Volunteer
If you love puppies and dogs and enjoy volunteering…
then ADW is the place for you!
You’ll be with our dedicated canines who truly touch and change so many lives. Volunteers can be Puppy Sitters, Puppy Raisers, special events assistants, and more.
Our wonderful Volunteer Coordinator Susan Rivenbark will help get you involved in this fun and important mission.
Volunteer Opportunities
Puppy Raisers (the dogs are between 8 months to 2 years old): Puppy Raisers should be committed to the process as they provide valuable service for the dogs and Assistance Dogs of the West (ADW) by reinforcing the trainings and providing different experiences. Puppy Raisers can be Full time, Part Time or Substitute. A home visit will be conducted prior to starting Puppy Raiser classes. Puppy Raisers must participate in introductory Puppy Raiser classes (8 to 12 total training hours) that includes video trainings, classroom training and hands on working with the dogs. Puppy Raisers learn ADW cues and how to use the cues. Puppy Raisers must participate in 90% of the Advanced Puppy Raiser classes (1 1/2 hours every two weeks while the dog is in the home). Once you have gained the experience and skill to take a dog home, you will be matched with the appropriate dog. You can then have the dog in the home for bonding, socialization and for the dog to have experiences in a home environment. It is recommended that Puppy Raisers participate in Rail Trail Walks to gain dog handling skills. Public Access -- the Puppy Raiser must gain the skills to pass the Public Access Test (PAT). These skills are taught in the advanced classes. Puppy Raisers that pass the PAT with their dog must participate in the ongoing Advanced Puppy Raiser classes while the dog is in the home. You must pass the PAT with each dog that you raise. Puppy Raisers will complete all ADW required documentation. Puppy Raisers must be able to provide crate, leash, food, treats/treat pouch, grooming kit; and must have a fenced yard (5 ft. to 6 ft.). Puppy Raisers will feed their dogs breakfast and dinner
Part Time Puppy Raisers will attend Advanced Puppy Raiser class (day/time to be determined). Part Time Puppy Raisers will pick up the dog at 4:00 on Thursdays at the ADW office. The Puppy Raiser will return the dog to the ADW office on Monday morning at 8:30.
Full Time Puppy Raisers will pick the dog up at 4:00 at the ADW office Monday through Thursday and will drop their dog off at 8:30 at the ADW office Monday through Thursday. Full Time Puppy Raisers pick up their dog on Thursday at 4:00 and will have the dog in their home through the weekend.
Puppy Sitters (puppies from birth to 16 weeks): Ensure the health, wellness and safety of the mother and the puppies at the ADW Puppy Enrichment Center (PEC); monitor feeding/rotation of the puppies; monitor the temperature of the whelping box; gently snuggle and cuddle the puppies after they are 2 weeks old; learn ADW cues; clean puppy area; feed mother dog and puppies; walk mother dog; keep water refreshed; read daily log and document activities during the shift, noting behavioral changes; housekeeping duties that may include laundry, keeping studio and pen clean; be on time to relieve ADW staff and/or volunteers. The puppies change significantly during this time so the responsibilities will change as they grow. The following are guidelines of volunteer duties for the development stages for the pups. Puppy Sitters will be provided with a PEC Volunteer Protocol & Information Manual for each stage of pup development:
Birth to three weeks – more observation and intensive monitoring of the pups; little handling of the pups; ensuring pups are properly feeding; ensuring the health & safety of the pups; significant amount of note taking and record keeping.
Three to six weeks – there are many changes for the puppies; pups are moving around a lot and are engaging with Mom, siblings and humans; continued observation and monitoring; teething begins; pups move to larger pen; volunteers are responsible for feeding; litter box cleanup.
Six to twelve weeks – more challenging, complex expectations for volunteers; managing to puppy behavior (teething, jumping, gate crashing); feeding pups individually; exercising pups.
Twelve to sixteen weeks – the ADW Trainers are working with the pups on more intensive task training; pups are taken out of the PEC for outings and exposure in the world; exercising pups; higher expectations for pups and volunteers; socialization period is closing and pups are bigger and stronger, approaching adolescence. It Is recommended that Puppy Sitters participate In Rail Trail Walks to gain dog handling skills.
Rail Trail Walks: Work with dogs 7 months and older at the ADW training center. One hour in the morning twice a week. Hours will change seasonally and days of the week may vary based on Trainer and dog availability. ADW Trainers will lead volunteers on walks on the rail trail. Volunteers will be trained on proper dog handling protocols. Once volunteers become proficient with walking the dogs, they may take a dog for a walk on their own. The Trainer will assign dogs to the volunteers. Volunteers will bring their own leash and treat pouch and water for themself and the pup. Volunteers will complete an online Volunteer Feedback form after each walk.
Vet Transport: Accompany ADW staff on veterinary appointments to handle the dogs in the lobby.
Outside Training Yard Activities – weather permitting: Participate with an ADW Trainer at the ADW Training Center in outdoor exercise activities with the dogs, i.e., up and over equipment, fitness equipment, tunnels, exercise equipment.
Fundraising: Liaison with new donors, foundations.
Marketing/Public Relations: Run an informational donation table at community events; get your children involved and host a bake sale, educate your customers on where the monies are going and why; host an event, such as a cocktail party, at your home or business to introduce your family and friends to ADW; have your business sponsor a dog in their graduation year, the chosen canine will wear your company logo on their vest wherever they go in the community and make frequent stops to your business; open a conversation between ADW and your financial advisor. Develop allies in the financial community to promote ADW to their clients interested in making charitable contributions and estate bequests.
Volunteer Expertise: Special training that a volunteer could offer to Assistance Dogs of the West, e.g. CPR trainer, accountant, photographer, writer. From the descriptions above, please tell us how you would like to volunteer with ADW.
Once complete, scan or simply take pics of your application with your phone and email them back to info@assistancedogsofthewest.org or mail it to:
Assistance Dogs of the West
P.O. Box 31027
Santa Fe, NM 87594