Volunteer Program
Are you looking to make a difference and help homeless dogs in our community? The staff and shelter pets at Marion County Dog Services would love to meet you! Whether you want to walk dogs, prefer to assist in the office, or provide temporary care as a foster family, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities from which to choose. It doesn't matter how you give, it only matters that you do! The gift of your time helps us provide a safe haven for dogs in our community!
Ready? The first step to becoming a Dog Services volunteer is to complete an online volunteer application. Once your application is received, you will receive an email with additional information and training options.
Volunteer Opportunities
Promoting Behavioral Health
Volunteers give dogs a much-needed break from their kennels by participating in our dog walking program. Dog walkers can help dogs work on leash manners and let them roam and play in the on-site yards at the shelter. Volunteers can also assist with play groups, which provide important opportunities for socialization.
*Roles may include: Dog Walker, Play Group Runner, Enrichment Assistant
Providing Medical Care/Rehabilitation
Volunteers provide invaluable service by helping in our surgical clinic. Once per week, our contracted vet comes to the shelter to perform spay/neuter surgeries on dogs who have ended their stray hold. Under the guidance and training of our medical team, volunteers help by monitoring dogs as they recover from their procedures.
*Roles: Clinic Assistant
Maintaining the Shelter Environment
Volunteers provide a critical need by assisting with laundry dishes. This is vital to the prevention and spread of disease in a 'herd' health environment.
*Roles may include: Shelter Assistant
Providing a Temporary Home for Shelter Dogs
Volunteers may open up their homes to give dogs a break from the shelter environment and fostering dogs that have ended their stray hold. Our team provides all of the supplies you need, behavioral support, and medical care.
*Roles may include: Foster Care Provider
Click Here to learn more about our Foster Care Program.
Potential volunteers (living within Marion County) must have their dogs licensed before becoming active shelter volunteers. Under ORS 609.100 and MCC 6.05.060, all dogs that reside in Marion County who either have permanent teeth or are six months old must be licensed. If you are unsure if your dog's license is current, contact our Volunteer & Foster Program Coordinator at MCDSVolunteer@co.marion.or.us.
Note: Submitting an application and attending orientation is just the first step in placement. Completing these steps does not guarantee placement. Further screening and training may be required.
Potential volunteers (living within Marion County) must have their dogs licensed before becoming active shelter volunteers. Under ORS 609.100 and MCC 6.05.060, all dogs that reside in Marion County who either have permanent teeth or are six months old must be licensed. If you are unsure if your dog's license is current, contact our Volunteer & Foster Program Coordinator at MCDSVolunteer@co.marion.or.us.
