionate and patient approach to working with others
  • confidence working independently and as part of a team
  • access to transport for visits and training
  • willingness to follow hygiene protocols and Dogs for Good guidelines
  • commitment to regular training and annual assessments

 

Why volunteer?

  • learn new skills and discover the value of animal-assisted interventions
  • build a stronger bond with your dog
  • be part of a supportive, community-based team
  • bring companionship and joy to people who need it most

Locations and activities depend on local needs and your availability. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required. Training is provided.

 

Before submitting an enquiry, please make sure you can answer yes to the following:

  • Your dog will be at least 12 months of age when you plan to start volunteering
  • Your dog is fully vaccinated (or titre tested) and is in good health
  • Your dog is fed on a diet other than raw food – As advised by the Royal College of Nursing, we are currently unable to accept dogs that are fed on a raw diet
  • Your dog is confident and relaxed around other dogs and shows no signs of guarding
  • Your dog is confident and relaxed around people and enjoys meeting new people

 

👉 Ready to take the lead? Apply now and make a difference — together.

 


Want to know more before applying? Download the full role description: Volunteer Dog Team – Role Description